The European Union chooses to impose penalties against the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe.

The European Union chooses to impose penalties against the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe.

The European Union member states are enforcing sanctions against the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe and three Russian media outlets. These entities will be unavailable across the entire EU, the countries declared.

At 13:53, Putin: Western sanctions "stupid decisions"Putin criticizes the Western sanctions as a distortion of fair competition, harming the global economy. "These aren't market-oriented, sheer stupid decisions with no prospects," he told Russian state media representatives in China. He asserts that the US weaken the dollar with the sanctions and "cut off the branch they're sitting on." Putin claims the sanctions aren't connected to the war against Ukraine. Instead, the West's goal is to gain a competitive edge.

At 13:41, Putin hopes for extra new pipeline to China.Russia and China want to grow their energy partnership. Both countries have confirmed their interest in constructing the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which will transport Russian gas to China, shared Putin during his visit to China. He anticipates Gazprom and other involved companies will reach an agreement on the pipeline's route. Additionally, they're considering building an oil pipeline "along the same route."

At 13:21, Putin: Currently not planning to take Kharkiv.According to Putin, the city of Kharkiv, bombarded by Russian troops for weeks, won't be taken currently. As it stands, there are no intentions to take Kharkiv, Putin told Russian state media representatives in China. A reporter inquired about his statement after Zelensky visited the heavily attacked Kharkiv area the previous day. Zelensky mentioned stabilization. Putin suggests that Russia is creating a buffer zone because the Russian region of Belgorod is being shelled from Kharkiv. However, several experts predict that the Kremlin intends to annex the Kharkov region.

At 12:58, Political analyst: Beijing talks "clearly" with Putin off-camera.Openly, China is trying to maintain a respectful demeanor toward Russian President Putin. But, behind closed doors, their dialogue could be different, notes political scientist Thomas Jäger. Russia's reliance on its powerful neighbor is significant:

At 12:28, Putin promises more energy to China.During his visit to China, Putin offers China increased energy supplies. "Russia is prepared and able to consistently and reliably provide the Chinese economy, companies, cities, and villages with environmentally friendly and affordable energy, electricity, and heat," proclaimed the Kremlin leader at the opening of a Russian-Chinese trade fair in Harbin. He's confident the energy sector alliance will strengthen.

At 12:14, Satellite images reveal Belbek airbase damage.For two consecutive days, Ukrainian armed forces shelled the occupied Crimea and targeted the Belbek airbase. Russia asserts they intercepted a total of five ATACMS. Aerial photographs show remains of fires and damaged fighter jets:

At 11:57, Munz observes fissures in Russia-China relationship.Despite a purported 30-page agreement between Russia and China, there are still cracks, according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. For instance, China might join Switzerland's peace negotiations or refrain from relying excessively on Russian raw materials:

At 11:34, Ukrainian commander: Russia has enlarged combat area by 70 kilometers.Russian army leader Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian troops broadened their active combat area around the Kharkiv region, increasing by nearly 70 kilometers during their offensive. Russia first deployed this offensive to provoke Ukraine to send additional reserve brigades. He predicts that the conflict will escalate as Kiev's troops in Kiev prepare for defense in the Sumy region.

At 11:15, Video shows aftermath of Ukraine's attacks on Russia.Ukraine allegedly attacked various locations within Russian territory, including a drone attack on a Tuapse oil refinery on the Krasnodar coast. Russia claims they countered over 100 Ukrainian drones overnight:

At 10:31, Baerbock requests longer-range weapons.In light of the crisis around Kharkiv, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is demanding more weapons with longer ranges. The situation in Ukraine's second-largest city is "extremely alarming," said Baerbock at a Council of Europe foreign ministers gathering. Russia is indiscriminately firing into the city from their own territory, making Ukrainian air defense ineffective. However, Ukraine also needs "weaponry that can engage in medium and long-range offensive operations," the minister emphasized. Kharkiv is about 40 kilometers from the Russian border.

