Ukrainian General Staff reports tense situation in Gorlovka
The situation near the front city of Torezk in the Donezk region is tense, while the heaviest fights are concentrated in the area of Pokrowsk. This was reported by the Ukrainian military staff on Facebook in the evening. Torezk has developed into another crisis spot in the past few weeks. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously reported that heavy fights near Torezk and Pokrowsk had extended the active frontline between Russia and Ukraine. "The situation in the Torezk sector is tense," the military staff announced on July 14. "Fights are ongoing at three locations near Pivnichne and Niu-York, and 12 attacks have already been repelled."
23:44 Kiev: Swedish fighter jets not rejected
The Vice-Chief of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration refutes statements by the Swedish government regarding a fighter jet deal: Ukraine did not "reject" Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets so that Ukrainian troops could train faster with F-16 fighter jets, Ihor Zhovkva emphasized. According to "Ukrainska Pravda," negotiations over the purchase of the Gripens are still ongoing. "I have never heard that the Ukrainians rejected the Griphen fighter jets. Quite the contrary, this is the topic that my president raises in talks with the Swedish leadership," Zhovkva explained. He pointed out that this dialogue was already in progress when Sweden was still not a NATO member, and that the country was not willing to make any promises before its final accession to the Alliance.
22:39 Russia and China launch joint military exercises
Russia and China have begun joint maritime military exercises at a Chinese military base in Zhanjiang, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. "The conduct of such joint maritime military exercises can improve the cooperation and professional level of the two navies and contribute to maintaining maritime and regional security," the Chinese Defense Ministry reported, citing a Russian naval officer who led the exercises from the Russian side. The news comes just a few days after NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO members were in agreement that China was a "decisive catalyst" for the comprehensive Russian invasion in Ukraine.
21:44 Intelligence chief: Russian attacks from the North concerning
The head of the Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanow, expresses concern over Russian attacks from the North. This was reported by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. In response to a question about Russian attacks from the North, he reportedly answered: "If we were to answer that question, it would create panic. Let's just say there are problems, they have a tendency to escalate." He had already told a Western journalist: "Unfortunately, I will not have good news this year."
20:59 Stoltenberg: "No doubt," Ukraine can attack military targets in RussiaNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated, according to Ukrainian media, that he supports attacks on military targets in Russia. "My position is that there is no doubt that Ukraine has the right to attack 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. For me, that is absolutely clear," Stoltenberg said. He also noted that different NATO countries impose varying restrictions on the use of weapons provided by them: Some set no limits, while others offer only some restrictions.
20:15 "Burning like a match": Ukraine reportedly destroyed a Russian artillery piece worth over a million dollarsUkrainian troops reportedly destroyed a Russian artillery piece of the type Akatsiya worth over a million dollars. "The Russian Akatsiya burned like a match," says the caption of a video released by the Ukrainian General Staff, according to "Kyiv Post." The report states that soldiers of the 47th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces targeted the artillery piece. Which weapon was used for the attack remains unclear, as does the date and location of the incident. The drone footage shows a large explosion, followed by smaller explosions.
19:40 TASS reports multiple drone attacksIn the vicinity of the Russian city of Shebekino in the Belgorod border region, a truck was reportedly attacked by a Ukrainian suicide drone, and the driver was wounded. "The man sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg and arm. He was treated on the spot and could not be taken to a hospital," the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, is quoted as saying by TASS. In addition, TASS reports that several other settlements were attacked by Ukrainian drones. Homes in the villages of Ziborovka and Murov, as well as a multi-family house in Bezymeno, were damaged.
19:09 US weapons deployment: Merz expects "precise reporting" from the governmentCDU leader Friedrich Merz criticized the German government for surprising the public with the announcement of the stationing of American long-range weapons. "I have received no 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 statement." Germany and the United States 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 set to improve according to the Ukrainian government after July 20th, as reported by "Kyiv Independent" quoting Premier Minister Denis Schmyhal. The government is reportedly working on decentralizing energy production and supporting a broad range of consumers to facilitate additional energy generation, Schmyhal said. Kiev also supports renewable energy and is backing solar panels and wind turbines. In recent months, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure to target the country's energy grid once again.
17:55 Kiev hopes for US approval for long-range weapons
The US has not yet granted Ukraine permission to use long-range weapons against targets on Russian territory. This was stated by Ihor Schowka, deputy head of Zelensky's Presidential Administration, to "Voice of America". Ukraine continues to work with the US on this issue and hopes for a quick decision. "Everyone knows where the threat comes from, where the rockets (against Ukraine) are launched from." Schowka expressed optimism: "All important decisions that the US has made in the past were made very quietly - and that will also be the case this time." Ukraine has been requesting permission from the US and other Western partners to use the long-range weapons, such as rockets or missiles, against targets on Russian territory. So far, Ukrainian military personnel can only use drones with significantly less explosive power.
