Putin Establishes Requirements for Ukraine Negotiations at 19:55: "Onsite Realities"
Putin Talks Negotiations, but Keeps Occupied Territories
Over two years since the start of his aggression against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again expresses his interest in negotiations - with the condition of not giving back the territories he illegally seized. "There's talk of returning to negotiations," Putin said during a visit to Belarus, as reported by Interfax. "Let's return to them. But not based on what one side wants, but rather on the realities that have developed on the ground," he added. Russia has been waging an open war against Ukraine since February 2022 and currently holds about a fifth of its neighboring country. Ukraine requires the withdrawal of Russian troops from its land for lasting peace.
Political Scientist Skeptical of Putin's Negotiations
Gerhard Mangott, a political scientist, doubts that Putin is sincerely initiating negotiations. According to Mangott, Putin wants to cement his control over the occupied territories and frustrate the Ukraine conference in Switzerland.
Russia and Frozen Assets
EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs Paolo Gentiloni proposed an agreement on Russia's frozen assets at the July G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, reports Reuters. There was a "positive rapprochement" during the talks between the G7 finance ministers in Stresa, Italy. Gentiloni mentioned their current strategy to siphon off Russian asset interest for aid to Ukraine, adding, "This seems to me an interesting direction." This week, EU member states approved a plan to use the profits from interest on Russian assets for more military aid for Ukraine. Three billion euros are expected to be raised annually for Ukraine. The G7 are also discussing a U.S. proposal to create a 50 billion dollar ($46 billion euros) loan facility, financed with future Russian asset interest income.
Explosions in Crimea
Explosions shake Crimea again. According to Ukraine, they have successfully attacked a Russian communications facility. Video footage shows several explosions and an air defense response. Russia claims two casualties.
German IRIS-T System in Ukraine
The German government has given another IRIS-T-SLM air defense system to Ukraine. The media outlet "Der Spiegel" reported the system's arrival in Ukraine. Ukraine now has four medium-range IRIS-T systems and one short-range IRIS-T system.
Russians in Kharkiv: The Russian African Corps
According to British estimates, Russia withdrew soldiers from its Africa Corps and sent them to fight in Ukraine. Russian units have been deployed alongside regular forces and punitive units during the northern Kharkiv offensive Vovchansk, as per the British Ministry of Defence. The Africa Corps, established in December 2023, has more than 2,000 regular soldiers and officers and experienced mercenaries, many of whom served in the Wagner Group. These troops may have previously been deployed in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Russian Ministry of Defence likely deployed units to the border in April in preparation for the offensive, according to London. "It is very likely that Russia is escalating its war against Ukraine with resources previously allocated to Africa."
Putin's Signal Divides the West
Putin's possible readiness for a ceasefire signals could not only be in Ukraine's hands. Military expert Ralph Thiele explains that this could lead to a division in the West.
Russians Block Ukrainian Long-Range Glide Bombs
Russian jammers are preventing Ukraine's new long-range glide bombs from hitting their targets, according to sources who spoke to Reuters. Each glide bomb has a range of up to 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometers). The navigation system, designed to avoid obstacles like mountains and known air defense systems, has been disrupted. Despite Boeing's claim that the system could resist some jamming signals, a source said it would take months to fix the issue, according to the report.
4:46 Scholz sticks to no for Taurus delivery to Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz repeatedly opposes furnishing Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The leader doesn't fancy risking a possible extension of the Ukraine war to conflict among Russia and NATO. Germany must have ownership over objectives within this structure, just like in the Taurus system. Germany has offered or pledged to provide 28 billion euros' value of armaments to Ukraine and ranks second as a backer worldwide following the US (also check at 15:02). Moreover, Germany has already given two Patriot systems to the nation under Russian siege and would supply another, viewing it as a prerequisite for other states to help Ukraine as well. "We've gone about as far as we could," said Scholz at Berlin's democracy festival. His role as Chancellor comes with grave responsibility. "The responsibility is: we're aiding Ukraine in its battle for defense, but we'll confine any war from escalating into a clash among Russia and NATO," he added. On Taurus, Scholz believes "it's troublesome to supply a weapon that can cover 500 kilometers and is so precise that it can only be justified from the standpoint of the providing country if we prescribe and define the aims ourselves," he said. "That isn't possible if you don't crave part in this conflict, but as the chief backer of Ukraine."
