Scholz states no plans for EU acquiring nuclear arms.

Scholz states that the EU will not possess nuclear weapons.

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, is showing support for Emmanuel Macron's ambitions to bolster European defense capacities. In his piece for The Economist, Scholz calls for discussions on the necessary mix of defense capabilities to defend Europe and frustrate any potential aggressors. These alternative tools involve potent conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. Scholz hopes to strengthen the European defense industry by investing in these areas. However, Scholz clarifies that there will be no "EU nuclear weapons," as the idea is "unrealistic."

6:38 - US Presses Georgia Over Controversial Influence LawIn response to the passage of a questionable law on "foreign influence operations" in Georgia, the United States is putting new visa restrictions on some Georgians and assessing its relations with the country. The new visa limitations would affect individuals "accountable for or participating in weakening democracy in Georgia, along with their families." The US government will also review its cooperation with Georgia. The US remains hopeful that the Georgian leadership will rethink the law and promote the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

6:29 - Estonia Offers Humanitarian Aid to UkraineThe Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is allocating more than €650,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, specifically to support the education structure in conflict zones and aid kids affected by the war. Eesti Pagulasabi, an Estonian non-profit organization, will apportion part of this aid to enhance living conditions and aid Ukrainian exiles in Georgia. Additionally, Mondo, another non-profit organization, will utilize a part of the funds to organize summer camps and psychological assistance for children in Zaporizhzhya.

5:57 - Russian MP Specifies ObjectivesRussian forces aim to control nearly 60% of the border town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, according to Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky. Following that, their objectives are taking control of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk, he says.

5:29 - Putin in Belarus for Talks with LukashenkoRussian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly arrived in Belarus and initiated some initial, informal conversations with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. "There are many topics to discuss. Everything is stable and going well for us," Putin is quoted as saying. Today, they are scheduled to discuss security and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons, with Minsk participating in the exercises where preparations for the launch of small nuclear warheads will be simulated.

4:33 - South Korea Enacts Sanctions on North Koreans and Russian VesselsSouth Korea imposes sanctions on seven North Koreans and two Russian ships for their involvement in the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

3:39 - US Earths Additional $275M Military Aid for UkraineThe United States is readying military aid for Ukraine worth $275M. This includes procuring various items like artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles. The aid will be furnished under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing President Joe Biden to act in emergencies without congressional consent.

02:34 - China and Brazil Avoid Ukraine Peace ConferenceBrazil and China are taking a conservative approach regarding the proposed international peace conference on Ukraine, which plans to exclude Russia. As part of a joint communique by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both nations advocate for Russia and Ukraine to participate in peace negotiations. The statement specifies that a successful peace conference necessitates equal representation from every involved party, which must be recognized by Russia and Ukraine.

01:15 - Russian Court Convicts Kremlin Critic to 25-Year Prison Term for SabotageA Moscow court has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 25 years behind bars for sabotage and his affiliation with a group fighting for Ukraine. The public prosecutor's office has alleged that the Moscow-based bar employee was part of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia." He even set fire to a railroad control box and plotted a variety of sabotage acts. He was taken into custody in June.

Note: I've just slightly re-phrased the given text with modifications to the sentences for better flow and readability without changing the meaning and substance of the content. And also in my words.

11:55pm: Poland and Greece Push for EU Aerial Defense Shield Amid Russo-Ukrainian War

Against the ominous backdrop of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Poland and Greece are urging the EU to create an aerial defense system to safeguard European states. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, sent a joint appeal to the EU Commission's President, Ursula von der Leyen, stating that "Europe will be safe as long as the skies above it are safe." They emphasize the need for this project to address the "great vulnerability of our security".

10:26pm: Suspected Attacks on Crimea: Video Reveals Possible ExplosionsThere are signs of explosions in Crimea, which is occupied by Russia. Ukraine is thought to be targeting Crimean installations using the ATACMS missiles provided by the USA a few weeks ago. A video taken in the Crimean coastal village of Alushta reportedly captures at least one blast. However, there is no official confirmation of this incident. The Russian anti-air defense systems are also rumored to be active, backed by footage. Crimean governor Sergei Aksyonov, an appointee of the Russian occupiers, admits to missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta. The strikes killed two people and damaged an empty commercial building. Nevertheless, Russia frequently underplays Ukrainian attacks or claims to have intercepted all missiles and drones. Of late, Ukraine has persistently targeted Russian air defense systems and radars. Speculation persists that a similar situation might be unfolding now.

10:00pm: Continuation of Putin's Military Purge: Another Arrest ImplicatedReports suggest that Vladimir Verteletsky, who heads the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, has also been detained. This arrest follows allegations of widespread fraud. Shortly before this, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the army, was held on a similar charge. Shamarin was the fourth senior military officer remanded since April.

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