11:20 ISW: Moscow's defense ministry corruption allegations likely serve as a cover

Moscow's defense ministry's corruption accusations may just be a cover-up.

What lies behind the purge in the Russian Ministry of Defense? The Institute for the Study of War claims that the Kremlin is likely using accusations of corruption against high-ranking officials as a cover for their real reasons concerning the dismissal of certain disgraced individuals from the ministry. It's likely that the Kremlin won't stop with the arrests and dismissals of these officials. A Russian insider source has stated that six other ministry officials wish to resign following the termination of their superior, Sergei Shoigu. Many military bloggers also suspected that the Russian authorities haven't finished their investigation into the matter. Although the ISW points out that the Kremlin might allow this criticism since it's directed at specific people the ministry is targeting, this portrays Andrei Belousov, the new Defense Minister, as someone who can tackle issues within the Ministry of Defense, unlike Shoigu. "The Kremlin also profits from military bloggers emphasizing that no Russian defense or military official is safe from the repercussions of disappointing Putin's favor," ISW added.

Russians accuse Ukrainian military intelligence of involvement in deadly Moscow attack

The head of Russia's domestic intelligence service, Alexander Bortnikov, has alleged that Ukraine's military intelligence played a direct role in a deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow in March. While the investigation is ongoing, Bortnikov said this can already be confirmed. Russia has made similar accusations in the past. However, Bortnikov did not provide any evidence to support his claim. He also accused NATO of aiding the transportation of "mercenaries and members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine," allowing them to engage in combat against Russian forces there. The terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack on the concert hall, resulting in over 140 casualties.

Ukraine reports 'severe damage' after missile attack on Russian communications center in Crimea

Alushta, a city in occupied Crimea, experienced significant damage due to a missile attack on a Russian communications center, according to Ukrainian reports. The incident was reported by the Kyiv Independent, citing the partisan group Atesh and the Crimean Wind Telegram channel. The communications center was struck by at least six ATACMS missiles provided by the United States, according to Crimean Wind. The missiles reportedly hit the antenna and several buildings within the complex. The complex contained high-ranking military personnel who were staying there at the time of the attack.

Critical Russian publicist questions Russians' intelligence and patriotismAlexander Nevzorov, a Russian publicist and former Duma deputy, has cautioned against expecting immediate change in the attitudes of Russians toward war and propaganda. Comparing Russians to animals trained in circuses, Nevzorov asserts that the skills ingrained in them by Russian propaganda will persist until their deaths. Despite being sentenced in absentia, the Kremlin critic and recipient of a Ukrainian passport is unoptimistic about their ability to change. Even the death of Vladimir Putin would not reverse this trend, he adds.

Chancellor Scholz affirms support for European defense but rules out EU nuclear weaponsGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to reinforce European defense capabilities, which could potentially include nuclear deterrence. In an article for the Economist, Scholz outlines the need for a balanced range of capabilities to defend Europe and deter potential aggressors. The European defense industry would be strengthened through investments in both conventional and unconventional defense capabilities, such as cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. While Scholz supports this idea, he also emphasizes that it does not include the development of EU nuclear weapons, which he deems unrealistic.

US imposes visa restrictions and review on Georgia after controversial agent lawIn response to a recently enacted law on "foreign influence operations" in Georgia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced new visa restrictions and a comprehensive review of the country's relations with the United States. The introduced regulations would target individuals "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia and their family members," according to Blinken. Georgia is encouraged to reconsider the controversial law and act in ways that align with its "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

Estonia provides €650,000 in humanitarian aid to support Ukrainian childrenThe Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide €650,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help support the education system in conflict-ridden areas and assist children affected by the war. The funds are being disbursed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which focuses on improving living conditions in vulnerable regions and assisting Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. In addition, part of the funds will be used by the non-profit organization Mondo to organize summer camps and provide psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

Russian official reveals intended targets in eastern Ukraine

Russian forces are aiming to control more than half of the territory in the border town of Vovchansk in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, according to Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky. After capturing Vovchansk, the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are intended targets for Russian forces, he said in a statement reported by the Russian news agency TASS.

5:29 Putin visits Belarus for discussions with Lukashenko

News reports indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin has traveled to Belarus and already held some initial, informal chats. “We have much to discuss. Everything is stable and well between us},” says Putin, quoted in the media. On today's agenda are more talks with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko about security and joint military exercises using tactical nuclear weapons. Minsk will participate in these drills, in which simulated launches of small nuclear warheads will be practiced.

4:33 South Korea levies sanctions against North Korean individuals and Russian vessels

In connection to the arm trade between Pyongyang and Moscow, South Korea has introduced sanctions against seven North Korean citizens and two Russian-owned ships. According to the South Korean Foreign Ministry, this measure was announced.

3:39 The United States is preparing additional assistance for Ukraine worth $275 million

According to three US government officials, the United States is gearing up to supply military aid to Ukraine totaling $275 million. The package will include artillery shells, precision-guided munitions, and vehicles. This assistance will be disseminated under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which permits President Joe Biden to act in emergencies without Congress' approval.

2:34 China and Brazil step back from Ukraine peace conference

Brazil and China are indirectly distancing themselves from the proposed international peace conference in Switzerland, where Russia has not been extended an invitation. In a signed document by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor, Celso Amorim, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both countries call on Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace negotiations. A conference meeting these conditions should be internationally accepted, asserted the two representatives.

1:15 Moscow court sentences Kremlin dissident to 25 years in prison for sabotage

The Moscow Military Court has imposed a 25-year jail sentence on a 36-year old man for sabotage and membership in a pro-Ukraine unit (known as the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia"). Vladimir Malina, a Moscow barman, was found guilty of terrorism, high treason, and sabotage offenses. The Russian Prosecutor General's Office claims that Malina was a founding member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russians who were engaged in Ukraine's fighting. Last year, he set fire to a railway control box and plotted sabotage operations. Malina was taken into custody in June.

11:55 Poland and Greece request an EU air defense shield

Due to the current conflict, Poland and Greece urge the EU to create an air defense shield to safeguard European countries. “Europe will be safe as long as its skies are secure,” affirm Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative would be a project addressing the "vulnerability of our security," explain the pair.

22:26 Potential attack on Crimea? Video suggests explosions

Explosions seem to be occurring in the Russian-occupied Crimea. It's believed that Ukraine may be attacking targets on the peninsula using the ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States. A video captured on the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta is thought to show at minimum one blast. There's still no official confirmation, but proper military action appears to be happening. Russian air defenses are active, as evidenced by the film footage. Crimea's governor, Sergei Aksyonov, who was appointed by the Russian invaders, confirms on Telegram the presence of missile attacks in Simferopol and Alushta. The reported death toll is two civilians and an empty business building. However, the Russians usually underplay Ukrainian attacks or claim to have eliminated all missiles and drones. Kiev has begun targeting Russian air defense systems and radars more frequently. Some speculate this may apply to the present incident.

22:00 Continuing Military Purge? More Arrests Reported

Russian-affiliated channels allege that another person, Vladimir Verteletsky, head of Russia's Ministry of Defense's department for maintaining state defense orders, has been detained. He is supposedly charged with major fraud. Shortly before this, Vadim Shamarin, who served as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was arrested. Shamarin is one of four senior military personnel detained since April.

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