4:24 Russia interrupts Elon Musk's Starlink signal on the front line
Prior to Russia's offensive on Kharkiv, it disrupted Starlink's wireless service. The New York Times detailed the Ukrainian military's account. Starlink is administered by Elon Musk's venture, SpaceX, and has significantly impacted Ukraine since the onset of Russia's war belligerency. The military relies on the service intensely for communication, surveillance, and drone strikes. According to the report, Ukrainians perceived the interference in the Starlink signal not long before Russian troops transgressed through Ukraine's northern border. This disruption in communications prompted an enforcement to ditch text messages, attests the report.
4:02 Sellering steps down as head of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's climate protection foundation
Prior Minister-President of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Erwin Sellering (SPD), renounced his position as Climate Foundation's Chair. He asserted in an announcement from the foundation that it vehemently countered every assault and dissolutions attempt. He reasoned in his statement to the foundation that "since no one seriously continues the attacks, now's a fine moment for me to leave early." The Climate Foundation, based by the state in early 2021 with additional intent to support the completion of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline through unofficial deals as companies related to construction were threatened by US sanctions. The Nord Stream 2 consortium funded the foundation with 20 million euros. After the invasion of Ukraine, the state federal government led by Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig sought to abolish the foundation with parliamentary support. However, the foundation contested this relentlessly.
3:42 German Parliament gives green light to Russian oil phase-out
The German parliament approved a law to gradually eliminate oil imports from Russia. The bill now needs to be finalized by Bundesrat, consisting of state representatives. A representative of the Green Party, who spearheaded the initiative in the Bundestag, hopes to ratify the changes next week. The legislation comes as Germany intends to dispense with Russian coal by the end of the year.
3:22 Russian thieves target single mothers during lockdown
A social worker reported a sharp increase in cases of single moms being swindled, with losses accumulating to over 200,000 euros last year. Anti-fraud organizations pinpoint a turning point in 2020's lockdown. The scammers persuade them to send nude images and videos, exchanging messages. Psychologists consider the lockdown as playing a significant role in their susceptibility to these con artists. They advise women to refuse these requests and report such instances to police.
3:02 Scholz warns of societal stress due to surging energy prices
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a warning about societal stress emerging from soaring energy expenses. He anticipates an increase in potential conflicts, especially between fellow citizens. He stressed the utmost importance of providing support to people in need and helping them find affordable energy solutions.
3:20 PM: Ukraine reports halting Russian ground assault in Kharkiv regionUkraine claims to have repelled a Russian ground offensive in the eastern area of Kharkiv, stating that their defense forces have successfully stopped the Russian troops and are now counterattacking. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Army expressed the situation as challenging, but under control and stable. Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj had earlier noted that Russian forces' immediate advance in North-Eastern Ukraine had come to a halt. The troops from Moscow were reported to be in a difficult situation in the city of Vovchansk, having suffered significant casualties among their attack units. Russia is now deploying reinforcements from various regions in an effort to seize control of the city.
3:02 PM: Germany provides additional Leopard tanks and equipment to UkraineGermany has furnished Ukraine with a fresh batch of Leopard tanks and other military tools. According to an update on the German government's military support services, 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, including ammunition and spare parts from the Bundeswehr and industrial stocks, and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks, accompanied by ammunition and spare parts, have been dispatched. Furthermore, various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters have been supplied. The total value of the military assistance provided by Germany to Ukraine is estimated at around 28 billion euros.
2:45 PM: Estonia summons Russian diplomat over border incidentEstonia has summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires in Tallinn due to the removal of buoys marking the shipping route in the border river Narva. During the meeting, the diplomat was informed that such actions are "provocative and unacceptable," according to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Estonia asserts that the removal of border demarcation buoys is a violation of international law and urges an explanation and their immediate return. Last Thursday, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys from the Narva River, which is since used by Estonia to demarcate the shipping route. The Narva River serves as the borderline between the two neighboring countries and marks the external border of the EU and NATO in the East.
