The Military Force of the Federation is assisting investigators in their probe.
16:51 Eight Civilians Shed Their Lives in Russian Assaults
There's hardly a day without civilian casualties: As per Ukrainian authorities, eight civilians have succumbed to Russian attacks. Two lives were lost in the Sumy region, bordering Russia. Three casualties were reported in Kharkiv, while three more deaths were announced from Donetsk and Kherson regions.
16:20 Geilenkirchen's NATO Base Sounds All-Clear
The all-clear has been given at the NATO air base in Geilenkirchen. After the security level was elevated to its second-highest level a day prior due to a potential risk, it has now been reduced again as confirmed by a base spokesperson. This implies that the security measures at the airport have reverted to the status quo that had been in effect since the onset of the Ukraine war. No specifics were disclosed concerning the nature of the threat. The second-highest security level in NATO jargon denotes that an event has transpired or there are indications of a possible terrorist act against the alliance. As a precaution, as many personnel as feasible were asked to leave.
16:01 German Federal Prosecutor Investigates Rico Krieger
The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Germany is investigating Rico Krieger, a German citizen, after his release from Belarusian detention in a prisoner swap. A spokesperson revealed that the investigation is based on posited explosive charges. Krieger was sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism and mercenary activities but was subsequently exonerated and handed over to Germany. According to "Die Welt am Sonntag," the 30-year-old allegedly applied to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment" in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer group backing Ukrainian forces against the Russian invasion. Following this, he was reportedly apprehended by the Belarusian secret service. Krieger denies the accusations.
15:44 Modi Urges Zelenskyy to Engage in Dialogue with Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi implored Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to initiate talks with Russia to bring an end to the conflict during his visit to Kyiv. Modi proposed serving as a "friend" to facilitate peace. "The means to a resolution lies only through dialogue and diplomacy. Let us proceed in that direction without wasting time," Modi stated. He urged both parties to gather and forge a way out of the predicament, without insisting on the withdrawal of Russian troops. Check out more here.
15:22 Wagner Faction Fragmenting a Year After Prigoschin's Demise
A year after the demise of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigoschin, his private army Wagner is reportedly disintegrating, according to British evaluations. Ever since the plane crash, many high-ranking individuals have departed the group, as reported by the British Ministry of Defence. "As compared to a peak of 50,000 employees in 2023, Wagner now likely has around 5,000 employees in its remaining deployments in Belarus and Africa," the ministry stated. Many former Wagner fighters have relocated to the Russian military or paramilitary units controlled by the Ministry of Defence, according to military experts' analyses. Today marks the first anniversary of Prigoschin's death in a private jet crash following his initiation of a mutiny against Russia's military leadership two months prior. All nine other passengers aboard the plane likewise perished.
14:38 ISW: Ukrainian Troops Progress Causes Russian Troop Redeployment
Rumors are circulating that Russian troops are being redeployed from the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk due to the advance of Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk, as per experts' assessments at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian military leadership has allegedly relocated some units from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to bolster the defense of Kursk, citing social media postings by deployed soldiers. However, Russia is believed to be preserving the main axis of its invasion in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
13:59 German Ukraine Aid's Reliability Questioned by Expert
The budget dispute within the German government is eroding trust in the stability of German aid to Ukraine, according to security specialist Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Affairs. He references conversations about potentially limiting German aid to Ukraine and instead offering interest-free loans from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has truly shot itself in the foot with this notion, causing considerable international harm," Mölling says in the "Der Spiegel" podcast "Die Lage". No one is confident whether or when this mechanism will work, he adds. "The issue is: the money hasn't been received yet, and the framework for dispensing it to Ukraine is also not entirely clear."
13:31 Modi Greets Zelenskyy with a Hug in Kyiv Visit
Just weeks following his contentious embrace with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too shares an embrace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv. Modi tours a memorial dedicated to Ukrainian children slain during the war, where he plants a teddy bear. India, the world's most populous nation, maintains an official stance of neutrality in the conflict, does not enact Western sanctions against Moscow, and frequently advocates for a resolution through dialogue, but has yet to put forward concrete proposals.
13:03: Severance of Crucial Ferry Link to Crimea Continues Despite a day passing since the Ukrainian assault, the Russian harbor of Kavkaz, essential for supplying Crimea, remains out of bounds for ferry travel. According to Russia's Transport Ministry, restoration of ferry services will transpire once the cleanup process concludes. Kavkaz is situated in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Crimea, under Russian occupation, can be seen from Kavkaz, making it one of the Black Sea's premier transit hubs. Fuel and munitions are transported to Crimea via this harbor.