At 10:02, Putin and Xi embrace goodbye.Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President and Party Leader Xi Jinping ended their talks in China with a friendly farewell gesture. On a video from state broadcaster CCTV, Putin and Xi first shook hands and then belly-bumped each other, displaying a harmonious farewell. Today, Putin continues his two-day state visit to the northern Chinese city of Harbin.

Ukraine reports an occurrence of four explosions in Kharkiv

Ukraine has claimed to shootdown all twenty drones targeted at the nation by Russia throughout the night. The military has mentioned shootdowns over regions Kharkiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Odessa, and Mykolaiv. In the region of Kharkiv, four explosions took place during the attack, as the city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov reported. A fire was also initiated as one of the explosions detonated. As per the local governor, five structures were damaged, including an administrative building.

09:02 An ntv reporter discloses Russian movements towards the city boundaries of Kharkiv

The war atmosphere in Kharkiv is extremely strained. The Ukrainian forces are making headway in securing the military scenario at the city limits, but simultaneously, the "Russians have managed to consolidate their stance" and are approximately 30 kilometers away from Kharkiv, as claimed by ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert:

08:34 Russia confirms casualties in Belgorod region

As per the authorities, two individuals have been killed in Russia, due to the nocturnal Ukrainian drone strikes. In the village of Oktyabrsky situated on the Russian border, a mother and her four-year-old son succumbed to a combat drone, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

08:06 Russia admits an attack on Sevastopol in Crimea

The Moscow Ministry of Defense states that the Crimean city of Sevastopol was assaulted during the night. According to the regional governor, a power infrastructure site has been damaged. In light of the evolving scenario, schools and kindergartens remained shut down. Sevastopol is the home port of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Russia took control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, violating international regulations.

07:42 Allegations of a strike on a Black Sea Fleet port

Videos transpired on X of an apparent widespread Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea Fleet port of Novorossiysk. The Russian state news agency RIA reports about missile attacks in the area, without specifically mentioning the port.

07:18 Moscow highlights the interception of over a hundred Ukrainian drones

Arriving to a total of over 100 Ukrainian drones, Russia disclosed that these were intercepted throughout the night. The breakdown included 51 drones over the seized Crimean peninsula, 44 more in Krasnodar region, six in Belgorod region, and one in Kursk region, unfolded by the Russian Ministry of Defense. In return for everyday shellings from Russia, Ukraine has amplified its assaults on Russian territory, regularly targeting energy infrastructure.

06:58 Three fighter jets annihilated, one damaged at Crimean military airfield

With satellite images of Maxar, three fighter jets were completely annihilated - two MiG-31s and one Su-27, and another - a MiG-29 - was damaged in the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian military airfield Belbek in Crimea. The New York Times specifies that a fuel depot was also demolished. On Thursday night, Ukraine attacked the airbase for the second consecutive night.

06:33 Another suspected assault on a Russian oil refinery

Videos have arisen on X stating an alleged additional Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian oil refinery. A plant in Tuapse, located at the Black Sea, is believed to be the target.

06:14 Putin spotlights trade with China's northeastern region

Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to underline the significance of trade in Northeastern China following his signing of a strategic partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping later today. Putin ends his two-day trip to China in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, which has sustained trade and cultural reciprocation with Russia.

06:00 Russia responds to the expulsion of the British military attaché

The Russian Foreign Ministry has declared Adrian Coghill, the UK's military attaché, a person non grata and has ordered him to depart the country in a week. This is a countermeasure after the UK expelled the Russian military attaché, whom they believed was an undeclared intelligence agent.