2:17 PM: Russian progress stalled near Vovchansk as army chief points to significant lossesThe Ukrainian Army Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyj, reports that the Russian Army's offensive progress in the Eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv has stalled. Russian forces in the Vovchansk area have been "completely bogged down" and experienced massive casualties among their assault troops, Syrskyj explained through online networks. To capture the city, Russia has been dispatched reserves from different locations with no success. Vovchansk, roughly 5 kilometers from the Russian border, has become the focus of this two-week-long ground offensive launched by Moscow. The Russian troops have made their most considerable territorial gains since the end of 2022 thus far.
2:00 PM: Baerbock warns Russia of provocation in Baltic regionFederal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautions Russia against any form of aggression towards the Western borders of the European Union. She writes on the social media platform, Platform X, "Russia is setting fire to the borders of the European Union," Bartschkock casts a warning. She also stands in solidarity with Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania. On Thursday, it was reported that navigation buoys marking the border river between Estonia and Russia went missing.
1:37 PM: Romanian citizen arrested for spying on behalf of RussiaA Romanian national was detained by authorities on allegations of spying for Russia. The Bucharest prosecution office disclosed this, claiming that the man was photographing military premises and military vehicles and transport of NATO countries in the vicinity of the Romanian city of Tulcea since 2022 and forwarding the information to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. An investigating judge has authorized the suspect's detention for 30 days, and the investigation is being led by local law enforcement agencies and the domestic intelligence service.
13:37 Insiders Claim Putin Ready for Ceasefire Sticking to Current Borders
Sources state that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be willing to agree to a ceasefire accepting existing battle lines. "Putin can continue fighting as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a ceasefire - to freeze the conflict," one of four individuals with knowledge of the discussions within Putin's inner circle informed the Reuters news agency. Three of these individuals reported that the president made these remarks to a small group of his advisors. They added Putin has expressed frustration over efforts allegedly backed by the West to hinder negotiations. Prior to being reinstated as president, Putin had stated, "We are in no way ready for talks based on wishful thinking, which stems from taking mind-altering substances, but we are ready for talks based on the realities that have arisen on the ground."
11:06 NATO Member Country Purchases €291 Million Worth of Ammunition from Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall, a German manufacturer of ammunition, received a sizeable order for artillery munitions valued at nearly €300 million from a NATO member nation. The purchase consists of thousands of artillery projectiles and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. The ammunition must be provided between 2024 and 2028. This and other significant orders stem from the necessity to replenish the armed forces' ammunition stocks concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
10:32 Institute for the Study of War Asserts Alleged Corruption Charges in Russian Defense Ministry as Cover-Up for Other Reasons
What is the true motive for the series of dismissals and arrests in the Russian Ministry of Defense? According to the Institute for the Study of War, the Kremlin is "probably using the allegations of corruption against senior officials as a smokescreen to mask the underlying reasons for the termination of specific individuals from the Ministry of Defense." The Kremlin is unlikely to end with just these people dismissals, as a Russian insider source hinted that six additional ministry officials wished to resign because of their supervisor Sergei Shoigu's removal. In addition, several military bloggers applauded the resignations as putting corrupt officials on trial under the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The think tank commented, "The Kremlin is probably allowing this criticism due to it being directed at people targeted by the Ministry of Defense." This strengthens Belousov's image as a figure capable of resolving issues within the ministry, in contrast to Shoigu.
09:51 Orban Confident: Russia Likely to Avoid Attacking NATO Member State
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban dismisses fears that Russia could assault a NATO member nation. "The Russian military is engaged in a significant and taxing battle against the Ukrainians," the national-conservative leader expressed to the public broadcast. "If the Russians were strong enough to beat the Ukrainians decisively, they would have done so already." NATO's military capabilities far surpass those of Ukraine, making it highly improbable that Russia or any other nation would initiate an attack on NATO. "I don't think it makes logical sense that Russia, unable to subjugate Ukraine, would simultaneously conquer the entire Western world. The odds of that happening are practically nil."
