Zelensky: Ukraine can't be against the world wanting Russia at the negotiating table
Ukrainian President Zelensky Says in an Interview with French Newspaper "Le Monde": "Like most countries, I believe that Russian representatives should be present at the second peace summit in November, as we will not achieve any meaningful results without them. I don't want them to hinder us from working out a joint plan. If the whole world wants them at the table, we can't be against it." Russia was not invited to the first peace summit in Switzerland. Moscow has recently indicated that it does not want to participate in a second event.
20:28 Russia Finds Another Close Partner in the WorldRussian President Vladimir Putin has received the elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Moscow for talks on expanding the relations between the two countries. Despite Western sanctions against Russia, trade between the two countries has doubled, Putin says. There is hope for further growth through a basically signed free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union led by Russia. Prabowo welcomed the plan of the state airline Aeroflot to introduce direct flights to the popular Russian holiday island Bali. He also showed interest in cooperation with the Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom. "We talked about small modules and also about large reactors," he says.
19:45 "Nonsens Populism" - Harsh Criticism of SPD Politician After Russia StatementsThe Russian side keeps signaling that it is not really interested in peace, but rather in achieving its war goals and subjugating Ukraine entirely or in large parts. SPD MP Ralf Stegner still believes that one must engage in negotiations with Russia, as he says in WDR. "That's difficult, I know, but armament is the worst option we can have," he says. Political scientist Thomas Jäger has sharp criticism of the statements: "The argumentation can no longer even be considered learning-resistant. That's nonsens populism," he writes on X. Security expert Gustav Gressel supports Jäger by sharing the post.
19:16 Breakthrough Attempts - Russian Troops Increase Pressure FurtherRussian troops are increasing pressure on defenders in eastern Ukraine. As the General Staff in Kyiv reports in its daily situation report, Ukrainian positions in Torez and Pokrovsk were repeatedly shelled while Russian soldiers attempted a breakthrough. Russian military has been focusing on this front section in the Donbass for some time to break through Ukrainian lines and capture important supply lines behind them. According to the Ukrainian account, the Russian attacks were repelled.
18:44 Is a Prisoner Exchange Between Germany, the USA, Russia, and Belarus Imminent?Amidst speculations about an impending prisoner exchange between Russia and the USA, a court in Slovenia has sentenced two Russian citizens to more than a year and a half in prison for suspected espionage. The couple pleaded guilty to "espionage and forgery of documents," the Ljubljana District Court explained. The court also ordered their expulsion. In a report by the Slovenian news platform N1 Info, it is stated, referring to anonymous sources, that the two are part of a larger prisoner exchange between Russia, the USA, Germany, and Belarus, which is expected to take place in the coming hours.
18:03 First Western F-16 Fighter Jets Reportedly Arrive in Ukraine
The first of the long-awaited F-16 jets have reached Ukraine, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the matter. However, the number is said to be small. Ukraine's air force does not initially respond to a Reuters request. The Ukrainian army hopes the planes will effectively combat Russian air strikes. This year, Kyiv is expected to deploy only a few F-16s due to a shortage of trained pilots and maintenance personnel.
17:47 Former US Soldier Imprisoned in Russia Missing
Amid speculation about an impending prisoner exchange, the lawyer for Paul Whelan, a former US soldier imprisoned in Russia, is investigating his whereabouts. A lawyer for Vladimir Kara-Mursa, another imprisoned Russian opposition politician, says that visits to his client have been denied for the second day in a row. "I've received inquiries from journalists asking where Paul is," Whelan's lawyer Olga Karlova told the Russian agency Interfax. She sent a request to the administration of his penal colony, but received no response. The 54-year-old former US soldier, who also holds British, Irish, and Canadian citizenship, has been in Russian custody since December 2018. Whelan denies the espionage charges against him and claims he was set up by an acquaintance.
17:21 Ukraine: Russia Implicated in Forcibly Recruiting Children into Youth Army
According to the Ukrainian regional administration of Luhansk, children from the occupied town of Bilowodsk have been sent to a tent camp of the Russian youth army "Junarmija" in the Russian region of Novosibirsk. A statement on social media says children aged 11 to 17 are being sent there and are being trained tactically, as well as in shooting and drills by combat commanders.
