Kiev claims over 529,000 Russian soldiers have been casualties.
Since the initiation of its military campaign on February 24, reports suggest Russia has suffered a staggering loss of 529,750 soldiers in Ukraine, as per the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff's update. additions include the loss of 7984 tanks, 15319 armored combat vehicles, 19078 vehicles and fuel tanks, 14007 artillery systems, 1104 multiple rocket launchers, 857 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11221 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
07:27 Putin Announces New Agreement with North Korea
Vladimir Putin, Russian President, unveiled a new agreement during his meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. According to Russian news agencies, Putin declared, "Today, we have a new agreement in hand, which will set the foundation for our long-term relationship." Putin also expressed that both nations have made significant progress in fortifying their bilateral ties, further extending an invitation to Kim to visit Moscow.
In response to Putin's visit to North Korea, the US government expressed grave concern. "The strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea is something that should worry anyone passionate about maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as supporting the Ukrainian people who are still battling Russian aggression," stated a representative from the US Defense Department in Washington.
07:06 US Soldier Imprisoned in Russia for Threats and Theft
A US soldier was sentenced to several years in prison by a Russian court for making threats and theft. Gordon Black was given a sentence of three years and nine months in prison by a court in Vladivostok, as reported by state Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and Tass. Black's lawyer plans to file an appeal against the verdict. Black was apprehended in Vladivostok in May after meeting a Russian woman there during his service in South Korea. The Russian justice system accuses Black of physically assaulting Alexandra Waschtschuk and pilfering 10,000 Rubles (approximately 109 Euros) from her. Black allegedly admitted to part of the charges but denied making threats to kill Waschtschuk. It was noted that Waschtschuk was extremely intoxicated during the altercation.
The two had initially connected on a dating app in South Korea and subsequently met in Vladivostok. According to the US Army, the soldier had completed his service in South Korea on April 10. Instead of returning to the United States, he chose to travel to Vladivostok via China for personal reasons.
06:31 Kazakh Activist Shot in Kiev, Ukraine
A prominent Kazakh opposition figure and well-known blogger was shot and wounded near his apartment in Kiev, Ukraine, as stated by his wife, Natalia Sadykova, and Ukrainian authorities. Sadykow was attacked near his residence in the Ukrainian capital, and was subsequently hospitalized in critical condition. Kiev reported that an investigation has been initiated. "Preliminary information indicates that an unknown individual with a weapon approached the car in which the victim and his wife were traveling, shot at the man, and then fled," it was reported. Sadykov was granted asylum in Ukraine in 2014. Together with his wife, he manages a popular online channel that critically examines the Kazakhstani president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Over a million users follow him on the video platform YouTube.
06:05 Moscow Discussing Long-Range Weapon Deployment with Allies
According to the state news agency Tass, Russia is discussing the prospect of deploying long-range weapons with its closest allies. The Russian government reportedly possesses "close allies" in Asia and Latin America, with whom "the security situation is extensively discussed, not just at the level of exchanging opinions," Tass quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying. "There's nothing out of the ordinary about that." The matter of deploying long-range weapons is being brought up with a variety of allies. These discussions are considered to be a regular part of Russia's diplomatic and security endeavors, Ryabkov added. No more specifics were provided regarding which countries these discussions are taking place with or which weapons are in question.
05:43 Russian Journalist Arrested Near Navalny: Another Arrest
Another journalist has been apprehended in Russia on charges of supporting the organization of the deceased opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Artem Kiger remains in custody until August 18, as decided by a court in the Russian capital Moscow. The 23-year-old works for Navalny's extremist-designated anti-corruption organization FBK. Previously, the independent media outlet Sotavision reported the arrest of one of its employees.
04:56 Ukrainian Man Imprisoned for 15 Years for Treason
A Ukrainian man was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a court in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk for passing military information to Russian troops. The Prosecutor's Office in the city of Kostyantynivka near the frontline made the announcement. The man, a resident of the city, had disclosed the locations of Ukrainian troops and the movements of Ukrainian artillery in the region in May 2023 via the Telegram messaging service. By doing so, he committed treason, the Prosecutor's Office stated. However, the Russian contact person did not fulfill the counter-offer.
03:51 Ukraine Moving Towards a Unified Roaming Zone With EU CountriesIn the process of joining the European Union, Ukraine is making preparations for a shared mobile roaming zone with European countries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a related law, with the expectation that they will receive positive feedback from the European side and initiate talks on joining the single roaming area with the EU, as per Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's statement. Ukraine is the first EU candidature country to take such a step.