09:07 First Time Russia Accuses IS Members of Coordinating Terror Attack Near Moscow
Russia has implicated the jihadist militant organization Islamic State (IS) in organizing the lethal attack on a concert venue near Moscow. As reported by the state news agency RIA Novosti, Alexander Bortnikov, Director of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), disclosed, "It was established during the probe that the preparations, financing, execution, and withdrawal of the terrorists were orchestrated through the Internet by members of the Khorasan Province branch, the Afghan wing of IS." IS has repeatedly asserted responsibility for the incident on March 22, in which more than 140 perished and 360 were injured. However, Moscow has continuously attempted to connect Ukraine to the incident, which Kiev staunchly denies. Even now, Bortnikov added, "The investigation is still underway, but it has already been ascertained that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly linked to the attack." He neglected to clarify how this is connected to IS.
08:40 "There's no forward or backward in Vovchansk"
For weeks, Kharkiv has faced substantial shelling. Russian artillery is also sounding the city's air raid sirens. According to ntv journalist Stephan Richter, Vovchansk is facing the worst possible scenario. "There's no forward or backward in Vovchansk," Richter reported.
09:29 Ukraine estimates that over 500,000 Russian casualties will be documented
According to Ukrainian military records, around 500,000 casualties are expected to be accounted for among the Russian forces. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces revealed that since Russia began their full-scale invasion on February 24, they have lost 498,940 soldiers in Ukraine within the year. This includes 1,240 casualties from the past 24 hours. The report also mentions that Russia has lost a total of 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 drones, 27 navy ships and boats, and one submarine.
08:57 Night attack on Kharkiv with glide bombs
The city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine was once again targeted by Russian air strikes overnight. Although there have been no casualties reported, several residential buildings and an abandoned structure were slightly damaged. The night before, seven people were killed by Russian fire in the area. A total of 15 S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles were fired on Kharkiv and its surroundings. A prominent Ukrainian author, Serhij Zhadan, commented on the incident by saying, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."
08:26 FSB chief holds the Ukrainian military intelligence accountable for the Moscow terror attack
Alexander Bortnikov, the head of the Russian federal security service (FSB), alleges that the Ukrainian military intelligence played a direct role in the deadly terror attack on a concert hall near Moscow in March. Bortnikov claims that this is already known, even though investigations are still ongoing. He also accuses NATO of facilitating the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" to fight against Russian forces. The radical Islamic terrorist group IS has claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed over 140 people.
07:59 Serious damage to a Russian communications center in Crimea
After a missile attack on a Russian communications center in Crimea, Ukrainian reports state that there have been significant losses of equipment and victims. The pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel shared the news, citing at least six American ATACMS missiles striking a Russian antenna and highly-ranking military personnel. The facility in Alushta sustained greater damage than expected, with the center housing top-ranking military personnel at the time of the attack.
07:03 Unflattering views about Russian citizens by a Russian publicist
Russian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov paints a bleak picture of the Russian people, comparing them to pugs, chimpanzees, or circus animals. He states that the skills taught to Russians will remain with them until their deaths. "The lust for war, signs of decay, patriotism, and other deviations instilled by Russian propaganda will not disappear." He then adds, "Russians are destined to live and die as idiots for generations." Even after Vladimir Putin's demise, he maintains that their brain cells will always be tainted by their upbringing.
06:38 Chancellor Scholz addresses the need for European defense while ruling out EU nuclear weapons
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz showed his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to strengthen European defense capabilities. He expressed the need to discuss how to create a balance of defensive capabilities to safeguard Europe and detract possible aggressors. While mentioning the importance of nuclear deterrence, he also stressed the priorities of strong conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. Scholz emphasized the necessity to reinforce the European pillar of the deterrent, but also confirmed that there would be no "EU nuclear weapons."
