Stoltenberg: 'No Doubt', that Ukraine can attack military targets in Russia
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told Ukrainian media, according to reports, that he supports attacks on military targets in Russia. "My position is that there is no doubt that Ukraine has the right to strike legitimate military targets on the territory of the aggressor country Russia. Since it is a war that Russia started against Ukraine, Ukraine has the right to self-defense, and that includes attacks on the territory of the aggressor. That is absolutely clear to me," Stoltenberg said. He also noted that different NATO countries impose varying restrictions on the use of weapons they supply: Some set no limits, while others provide only some restrictions.
"20:15 "Burning tire": Ukraine claims to have destroyed a Russian artillery system worth over a million dollars
Ukrainian troops claim to have destroyed a Russian artillery system of the type Akatsiya, worth over a million dollars, according to their own reports. "The Russian Akatsiya burned tirelessly," the caption of a video released by the Ukrainian General Staff reads, as reported by "Kyiv Post." The troops reportedly target the artillery system with an unclear weapon. The Ukrainian newspaper, however, cannot independently verify the date and location of the incident. The drone footage shows a large explosion followed by smaller explosions.
"19:40 TASS reports multiple drone attacks
In the vicinity of the city of Shebekino in the Russian border region of Belgorod, the Russian news agency TASS reports that a truck was attacked by a Ukrainian suicide drone, wounding the driver. "The man sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg and arm. He was treated on the spot and could not be taken to the hospital," the region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, is quoted as saying. In addition, TASS reports that several other settlements were attacked by Ukrainian drones. Damage was caused to single-family homes in the villages of Ziborovka and Murov and a multi-family home in Bezymeno.
"19:09 US Weapons Deployment: Merz expects "precise reporting" from the government
CDU leader Friedrich Merz criticized the German government for surprising the public with the announcement of the stationing of American long-range weapons. "I have not received any briefing from the German government up to today," Merz said in an ARD summer interview. He expects the German government to provide "precise reporting" in the coming days. "That is a fundamental change in the strategic military situation in Europe and in Germany, and that cannot be done with just a press release." Germany and the USA announced at the NATO summit last week that the United States would station missiles and hypersonic weapons in Germany starting in 2026.
"18:33 Kiev: Energy supply to improve soon
The energy supply in Ukraine is expected to improve, according to the Ukrainian government, as reported by "Kyiv Independent." Premier Minister Denis Schmyhal made the statement. The government is reportedly working to decentralize energy production and supporting a wide range of consumers to facilitate additional energy production. Kiev is also investing in renewable energy and supporting solar panels and wind turbines. In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure to disrupt the country's energy network once again.
17:55 Kiev hopes for US approval for use of long-range weapons
The USA has not yet given Ukraine permission to use long-range weapons against targets on Russian territory. This was stated by Ihor Schowka, the deputy head of the Presidential Administration of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to "Voice of America". Nevertheless, Ukraine continues to work with the USA on this issue and hopes for a quick concession. "Everyone knows where the danger lies, where the rockets (against Ukraine) are launched from." Schowka expressed himself optimistically: "All important decisions that the USA has made earlier were made very quietly - and that will also be the case this time." Ukraine has been requesting permission for some time to use the long-range weapons provided by the USA and other Western partners against targets on Russian territory. So far, Ukrainian military personnel can only deploy drones with significantly lower explosive power.
17:24 Merz: Ukraine to also receive delivery of combat jets
CDU leader Friedrich Merz calls for stronger support for Ukraine and the delivery of combat jets. Merz said in ARD: "It seems plausible to me to help Ukraine at least to regain control over its own airspace. These rocket attacks, which are now taking place in ever greater numbers, against infrastructure, against power and water supply, against hospitals, nursing homes, that cannot be kept under control from the ground alone. And that's why the delivery of combat jets to the Ukraine is already a done deal in many countries around the world, including in Europe. We, as Germans, should not step back." The transfer of F-16 jets is already underway, the USA, the Netherlands, and Denmark announced in a joint statement at the NATO summit in Washington on Tuesday.
16:50 Partisans report large fire that destroys Russian subunits
There was a sabotage action near the Russian-occupied Oleshki in the Kherson region, according to a report by the Partisan Movement Atesh on Telegram. One of their agents set dry grass on fire near the positions of one of the units of the 70th motorized infantry division of the Russian army. "As a result of the fire, three subunits were destroyed, trenches and defensive trenches of the unit were destroyed." Weapons and supplies were also destroyed. "Up to twenty members of the unit suffered severe burns." The post of the partisans ends with the call: "We continue our resistance along the entire front line and inflict significant damage to the occupiers. Join the ranks of Atesh."
