Report: Ukraine hopes for 20 F-16s by year-end
Ukraine hopes to receive up to six F-16 fighter jets this summer, according to a report. The Agency Bloomberg reports that Kiev hopes to have approximately 20 of the planes by year-end. The delivery of the fighter jets is reportedly being hindered by a parts shortage and the language barrier between Ukrainian pilots and their western trainers. There are particular concerns in the West about the lack of suitable runways in Ukraine, which are threatened by Russian attacks.
21:23 USA developing long-range munition for UkraineThe US Air Force is planning the development of a new expensive distance munition called "Extend Range Attack Munition" (ERAM) for Ukraine. This is according to a military procurement document. The Air Force intends to finance the first phase of the development. The munition is expected to have a 250-kilogram explosive charge and a range of over 400 kilometers. According to the portal Militarnyi, some US weapons manufacturers are already working on prototypes.
20:27 Ukraine reports fatalities in Russian attacks in the eastAt least five people have been killed and over a dozen injured in a series of Russian attacks on smaller towns in eastern Ukraine, according to official reports. The regional military administrator Vadim Filaschkin reports that Russian soldiers have been targeting Myrnohrad in particular. The city, which was home to nearly 47,000 people before the war, is located near the front lines.
19:45 Weber on Putin's war economy: "Russia has enough resources of its own"Russia is not resource-dependent on the outside in terms of the resource question, says security expert Joachim Weber, even if the war economy is tying up more and more resources. In an ntv interview, he explains why a military creation war could still last a long time.
19:11 Defense ministers of the USA and Russia discuss reduction of escalation riskRussian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin have reportedly spoken by phone about reducing the risk of a "possible escalation." The initiative for the call came from Moscow, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The topic of discussion was "the question of avoiding security threats and the reduction of the risk of a possible escalation."
18:30 Russia raises taxes to finance the warRussian President Vladimir Putin has signed legislation increasing taxes to raise additional funds for the war effort. The tax increases include higher income tax rates for top earners and a higher corporate tax rate for companies. The increases are estimated to bring in approximately €27 billion per year according to the Finance Ministry. Since the Russian troops entered Ukraine in February 2022, state expenditures have significantly exceeded revenues. Russia recorded a budget deficit of approximately €33 billion in 2023, which is roughly two percent of its Gross Domestic Product. For the current year, a deficit of around 1.1 percent is expected.
US Historian Snyder: Putin would humiliate TrumpUS Historian Timothy Snyder holds the chances of a peace deal between US President Donald Trump and Kreml chief Vladimir Putin very low. "If Trump wins the US election and there is a peace deal, Putin would immediately break it to humiliate Trump. Russia cannot do otherwise, that's how politics works in that country," the Eastern Europe expert told the Austrian daily "Standard" in an interview. If one wants to end the war, one must let the Russians understand that they have lost. As long as that is not done, the war will continue.
Strack-Zimmermann: "Rockets in Kaliningrad threaten Germany"For a long time, FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has been calling for the delivery of the "Taurus" to Ukraine. Now, the US is stationing Tomahawks in Germany. With this, Europe is closing a huge security gap, the politician means and warns: "Who resists lives safer."
Danish Prime Minister: West is too polite towards RussiaThe Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen describes the reaction of Western countries to Russia's hybrid warfare as "too polite" according to a media report. "I think we need to take it much more seriously," Frederiksen told Ukrainska Prawda at a experts' discussion on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. "And I think we (NATO) must consider it as an attack on us, instead of just saying: 'It's happened again and again and again'." According to Frederiksen, the "hybrid war" with Moscow is already underway. However, many Western powers seem to be reluctant to acknowledge the reality.
Russia warns of dangerous escalation due to Western weaponsRussia sees the permission of some NATO countries for Ukraine to attack Russian territory with delivered weapons as a dangerous escalation. We have taken note of statements by representatives of some countries, such as Britain and others, who made no restrictions in this regard, and there are countries that tried to maintain the balance and said that they would be against such a relaxation of conditions for the use of rockets with longer range, the Presidial Press Secretary Dmitri Peskov said. Such rockets would already be used for attacks on Russia. This is pure provocation and "a new, very dangerous escalation of tensions."
