Russia stated Wednesday it had collected greater than 2,000 items of navy {hardware} from the Wagner mercenary group following the latter’s armed insurrection final month. Ukraine stated Wednesday it had shot down 11 Russian drones in a single day in a second consecutive night time of assaults on the capital Kyiv, as NATO leaders meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Vilnius. Read our reside weblog to see how all of the day’s occasions unfolded. All occasions are Paris time (GMT+2).
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10:03pm: NATO summit showcases return to ‘Cold War schemes’, says Russian overseas ministry
The newest NATO summit confirmed that the Western alliance is returning to “Cold War schemes”, the Russian overseas ministry stated on Wednesday, saying that the Kremlin is prepared to answer threats by utilizing all crucial means.
“The results of the Vilnius Summit will be carefully analysed. Taking into account the challenges and threats to Russia’s security and interests that have been identified, we will respond in a timely and appropriate manner, using all means and methods at our disposal,” the ministry stated in a press release.
“In addition to the decisions already taken, we will continue to strengthen the country’s military organisation and defence system.”
9:54pm: Biden discusses US readiness for safety talks with Zelensky
US President Joe Biden and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned throughout a gathering on Wednesday “US readiness to begin negotiations with Ukraine on bilateral security commitments,” based on a White House readout.
The pair additionally mentioned continued US help to assist Ukraine’s “ongoing counteroffensive” in opposition to Russia throughout the assembly held as NATO concluded a summit in Lithuania, the assertion stated.
7:12pm: Britain not ‘Amazon’ for weapon deliveries to Ukraine, says defence secretary
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stated Wednesday Britain shouldn’t be an Amazon supply service for weapons to Ukraine, suggesting Kyiv might categorical extra “gratitude” to its allies within the face of Russia’s invasion.
“There is a slight word of caution which is, whether we like it or not, people want to see gratitude,” Wallace advised British media on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius.
“Sometimes you’re persuading countries to give up their own stocks. And yes, the war is a noble war and yes, we see it as you doing a war not just for yourselves but also our freedoms.
“But typically you have to persuade lawmakers on the Hill in America,” Wallace said referring to the US Congress.
“You have gotten to influence doubting politicians in different international locations that it’s price it, it is worthwhile and they’re getting one thing for it,” he added.
Wallace also recalled that after receiving a list of weapons requests from Ukraine last year, he told officials in Kyiv “I’m not Amazon”.
6:40pm: UN chief sends Putin proposal to renew Black Sea grain deal
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter on Tuesday proposing a way forward to further facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports and ensure the continued Black Sea shipments of Ukrainian grain.
“The goal is to take away hurdles affecting monetary transactions by way of the Russian Agricultural Bank, a serious concern expressed by the Russian Federation, and concurrently permit for the continued stream of Ukrainian grain by way of the Black Sea,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Wednesday.
A deal allowing the safe Black Sea exports of grain and fertilizers from Ukraine is due to expire on Monday.
5:28pm: Russia collects over 2,000 pieces of equipment from Wagner, says defence ministry
The Russian military announced Wednesday it had received more than 2,000 pieces of military hardware, including tanks, from the Wagner mercenary group, following the private force’s short-lived insurrection last month.
“More than 2,000 items of kit and weapons have been transferred,” the defence ministry said in a statement, adding that the army had also taken in some 2,500 tonnes of ammunition and around 20,000 small arms.
4:47pm: Russia ‘politically and militarily fragile’ while Ukraine has lasting support, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said Russia was “politically and militarily fragile”, while Ukraine had the lasting commitments of support from its allies.
“Russia has proven its first indicators of division,” Macron said at a press conference after the NATO summit in Vilnius, referring to the recent failed mutiny by the mercenary Wagner Group.
4:30pm: G7’s security framework for Ukraine shows long-term support
The G7’s declaration on a security framework for Ukraine shows its long-term support for Ukraine, said French President Emmanuel Macron at a NATO summit on Wednesday.
Macron added that he hoped Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan would quickly ratify Sweden’s entry to NATO.
3:57pm: Russia to display destroyed NATO equipment outside embassies
Russia plans to display NATO equipment it has destroyed in Ukraine outside the embassies of Western countries that supplied it, parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said on Wednesday.