16:44 Russian Foreign Ministry Issues Indirect Threat to German Company
The Russian foreign ministry comments on German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall's plans to build a munitions factory in Ukraine with an indirect threat; spokesperson Andrei Nastasyin emphasizes that "every factory is a legitimate target."
16:17 Another Finnish Volunteer Soldier Killed in Ukraine
The fourth Finnish volunteer soldier has been killed in the war in Ukraine, Yle news reports, citing the "Sodan kokeneet ry" (War Veterans Association). According to the association, the Finn died in mid-July north of Donetsk. Finnish authorities confirm the information and notify the soldier's family. The director of the association, Juha Kreus, says the association works with Finnish and Ukrainian authorities. On its Facebook page, the association states that it helps volunteers fighting in Ukraine and their families. Previously, three Finns fighting on the side of Ukrainian forces were killed in Ukraine.
15:29 "The Kremlin lies" - UK defense ministry sees Russian strugglesThe war against Ukraine is making the Russian economy thrive, especially in the defense industry, according to reports from the country. However, the UK defense ministry dismisses this as a lie and points to problems. "Inflation is twice the central bank's target, and war spending is causing unsustainable growth and an overheated economy," it says from London. High interest rates are making Russia a bad place for investments, and the country is drawing from its sovereign fund to finance rising war costs, the ministry adds.
15:00 Ukraine could produce several million drones per yearUkraine currently has a production capacity of three million drones per year, according to Anna Gvozdiar, deputy minister of strategic industries. However, this requires funding, she says. Drones are one of the key tools in Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion, with some being funded by foreign donations and produced by volunteers.
14:28 Germany delivers more Leopard tanks to Czech RepublicAs compensation for military aid to Ukraine, Germany is delivering 14 more Leopard 2A4 battle tanks and one Buffalo-3 armored recovery vehicle to the Czech Republic. Both sides have signed final documents for this, the Czech defense ministry says. The first tanks should arrive by the end of the year, with the rest by early 2026. This follows the delivery of 15 tanks from Germany in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the NATO country plans to buy more Leopard 2A4 and 2A8 tanks as part of its military modernization efforts.
13:49 SBU suspects Putin's close associates of aiding war against UkraineThe Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has issued a suspicion notice to one of Russian leader Vladimir Putin's closest associates, Alexei Dyumin, and Russia's deputy defense minister, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. According to "RBC-Ukraine," Dyumin, a former bodyguard of Putin and current secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, is suspected of organizing partial mobilization of men, founding a center for unmanned systems, and developing the production of FPV drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles in the Tula region. Yevkurov, Russia's deputy defense minister, is suspected of being responsible for training contract soldiers and mobilized personnel who then participate in the fighting in Ukraine.
13:06 Russia Begins "Third Phase" of Tactical Nuclear Weapon ExercisesRussia has started the third phase of exercises designed to test the readiness of its forces to use non-strategic nuclear weapons, according to a report by the "Kyiv Independent" citing a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry. Units from the central and southern military districts are involved, including those stationed in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. "During this phase of the exercise, personnel from the rocket formations of the southern and central military districts will conduct combat training, including the acquisition of special training ammunition for the Iskander-M tactical missile systems," the Defense Ministry statement said. The first phase of the exercises began in May. Russian President Vladimir Putin had presented this as a response to alleged "provocative statements" from the West, without providing further details.
12:45 Authorities: Russians Hold Children from Luhansk in Military CampChildren from the occupied Bilowodsk in the Luhansk region are being held in a Russian military camp in the Novosibirsk region of the Russian Federation. There, they are being taught by military personnel how to handle firearms and drills. This is reported by "Ukrinform" and refers to the Facebook page of the state regional administration of Luhansk. According to the head of the regional state administration, Artem Lysohor, schoolchildren from the Russian-occupied Bilowodsk are still in the military-patriotic tent camp of the "Youth Army" set up in the Novosibirsk region. "Sending children aged 11 to 17 to this camp, where combat officers teach them tactics, fire, and drill, is considered 'patriotic education' in the Russian Federation," says Lysohor.
