Russia Proposes To Re-evaluate Its Nuclear Policy Due To Lack of Clarity in Statement
Russia adjusts its Atom policy. NTV reporter Rainer Munz discusses the reasons for the declaration and covers Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years. The visit indicates a significant change in the Kremlin, according to the Russia expert.
9:00 Putin thanks Kim for support in UkraineRussian President Vladimir Putin thanks Kim Jong Un during his visit to North Korea for backing the Kremlin's policy in Ukraine. Kim assures Russia of "total support and solidarity." During the initial talks, Putin reveals the signing of an agreement designed to strengthen relations between Moscow and Pyongyang. According to Russian news agencies Tass and Ria Novosti, Putin declares that the "new core document" will serve as the foundation of relations between the two nations in the long term. The Kremlin leader praises the "close bond" between the two nations, which is based on "equality and respect for mutual interests."
8:31 Reisner: Initiative switches - Ukraine brings Western rockets into playUkraine can now strike targets in Russia using Western weaponry. The pressure on Russian logistics is also noticeable at the front. Ukrainian troops may regain the initiative in some war zones, as Colonel Reisner of the Austrian Army suggests.
8:08 Kiev estimates Russian losses at over 529,000 soldiersSince the beginning of its military aggression on February 24, Russia has reportedly lost over 529,750 soldiers in Ukraine. This is according to the update from the Ukrainian military general staff. Furthermore, Moscow has lost 7984 tanks, 15,319 armored combat vehicles, 19,078 vehicles and fuel tanks, 14,007 artillery systems, 1104 multiple rocket launchers, 857 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,221 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
7:27 Putin announces new "core document" between Russia and North KoreaRussian President Vladimir Putin announces during his meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang a new "core document" between the two countries. "Today, a new core document is ready, which will be the basis for our long-term relations," Putin says according to Russian news agencies in Pyongyang. Moscow and Pyongyang have made significant progress in enhancing their bilateral relations, Putin adds. Moreover, Putin invites Kim to visit Russia, according to Russian news agencies. "I am eagerly looking forward to seeing you again," Putin says, who has already welcomed Kim twice in the Far East of Russia, the last time in September and before that in April 2019. "I hope the next meeting in Russia, in Moscow, will take place," Putin emphasizes. Putin arrived in North Korea on Tuesday evening.
Previously, the U.S. government has expressed concern over Putin's visit to North Korea. "The growing collaboration between Russia and North Korea should worry anyone interested in upholding peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, as well as supporting the Ukrainian people who continue to battle against Russian aggression," says the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, Pat Ryder, in Washington.
7:06 Russian Court Sentences US Soldier to Multiple-Year Prison TermA Russian court has sentenced a US soldier to multiple years in prison for threats and theft. Gordon Black was sentenced in Vladivostok to three years and nine months in prison, according to reports from the state Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and Tass. Black's attorney plans to file an appeal against the verdict. Black was arrested in Vladivostok in May. He had visited a Russian woman there whom he had met during his service in South Korea. The Russian judicial system accuses Black of assaulting Alexandra Waschtschuk and stealing 10,000 rubles (around 109 Euros) from her. Black allegedly admitted to some wrongdoing but denied threatening Waschtschuk with death. Waschtschuk was reportedly heavily intoxicated during the altercation.
The two had met in October 2022 through a dating app in South Korea and had started a relationship. Waschtschuk eventually invited him to come to Vladivostok. According to the US Army, the soldier had finished his service in South Korea on April 10. Instead of returning to the United States, he traveled "for personal reasons" over China to Vladivostok.
6:31 Kazakh Activist Shot in UkraineA Kazakh opposition figure and well-known blogger living in Ukraine was shot and injured in Kiev. Aydos Sadykov was attacked near his home in the Ukrainian capital, according to his wife Natalia Sadykowa and Ukrainian authorities. He was taken to a hospital and is reportedly in "poor condition." Kiev has launched an investigation. "Preliminary information indicates that an unknown individual ran up to the car in which the victim and his wife were riding, fired at the man, and then fled," it is stated. Sadykov was granted asylum in Ukraine in 2014. Together with his wife, he runs a well-known online channel that critically examines the Kazakh president Kassym-Jomart Tokajev. On the video platform YouTube, he has over a million followers.
As per state news agency Tass, Russia is discussing long-range weapons deployment with its trusted allies. The Kremlin has connections not only in Asia but also in Latin America, and these conversations aren't just about sharing intel, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated. "There's nothing extraordinary about that." Russia intends to discuss long-range arms deployment with several partners as part of its diplomatic and security policies. Further details on the discussion partners and the specific weapons are yet to be released.