“The proposal to put in burned tools subsequent to the embassies of these international locations that ship it to Ukraine is very fascinating,” said Volodin, who issued orders for such a display to be organised.
Russian officials have repeatedly criticised Western countries for supplying weapons to Ukraine, arguing they risk prolonging the conflict and causing further escalation.
2:38pm: G7 pledges ‘enduring’ military support to Ukraine
G7 nations on Wednesday pledged to offer “enduring” military support to Ukraine to help it fight Russia’s invading forces and stop any repeat of the war once it ends.
“We will every work with Ukraine on particular, bilateral, long-term safety commitments and preparations in the direction of making certain a sustainable pressure able to defending Ukraine now and deterring Russian aggression sooner or later,” the G7 said in a statement obtained by AFP.
Ukraine’s international backers are looking to reassure Kyiv on their support after military alliance NATO refused to offer the war-torn country an invitation to become a member.
The group of seven leading democracies – the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan – said they would look to agree on providing Ukraine’s forces with “trendy navy tools, throughout land, air, and sea domains”.
That would mean “prioritising air defence, artillery and long-range fires, armoured autos, and different key capabilities, corresponding to fight air”, the statement said.
1:17pm: UN rights chief urges Russia to respect humanitarian law
The United Nations human rights chief on Wednesday urged Russia to respect humanitarian law after outlining evidence published in a report two weeks ago of arbitrary detention, torture and sexual violence against civilians in Ukraine.
The UN rights monitoring mission in Ukraine documented the arbitrary detention of more than 900 civilians between the launch of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, and May 23 of this year, and the summary executions of 77 of them.
“Over 90 p.c of detainees held by the Russian Federation whom we had been capable of interview stated that they had been subjected to torture and ill-treatment – together with sexual violence, in some circumstances – by Russian safety personnel,” Volker Turk told the Council, the only body in which governments meet to protect human rights worldwide.
“These findings are stunning. They name for concrete measures by the Russian Federation to instruct and guarantee their Russian personnel adjust to worldwide human rights and humanitarian regulation.”
12:40pm: Zelensky to talk long-range weapons with Biden
President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country needs long-range weapons to fight Russian forces in Ukraine, and that he would raise the issue at talks with US President Joe Biden.
Zelensky also thanked Biden for a decision to provide Kyiv with cluster munitions, saying they were needed for Ukraine’s defence and to help take back Russian-occupied territory.
12:38pm: NATO chief says most urgent task is to supply Ukraine with enough arms
NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday said that despite ongoing talks on Ukraine’s future membership status in the alliance, the most urgent task for Western allies at the moment remained to support the country’s war effort against Russia.
“Of course ensures, paperwork, council conferences are essential however essentially the most pressing job now’s to make sure sufficient weapons for Ukrainian President Zelensky and his armed forces,” Stoltenberg said.
12:18pm: ‘A lot of frustration’ in Kyiv over lack of timeframe to join NATO
NATO leaders have so far avoided handing Ukraine a timeline for when the country may be eligible for an invitation to join the military alliance, vowing instead to provide it a package of long-term security commitments.
In Kyiv, “there may be a variety of frustration” over the lack of a time frame, Emmanuelle Chaze, FRANCE 24’s correspondent in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv reports.
“They really feel that they are already part of it. They are those defending European values and democracy on the entrance line. They are those paying the heaviest worth. They’re paying for this warfare with their lives, whereas others are speaking about the potential of, perhaps, sooner or later, of seeing Ukraine becoming a member of NATO.”
Watch the full report in the video below.
12:11pm: Russian hackers lured embassy workers in Ukraine with ad for a cheap BMW
Hackers suspected of working for Russia’s foreign intelligence agency targeted dozens of diplomats at embassies in Ukraine with a fake used car advert in a bid to break into their computers, according to a cybersecurity firm report published on Wednesday.
The wide-reaching espionage activity targeted diplomats working in at least 22 of the roughly 80 foreign missions in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, analysts at Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 research division said in the report.
“The marketing campaign started with an innocuous and legit occasion,” said the report, which was first reported by Reuters.
12:05pm: Kremlin says Putin trip to China is ‘on the agenda’
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that a visit by President Vladimir Putin to China was on the agenda, adding that now was a good time to build on the already strong relationship between the two countries.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a regular news briefing that the date of Putin’s trip would be announced when it had been finalised.