15:19 Russian soldiers apparently detain Georgians illegally in South Ossetia
Russian troops detained a Georgian national illegally near the village of Adzvi on the border with the occupied region of South Ossetia on Saturday. This was reported by "Kyiv Independent" with reference to the Georgian State Security Service. The information about the illegal detention was immediately forwarded to the EU monitoring mission in Georgia. "The Russian occupation forces are responsible for all destructive actions that are committed in the occupied territories of Georgia and along the occupation line," the secret service further quoted. Moscow gained full control over the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after its invasion of Georgia in 2008.
15:43 Zelensky hopes for more US aid after return from trip
After returning from the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised soldiers and weapons factories further help. At the NATO summit in Washington, concrete agreements were made to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities; it's about weapons for the soldiers and support for Ukraine's weapons industries, he says. There will also be more Patriots and dozens of other air defense systems. In the past week alone, Russia has fired more than 700 guided air-to-ground bombs, over 170 various types of combat drones, and nearly 80 rockets at Ukraine, the Ukrainian leader tells X.
15:11 Russia claims capture of another village in eastern Ukraine
The Russian army, according to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow, has taken control of another village in eastern Ukraine. The ministry reports that the village of Urozhainye in the Donetsk region is now in the hands of "troops from the Eastern Military District." The village is located near the southern frontline, close to the region of Zaporizhzhia. It was one of the few settlements that the Ukrainian army had recaptured during its counteroffensive in 2023. The Russian troops had advanced along the South-North axis along the Mokryi Yalynyi River.
14:36 Russians kill 13 Ukrainians on Saturday
Thirteen people were killed and 54 others were wounded, including children, in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Saturday, according to local authorities, reports the "Kyiv Independent." The civilian victims were reported in the oblasts of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk.
14:26 Kremlin implies US government indirect responsibility for Trump assassination attempt
The Kremlin implies indirect responsibility for the US government in the shooting at US presidential candidate Donald Trump. "We do not believe that the current authorities organized the attempt to assassinate or kill Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "However, an atmosphere was created in the US where such actions could have been possible." Peskov also claimed that it was obvious to all external observers that Trump's life was in danger.
13:53 Zelensky: More than 700 guided bombing attacks by Russians in the past week
In the past seven days, Russia has used more than 700 guided air-to-ground bombs, over 170 various types of combat drones, and nearly 80 rockets against Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media. "The scale of this evil must be met with the scale of decisions to protect human life. Every partner can make a difference and strengthen defense against terror," he wrote further.
12:55 DeepState: Russians advancing in Donetsk
The Russian forces have taken control of the village of Urozhainye in the Donetsk region, according to the pro-Ukrainian portal DeepState. The fighting continues in Zalizny and Klishchiivka. Additionally, the Russians are reportedly advancing near Oleksandropol, Nowoseliwka Perscha, and Makijiwka. Urozhainye was captured by Russian forces during their invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It was reportedly retaken by the Ukrainian military in August 2023.
12:07 Russia: Three-Tonnen-Bomb dropped on Ukrainian military base
The Russian Defense Ministry shows in a video a Sukhoi Su-34 jet dropping a heavy bomb. The Sukhoi Su-34 is a two-seat jet fighter bomber developed in the Soviet Union. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the bomb in question was likely the type FAB-3000, which is dropped from aircraft and weighs three tons, with the warhead reportedly weighing around 1200 kg. The Russian Defense Ministry claims the bomb hit a Ukrainian Air Force base.
11:30 Ukraine: Death toll rises after Russian air raids in Donetsk
Following Russian air raids in the Donetsk region, the death toll has risen to six. Six residents of the Donetsk region were killed: two each in Novootscheretuwate (see entry at 21:53) and Progres, one in Kostiantynopolskiy, and one in Novoselivka Pershii (see entry at 22:17). This was announced by the Ukrainian governor of the Donetsk region, Wadym Filaschkin, on social media. In total, 11 more people were injured in the attacks throughout the day.
11:00 Report: Ireland preparing security agreement with Ukraine
Ireland is taking the first steps towards drafting a security agreement with Ukraine. This was reported by "The Kyiv Independent" following a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ireland. For a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, Zelenskyy made a brief stopover at Shannon Airport in Ireland on his return flight from the NATO summit in Washington. According to "The Kyiv Independent", Harris described the encounter as a "very good meeting", during which they discussed a potential bilateral agreement on mine clearance, energy, humanitarian aid, and food security. Ireland follows a policy of neutrality, is not a NATO member, and has one of the lowest defense budgets in the EU, accounting for around 0.2% of its Gross Domestic Product. The Irish government does not supply weapons to Ukraine but has recognized Russia's war against Ukraine as a genocide.
10:24 Ukraine: Six Russian air raids repelled
In the east of the country, the Ukrainian air defense reportedly shot down two enemy guided missiles of the CH-59/Ch-69 type and four reconnaissance drones: three Orlan-10s and one ZALA. This was announced by the Ukrainian air defense in social media.
