Wagner mercenary group disbanded a year following Prigoschin's demise
Following Yevgeny Prigozhin's Demise, Wagner Group ShattersIn the wake of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's tragic death in a private jet crash, one year ago, British intelligence reports suggest that Wagner Group, his notorious private army, has been fracturing significantly. Since the plane crash, many high-ranking individuals have left the organization, as per the British Ministry of Defense's statements.
The peak workforce of 50,000 employees that Wagner Group boasted in 2023 has drastically diminished, and the remaining deployments in Belarus and Africa likely reveal around 5,000 employees, as per the ministry's estimation.
Numerous ex-Wagner fighters have transitioned into the Russian military or other paramilitary units controlled by the Ministry of Defense, as per military experts' analyses.
14:38 ISW: Ukrainian Advance Forces Russia to Shift TroopsAs per specialists at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops' advance in Kursk has necessitated Moscow to redeploy its troops from the neighboring country it invaded for the first time. Russian military leadership has reportedly moved some units from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to bolster Kursk's defense, citing soldiers' posts on social media.
However, Russia is reportedly working to avoid weakening its primary route for attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
13:59 Trust in German Ukraine Aid ErodingSecurity expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Affairs believes that the ongoing budget dispute within the German government is undermining international trust in the reliability of German aid to Ukraine. Potential limitations to German aid and opting instead for interest-free loans from frozen Russian assets are being discussed, according to Mölling.
He emphasizes that Germany's proposal has caused significant international harm and expresses uncertainty about the construct's viability and the method of delivering the funds to Ukraine.
13:31 Modi Embraces Zelenskyy in Kyiv VisitJust weeks after his controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also warmly greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Kyiv. Modi pays tribute to Ukrainian children killed in the war at a memorial in Kyiv by placing a teddy bear.
Despite maintaining official neutrality in the conflict, not imposing western sanctions on Moscow, and frequently advocating for dialogue, India has yet to propose concrete solutions.
13:03: Key Ferry Connection to Crimea DisabledA day after the Ukrainian strike, a Russian port vital for Crimea's supply remains off-limits for ferries. Russia's Ministry of Transport has announced that ferry services will resume once the cleanup operations are concluded.
Located in the Strait of Kerch, the Kavkaz port is crucial for connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov and offers one of the Black Sea's most important transit routes. Fuel and ammunition are transported to Crimea through this port.
12:20: Russian Expert Predicts Putin's RetributionRussian President Vladimir Putin's cautious response to Ukraine's military successes in Kursk has led Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann to question His reaction in such situations is typical, she says, and he typically withdraws until the situation calms down, returning to normal appearances.
Some Russia experts predict that the Kremlin is currently weighing options for a counterattack, and Putin takes his time making such decisions. Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin, warns that "Sooner or later, we'll find out how Putin will take revenge."
11:41: Russian Fuel Depot in Proletarsk Continues to BurnThe Russian fuel depot in Proletarsk, Rostov region, continues to blaze. According to NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System, the facility remains ablaze, and the Telegram channel Baza reports that the fire is still raging. Baza claims that the depot was targeted again by a Ukrainian drone overnight.
11:12: Ukraine Hopes to Symbolically Embrace ModiWhile India, as a BRICS member, is closely aligned with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is now welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping for mediation to end the war. Driven by the Kursk offensive, the Ukrainians are more eager than ever for peace talks, according to ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald.
10:45: Ukrainian Air Defense System in Operation Across Multiple RegionsUkraine's military claims to have destroyed 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.
Ukrainian Navy Speaks on Ferry Destruction in Russian Port Kavkaz: "Another clear military target has met its end," states navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry was set to provide the adversary with fuel supplies. Sadly, the ferry has sunk, rendering the port temporarily unusable. Local authorities report that the incident occurred on Thursday, with the ferry bursting into flames. The Russian port of Kavkaz on the Black Sea serves various areas, including the annexed Crimea, which Russia acquired from Ukraine in 2014.
09:44 Russian Diplomat DisputesBuffer Zone in Kursk: The Russian Ambassador to the USA, Anatoli Antonov, addresses the Kursk offensive and Kiev's ambition to set up a buffer zone there: "It's not feasible. There will be no buffer zone established on Russian territory," reports TASS. Simultaneously, he warns that Russia will not seek US consultation to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. He accuses the USA of persistently testing Russian patience and attempting to provoke impulsive reactions.
09:10 Online Research Reveals: Perceived Failure in Putin Leadership: It's unsurprising: Since Ukrainian troops entered Russian territory two weeks ago, negative sentiments towards President Vladimir Putin have seemingly risen across Russia. According to FilterLabs AI analysis, featured in the "New York Times," many online contributors attribute the Ukrainian advance to the Russian government's failure and Putin's in particular. As per FilterLabs CEO, Jonathan Teubner, "Putin's reaction to the incursion was at best insufficient, and at worst offensive." FilterLabs tracks Russian attitudes by scrutinizing social media.
08:36 Modi in Kyiv: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Ukraine, reports Indian and Ukrainian media. He is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine looks for Indian support due to its significant role in world politics, although there are doubts about India's declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Pictures of Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin embracing sparked discomfort in Ukraine and numerous Western countries.
08:05 Putin's Allegations of Ukrainian Attacks on Nuclear Power Plant: Exaggerated: Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting an attack on the nuclear power plant in Kursk. According to ntv reporter Rainer Munz, the real risk of a nuclear disaster due to the war is minimal.