05:43 Minutes Near Navalny: Russian Journalist Apprehended Again
A Russian journalist has been detained again in Russia for allegedly supporting organizations linked to the late dissident Alexei Navalny. A Moscow court ruled that Artem Kiger will remain in custody until August 18. Kiger is employed by Navalny's illegal extremist group, FBK. Earlier, independent media company Sotavision reported the arrest of one of its employees.
04:56 Eastern Ukraine Resident Sentenced to 15 Years for Treason
A Ukrainian court sentenced a local resident to 15 years in prison for leaking military information to Russian troops. The Prosecutor's Office in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk made the announcement. The Kostyantynivka resident had revealed the positions of Ukrainian forces and their artillery movements in the region via the Telegram platform. According to the Prosecutor's Office, this act amounts to treason. Despite the Russian contact offering a counter-offer, it failed to materialize.
03:51 Ukrainian Steps Toward Joint Roaming Zone with EU
In pursuit of its relationship with the European Union, Ukraine is making arrangements for a joint roaming zone with EU countries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a corresponding law. "The next step is to obtain a positive evaluation of our legislative changes by the European side, and initiate negotiations to join the single roaming region with the EU," Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said, as reported by his ministry. Ukraine is the first EU membership candidate to take this step.
02:48 Lindner Advises Eastern Germans: NATO and EU could Collapse
Finance Minister Christian Lindner calls for transparency among the eastern German population regarding the German government's Ukraine policy. "We must clearly explain the German government's Ukraine policy to the people in Eastern Germany," Lindner told the Rheinische Post. "It's not just about aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression. Our weapons deliveries, refugee aid, and economic aid also serve our own interests," Lindner explained. "If we accept Russia's breach of international law and aggression, NATO and the EU could dissolve," warned Lindner. "For instance, Poland and the Czech Republic would question our commitment in critical scenarios," Lindner added.
01:48 City Council Speaks Against Cutting Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees
The German City Council opposes cutting benefits for Ukrainian refugees. They responded to the demands of some Interior Ministers to deny future reduced payments to Ukrainian women and men under the Asylseekers Benefits Act. "The Prime Ministers should not engage in a debate regarding the benefit entitlement of Ukrainian women and men with the Federal Chancellor," says City Council President Markus Lewe to the Redaction Network Germany. The Social Code II offers the best tools for bringing Ukrainian refugees more frequently and quickly into employment. "If Ukrainian women and men had to switch to the asylum system instead, access to language courses, employment agencies, or training would be significantly limited. It would be much harder for them to find a job," Lewe said. Moreover, the administrative workload on cities would be substantial.
00:43 Swedish Parliament Approves Defense Agreement with the USA
The Swedish Parliament approves the controversial defense agreement with the USA with a wide margin. After a five-hour discussion, 266 parliamentarians voted for the agreement, 37 against it. Critics are concerned about the potential deployment of nuclear weapons in Sweden and permanent US military bases in the country. The signed agreement, concluded in December in Stockholm and Washington, grants the USA access to 17 military support points and training areas in Sweden and allows for the storage of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition.
23:42 Kerner: Fake EM Map with Crimea - Kerner Apologizes for TV Blunder
A TV error with a false European map prompts moderator Johannes B. Kerner to apologize during the live broadcast of the European Football Championship. In the joint program of MagentaTV and RTL, a map was displayed before the match Turkey against Georgia, which failed to depict the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea as part of Ukraine. "This is a grave mistake, it truly offends us and we deeply apologize for it," says Kerner, describing the mistake as a serious error.
22:51 Zelenskyy: Effective Use of Western Weapons in Russian Territories
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assesses the use of Western weapons against Russian territory as effective. The destruction of Russian defensive structures and launchers near the border is significant, states Zelenskyy in his daily video address. "It succeeds. Precisely as expected." The Ukrainian leader commends several units for unspecified achievements.
22:12 Fatalities at Russian Border Mine Incident
Apparently, two individuals have met their demise due to a mine explosion in the Russian area of Bryansk, close to the Ukrainian border, as indicated by local governor Alexander Bogomas via online networks. According to him, locals discarded warning signs about a potential mine hazard and illegally entered the restricted border zone, resulting in a tragic end for two of them. The explosion claimed their lives on the spot. Another person was reportedly wounded. This incident occurred in the Klimowski district, neighboring the north Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. Bogomas strongly advises everyone to remain cautious and avoid visiting areas in border zones where signs show that mines have been planted for safety reasons. It's worth noting that Russia has increased border fortification during the two-plus-year-long conflict in Ukraine. In the recent past, multiple mine accidents have taken place, with four people, including a state television journalist, sustaining injuries due to a mine explosion in the Belgorod region, another border area.
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