Finland closes border to migrants and asylum seekers from RussiaThe Finnish parliament passes a law against the entry of migrants over Russia. Border guards can now turn away asylum seekers at the Finnish-Russian border, it says in the passed law. The Finnish government accuses Russia of encouraging migrants from Somalia or Syria to enter Finland. Russia denies this. About 1300 people had already come. The government sees this as a reaction from Russia to Finland's NATO membership. The law is not only supported by government parties but also by opposition MPs.
14:34 Alleged Russian Spies Arrested in AustraliaThe Australian Federal Police announced the arrest of two Australian citizens of Russian descent, accused of espionage. "Two Russian-born Australian citizens, accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to be handed over to Russian authorities, are to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, following charges of espionage", reads a joint statement from the Federal Police and the Australian intelligence agency. The suspects are identified as a 40-year-old soldier in the Australian military and her 62-year-old husband.
13:56 IAEA Condemns Russian Attack on Kiev Children's ClinicThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors condemned the Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev. In a resolution, the body highlighted that the hospital operates a unit for cancer diagnosis and radiotherapy, co-financed by the IAEA. On Monday, a rocket hit a building on the grounds of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital. Two adults, including a doctor, were killed. Over 30 people, among them at least 8 children, were injured. According to Ukrainian authorities, no radioactive radiation was released during the attack.
13:30 Mölling: Attack on NATO Territory to Become "Riskier" for RussiaAccording to security expert Christian Mölling, the planned deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany will change Russia's military calculation - "with a significant disadvantage for Moscow. It will simply become more expensive or riskier to attack NATO territory", says the Research Director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation". Although it had been clear since 2023 that we needed these weapons, everyone had "fallen back asleep", and once again, the Americans had to come to the Europeans' aid. Mölling also comments on reports of assassination plans against the Rheinmetall CEO and speaks of "state terrorism" against Germany.
13:14 Germany Plans Massive Troop Deployments in War ScenarioIn case of a potential escalation along the NATO eastern flank, Germany and the Bundeswehr are planning to deploy hundreds of thousands of soldiers from NATO member states through Germany. According to "Spiegel", citing informed sources. The plans involve moving approximately 800,000 soldiers with around 200,000 vehicles from North Sea ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany to the east within three to six months. The column would be about 13,000 kilometers long. Preparations are part of the secretly classified Operationsplan Deutschland, developed by the Bundeswehr to prepare Germany for war.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses murder plot allegations against Rheinmetall CEO as "fake news"Russia dismisses report of a planned attack on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as false. The Presidial Office in Moscow stated that such reports were based on anonymous sources and should not be taken seriously. The US news network CNN reported on Thursday that the US and Germany had thwarted an early-year planned attack by Russia on Papperger. German Bundestag MP Reinhard Houben is now calling for a special session of the BundesSicherheitsrat. If the CNN report is true, the German government must take clear consequences, Houben says. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would represent "a new level of escalation".
12:05 "For the new era": China holds military drills with RussiaChina is holding joint military drills with Russia, according to Chinese statements. The exercises, named "Joint Sea-2024," reportedly began in early July and will last until mid-month. The Chinese Defense Ministry announced that the drills are taking place in the sea and airspace near the city of Zhanjiang in the southern province of Guangdong. The joint exercises are intended to "demonstrate the determination and capability of both sides to deal with threats to maritime security and maintain global and regional peace and stability," the ministry said. They are also meant to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era."
11:47 Kiev to bring artillery attack on children's clinic to International Criminal CourtThe Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office plans to bring the alleged Russian artillery attack on a children's hospital in Kiev to the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Cases like an intentional attack on the largest children's hospital in Kiev should go to the ICC," says Andrij Kostin. Russia denies responsibility for the attack and attributes it to a Ukrainian missile defense system malfunction. Experts dispute this. They argue that a missile defense system rocket would have caused numerous small craters or indentations at the impact site, not a half-buried building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jagdbrigade: "Wonder of technology" capturedThe Ukrainian 68th Separate Jagdbrigade reports on social media about the capture of a modern T90-Proryv tank. This is the latest version from the T90 series and is, along with the T-14, the most advanced combat tank in the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian brigade describes it as a "wonder of technology." The captured model is reportedly in a nearly fully functional state. The soldiers cannot be independently verified, but they have published numerous photos. The soldiers also report the capture of a T-80 combat tank and a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. Their plans include using the three vehicles against the Russian invaders.
