Zelenskyy voices concerns over India's interactions with Russia.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, during a chat with Indian journalists, voiced his displeasure over New Delhi's business ties with Russia. He argued that Russian President Putin is exploiting the earnings from oil and gas sales to fuel his war against Ukraine, labeling it as "stealing from his own people." He also mentioned that the Russian populace remains oblivious to their impoverishment due to Putin's control over media and social networks. Moreover, he pointed out that Putin's war economy is being sustained by the massive sums from India, China, and Arab nations. Despite this, Zelenskyy acknowledged India's independence and suggested that they consider ways to curtail the financial support boosting Russian forces.
Full 18: Elon Musk pushes for Telegram CEO's release
Elon Musk, the CEO of online service X, tweeted a plea for the release of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was apprehended in Paris. Musk shared a clip from an interview of Durov with US journalist Tucker Carlson on his Twitter handle, using the hashtag #FreePavel. He also asked, "Liberté Liberté! Liberté?" in another tweet.
16:33 Söder disagrees with Kretschmer's Ukraine stance
Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, distanced himself from his Saxon counterpart Michael Kretschmer's stance on Ukraine policy. "We hold a clear stance. Kretschmer has his, which I respect. But we have a fundamentally different one." Söder compared the situation with World War 2, "If you had allowed Hitler, wouldn't World War 2 have ended?" His belief in a policy of resistance to Russian President Putin's aggression contrasts Kretschmer's stance against weapons delivery to Ukraine, which he deemed 'naive.'
16:09 Selenskyy: Trump backs Ukraine
Ukrainian President Selenskyy revealed that US presidential candidate Donald Trump has promised his support for Ukraine and his desire to end the conflict. He expressed his views to Indian journalists on his social media platform.
15:41 Medvedev claims to have warned Durov of troubles
After Pavel Durov's arrest in Paris, former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev claimed that he had warned Durov of potential problems due to his stance on user data privacy in various countries long ago. Medvedev wrote on Telegram, "He miscalculated. For our common enemies, he is considered Russian and therefore unpredictable and dangerous."
14:36 Zelensky proposes India to host next peace summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that India could host another peace conference aimed at solving the conflict. He talked about this idea to Indian journalists in a conversation he posted on his social media. Currently, negotiations are underway with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland to host the second meeting. However, hosting the conference in a nation that failed to sign the final agreement of the previous summit is challenging. While India attended the initial summit in Switzerland, it refused to endorse the ultimate resolution.
14:13 Pope criticizes ban of pro-Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine
Pope Francis criticized the prohibition of the pro-Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. In his Sunday Mass, he spoke, "No Christian church should be dismantled directly or indirectly. Churches should not be dealt with!" The Ukrainian government justified the ban by citing support for Russia's aggressive war. The Pope told the multitude on St. Peter's Square, "One does not sin by praying. If someone evils their people, they are the culprits. However, they are not evil because they prayed."
13:43 "Barbaric war crime" - Ukraine condemns "deliberate attack" on hotel in Kramatorsk
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned the Russian bombing of a hotel in Kramatorsk where international journalists were staying. Spokesman Georgiy Tykhyi reported this on Twitter, "Last night, there was another brutal and intentional Russian airstrike on residential areas of Kramatorsk, injuring foreign media journalists in a hotel." He mentioned that targeted attacks on journalists have become a common tactic of the Russian war. "Such barbaric crimes should be denounced and punished."
13:14 Following Russian Assaults on Sumy: Police Confirm 4 Dead, 13 WoundedIn a single day, the Russian military attacked the Sumy region of Ukraine approximately 261 times, as reported by local authorities. Consequently, at least four individuals lost their lives, and 13 more were hurt in these attacks, which took place in the northern part of the country. As per the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," six residential buildings, 26 homes, an educational institution, various structures, automobiles, a natural gas pipeline, and numerous stores were damaged during these attacks. Additionally, a vast area of about two hectares covered in dry grass ignited into flames.
12:42 Zelensky Ridicules Putin: "Sick Old Man from Red Square"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked Ukraine's Independence Day not only by unveiling the newly developed Ukrainian drone Palianytsia but also by mocking Russian leader Vladimir Putin in a video address. Zelensky referred to Putin as a "sick old man from Red Square" due to his continual nuclear threats. Zelensky stated, "(Putin) is a sick old man from Red Square who consistently threatens everyone with the red button. He will not dictate any of his red lines to us."
12:14 Energy Ministry: Over 500 Settlements Still Lack Power Post-AttacksPost Russian attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure, more than 500 communities are still powerless, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy, as reported via the state news agency Ukrinform. Despite these challenges, no restrictions have been imposed on consumers. The report states that technicians have already restored power to more than 7,200 people. The ministry encourages citizens to conserve energy, especially during the evenings. Russian forces have severely damaged the energy system, making it highly susceptible to disruptions.
