NATO places an order for nearly 300 million euros of ammunition from Rheinmetall.

NATO places an order for nearly 300 million euros of ammunition from Rheinmetall.

Rheinmetall Armaments Group has received a significant order for artillery ammunition worth nearly 300 million euros from a NATO member country. The order consists of tens of thousands of artillery rounds and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. The ammunition is scheduled for delivery from 2024 to 2028. The reason behind this and other substantial deals, as Rheinmetall explains, is the necessity to restock the military's ammunition reserves in light of the war in Ukraine.

At 11:20 a.m., the Institute for the Study of War notes that the rampant corruption allegations in Moscow's Ministry of Defense likely serve as a smokescreen for the real reasons behind the abrupt dismissals of some high-ranking officials. The Kremlin may be using these accusations to mask the true motives for removing certain individuals from their positions within the Ministry of Defense. Previously, seven other ministry officials reportedly expressed their desire to leave following the dismissal of their superior, Sergei Shoigu. Additionally, numerous military bloggers applauded the arrests, viewing them as indicators of the Kremlin's commitment to eradicating unscrupulous officials under the newly-appointed Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The ISW acknowledges that these criticisms may be aimed at individuals targeted by the Ministry of Defense, fueling Belousov's reputation as someone who addresses matters within the Ministry. The Kremlin also benefits from the spotlight on corrupt officials, as it inadvertently reinforces the fear of displeasing Putin.

At 10:45 a.m., Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expresses his belief that concerns about Russia potentially invading a NATO member state are unsubstantiated. According to Orban, the Russian military is struggling in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, rendering an attack on the West highly improbable. "If the Russians had enough firepower to decimate Ukraine quickly, they would have done so by now," he adds. NATO's military capabilities supersede those of Ukraine, making the possibility of Russia or any other nation launching an assault even more implausible. "I believe it is illogical for Russia to suddenly attempt to conquer the entire Western world when it cannot even deal with Ukraine," he concludes.

Ten o'clock: Russia accuses IS for the first time of orchestrating a terrorist attack near Moscow. The Head of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, revealed in an interview with state news agency RIA Novosti that the investigation determined "that the preparations, financing, attack, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated via the internet by members of the Khorasan Province group", the Afghan branch of IS. Since the March 22 attack on a concert hall near Moscow left over 140 people killed and 360 injured, Russia has attempted to blame Ukraine. However, even in this instance, Bortnikov asserts that "Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." He provides no further explanation for the connection between IS and the Ukrainian connection.

At 9:55 a.m., reporting from ntv's Stephan Richter, more than 500,000 civilians face dire circumstances in Vovchansk as the city is regularly bombarded by Russian artillery. Sirens blare, while residents endure the city's dire conditions.

At 9:29 a.m., Ukraine cites a new tally of Russian military casualties. The figures indicate that Russia could surpass half a million fatalities by the end of 2022. Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, the country has seen 498,940 soldiers lose their lives in Ukraine. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also reports 1,240 casualties for Russian forces during a 24-hour period, 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery units, 1,080 multiple-launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 vessels and boats, and a single submarine lost.

rt.com - New battles in Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions; large Russian convoy 35 km from Kherson; appropriate response to Moscow's strikes, Mariupol's steel plant still stands

### 8:57 Kharkiv Attacked by Glide Bombs AgainTwo glide bombs slam into Kharkiv, a city in eastern Ukraine constantly under attack from Russian air raids, during the night. The city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, reported through Telegram that fortunately, there were no casualties this time. The incident left slight damages to a few residential buildings and an empty structure. The day before, seven casualties occurred in Kharkiv due to Russian artillery. In total, Kharkiv and its surrounding areas experienced about 15 missiles from converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft systems. One of Ukraine's largest literature printing houses is among the devastated buildings. Regarding the situation, critically acclaimed Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan commented on Facebook: "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

### 8:26 Russian Official Accuses Ukraine of Terrorist Attack Near MoscowRussian FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov alleges that the Ukrainian military intelligence service played a direct role in the fatal attack at a Moscow concert hall back in March. He made this allegation despite the ongoing investigation, as reported by state news agency Tass. Russia has made similar accusations in the past. Bortnikov didn't offer any solid evidence to back up his claims. Furthermore, he blamed NATO for facilitating the flow of "mercenaries from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" to combat Russian troops there. The IS extremist militia admitted responsibility for the concert hall attack, resulting in more than 140 fatalities.

### 8:02 'Significant Damage' Reported After Crimea AttackUkrainian sources claim that a Russian communications center in Alushta, occupied Crimea, suffered "extensive damage to equipment" due to a missile strike. The Kyiv Independent reported this information, citing the pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and Crimean Wind Telegram channel. According to Crimean Wind, US-supplied ATACMS missiles targeted the antenna and several buildings holding high-ranking military personnel.

### 7:27 Russian Publicist's Harsh Criticism of Fellow CountrymenRussian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov criticizes his fellow citizens sharply. He likened them to pugs, chimpanzees, and other circus animals, suggesting that they would continue to retain the skills they had been taught until their deaths. "Russians will not just forget their love for war, signs of decay, and the brainwashing by Russian propaganda," Nevzorov said. Having received a jail term in Russia with a Ukrainian passport, he denounced the Russians as being destined to "live and die as idiots" for several generations.

