Moscow terror attack: Russian intelligence implicates IS for the first time at 10:16
For the first instance, Russia has charged the militant group Islamic State (IS) with coordinating the fatal assault on a concert hall close to Moscow. According to state news agency RIA Novosti, FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov divulged that investigations revealed the attack's preparations, finances, execution, and withdrawal were orchestrated online by IS members in its Afghan branch, Khorasan Province. IS had previously claimed responsibility for the March 22 incident, which left more than 140 people dead and 360 injured. Despite this, Moscow had persistently tried to tie Ukraine to the attack, which Kiev denied vehemently. Even now, Bortnikov asserts: "The investigation is ongoing, but we can already say definitively that the Ukrainian military intelligence service is directly involved in the attack." It's unclear how this links to IS.
09:55 "No forward or backward in Vovchansk"The city of Kharkiv has been experiencing continuous shelling from the Russian side for many weeks. The Russian onslaught is also causing Kharkiv's alarms to blare. According to ntv correspondent Stephan Richter, Vovchansk is highly at risk at this moment. The city stands on the edge of a precipice.
09:29 Ukraine presents new Russian casualty numbersUkrainian authorities claim the number of Russian casualties is quickly approaching half a million. Since the start of Russia's comprehensive invasion on February 24, 2022, Russia has lost 498,940 soldiers in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff. This number includes 1,240 troops killed by Russian forces in 24 hours. Additionally, Ukraine claims Russia has lost 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 UAVs, 27 ships and boats, and a submarine.
08:57 Kharkiv targets bombarded once againTwo glide bombs struck the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, which has suffered from Russian aerial strikes for months, during the night. Fortunately, there were no casualties this time, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov divulged on Telegram. Several residential buildings and an unoccupied building sustained minor damage. The day before, seven individuals were killed in Kharkiv due to Russian fire. Up to 15 converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles damaged Kharkiv and the surrounding areas. Among the targets was one of Ukraine's largest book printing houses. "The Ukrainian book is the cornerstone of Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it," opined Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan on Facebook.
08:26 FSB chief insinuates Ukrainian intelligence in Moscow attackRussia's FSB director, Alexander Bortnikov, implicates Ukraine's military intelligence in the deadly Moscow concert hall attack in March. Bortnikov maintains this despite the ongoing investigation, stating, according to state news agency Tass, "We can already say with certainty that the Ukrainian military intelligence service is directly involved in the attack." Moscow has made similar accusations earlier. Bortnikov fails to provide evidence for his claim. He also alleges that NATO facilitates the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" to fight against the Russian military.
08:02 Ukraine alleges "significant damage" in Crimea strikesA missile strike on a Russian communications center in the occupied Crimean city of Alushta resulted in "significant damage to equipment" and caused substantial casualties, according to Ukrainian reports. The Kyiv Independent provided this information from the pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel. Apparently, Alushta sustained damage from at least six ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States. These missiles destroyed the antenna and several facilities where "high-ranking military officials were currently residing."
07:27 Russian publicist: "Condemned to live and die as idiots for generations"Russian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov comments on his fellow countrymen's loyalty to Russian propaganda. Like pugs, chimpanzees, or other circus animals, people continue to display all the skills they've been trained to use until they die. "All the war fervor, the signs of decay, the chauvinism, and all the other deviations drummed into them by Russian propaganda will not vanish," says the renowned publicist critical of the Kremlin, who has received a Ukrainian passport. "The Russians are doomed to live and die as fools for at least a few generations." Even Putin's death will not revive their mental faculties.
07:05 Scholz: "No 'EU Nuclear Weapons' Being Created"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shows his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to strengthen European defense capabilities, which includes potential nuclear capabilities. Scholz wrote an article for The Economist stating that it's essential to discuss a balanced combination of defense measures to safeguard Europe and deter potential aggressors. These include nuclear deterrence, strong conventional military forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. The plan is to strengthen the European defense industry by investing in these areas. However, he clarified, "There will be no 'EU nuclear weapons,'" adding that this is "simply unrealistic."
06:40 Controversial Law Leads to US Restrictions and Review of Relations with Georgia
After the adoption of a controversial "foreign influence operations" law in Georgia, the US State Department has announced new visa restrictions and an in-depth review of relations with the country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken explained in a statement that these new visa rules would target individuals "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia" and their family members. The US will also review its bilateral cooperation with Georgia, stating, "We remain hopeful that the leadership in Georgia will reconsider this law and continue to move towards their democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."