11:38 Ukraine Witnesses 160 Encounters with Russian Troops Along Frontline in a DayAs reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukraine recorded 160 confrontations on the frontline the previous day. Intense fighting occurred in ten different sectors, with the situation being most tense in the direction of Pokrovsk. Russian troops carried out five assaults with 15 missiles and 95 attacks with 127 guided aerial bombs on Ukrainian positions, as well as cities and villages.
10:57 Reuters Journalist Missing After Hotel Shelling in Kramatorsk – Rescue Efforts UnderwayAccording to Ukrainian reports, Russian forces targeted a hotel in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk last night, resulting in a Reuters journalist going missing. Two others were injured. A six-member Reuters team was staying at the Hotel Sapphire when the attack occurred, according to a statement from the news agency. The statement added that the building was "obviously hit by a rocket" during the incident. "One of our colleagues is still missing, and two others have been taken to hospital for treatment," the statement said. They are collaborating with local authorities to conduct rescue operations. The governor of the Donetsk region wrote on Telegram that "Russian forces attacked Kramatorsk," injuring two journalists and leaving one missing.
Update at 13:30: The number of injured Reuters employees has been revised to four, according to the head of the regional military administration of Donetsk, Wadym Filaschkin, via Telegram.
10:44 Ukrainian Air Force Commander: Most Russian Shahed Drones Intercepted and Destroyed Last NightUkraine's air defense forces successfully intercepted and destroyed eight out of nine Russian Shahed drones during their night operations, as reported by the state news agency Ukrinform, citing the Air Force commander, Mykola Oleschtschuk. The forces not only successfully intercepted most of the kamikaze drones but also knocked down most of the missiles they launched.
10:20 Multiple Western Journalists Injured in Russian Shelling of Kramatorsk HotelInjuries have been reported among several Western journalists, according to official sources, in Russian shelling of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk overnight. A hotel was struck, and two individuals were rescued injured, while one person remains trapped underneath the debris, shared the governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, on Telegram. "All three victims are journalists, hailing from Ukraine, the United States, and Britain." The attack was confirmed via pro-Russian blogs, which stated that Kramatorsk was hit with heavy glide bombs of the FAB-1500 type. However, it was reported that a machinery factory and various military targets were targeted.
09:54 US Exports to Russia: Criticism from China over New Restrictions China has voiced its disapproval towards the stricter regulations imposed by the US on several exporters from China. The move disrupts global trade norms and negatively affects regular business exchanges, as per the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. China will implement necessary measures to safeguard the interests of its firms. The decision by the US government last Friday led to the addition of 105 companies to a trade restrictions list, including 42 from China, 63 from Russia, and 18 from other countries. These companies were penalized for various reasons, such as the supply of US electronics to the Russian military and the production of drones used by Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. The companies now require special licenses.
09:29 ISW Advocates Unrestricted Use of Long-Range Missiles by Ukraine The US think tank, Institute for the Study of War (ISW), advocates for the unrestricted deployment of long-range weapons on Russian territory by Ukraine. Despite the redeployment of air forces to the rear, many targets in Russia are still within range of US ATACMS missiles, which Ukraine currently uses but not for attacking Russian territory due to US restrictions. "The ISW estimates that at least 250 military and paramilitary targets in Russia are within range of the ATACMS missiles provided by the US to Ukraine," it states in its recent analysis. However, only attacks using HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and GLMRS rockets are currently permitted. "With this, Ukraine can potentially hit a maximum of 20 of the 250 targets," says the ISW.
09:06 High Casualties for Russia: 1190 Soldiers "Eliminated" in One Day The casualties on the Russian side remain high, according to official figures from Kyiv: within a day, 1190 Russian soldiers have been killed or are no longer capable of fighting in the war. Since the commencement of the conflict in February 2022, a total of 607,680 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated", as per the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The Ministry reported in its daily statement on Russian losses that the enemy lost an additional five tanks (8,547) besides other losses. Since the start of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has counted over 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones that are no longer in Russian possession or have been destroyed. These figures cannot be independently verified. Moscow maintains silence regarding its losses in Ukraine.
08:39 Ukrainian Air Force: Majority of Russian Missiles and Drones Intercepted Last Night Russia launched several missiles and drones towards the north and east of Ukraine last night, according to Ukrainian reports. "Most missiles failed to reach their target", the air force stated. Russia utilized a ballistic missile of the Iskander-M type, a cruise missile of the Iskander-K type, and six guided missiles. The number of destroyed missiles and drones was not disclosed. Meanwhile, eight out of nine Russian attack drones were shot down.
08:08 Six Injured in Overnight Missile Attack on Kharkiv The number of injured in an overnight Russian missile attack on the Slobidsky district of Kharkiv Oblast has increased to six, as per a Telegram message from Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, as reported by the state news agency Ukrinform.
07:32 Zelensky Praises New Ukrainian Palianytsia Rockets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the new Palyanytsia rockets produced in Ukraine. Zelensky stated that these rocket drones and other military innovations in Ukraine are essential for the country given the delays in decisions by some international partners. "Today, the first and successful combat deployment of our new weapon took place," he said, according to "Kyiv Independent". "A completely new class of Ukrainian rocket drone, Palianytsia."