10:52 Interior Ministry sees "significantly increased threat due to Russian aggression"
Before the backdrop of reports about attack plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser underscores the determination of German security agencies. "We do not comment on individual threat situations," the SPD politician said. "We take the significantly increased threat due to Russian aggression very seriously." Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Faeser. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in response to Russian threats over the past two years. "The threats range from espionage, sabotage, and cyberattacks to state terrorism."
10:27 "US election is the greatest risk factor for Ukraine"
NATO announced that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the end of the war. This seems to neither bring euphoria nor hope in Ukraine. The NATO rhetoric repeats itself, the promises have become known to the Ukrainians, so journalist Denis Trubetskoy.
10:03 HUR: Russian deep-sea vessel damaged
A modernized Russian deep-sea vessel is reportedly damaged, according to Ukrainian reports, during tests in the European North Sea. The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR reports that the crew lost control during the launch of the AS-36 on July 1. "As a result of the incident, the Russian deep-sea vessel suffered damages that prevent it from continuing the tests," it says on Telegram. Russia is currently assessing the damage and the time required for repairs.
09:32 Russian "troll army" spread propaganda for the AfD before EU election
Anonymous sources reportedly attempted to influence the European election through covert social media campaigns, according to a report by "Spiegel." An analysis by the private research institute Trollrensecs, which evaluated the activities of so-called troll armies in Europe on behalf of the Dutch Social Democrats, revealed this. In Germany, the AfD reportedly profited most from the covert support. According to the analysis, a huge amount of posts advocating for the AfD on the X platform was spread by a small group that used thousands of accounts. The analysts believe that the network is likely Russian-controlled.
09:04 Increase in GPS Disturbances - ISW Reports Intensifying Hybrid Campaign from Moscow
Finnish authorities report an increase in GPS disturbances in the past week. Most of the disturbances are believed to have originated from GPS and radar in the air and maritime traffic from Russia, according to the Institute for the Study of War. A Finnish lighthouse keeper reported on X that he experienced severe GPS and radar disturbances while guiding boats near Kotka and Hamina on the Finnish south coast. The GPS was unavailable for about 90 percent of the stretch between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and Hamina Harbor. This aligns with reports of Russian GPS disturbances in the Baltic states and other European regions, according to the ISW. The Russians are suspected to have disrupted the GPS of a British Defense Minister's aircraft from Kaliningrad and forced Finnair to cancel several flights from Finland. The ISW's assessment: "Russia's apparent GPS disturbances are likely part of an intensifying hybrid campaign by Russia, directly targeting NATO countries, to undermine support for Ukraine and NATO unity."
08:37 Kiev: Five Russian Kalibr Cruise Missiles Intercepted - Russians Seem to be Overloading Air Defense
The Ukrainian Air Force reports intercepting all five Kalibr cruise missiles of the Kh-101 type fired by the Russian military towards Ukraine. Eleven of the 19 drones were also destroyed. The main target of the Russian attack was the city of Starokostyantyniv, which has a significant military airport. The city is located in the Oblast of Khmelnytskyi in western central Ukraine. The eleven drones were intercepted over six regions, including Sumy, Kiev, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolajiv. The Ukrainian Air Force does not provide information on the fate of the remaining drones. "It is likely that the enemy is imitating attack drones to overload air defense. There is no information about casualties or damages."
08:22 Greens Defend Stationing Plan: It's About Protection
Greens Fraktion Vice President Agnieszka Brugger defends the planned deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany. She understands that many people may associate this with the Cold War, says the defense expert in Deutschlandfunk. However, these measures are not a contribution to arms race but serve defensive purposes. In the 80s, two power blocs stood against each other, neither of which wanted maximum escalation, explained Brugger. Nevertheless, there were many dangerous situations back then. Today, there is a brutal aggressor who is breaking international law, has shifted to a war economy, and is waging the most brutal war against Ukraine. The stationing plan is therefore about solidarity and protection, not aggression.