12:20: Expectation of Putin's Retaliation Looms Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be treading cautiously in response to Ukraine's military triumphs in Kursk. "This is typical of him in such situations," says Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. "He retreats until the turbulence subsides, then carries on as if nothing has happened." Some other Russian analysts believe that the Kremlin is currently evaluating counterattack options. Putin is known for taking time to contemplate such choices, they claim. "Sooner or later, we'll find out how Putin will retaliate," cautions Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41: Russian Oil Depot in Proletarsk Continues to Burn The Russian oil depot in Proletarsk, located in the southern Rostov region, remains engulfed in flames. According to NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System, the facility is still burning today. The Telegram channel Baza, connected to Russian law enforcement agencies, also reports that the fire rages on. Baza alleges that the depot was hit again by a Ukrainian drone last night.
11:12: Ukraine Optimistic About Engaging Modi in Peace Talks While India, as a BRICS member, aligns closely with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Kyiv, the hope is for mediation to put an end to the conflict. Due to the Kursk offensive, Ukrainians are "more eager than ever for peace talks," reports ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:45: Ukraine Claims to Have Downed 14 Russian Attack Drones Ukraine's military asserts that it has decimated 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched overnight. "The air defense system was active in the regions of Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," the air force reports.
10:16: Ukrainian Military Comments on Sunken Ferry in Kavkaz The Ukrainian Navy speaks on the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another unquestionable military objective has been neutralized," says navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry was meant to supply the enemy with fuel. The ferry has sunk, and the port is currently inoperable. Local authorities claim that the attack occurred on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire. The port of Kavkaz on the Black Sea serves, among other things, as a provider of fuel to the Russian-occupied Crimea.
09:44 Russian Ambassador: "No Buffer Zone on Russian Territory" The Russian Ambassador to the USA, Anatoly Antonov, shares his views on the Kursk offensive and Kiev's declared goal of creating a buffer zone there: "That's not possible. There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory," TASS state news agency quotes him. In tandem, he issues a warning that Moscow will not consult Washington to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. He accuses the USA of "persistently testing the Russians' patience" and attempting to provoke "emotional, rash decisions."
09:10 Online Analysis Shows: Dissatisfaction with Putin Growing in Russia Following Ukrainian troops crossing Russian territory two weeks ago, negative sentiments towards President Vladimir Putin seem to be increasing throughout Russia. According to an analysis by FilterLabs AI, reported by the "New York Times," numerous online contributors view the Ukrainian advance as a misstep of the Russian government, and Putin in particular. "Putin's response to the incursion was, at best, insufficient and, at worst, offensive," says Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs. The company tracks Russian sentiments through social media analysis.
08:36 Modi's Visit to Kiev Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly in Ukraine, as per Indian and Ukrainian media sources. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled. Ukraine seeks India's support, given its substantial global influence. However, Kiev harbors doubts about India's declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Images of Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin embracing were alarming to Ukraine and multiple Western nations.
08:05 Russia's Warning of Nuclear Plant Attacks "Mere Posturing" Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. However, ntv reporter Rainer Munz assesses the actual risk of a nuclear accident due to the conflict.
07:05 Ukrainian Commanders Worry About Green RecruitsUkrainian leaders and soldiers are voicing worries about the subpar preparation of new recruits and Russia's clear edge in the sky and ammo at the eastern front. "Some individuals refuse to fire. They see the adversary in shooting position within the trench and don't engage. Thus, our men are losing lives," shares a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't utilize their weapon, they're worthless." In May, the authorities passed a controversial conscription bill. Since then, it's reported that tens of thousands of warriors are being drafted each month, with the greatest demand in infantry. However, there are logistical complications in training, equipping, and rewarding so many new individuals.
06:35 Moscow Talks About US Lifting Weapons Limits for UkraineAccording to Russia's ambassador to the US, Russia thinks that the US will soon scrap all constraints on the utilization of weapons sent to Ukraine. As per RIA news agency reports, Ambassador Anatoli Antonov stated, "The present administration acts like someone who extends a hand while concealing a dagger behind their back." They are preparing the ground to scrap all existing restrictions at some point in time without considering the consequences. Antonov mentioned that a genuine dialogue with the US is only possible if they drop their "hostile" tactics towards Russia. He also emphasized that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month is unlikely.