07:33 China and Belarus Plan Enhanced Cooperation: China and Belarus have agreed to strengthen collaboration in various sectors including trade, security, energy, and finance, according to a joint statement issued following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They also aim to strengthen cooperation in industrial supply chains and ease trade to cut costs for both countries. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and its main trading partner in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Military Unhappy about Poorly Trained Recruits: Ukrainian commanders and troops lament the subpar training of new recruits and Russia's significant advantage on the air and ammunition front at the eastern border. "Some people refuse to fire. They spot the adversary in shooting position inside the trench and don't return fire. That's why our men are losing their lives," says a battalion commander from the 47th Brigade. "If they don't use their weapon, they're useless." Since May, when the government passed a controversial mobilization law, tens of thousands of conscripts have reportedly been drafted each month. Demand is highest in the infantry, but there are logistical challenges in training, equipping, and compensating so many new recruits.
06:35 Moscow Warns of Unrestricted Ukrainian Weaponry: According to the Russian ambassador to the US, Russia believes that the United States will soon lift all restrictions on the deployment of weapons supplied to Ukraine. As stated by the RIA news agency, Ambassador Anatoli Antonov said, "The current administration acts like someone who extends an olive branch while holding a knife behind their back." They are preparing the stage to remove all existing constraints without giving it a second thought at a certain point. Antonov said that meaningful dialogue with the US is only possible if they abandon their "hostile" policy towards Russia. He also indicated 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 Blames Trump for Encouraging Putin to Invade Europe: Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has vocally supported NATO and promised to remain committed to Ukraine, under attack from Russia. "I will stand resolutely with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she declared in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In contrast, her Republican rival, Donald Trump, had threatened to abandon NATO and had encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
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05:38 Federal Network Agency Head: "Government Remains Alert over Gas Situation"Despite the robustness of gas storage facilities, the head of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, advises caution in gas consumption. He maintains that the federal government remains alert, emphasizing the need for vigilance. He also mentioned the advance of the Ukrainian army into Russian territory, which could magnify the situation. "It's not the gas infrastructure itself that's contested, but the vicinity to this infrastructure is a war zone on both sides," Müller stated, referring to the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, close to the Ukrainian border on Russian territory, a significant distribution point for gas exported to Europe. Gas from Siberia flows into EU countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria via Ukraine from this station.
04:40 Modi Heads to Kyiv: "Conflicts Can't be Resolved on Battlegrounds"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning his first visit to Ukraine today. Meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv is on the agenda, as per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russian invasion, not enforcing western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the world's largest buyers of cheap Russian oil. Modi, advocating for peace, said during his visit to Poland, "India believes that conflicts can't be resolved on battlefields. Losing innocent lives in battles is humanity's greatest challenge." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk encouraged Modi to attempt mediation in the conflict.
03:31 Report: US to Send New Military Aid to Ukraine for $125 MillionThe US is preparing to deliver additional military aid worth approximately $125 million to Ukraine, according to officials. The aid includes rockets for air defense, ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin rockets, and a range of weapons, equipment, and vehicles, as cited by the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official announcement is due today, a day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be sourced from Pentagon stocks, allowing for swift delivery.
02:12 Ukrainian Forces Warded off 53 Russian Attacks Near PokrovskThe Ukrainian military reported 53 Russian attacks near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine on Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk remains Russian forces' primary objective in Ukraine, as per a statement from the General Staff. No statement has been issued by the Russian government thus far. As per available information, Russian forces have been progressively advancing on Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without Weapons, Ukraine Would Be "Vanquished"Before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken reiterated military support for Ukraine against Russia. "As long as Putin doesn't abandon his war aims against Ukraine, peace can't be achieved diplomatically," stated Esken, who also criticized Left Party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "If the weapons supply to Ukraine were to stop today, the country would be conquered tomorrow and would cease to exist the day after. This would have catastrophic consequences for security across Europe, certainly not resulting in less armament or peace."
23:56 Ukraine braces for "Historically Harsh" WinterDue to widespread destruction of its power and energy infrastructure from Russian attacks, Ukraine is preparing for a "historically harsh" winter. "We are facing the hardest winter in our history," said Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko in a video conference. The winter will be more severe than the previous one, as damages from ongoing Russian attacks have accumulated. Russian forces are using various weapons to cause maximum destruction, Haluschtschenko noted. In a cold winter, power consumption is around 19 gigawatts, while in a warm one, it's around 18 gigawatts. Additionally, reserves of one gigawatt need to be created, Haluschtschenko stated. Russian attacks have destroyed around 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Increases Security at Geilenkirchen AirbaseFollowing potential intelligence on a threat, NATO has increased its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. All non-essential workers have been sent home for safety reasons. "This is not cause for concern and is a measure to ensure we can continue our critical operations," a NATO spokesperson said. Police are present on the scene, though further details and the number of deployed forces are not disclosed.
22:07 Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Base in KurskThe Ukrainian military reported another strike on Russian forces in the Kursk region, using precision-guided US bombs. Commander of the air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, reported that a drone command post, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and approximately 40 Russian military personnel were hit. A video purporting to show the strike was also shared by Oleshchuk.
21:43 Follow-up Meeting of Swiss Peace SummitA follow-up meeting of the Swiss peace summit, attended by representatives from over 40 nations and organizations, has taken place, as reported by Ukraine. Subsequent meetings of working groups are scheduled.
Check out the past events over here.
Following the reported fracturing of Wagner Group after Yevgeny Prigozhin's demise, there have been speculations about the Ukrainian conflict potentially influencing Wagner Group's activities.
Recent reports suggest that the Ukrainian advance in certain regions may be forcing shifts in Russian troop deployments.