6:43 Contentious agent act: Washington heightens pressure to Georgia
After the passage of a disputed law on "foreign interference activities" in Georgia, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken broadcasts new visa restrictions and a reevaluation of relations with the country. The new visa stipulations will influence individuals "responsible for or engaged in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members," Blinken divulged. Moreover, the United States would start a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia," he confirms. The U.S. will still expect Georgia's leadership to reconsider the law and advance the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations," Blinken said.
6:16 Estonia aids children in conflictive areas
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide roughly 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, with the primary focus on reinforcing the education system in contested regions and aiding children impacted by the turmoil. Kyiv Independent reported that some funds would be administered by the Estonian civic organization Eesti Pagulasabi, aimed at enhancing conditions in vulnerable locales and supporting Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Additionally, the non-profit group Mondo will allocate part of the budget for the organization of summer camps and psychological assistance for kids in Zaporizhzhya.
5:31 Russian legislator lists consequent aims
Russian soldiers aim to take control of more than half of the territory in the border town of Vovchansk in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, according to the Russian news agency TASS. It cited a statement from Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky. Vovchansk serves as Russia's upcoming crucial targets after it has seized it, TASS quoted Vodolatsky as saying. The cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk would be Russia's next significant objectives.
5:02 Putin visits Belarus for discussions with Lukashenko
According to Russian news agencies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has journeyed to Belarus and has already engaged in informal talks. "There is a lot to discuss. All is stable and going well for us," Putin was quoted as saying. On the agenda for the day are further conversations with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on matters of security and joint militaries exercises employing tactical nuclear weapons. Minsk will participate in the event, where simulations of launching small nuclear warheads will occur.
4:09 South Korea enforces sanctions against North Korean people and Russian ships
South Korea imposes sanctions on seven North Korean people and two Russian vessels in relation to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. This information was disclosed by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.
3:07 USA readies Ukraine assistance worth 275 million dollars
The United States is set to dispatch military assistance for Ukraine worth $275 million. Included in this aid package are artillery shells, guided bombs, and vehicles, as reported by three U.S. government officials. The assistance will be delivered under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, enabling President Joe Biden to act in emergencies without obtaining Congress's approval.
1:45 Moscow court sentences Kremlin opponent to 25 years in prison for sabotage
A Russian military tribunal in Moscow convicted a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison for sabotage and collaboration in a unit combating for Ukraine. As per the public prosecutor's office, Russia handed down this lengthy prison sentence to Vladimir Malina for terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. Malina, a Moscow bartender, was a member of the "Legion for Russia's Freedom," a group of Russians fighting for Ukraine. Last year, he set fire to a train control box and formulated sabotage plans. He was captured in June.
12:54 Poland and Greece urge EU to implement an air defense barrier
Referring to the Russian invasion, Poland and Greece are petitioning the EU to develop an air defense shield to protect European nations. "Europe will be safe as long as its skies are secure," declared Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. European security necessitates a project that addresses its "great vulnerability," Tusk and Mitsotakis contend.
10:26 Possible Attack on Crimea: Video Shows Suspected Explosions
It seems that Crimea, the Russian-occupied region, is facing an attack. There are rumors that Ukraine is targeting locations on the island with ATACMS missiles that were provided by the United States a few weeks back. A video from Alushta, a village on the Crimean coast, possibly displays at least one explosion. Nevertheless, there's no official confirmation yet. The Russian air defense system appears to be operational as seen in the recording. The Crimea governor, Sergei Aksyonov, installed by the Russian occupiers, revealed on Telegram about missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta. Two casualties were reported, and an empty commercial building was damaged. Russia usually downplays Ukrainian attacks or claims to have taken down all missiles and drones. Recently, Kiev has intensified its focus on Russian air defense systems and radars. Some speculate that this might also be the case in the current situation.
10:00 Possible Continuation of Putin's Military Purge?
Reports from pro-Russian channels suggest that Vladimir Verteletsky, the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for maintaining the state defense order, has been detained. He is charged with large-scale fraud. Just before this, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was also arrested. Shamarin was the fourth top military officer to be detained since April.
Find out about previous developments here. ATACMS
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Source: www.ntv.de