12:30 Duma Legalizes Cryptocurrency Mining to Evade SanctionsThe Duma has passed a law legalizing cryptocurrency mining in Russia. This is reported by "Meduza", a Russian media outlet based in Latvia, citing the website of the lower house of the Russian parliament. According to the document published there, Russian legal entities and individual entrepreneurs registered in the corresponding register are entitled to engage in cryptocurrency mining. Individuals who do not exceed the energy consumption limits set by the government can mine cryptocurrencies without being included in the register.
12:06 Putin Doubles Special Payment for War DeploymentRussia's leadership is offering more money to attract more volunteers for its war against Ukraine. According to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, anyone who signs a contract for deployment at the front between August 1 and December 31 will receive a one-time payment of 400,000 rubles (around 4,200 euros), more than double the previous amount of 195,000 rubles. In addition, a monthly salary is offered, which is significantly higher than the average Russian income. Since a controversial mobilization of reservists in the fall of 2022, Russia has mainly relied on financial incentives to attract soldiers for the war. Many regions offer cash bonuses for signing contracts. For example, the city of Moscow set a one-time bonus of 1.9 million rubles (about 20,300 euros) for contracts lasting one year or longer this month.
11:30 Russian sentenced to seven years for attempted arson in recruitment office
A man in Russia has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The Russian is accused of trying to set fire to a recruitment office. Additionally, the military court of the southern district of Russia alleges that he maintained connections with the "Freedom of Russia" legion. The court finds him guilty of attempted terrorism and collaborating "on a confidential basis with a representative of a foreign state". The "Freedom of Russia" legion was founded in Ukraine in March 2022. It is an armed group of Russians fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia. Its members have also carried out cross-border actions in Russia and, reportedly, sabotage operations within the country.
11:06 Fire after Ukrainian strike on weapons depot in Kursk
After a Ukrainian attack on the Russian border region of Kursk, a fire broke out in a warehouse for weapons and military equipment. The General Staff in Kyiv reports on Telegram that the strike was carried out using a modified rocket system of the Ukrainian Navy. Explosions were observed at the target. The Navy has anti-ship missiles of the Neptune type, which can be used against ground targets and can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away. Kursk itself is only slightly more than 80 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that a cruise missile of this type had been shot down over the Kursk region. The fire has been contained, according to the governor of the region, Alexei Smirnov. Furthermore, according to Russian military reports, a total of 19 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the cities of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Kaluga, Rostov, and the annexed Crimean Peninsula.
10:36 Munz on Russia's war tactics: Motorcycle attacks "follow a certain pattern"
Sightings of Russian soldiers on motorcycles in Ukraine are increasing, with observers seeing this as evidence that Russia is running out of armored vehicles. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz disagrees and explains the strategy behind these attacks.
10:02 Reisner: Russia could have lost up to 750,000 soldiers in Ukraine
Russia could have already suffered 500,000 to 750,000 casualties, including up to 150,000 dead soldiers, in its war against Ukraine, according to Markus Reisner, an Austrian army colonel, in an interview with the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform". "Recently, an interesting study was published that, in my opinion, is very well-researched. It suggests that perhaps 100,000 to 150,000 Russian soldiers have already been killed," says Reisner. Considering the lessons of military history and "the fact that there are about 3-4 times more wounded than killed", the losses are enormous, the military expert estimates. "And that is realistic given the intensity of the conflict," says Reisner, also noting that the Ukrainian side has suffered "very heavy losses". Kyiv's current update puts Russian losses at 578,120 military personnel.
09:24 Ukraine: Weapon depots in Russian region Kursk attacked
The Ukrainian military claims to have attacked a depot for weapons and other military equipment in the Russian region of Kursk overnight. Kursk borders Ukraine and has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian fire. On Monday night, the Ukrainian military claimed to have attacked a Russian oil depot in the region. "Intelligence reports indicate that a fire broke out at the enemy's facility as a result of the attack," the Ukrainian General Staff said on Facebook yesterday.