17:24 Merz: Germany also supports Ukraine with jet deliveries
CDU leader Friedrich Merz called for stronger support for Ukraine and the delivery of fighter jets. Merz told ARD: "It seems plausible to me to help Ukraine, at least to regain control over its own airspace. These rocket attacks, which are now occurring in ever greater numbers, against infrastructure, against power and water supply, against hospitals, nursing homes, we cannot control that from the ground alone. And that's why the delivery of fighter jets to the Ukraine is already a settled matter 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 US, the Netherlands, and Denmark announced in a joint statement at the NATO summit in Washington on Tuesday.
16:50 Partisans report large fire, Russian subunits destroyedAt a sabotage action near the Russian-occupied Oleshki in the Kherson region, a large fire is said to have broken out. 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 fortifications 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 soldiers reportedly detained a Georgian citizen near the village of Adzvi on the border with the occupied region of South Ossetia on Saturday. According to "Kyiv Independent", this information was passed on to the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia by the Georgian State Security Service. The security service is quoted as saying, "The Russian occupation forces are responsible for all destructive actions that are committed in the occupied territories of Georgia and along the occupation line." Moscow gained full control over the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following its invasion of Georgia in 2008.
15:43 Zelenskyy hopes for more help after US trip
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced further aid for the military and weapons industries following his return from the US. At the NATO summit in Washington, specific agreements were reached to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities; this includes weapons for soldiers and support for Ukraine's military industries, Zelenskyy said. There will also be more Patriots and dozens of other air defense systems. In the past week alone, Russia has fired over 700 guided air-to-surface bombs, over 170 combat drones of various types, and nearly 80 rockets at Ukraine, the Ukrainian leader told X.
15:11 Russia reports capture of another village in eastern Ukraine
The Russian army has reportedly taken control of another village in eastern Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow. The village of Urozhainje, located in the Donetsk region along the southern frontline near Zaporizhzhia, was taken by "Units of the Eastern Military District" troops. The village was one of the few that the Ukrainian army had managed to retake during its counteroffensive in 2023. The Russian troops had advanced on a south-north axis along the Mokryi Yalynyi River.
14:36 Russians kill 13 Ukrainians on Saturday
Thirteen people were killed and 54 others were injured, including children, in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Saturday, according to local authorities. "Kyiv Independent" reports. The civilian victims were reported in the oblasts of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk.
14:26 Kremlin implies US government indirectly responsible for Trump assassination attemptThe Kremlin implies indirect responsibility of the US government for the assassination attempt on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. "We do not believe that the current authorities organized the attempt to eliminate and kill Trump", said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to journalists. "However, an atmosphere was created in the US where such an act could have been possible." Peskov claimed, "It was obvious to all external observers that his life was in danger."
13:53 Zelenskyy: More than 700 guided bomb attacks in the past weekIn the past week, Russia has launched over 700 guided air-to-surface bombs, over 170 combat drones of various types, and nearly 80 rockets against Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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," Zelenskyy wrote further.
12:55 DeepState: Russians advancing in Donetsk region, Urozhaine seized
According to the DeepState portal, which is close to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Russian forces have seized the village of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region. The fighting in Zalizny and Klishchiivka is continuing, and the Russians are reportedly advancing near Oleksandropol, Nowoseliwka Perscha, and Makijiwka. Urozhaine was seized by Russian forces during Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022. It is reported that Ukraine regained control of Urozhaine in August 2023.
12:07 Russia: 3-tonne bomb dropped on Ukrainian military base
The Russian Defense Ministry has released a video showing a Su-34 Sukhoi bomber dropping a heavy bomb. The Su-34 is a two-seat jet bomber developed in the Soviet Union. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the bomb dropped was the FAB-3000 type, which weighs three tonnes in total, 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 to six after Russian air strikes in Donetsk region
Six people have been killed in the Donetsk region following Russian air strikes, according to Ukrainian Governor Wadym Filaschkin on social media. Two people died each in Nowootscheretuwate (see entry at 21:53) and Progres, one in Kostiantynopolskiy, and one in Novoselivka Pershii (see entry at 22:17). In total, 11 people were injured in the attacks throughout the day.