07:53 Shocked by Attack on Children's Clinic: Russian Pilot Leaked Apparent Data of Commanders
A Russian pilot is reportedly suspected of leaking confidential information to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service (HUR), contributing to the identification of 30 commanders of the Russian heavy bomber aviation division. According to "Kyiv Independent", this information was obtained from a confidential source within the intelligence service. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber aviation division, contacted HUR on July 8 following the devastating Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kiev. This attack reportedly shocked him so much that he decided to take this step. The pilot is said to have provided personal information, including photos and other confidential documents, about 30 Russian commanders.
07:28 Rheinmetall-CEO: Russian Wear-and-Tear War May Last Forever
Rheinmetall Chairman of the Board Armin Papperger believes that the war in Ukraine may continue for a long time. The ongoing wear-and-tear war harms the Russians as well, but it can last forever, he stated in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Papperger also expects sustained growth for the Düsseldorf-based defense conglomerate. The sales are projected to increase by 40% this year.
07:05 Threats Against Rheinmetall-CEO? Alleged Russian Agents Were Reportedly in the EU
The threat against Rheinmetall-CEO Armin Papperger from alleged assassination plans may have been more concrete than previously known. According to information from the "Spiegel" citing security sources, suspicious travels of suspected agents were observed in recent months. These men were reportedly from countries of the former Soviet Union, at least one from Russia. Some had been in the Schengen Area, while others had planned to enter. Suspicious individuals were reportedly detected both near the Rheinmetall headquarters and at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that these individuals could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – hired hands from Moscow.
06:49 Heusgen: Berlin Still Underestimates the Situation
The head of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, criticizes the majority of the German government for their communication regarding the Ukraine war. "In Germany, the Defense Minister speaks openly about the need to prepare for war. But most of his cabinet colleagues still underestimate the seriousness of the situation," he lamented. Putin reportedly aims to restore the old Soviet Union. "We are still downplaying it all a bit here," Heusgen said. "People need to be given a clear and honest account of what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is arming, and that Russia has nuclear-capable missiles stationed in Kaliningrad that can reach Germany."
06:22 Spionage for Russia: Australian Couple ArrestedTwo Australian citizens of Russian descent have been arrested in Australia on espionage charges. The 40 and 62-year-old couple are accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to give to Russian authorities, according to the Australian Federal Police. The wife is a soldier in the Australian military. The Australian authorities accuse the couple of planning a spying offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
05:55 Outrage over Report of Murder Plans: "Putin Regime now targets German citizens"A CNN report on alleged Russian assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has caused outrage in Germany. "It shows once again that Russia is bringing its war and terror to Europe," says the chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, in an interview with the "Bild" newspaper. "The Putin regime now targets not only Ukrainians but also German citizens." The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth of the SPD, tells the paper that Putin is not only waging a war of annihilation against Ukraine but also against its supporters and our values. US intelligence services, according to CNN, discovered plans of the Russian government to assassinate Papperger at the beginning of the year. The German side was informed, and the 61-year-old was subsequently given increased protection.
05:18 Hungary Accuses NATO Allies of Hypocrisy, FailureThe Hungarian government accuses NATO allies of hypocrisy and failure regarding the handling of Russia's aggression against Ukraine at the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington. "We will continue to advocate for dialogue and diplomatic channels, as the current strategy of the past two and a half years has been a total failure," says Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, according to a spokesperson, in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Szijjarto represented Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who left the summit early to meet with former US President Donald Trump in Florida.
04:35 United Kingdom Calls on NATO Allies to Increase Defense EffortsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces a government plan at the NATO summit in Washington to increase defense spending to 2.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product. Simultaneously, he urges other allies to also increase their defense spending. 23 of the 32 NATO members currently spend less than 2% of their GDP on defense, and given the serious threats to security, more needs to be done, Starmer says.
03:30 Biden: I Would Speak with Putin if He Were Open to ChangeUS President Joe Biden currently sees no point in talking to Kremlin chief Putin. In general, he is willing to speak with any state or government leader - including Chinese State and Party Chief Xi Jinping, Biden emphasizes in a press conference following the NATO summit. This also applies if Putin calls him. "I'm saying I'm willing to speak with anyone, but I don't see any willingness on his part," Biden says. Putin must be willing to change his behavior.