08:55 Kyiv reports one of the most intense Russian drone attacks since the start of the war
The Russian military attacked targets in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other parts of the country with dozens of combat drones overnight. "Over 40 enemy drones were shot down over Kyiv and the outskirts of the capital in two waves," the Kyiv military administration said on Telegram. Not a single drone reached its target in the capital. The agency described the attack as one of the strongest on Ukraine during the entire war. Overall, an air alert lasted for over eight hours in the three-million-strong city overnight (see also entries at 06:33 and 23:52). Russian drone attacks were also reported in other regions. Six were shot down over the southeastern Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk - four more over the region of Mykolajiw in the south of the country. A general overview of the Ukrainian air defense's operations overnight is still pending.
08:36 Ukraine reports 144 engagements along the frontline over the past day
Over the past day, there were 144 engagements along the frontline, according to the spokesperson of the Ukrainian General Staff, Dmytro Hutsulyak. "Over the past day, 144 combat actions took place. Over the past day, Russian terrorists carried out a total of 1 missile attack with 1 missile on our troops' positions and residential areas, as well as 85 air strikes. In particular, 141 guided aerial bombs were dropped. Moreover, more than 4350 attacks were carried out, 90 of which were with multiple launch rocket systems," Hutsulyak said in the "United News" program.
08:09 Governor: Man dies from Russian shelling in Kherson
Russian forces shelled the outskirts of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson in the morning, killing a man and injuring a woman, the governor of the Kherson region, Roman Mrochko, wrote in a Telegram post. According to him, the Russian army shelled the outskirts of Kherson from the occupied left bank of the Dnipro River. A 68-year-old man was fatally injured. Rescue workers reportedly retrieved his body from the rubble. A 73-year-old woman suffered a concussion and head injuries from an explosion. She was provided with medical aid at the scene, the post said.
07:35 Ukraine Reports Over 1000 Russian Losses in a DayRussia has lost 1060 soldiers, 30 artillery systems, 20 armored combat vehicles, and 9 tanks in the past day, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its Facebook update. According to these figures, the total combat losses of the Russian Armed Forces since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, amount to 578,120 military personnel, 8,390 tanks, 16,161 armored combat vehicles, 16,086 artillery systems, 1,131 multiple launch rocket systems, 907 air defense systems, 363 fixed-wing aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,853 strategic and tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, 2,407 cruise missiles, 28 ships and boats, 1 submarine, 21,739 vehicles and fuel tankers, and 2,697 special vehicles and other equipment. These figures cannot be independently verified. Russia does not provide information on its losses.
07:14 Ukraine Spots Two Russian Warships with Cruise Missiles in the Black SeaRussia is reportedly maintaining two warships in the Black Sea armed with up to eight Kalibr cruise missiles each, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There are no enemy ships in the Sea of Azov. In the Mediterranean, Russia has two warships, one of which is armed with up to 16 Kalibr cruise missiles, it is reported. However, the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, told "RBC-Ukraine" that it is unlikely that Russia would dare to fire missiles from the Mediterranean at Ukraine, as such an action would violate NATO airspace.
06:33 Massive Drone Attack on Kyiv - Over 30 Drones InterceptedThe Ukrainian air defense intercepted more than 30 Russian drones over Kyiv overnight, the military administration of the capital said on Telegram. This is one of the most massive drone attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war. Explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Reuters reported, citing eyewitnesses. The detonations sounded like air defense systems repelling enemy aircraft. An air alert had previously been declared in Kyiv and large parts of Ukraine (see entry from 23:52). "This was the seventh enemy drone attack on Kyiv in July," said Serhii Popko, head of the city's military administration. The air alert lasted for more than seven hours. Enemy drones entered Kyiv in waves from almost all possible directions. There is no information about possible damage or casualties.
06:10 Zelenskyy Wants to Protect Schoolchildren from Russian AttacksUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to ensure special protection for the children of his country from the war. "The school year is approaching, and the priority is now to ensure that children, wherever possible thanks to the shelters, can learn normally and not remotely," Zelenskyy said in his evening video address. The government has been instructed to accelerate its efforts to build shelters.