02:48 Lindner Warns Germans: NATO and EU could CollapseFinance Minister Christian Lindner suggests that the German government should clarify its Ukraine policy for the people living in Eastern Germany more openly. Lindner stated to the "Rheinische Post," "We must make it clear to the people in Eastern Germany the true intentions of the German government when dealing with Ukraine." Lindner believes that the arms deliveries, refugee aid, and economic aid provided to Ukraine benefit not only Ukraine but also Germany. He notes that if the human rights violations and acts of aggression by Russia are accepted, there is a risk that both NATO and the EU may disintegrate. Lindner warns that nations like Poland and the Czech Republic might question Germany's loyalty in times of need if they weren't helped when necessary.
01:48 German City Council Disapproves Of Reduced Social Benefits for Ukrainian RefugeesThe German City Council has expressed concern over the prospect of reducing social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, following a demand from some interior ministers to deny lower payments according to the Asylseekers Benefits Act to Ukrainian refugees in the future. "The state presidents should not engage in a debate over the social benefits of Ukrainian citizens with the Federal Chancellor," says City Council President Markus Lewe to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. Lewe emphasizes that the Social Code II offers the best means to bring Ukrainian refugees more frequently and quickly into employment. He argues that if Ukrainian refugees were forced to switch to the asylum system instead, access to language courses, employment placement, or qualification would be significantly restricted, making it much harder for them to secure work. Furthermore, the administrative effort for the cities would be immense.
00:43 Swedish Parliament Approves Defense Agreement with the USAThe Swedish Parliament has approved a contentious defense agreement with the United States with a large margin of votes. After a five-hour debate, 266 parliamentarians voted in favor of the agreement, while 37 were against. Critics fear that this Agreement could lead to the stationing of atomic weapons in Sweden and the establishment of permanent US military bases in the country. The agreement, signed by Stockholm and Washington in December, grants the US access to 17 military support points and training areas in Sweden and enables the storage of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition.
23:42 Incorrect EM Card with Crimea: Kerner Apologizes for TV MistakeA technical glitch resulting in an incorrect Europa Card showing Crimea not being part of Ukraine required TV moderator Johannes B. Kerner to issue an apology during the live broadcast of the European Football Championship on MagentaTV and RTL. The card showed Turkey's match against Georgia with the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea not including Ukraine. "This is a genuine mistake, it truly saddens us, and we sincerely apologize for it," Kerner said, describing the error as serious.
22:51 Zelenskyy: Effective Deployment of Western Weapons on Russian TerritoryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy views the deployment of western weapons against Russian territory as effective. The destruction of Russian fortifications and launchers near the border holds great significance, according to Zelenskyy during his daily video address. "It's working. Exactly as we anticipated," the Ukrainian leader stated, praising several units for their unnamed successes.
22:12 Two People Die in Russian Landmine ExplosionIn the Russian region of Bryansk near the Ukrainian border, two individuals were killed by a landmine explosion, as reported by local governor Alexander Bogomas on social media platforms. According to Bogomas, the victims entered a prohibited border zone despite receiving warnings of mine-related hazards. The incident occurred in the district of Klimovsky, bordering the north Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. Bogomas issued a warning to stay vigilant and avoid areas near borders where mine warning signs are present, as Russia has fortified its border zones during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Since this month, there have been several mine accidents in the region. Last week, four people, including a journalist from the state television, were injured by a mine explosion in the region of Belgorod, which borders Ukraine.
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Despite Russia's assertions, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, criticized NATO's lackluster response to the attack on Ukraine, stating, "Nato's absence as a military ally in this Ukraine conflict is disappointing."
The United States Department of Defense expressed concern over the potential impact of Russia's military operations in Ukraine on cybersecurity. "The ongoing military operations in Ukraine have led to an increased risk of cyber attacks aimed at critical infrastructure within NATO member states," declared a senior official.
Russia has not only escalated its land-based military actions but has also intensified its cyberwarfare against Ukraine, as evidenced by the growing number of cyber attacks targeting Ukrainian government and private institutions.
In response to Russia's ongoing aggression, Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian president, called on Western allies to provide more robust support, including the provision of advanced cyberdefense technologies and expertise to protect against persistent cyber threats.