06:09 Harris: Trump Encouraged Putin to Invade EuropeDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has explicitly declared her support for NATO and promised long-term support for Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. "I will stand firmly at Ukraine's side and our NATO allies," she said in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, however, had threatened to desert NATO and had encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 Head of Network Agency: "German Government Still on High Alert"Regardless of well-stocked gas storage facilities, the head of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, continues to encourage caution in gas consumption. "The German government remains on high alert. We still need to be cautious," Müller told the "Augsburger Allgemeine". He also referred to the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory, which could exacerbate the situation. "Not the gas infrastructure itself is in dispute, but the vicinity around this infrastructure is a battleground on both sides," Müller told the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, which is located a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and is a crucial distribution center for gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi Heads to Kyiv: "Conflicts Shouldn't be Resolved on the Battlefield"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay his first visit to Ukraine today. Meetings with President Volodymyr Zelensky are planned in the capital Kyiv, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains a neutral stance towards the Russian invasion, does not impose western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the largest buyers of inexpensive Russian oil on the global market. New Delhi consistently pushes for a resolution to the conflict through dialogue. "I believe that no conflict should be settled on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the biggest struggle for humanity," Modi said during a visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Modi to serve as a mediator in the conflict.
03:31 Reports: US to Send New Military Aid to Ukraine
Government sources say that the US intends to send further military aid to Ukraine worth close to $125 million. The latest aid package includes rockets for air defense, ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, and a broad range of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles, the sources stated on condition of anonymity. The official announcement is expected tomorrow, a day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will emerge from Pentagon stocks, ensuring swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Records 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in 24 Hours
The Ukrainian military reported a total of 53 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country throughout Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk continues to be the primary objective of Russian forces in Ukraine, as per a statement from the General Staff. No comment has been released by the Russian government so far. According to the available information, Russian troops have been consistently advancing towards Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without Weapons Deliveries, Ukraine Would "Disappear"Just before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD leader Saskia Esken reiterates military support for Ukraine against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports a fair and sustainable peace, Esken told the Funke media group newspapers. "As long as Putin does not abandon his war goals against Ukraine, peace cannot be attained diplomatically." Esken links her statements to criticism of Left Party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "If, as Frau Wagenknecht and others suggest, we were to stop delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the nation would be conquered tomorrow and wiped off the map the day after. And that would have catastrophic consequences for security throughout Europe, which would certainly not lead to less armament and not to peace."
23:56 Ukraine Braces for Severest Winter EverUkraine is bracing for a bitter and dark winter due to the decimation of its power and energy infrastructure by Russian strikes. "We're looking at the toughest winter in our history," remarks Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko during a video call. This winter will be more challenging than the previous one as the destruction from continuous Russian attacks accumulates. The Russian military employs various weapons in coordinated attacks, aiming to inflict as much damage as possible, Haluschtschenko mentions. In mild winters, energy consumption typically hovers around 18 gigawatts, but in colder ones, it rises to 19 gigawatts. Furthermore, a reserve of one gigawatt must be established, Haluschtschenko states. Around 9 gigawatts of capacity have been demolished due to Russian attacks.
23:08 NATO Boosts Security at German AirbaseNATO has elevated security levels at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, due to potential threats. All non-essential staff have been sent home, a base spokesperson says. This decision is based on intelligence reports suggesting a possible threat. "This isn't a cause for alarm and is a preventive measure to ensure we can carry on with our vital operations," the spokesperson explains. The police have also confirmed their presence. Additional information, such as the number of deployed personnel, are being kept hidden.
22:07 Ukraine Attacks Russian Base in Kursk RegionThe Ukrainian military claims another attack on Russian troops in the Kursk region. Using US-made precision-guided bombs, they targeted a Russian base in the afternoon, explains air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone control center, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were targeted," Oleshchuk posts alongside a video supposedly showing the strike.
21:43 First Post-Summit Meeting of Swiss Peace TalksAccording to Ukraine, the first follow-up meeting has taken place following the peace summit in Switzerland in June. Representatives from over 40 countries and organizations participated in the virtual session. Additional such meetings of working groups are planned.
You can review all previous updates here.
here.
The conflict in Ukraine continues to claim lives: Following the tragic loss of eight civilians due to Russian attacks, there's growing concern about the safety of civilians in the region.
The international community is closely monitoring developments: Despite the all-clear given at the NATO base in Geilenkirchen, many military experts and politicians are watchful for potential escalations and are calling for continued dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to resolve the situation in Ukraine.