05:30 The New York Times conveys plans of NATO Member Countries stipulating military facilitators to Ukraine

Some NATO member countries are considering the possibility of providing military educators or contractors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian forces and assist in repairing equipment, as reported by The New York Times. Ukraine has petitioned the U.S. and other NATO countries to help train 150,000 soldiers near the front line. However, the U.S. leans towards hesitancy due to the peril of assaults on educators that could provoke NATO's collective defense clause. Alternative strategies are being considered this includes training massive numbers of Ukrainian recruits in Germany and Poland, which could pose significant logistical challenges considering the magnitude of soldiers. Multiple NATO countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, are reviewing plans to send defense contractors to Ukraine. Concurrently, the White House is re-evaluating its taboo on US defense contractors in Ukraine.

4:42 AM Japan: Rule of law must be observed in distribution of Russian assets

The Japanese Finance Minister, Shunichi Suzuki, addresses the US proposal to utilize the interest from frozen Russian funds to assist Ukraine. Suzuki insists that these discussions should be aligned with international law, asserting "Japan will engage in the forthcoming G7 meeting from this fundamental perspective."

1:11 PM Kim Jong Un's sister debunks arms agreement with Russia

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, denies any arms trade relationship with Russia. According to the North Korean state news agency KCNA, citing Kim's public statement, she clarifies that the weapons created by North Korea were not produced for export but developed for self-defense against South Korea. The accusations of an arms deal with Russia are categorized as an "outlandish theory" constructed by prejudices and fabrications. In response, both Moscow and Pyongyang have discarded these accusations.

12:04 PM Air raid alert in Kharkiv cancelled after UAV assaults

An air raid alert primarily in Kharkiv, which had persisted for more than 16 hours, has been withdrawn. Kharkiv's Governor, Oleh Synyehubov, quantifies at least five drones having previously targeted Kharkiv, Ukraine's second major city. Ihor Terekhov, the city's mayor, makes public a district that was stricken and a fire that had ensued. Suspilne, the public broadcaster, highlights the extended air raid alert in Kharkiv as the longest since the Russian intrusion in Ukraine in February 2022.

11:51 PM USA: Beijing's endorsement of Moscow impedes collaboration with the West

The US administration views Beijing's backing for Russia as an impediment to renewing relations with the West. Vedant Patel, the US State Department's spokesperson, labels this Chinese support as an impairment to re-establishing ties with Europe and other countries. He underscores that Beijing cannot concurrently "participate in two weddings simultaneously". Establishing better connections with Europe and other nations is not achievable if they concurrently "stoke the gravest security threat to European countries in decades", Patel expresses, alluding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

11:34 PM Selensky alerts of dangerous ramifications for Europe due to Russian missile strikes on gas infrastructure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issues a warning about potential hazards for Europe due to the Russian missile attacks on the gas distribution network. Sharing this with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelensky issued a video message, alerting that missile attacks on the gas infrastructure in western Ukraine pose risks not only for Ukraine but for all Europe, prompting a call for joint actions against this peril.

10:06 PM Persisting power outages in Ukraine following strikes on energy facilities

As a consequence of the substantial damage inflicted on energy facilities and substations in Ukraine, the government anticipates electricity outages to last monthlong. An enhancement is not likely until August or September, remarks Yuri Boyko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Prime Minister and a member of Ukrenerho's supervisory board. Starting from Wednesday, there will be scheduled shutdowns in regions to save energy. Kharkiv's capital is also experiencing power outages. Boyko reports that Russian missile strikes have significantly compromised the power grid.

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1. The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to discussions about the involvement of NATO in military operations against Russia, with some countries considering sending military educators or contractors to Ukraine to aid in training and equipment repair.
2. Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the Western sanctions against his country, calling them "stupid decisions" that distort fair competition and harm the global economy, during a visit to China.
3. The European Union imposed sanctions on the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe and three Russian media outlets, making them unavailable across the entire EU, in response to Russia's military operations in Ukraine.
4. Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, expressed concern about the potential hazards for Europe due to Russian missile strikes on gas infrastructure, warning about the need for joint actions against this threat.

Source: www.ntv.de