06:55 Azov Brigade Commander Criticizes Prisoner Exchange: No Azov Fighters Released No Azov soldiers were included in the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine yesterday, according to Ukrainian reports citing Brigade Commander Denys Prokopenko. The commander of the Azov Regiment criticized the exchange and expressed his disappointment at the exclusion of Azov fighters who have been in Russian captivity for over two years.
06:14 Governor: Five Dead in Ukrainian Strike on Russian Border Region of Belgorod Five civilians were killed and 12 injured, four severely, in a Ukrainian air strike on the Russian border region of Belgorod last night, according to local authorities. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that three minors were also injured, two of whom were hospitalized. Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian territory and advanced into the Kursk region bordering Belgorod in early August. Belgorod is often targeted by Ukrainian air and drone strikes in retaliation for Russian attacks.
05:47 Russia: Civilians Killed in Ukrainian Shelling Five civilians were killed and 12 more injured in an artillery shelling in the city of Rakitnoye in southwestern Russia, according to a Telegram message from the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. The reports could not be independently verified, and there has been no response from Ukraine.
04:26 City of Sumy Reports Rocket Strikes and Injuries The city of Sumy is hit by rockets, as reported by the regional military administration. Two rocket strikes are mentioned, with seven people injured, two of them in critical condition, according to the authorities. Russia attacked the civilian infrastructure in Sumy on Saturday evening.
03:35 Kharkiv and Chuhuiv: Unforeseen Explosions Due to Militant AttacksThe regional governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Synyehubov, shares his concern: The Russian military has undertaken rocket attacks on the urban areas of Kharkiv and Chuhuiv. At present, one victim is reportedly injured. A more significant explosion is reported in Kharkiv. The mayor of the city, Ihor Terechow, alerts the citizenry via Telegram, disclosing a massive sound bombardment. He urges caution amidst the uncertainty surrounding the explosion's cause.
03:06 Ukraine Alerts Citizens about Opponent DronesAn air defense warning is in effect in Ukraine's eastern and southern sectors, during the wee hours. The Ukrainian Air Force alerts the populace of transmitting Shahed combat drones. These drones are traversing the Black Sea, destination being the southern Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv. With Ukraine's Independence Day impending on Saturday, an intensified wave of Russian attacks is anticipated. However, such attacks have yet to materialize.
01:32 Hungary Accuses EU of Disrupting Oil SuppliesHungary suspects the EU Commission of orchestrating the suspension of Russian oil supplies. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto contends, "It appears the EU Commission is behind the halting of Russian oil supplies, as they publicly state their unwillingness to aid Hungary and Slovakia in fortifying their energy supply. This implies an order sent from Brussels to Kyiv to create complications in the energy supply of Hungary and Slovakia." The EU Commission offers no immediate response. In June, the Ukrainian administration blacklisted the Russian company Lukoil and obstructed the Druzhba pipeline, leading to a significant decline in supply to nations like Hungary and Slovakia.
22:12 Female Casualties in Attack on Kupiansk VillageRussian troops assaulted the village of Novoosynove in the Kupiansk territory of the Kharkiv Oblast, resulting in four women's injuries, as reported by Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv region's military administration. Around 12:00, Russian invaders launched an attack on Novoosynove. A private building subsequently caught fire, following the assault. The injured were conveyed to a healthcare facility. The conclusion of the investigation into the aftermath of the attack remains pending.
21:03 UK Minister Honors Ukraine's Courage at WarJohn Healey, the UK's Defence Minister, commends Ukraine's spirit on its Independence Day in an article for "European Pravda." "Thirty-three years ago, Ukraine declared its independence, envisioning a more prosperous and sovereign democracy, liberated from Soviet influence," Healey writes. This year, Ukrainians are celebrating Independence Day amidst war. Their courageous struggle as a free and sovereign nation strives against Putin's unlawful invasion. "Facing Russia's considerably larger militant forces and resources, Ukraine has consistently been the underdog. Today, we pay tribute to the Ukrainian people." Their valiantness, both military and civilian, continues to inspire us. To express our support for our Ukrainian friends, the UK initiates a publicity campaign today, urging Britons to display their solidarity via social media, with the hashtag "#MakeNoiseForUkraine."
20:05 Zelensky Promotes Commander to General RankUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has bestowed the rank of General upon Oleksandr Syrsky, the Chief Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is disclosed in a decree issued by Zelensky. Previously, Syrsky held the rank of Colonel General. The promotion stems from the Ukrainian soldiers' impressive progress thus far in the Russian border region of Kursk.
The Commission expressed concern over the impact of Russian oil and gas sales on Ukraine, stating that these earnings are being used to fuel Putin's war against Ukraine.
In response to Zelenskyy's suggestion to curtail financial support to Russian forces, the Commission is currently evaluating potential measures to support Ukraine while minimizing disruptions to global energy markets.