09:42 Russia exploits Trump assassination attempt for propaganda
Just hours after the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Russia used the incident for its own purposes. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, called on the US government to "reconsider their policy of inciting hatred". She claimed this policy targeted "political opponents, countries, and peoples". Zakharova also used the assassination attempt to make propaganda against US support for Ukraine. She urged Republican politicians to "perhaps use the money for financing the police and other services that ensure law and order in the US instead of funding Selenskyy".
09:00 Ukraine reveals numbers on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to the report from Kiev, Russia has lost approximately 559,090 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the past 24 hours alone, the losses amounted to 1,320. The report also states that seven tanks and 46 artillery systems were destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 8,206 tanks, 15,262 artillery systems, and 361 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,108 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates put the loss numbers lower - these being minimum values.
07:59 Governor: Air alarm over the region of ZaporizhzhiaMilitary Governor of the Zaporizhzhia region, Ivan Fedorov, has declared an air raid alarm in the southern Ukrainian region. On Telegram, he reports of attacks with ballistic missiles. According to Fedorov, other regions in Ukraine are also being attacked. He makes no statements regarding casualties or fatalities.
06:30 Russia reports destroyed drone in BelgorodRussia reports the destruction of a Ukrainian drone in the Belgorod region during the previous night. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using a drone was thwarted at approximately 23:05 Moscow Time. In Belgorod and other border regions with Ukraine, there have been frequent Ukrainian attacks. The night before, for instance, an oil depot in the region of Rostov was set on fire by Ukrainian drones.
06:06 "F-16 is no game changer"The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba states that no specific weapon will change the situation in the war, but rather sufficient armament and ammunition for Ukrainian troops. "No single weapon can be a game changer, one that alters everything. We can only change the situation for the better if we have all the necessary weapons, adequate equipment, and sufficient ammunition. That's why F-16 fighter jets, expected to arrive in Ukraine soon, are just as important as various types of air defense systems, just as they are important as armored tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery ammunition," Kuleba said.
05:06 Kiev: The Crimea Bridge must be destroyedCrimea has become an uncomfortable territory. This is the achievement of the Ukrainian security and defense forces, explains the head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, General Lieutenant Kyrylo Budanov. According to "Ukrinform," citing the press service of the agency. The report states that the rebuilding of the Black Sea Fleet after a series of Ukrainian attacks would pose a challenge for Moscow. The goal is the destruction of the Crimea Bridge, Budanov says. So far, it has been possible to force Russia to withdraw its warships as far as possible from Crimea, explains the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
00:01 Ukraine shoots down two Russian reconnaissance dronesUkrainian forces shoot down two Russian reconnaissance drones of the Orlan type at the southern front. "Ukrinform" reports this, citing a Telegram post from the Southern Air Command. According to the report, the Russians are also attacking the Odessa region with a ballistic missile. It is believed to be an Iskander-M missile launched from the Crimea.
22:17 Two dead in Oblast Donetsk
Already before the attack on Nowootscheretuwate, there were further deadly attacks in the Oblast Donetsk. The territory of a farm in Kostiantynopolske was reportedly hit by cruise missiles - one person died, another was injured. In Tschassiw Jar, a warehouse was damaged, resulting in another death.
21:53 More civilian casualties in Oblast Donetsk
Civilians continue to die in the Donetsk Oblast following a Russian attack. The village of Nowootscheretuwate was reportedly hit by cruise missiles, according to "Ukrainska Pravda," citing the military administration. Two people were killed in the attack, another was injured. The victims were reportedly in a house that was hit by a cruise missile. A total of ten buildings were damaged.
21:11 Russians kill medics with second attack on village
This cruel tactic is well-known: After an attack, the Russians shell a target again to hit any rescue teams. Such was apparently the case with the attack on the village of Budy in the Oblast Kharkiv (Eastern Ukraine). Among the two killed was the head of the emergency medical services for the oblast, Artem Kstyria, according to "Kyiv Independent," citing the Interior Ministry. "The terrorists cynically and intentionally shelled as rescue teams arrived at the scene," reportedly said the mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov.
- The NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, supports Ukraine's right to strike legitimate military targets on Russian territory in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine.
- In the ongoing Ukraine-Conflict, Ukrainian troops claim to have destroyed a Russian Akatsiya artillery system worth over a million dollars using an unidentified weapon.
- Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking a truck with a Ukrainian suicide drone near the city of Shebekino in the Belgorod region, resulting in injuries to the driver.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, hopes for US approval to use long-range weapons against Russian targets following their request for such permission.
- NATO countries, including the USA, are reportedly considering providing Ukraine with combat jets to help Ukraine regain control of its airspace and protect its infrastructure from Russian attacks.