11:00 Report: Ireland preparing security agreement with Ukraine
Ireland is reportedly taking the initial steps to draft a security agreement with Ukraine, according to "The Kyiv Independent," following a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ireland. During his return flight from the NATO summit in Washington, Zelenskyy made a brief stopover at Shannon Airport in Ireland for a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris. "The Kyiv Independent" reports that 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 roughly 0.2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 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
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 during the night in the eastern part of the country. The Ukrainian air defense shared this information on social media.
09:42 Russia uses Trump attack for propagandaJust hours after the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Russia uses the incident for its own purposes. The spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry calls on the US government to "review their policy of inciting hatred." Such a policy targets "political opponents, countries, and peoples," announced Maria Zakharova. She also used the attack to make propaganda against US support for Ukraine. The money for "the delivery of weapons to Zelenskyy" should "perhaps be better used for financing the police and other services that ensure law and order in the US," she said to republican politicians.
09:00 Ukraine publishes numbers on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff publishes new loss figures for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 559,090 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Alone within 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,320. According to the report from Kiev, seven tanks and 46 artillery systems were also destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,206 tanks, 15,262 artillery systems, and 361 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,108 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine according to Ukraine. Western estimates name lower loss figures - but these are also only minimum values.
07:59 Governor: Air raid alarm over the region of ZaporizhzhiaMilitary Governor Ivan Fedorov of the Zaporizhzhia region calls for 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 on casualties, injuries, or deaths.
06:30 Russia reports destroyed drone in BelgorodRussia also reports a destroyed Ukrainian drone in the Russian region of Belgorod from the previous night. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, "an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack" with a drone was thwarted at around 23:05 Moscow Time. In Belgorod and other border regions of Ukraine, there have been frequent Ukrainian attacks. The night before, for example, an oil depot in the region Rostov was set on fire by Ukrainian drones.
06:06 "F-16 is not a game changer"No specific weapon will change the situation in the war, but sufficient arming of Ukrainian troops with weapons and ammunition, says Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba regarding the F-16 fighter jets expected in the Ukraine soon. "No single weapon can be a game changer that changes everything. We can only change the situation for the better if we have all necessary weapons, adequate equipment, and ammunition. That's why F-16s are just as important as various types of air defense systems, just as important as battle tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery ammunition," so Kuleba.
05:06 Kiev: The Crimea Bridge must be destroyedThe Crimea has transformed into an uncomfortable territory. This is the achievement of the Ukrainian security and defense forces, explains the head of the Ukrainian Security Service, General Lieutenant Kyrylo Budanov. This is reported by "Ukrinform" with reference to the Press Service of the Agency. The rebuilding of the Black Sea Fleet after a series of Ukrainian attacks would be a challenge for Moscow, Budanov says. The goal is the destruction of the Crimea Bridge, he adds. So far, it has been possible to force Russia to withdraw its warships as far as possible from the Crimea, explains the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
00:01 Ukraine shoots down two Russian reconnaissance drones
Ukrainian forces shoot down two Russian drones of the Orlan type at the Southern Front. This is reported by "Ukrinform" with reference to a Telegram post from the Air Command South. The Russians reportedly attack Odessa with a ballistic missile. According to the report, it was allegedly an Iskander-M missile fired from the Crimea.
22:17 Two dead in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
There were fatal attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast before the attack on Novootsherihivka. The territory of a farm in Kostiantynopolske was hit by glider bombs - one person died, another was injured. In Tschassiw Jar, a warehouse was damaged, resulting in another death.
21:53 Civilian casualties in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
Civilians are dying in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast after a Russian attack. The village of Novootsherihivka was hit by glider bombs, reports "Ukrainska Pravda" with reference to 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 glider bomb. 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 fire again on a target to hit rescue forces. It seemed to have been the case with the attack on the village of Budy in the Kharkiv Oblast (Eastern Ukraine). Among the two dead was the head of the emergency medical services of the oblast, Artem Kstyria, reports "Kyiv Independent" with reference to the Interior Ministry. "The terrorists cynically and deliberately attacked as rescue forces arrived at the scene," said the mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov.
- Despite ongoing negotiations, Ukraine has not rejected Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, as reported by Ihor Zhovkva, the Vice-Chief of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration.
- The Russian and Chinese navies are conducting joint maritime military exercises at a Chinese military base in Zhanjiang, potentially escalating tensions with NATO, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.
- The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanow, expressed concern over potential Russian attacks from the North, without providing specific details due to the risk of creating panic.
- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg supports Ukraine's right to attack legitimate military targets on Russian territory in self-defense, acknowledging the importance of protecting civilian infrastructure from Russia's attacks.
- Ukrainian troops reportedly destroyed a Russian artillery piece worth over a million dollars, as reported by "Kyiv Post," an incident that highlights Ukraine's successful defense efforts in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