04:38 Pistorius on New US Weapons: "Genuine Deterrence" at StakeDefense Minister Boris Pistorius dismisses criticism of the federal government's approach to the agreement with the US on the deployment of long-range weapons. While open discussion in the Bundestag is welcome, he argues that this topic did not necessarily need prior parliamentary debate, as it is not comparable to the NATO Double-Track Decision of the 1980s. At the recent NATO summit in Washington, the US and Germany announced plans to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and new hypersonic weapons from 2026 onwards, citing threats from Russia. Pistorius emphasizes that these are conventional weapons, not nuclear-armed, and that the deployment is about "genuine deterrence" (see also the criticism by former SPD chairman Norbert Walter-Borjans in the 22:05 entry).
02:33 Finnish Volunteer Killed in UkraineA Finnish volunteer fighting on the Ukrainian side has been killed in mid-July in the northern Donetsk region. The Finnish War Veterans' Association confirms this, with authorities having informed the family. This makes him the fourth Finnish citizen to have fallen in Ukraine. In February, the country's foreign ministry stated that around 20-30 Finns were active on the Ukrainian front.
23:52 Air Force Reports Numerous Drones Over UkraineAir raid alerts are sounded in numerous Ukrainian regions overnight as Russia attacks the country from multiple directions with drones. An explosion was heard in Kyiv, according to reporters from the "Kyiv Independent". It's still unclear whether the capital was hit.
22:05 US Medium-Range Missiles in Germany: Former SPD Leader Criticizes "Lone Decision"Former SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans regrets the lack of debate over the planned stationing of US weapons in Germany. He finds it problematic that "such a far-reaching decision is practically not debated, but rather decided and announced more or less unilaterally". He also questions whether such a move would actually enhance security or, conversely, make Germany a target for a first strike. Recently, the White House and the German government announced that the US would resume stationing weapon systems in Germany from 2026, with a long range reaching into Russia. Named were Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and new hypersonic weapons.
21:35 Ukrainians facing Russian occupiers less "condemned"Many Ukrainians live in their own country under Russian occupation, inevitably coming into contact with the invaders of the brutal illegal war - something that is often frowned upon or seen as treason elsewhere. However, "Ukraine is currently experiencing a decrease in the level of condemnation towards citizens from temporarily occupied areas for their various forms of communication with the occupation authorities," says Daria Svyrydova, member of the Advisory Board for De-Occupation and Reintegration of the Crimea territories, at an event in the Media Center Ukraine. "In general, the Ukrainian population considers possible communication of people in the occupation acceptable in certain situations." According to Svyrydova, this is an important factor for future reintegration processes and an indication of what the state should focus on in developing reintegration policy. Many people believe in a "shared future with the people in the temporarily occupied territories," says Svyrydova.
20:54 Reports of large fire in Russian arms factoryAmong others, the Ukrainian media outlet Euromaidan Press reports on a fire in a factory in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The factory produces parts for military rockets, according to the report. The factory has been under Western sanctions since 2014 and is an important player in the Russian defense industry. There has been no official confirmation yet, and the authenticity of the videos on social media is not confirmed. The cause of the fire is also unknown.
20:32 Zelensky visits troops at border with BelarusUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects the fortifications and defensive positions of his troops at the border with Belarus. Accompanied by leading military officials, he is on a working visit to the Volhynia region, as reported by the presidential administration in Kyiv. "The head of the state border guard service, Serhiy Deineko, reports on the protection of the border, including the number of soldiers involved, their skills and weapons," the statement says. Zelensky gets a firsthand look at the construction of fortifications, trenches, and shelters. "We have a strong defense, both in terms of personnel and defensive lines," he says. "And we will continue to strengthen it." Ukrainian military forces have significantly reinforced the border with neighboring Belarus in recent months.
You can read all previous developments here.
In light of the ongoing military operations in Ukraine, it would be appropriate to consider the following sentences:
- The inclusion of Russian representatives in military discussions at the second peace summit could potentially lead to more meaningful results in addressing the ongoing conflict.
- Effective military operations require careful planning and consideration, which is why it is crucial for all relevant parties, including Russia, to be part of the decision-making process.