02:32 Building of new NATO-Ukraine Command in Wiesbaden beginsIn Wiesbaden, the construction of the new NATO-Ukraine Command for coordinating weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian forces starts today. However, the commander for Europe is expected to take several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, NATO representatives stated on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. In the meantime, US military forces will continue to handle the coordination duties. The deployment is also a precaution for the possible return of Donald Trump to the US Presidency in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rejects unlimited weapons engagement against RussiaFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's demand for lifting all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "Nobody intends to change the existing guidelines and regulations - for good reasons," says the SPD politician at the end of the NATO summit. We want to support Ukraine as much as possible, but prevent the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO, Scholz adds. Zelenskyy is primarily concerned about military bases in the Russian hinterland from which rocket attacks on Ukraine originate. More than 40 civilians, including children, were killed in attacks on Ukrainian cities on Monday.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: Aware of Russian threatsIn connection with a media report about a Russian plot to target Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to Russian threats. "I won't say anything about that in detail," Scholz said at the NATO summit in Washington. "But I would also be happy to tell you that we are very well aware that we are exposed to various threats from Russian activities."
00:40 UN demands Russia withdraw from Zaporizhzhia NPPThe United Nations General Assembly calls on Russia to withdraw its military and other unauthorized personnel from the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia NPP. Russia should restore the facility to full control of Ukrainian authorities, according to a UN resolution passed with 99 Yes votes, nine No votes, and 60 abstentions. The Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest in Europe, was taken over by Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Although it has been shut down, it still requires external energy to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a nuclear meltdown.
23:36 Pistorius expects correction in budget 2025Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that there will be adjustments in favor of the defense budget in the 2025 budget draft. "I assume that further talks will lead to changes," says the SPD politician in the ARD. He will not stop advocating for equipping the Bundeswehr to fulfill its tasks.
22:46 Kremlin: "On the best way to a Cold War"The Kremlin criticizes the planned stationing of US long-range weapons in Germany as a return to the Cold War. "We are on the best way to a Cold War. All of this has happened before", says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov to Russian state television. Peskow accuses Germany, the USA, France, and Britain of directly involving themselves in the conflict over Ukraine. "And all the features of the Cold War are returning - with confrontation, with direct confrontation between enemies", he says. "All of this is being done with the goal of undermining our country. All of this is being done to ensure our strategic defeat on the battlefield", emphasizes Peskow. However, during the Cold War, there was peace in Europe. Russia began its war against Ukraine in 2014, which it expanded massively again in 2022.
21:34 Zelenskyy: Demands for western weapons restrictions to endUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for the lifting of all restrictions on the use of western weapons against Russian territory at the NATO summit in Washington. "If we want to win and save our country, then all these restrictions must be lifted", emphasizes the Ukrainian leader. The main issue is military bases in the Russian hinterland from which rocket attacks are launched. "If they attack us and kill our children, it's crazy to ask why we can't attack that military base", so Zelenskyy.
20:58 USA announces additional aid package with Patriot systemUS President Joe Biden announces an additional aid package for Ukraine worth $225 million. Part of the package includes a Patriot system, which is intended to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense against Russian air raids. The package also includes NASAMS missile defense systems, multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type, as well as artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 millimeters, according to the US government. The weapons come from US military stocks.
20:19 Stoltenberg accuses Russia of intimidation campaignNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reports on a Russian campaign of hostile actions against the Alliance. It aims to intimidate NATO members and prevent them from supporting Ukraine. However, this approach has had the opposite effect, says Stoltenberg at the NATO summit in Washington.
- Ukraine is nevertheless seeking international support with its military efforts, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently called on NATO to provide more heavy weapons in response to Russian attacks.
- The US Department of Defense is considering deploying additional military assets to Ukraine, including long-range strike capabilities, in response to ongoing Russian cyberwar attacks and deployments.
- Paris and Berlin have pledged to increase their military deployments to Eastern Europe in an effort to deter further aggression from Russia and support Ukraine's defense.
- There are growing concerns that the escalating Ukraine-Conflict could lead to a wider cyberwar between Russia and NATO, with potential attacks on critical infrastructure.
- Some experts warn that Russia's military deployment in Ukraine is not just an attack on Ukrainian territory, but also an attack on the principles of self-determination and sovereignty that are fundamental to the NATO alliance.