06:17 Estonian Aid for Education in Ukraine's War Zones
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide over 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, focusing mainly on supporting the education system in conflict zones and helping affected children. This support will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, who will improve living conditions in vulnerable areas and assist Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Additionally, the non-profit organization Mondo will utilize part of the funds to develop summer camps and provide psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.
05:51 Russian Forces Set Sights on More Territory in Kharkiv Region
A Russian parliamentary deputy, Viktor Vodolatsky, disclosed that Russian forces are aiming to control more than half of the Kharkiv city of Vovchansk and will then target nearby cities like Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.
05:21 Putin's Belarus Talks Focus on Security and Military Exercises
According to Russian news agencies, Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus for discussions with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on security and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons. The meeting is expected to address military cooperation and preparations for simulated launches of small nuclear warheads.
05:06 Sanctions Against North Koreans and Russian Ships
The South Korean Foreign Ministry has announced sanctions against seven North Koreans and two Russian ships related to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.
03:59 USA Prepares New $275 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine
The US government is readying a military aid package worth $275 million for Ukraine, including artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles. The aid will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, granting President Joe Biden the ability to approve resources for emergencies without congressional approval.
02:44 Brazil, China Distance Themselves from Ukraine Peace Conference
Brazil and China have issued a joint statement calling for Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks but have indirectly distanced themselves from the proposed international peace conference in Switzerland, not inviting Russia to participate. They stressed that an effective peace conference must have equal participation by all parties.
01:19 Russian Kremlin Opponent Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sabotage and Collaborating with Ukraine
A Moscow court has sentenced a 36-year-old man, Vladimir Malina, to 25 years in prison for sabotage and membership in a unit committed to fighting for Ukraine. Malina, who worked as a bartender, was convicted of terrorism, high treason, and sabotage by the state prosecutor's office. They claimed that the accused set fire to a railroad control box and planned other sabotage actions. He was apprehended in June. Malina belonged to the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russians fighting for Ukraine.
11:55 PM: Poland and Greece Plead for EU's Air Defense Shield
As the Russian conflict persists, Poland and Greece appeal to the EU to develop an aerial defense system to safeguard European nations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis penned a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, asserting, "Europe will remain secure as long as the skies above it are safe." They strive for a project that addresses the "severe vulnerability of our security."
10:26 PM: Intrigue in Crimea? Video Suggests Possible Explosions
Potential explosions have been reported in the Russian-occupied Crimea. There's speculation that Ukraine could be targeting strategic locations on the island using ATACMS missiles provided by the United States recently. A video, purportedly captured in the Crimean village of Alushta, may contain at least one explosion. Nonetheless, neither confirmation nor denial has been provided. The Russian air defense seems to be operational, as evidenced by the footage. Crimea's governor, Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by the Russian occupiers, acknowledged missile attacks in Simferopol and Alushta on Telegram. Two people were reported dead, and an empty commercial building collapsed. However, Russia is known to underplay Ukrainian strikes or claim responsibility for destroying all incoming missiles and drones. Of late, Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian air defense systems and radars. Some believe the same tactic may be employed here.
10:00 PM: Could Another Arrest Be on Horizon?
Pro-Russian channels claim that Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Defense Ministry's unit responsible for maintaining the state defense order, is the latest high-ranking official to be detained. He is being accused of a vast-scale fraud. Shortly before this, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was apprehended. Shamarin is the fourth military official to be arrested since April.
Read about the previous developments here. https://example.com/prevdev
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- Despite Russia's accusations, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, continues to deny any involvement in the attack on Moscow's concert hall.
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to intense military operations, with NATO allegedly facilitating the transfer of weapons and militants from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Ukraine to fight against Russian forces.
- The Russian-Ukraine conflict has resulted in significant military losses for Russia, with Ukrainian authorities claiming over 498,940 Russian soldiers dead or injured since February 2022.
- Russia's FSB director, Alexander Bortnikov, has accused NATO and Ukraine's military intelligence of being involved in the Moscow concert hall attack, despite a lack of concrete evidence to support his claims.
Source: www.ntv.de