### 7:03 Scholz: No 'EU Nuclear Weapons'German Chancellor Olaf Scholz endorses French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to fortify European defense capabilities, including nuclear capabilities. He expresses his thoughts for the Economist: "We have to decide on the right combination of abilities to defend Europe and discourage any aggressor." Additional goals include strong conventional military forces, air and missile defense, cybersecurity, space, and precise strike capacities. Scholz intends to fortify the European defense industry through investment, aiming to strengthen the "EU deterrence." However, he reaffirms, "there will be no 'EU nuclear weapons'", a goal he deems unrealistic.

### 6:38 US Imposes Visa Restrictions, Reviews Relations with GeorgiaWashington responds to a controversial law on 'foreign influence operations' enacted in Georgia by announcing new visa restrictions and a review of its relationship with the country. People responsible for or involved in undermining Georgia's democracy, as well as their family members, will face these restrictions, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The US intends to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its partnership with Georgia, aiming to support the nation in its "democratic and Euro-Atlantic ambitions."

### 6:29 Estonia Aids Ukrainian Children Affected by WarThe Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is donating over €650,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, focusing primarily on supporting the educational system in war-torn regions and aiding children impacted by the conflict. The Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi will allocate a portion of the funds to enhance living conditions in precarious areas and support Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Another organization, Mondo, will allocate part of the funds for running summer camps and providing psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

05:57 Russian forces aim to seize majority control of Vovchansk in Kharkiv

According to Russian news agency TASS, Russian forces are targeting to dominate more than half of the area in the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region. This statement was made by Russian parliamentarian, Viktor Vodolatsky. Furthermore, he added that Slavyansk, Kramatorsk and Pokrovsk are Russia's prime objectives once control over Vovchansk is established.

05:29 Putin meets with Lukashenko in Belarus for discussions on security and nuclear warhead exercises

Reports from Russian media outlets state that Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently in Belarus and has already held preliminary conversations with his counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko. Their agenda for the day consists of further dialogue regarding the matters of security as well as nuclear warhead exercises. Minsk will participate in the drills, where simulations of small nuclear warhead launches will take place.

04:33 South Korea institutes sanctions against seven North Koreans and two Russian vessels

The South Korean Foreign Ministry has made an announcement that they are imposing sanctions on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships due to their involvement in the illegal arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

03:39 United States prepares to provide military aid amounting to $275 million to support Ukraine

Three US government sources have disclosed that the USA is planning to provide Ukraine with military aid valued at $275 million. The objects of acquisition include gunpowder, artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and operational vehicles. These materials will be obtained under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows President Joe Biden to act without approval from Congress in emergencies.

02:34 China and Brazil express support for Ukraine peace talks but oppose exclusion of Russia

In a joint statement signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor, Celso Amorim, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both countries reiterate their advocacy for Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace negotiations. However, they also insist on an international conference with equal participation from all parties, as recognized by Russia and Ukraine.

01:15 Moscow court sentences Russian Kremlin adversary to 25 years in prison for sabotage and conspiracy with Ukraine's armed forces

A court in Moscow has found a 36-year-old barman guilty of sabotage and treason, and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. The man, named Vladimir Malina, served in the group known as the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," which was comprised of Russians supporting Ukraine. It is noted that Malina torched a railroad control box and had planned to carry out more acts of sabotage. The charges against him were for terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. He was apprehended in June.

00:15 Poland and Greece urge the EU to establish an air defense barrier to protect European nations

Amidst the current geopolitical tensions, the prime ministers of Poland and Greece, Donald Tusk and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, have asked the European Union to create an air defense shield to ensure the safety of European countries. They emphasized in a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that Europe's security would only be assured if air defenses above the continent remain protected.

23:55 Potential major attack on Crimea? Bouyant video showcases suspected explosions

There are suspicions that Ukraine may be targeting strategic locations on the Crimean Peninsula with an attack involving ATACMS missiles provided by the USA. A video recorded at a location in the Crimean village of Alushta purportedly shows at least one detonation. Despite lacking confirmation, news outlets are reporting that the Russian air defense system is active as well. Crimea's governor, appointed by the Russian occupiers, Sergei Aksyonov, acknowledged on Telegram the existence of missile strikes on Simferopol and Alushta, resulting in two fatalities and an empty commercial structure being hit. However, Russia typically downplays or even denies Ukrainian attacks, suggesting that they shot down all missiles and drones involved.

22:26 Possible continuation of Putin's purge as suspected arrest of high-ranking Ministry of Defense employee

Following the recent spate of arrests of high-ranking Russian military figures, some pro-Russian channels claim that Vladimir Verteletsky, responsible for maintaining the state defense order within the Russian Ministry of Defense, is currently detained as well. He is accused of grand-scale fraud. This comes in the wake of Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, being arrested. Both Verteletsky and Shamarin are part of a growing number of senior military officers being detained since April.

For additional information on previous updates, please see here. 2

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1. The NATO order for ammunition from Rheinmetall is a response to the need to restock military reserves due to the war in Ukraine.
2. Russia is accused of orchestrating a terrorist attack near Moscow by the Ukrainian military intelligence service, according to Russian FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov.
3. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the attack on Vovchansk in Kharkiv, where over 500,000 civilians are facing dire circumstances.
4. There have been reports of cyberwarfare attacks on Ukraine, with NATO recommending member countries strengthen their cyber defenses to protect against such threats.

Source: www.ntv.de