“Now is a fully opportune second to take care of excessive dynamics within the improvement of bilateral Russian-Chinese relations … The actual dates can be agreed and you may be knowledgeable. Dialogue continues at numerous ranges,” he said.
Russia has further strengthened its economic, trade, political and military ties with China after its decision to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine drove relations with the West to post-Cold War lows.
12:03pm: Norway to supply drones, air defence components to Ukraine
Norway said Wednesday it would supply ultra-light drones and components for air defence missile systems to Ukraine, specifying details for a military aid package announced this week.
On Tuesday Norway announced it was increasing the size of its military aid to Ukraine this year, adding an additional 2.5 billion kroner ($240 million).
This means Oslo will allocate 10 billion kroner to military aid and 7.5 billion to civilian support this year, rather than the 7.5 billion initially planned for each.
Following up on Wednesday, Defence Minister Bjorn Arild Gram specified that the aid would consist of 1,000 Black Hornet nanodrones – tiny drones designed to help soldiers scout out their surroundings – and components for NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems, to complement the systems of his type that Lithuania plans to deliver to Ukraine.
In addition, the Scandinavian country would donate tens of thousands of food rations.
11:45am: UK awards Babcock $65 mln contract for Ukrainian military support
Britain has awarded defence firm Babcock International a contract worth 50 million pounds ($64.6 million) to provide operational support for armoured vehicles given to Ukraine, such as Challenger 2 tanks.
The British company said on Wednesday the initial 12-month contract could be extended.
“This contract delivers important assist for Ukraine on the battlefield, sustaining their navy tools by offering the experience and expertise to maintain Ukraine’s armoured autos shifting, together with the supply of important spares,” British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.
11:41am: Kremlin dismisses assertion that Wagner intended to acquire nuclear devices
The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed an assertion by Ukrainian military intelligence that members of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group had intended to acquire nuclear devices during a failed mutiny in June.
Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said Wagner fighters reached a nuclear base – known as Voronezh-45 – in an attempt to obtain small Soviet-era nuclear devices, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The Kremlin has no such information, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He added that it the assertion looked like misinformation.
11:31am: Germany drops out of planned tank repair hub in Poland
The German government has dropped out of an agreement to set up a maintenance hub for Ukrainian Leopard tanks on Polish soil, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Wednesday.
The reason for the decision, which is to be made public in the coming days, is that the German side considered Poland’s cost estimates for the project to be disproportionate, the paper reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
11:30am: Kremlin says Western security guarantees for Ukraine ‘dangerous’
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that it was misguided and “probably very harmful” for the West to give Ukraine security guarantees, and said they would infringe on Russia’s own security.
G7 countries are expected on Wednesday to announce an international framework that would pave the way for long-term security assurances for Ukraine to boost its defences against Russia and deter Moscow from future aggression, officials said.
11:27am: Zelensky thanks Australia for new defence package
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that Australia had agreed to give Ukraine a new defence package including 30 Bushmaster armoured vehicles.
“Thank you! A robust new defence package deal, together with 30 Bushmasters,” Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app after a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Vilnius.
10:47am: Germany to provide Ukraine with more Patriot system supplies, Zelensky says
Germany has agreed to provide Ukraine with additional launchers and missiles for Patriot air defence systems, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Vilnius on Wednesday.
“This is extraordinarily essential for defending lives in Ukraine in opposition to Russian terror,” Zelensky wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
10:22am: Ukraine reports some ‘success’ in fighting near Bakhmut
Ukraine on Wednesday reported some success in fighting near the Russian-occupied eastern city of Bakhmut as its troops press on with a counteroffensive against Moscow’s forces.
Heavy fighting and Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian cities have continued while President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Vilnius for meetings with NATO leaders who are holding a summit in the Lithuanian capital.
“The (Ukrainian) Defence Forces proceed to conduct offensive operations north and south of the town of Bakhmut,” Andriy Kovaliov, a spokesperson for the armed forces general staff, said.
“In the instructions of Bila Hora-Andriivka and Bila Hora-Kurdyumivka, they’ve had success in some locations,” he said, referring to sectors of the frontline south of Bakhmut.
He said Russian forces were putting up strong resistance, moving units and troops, and deploying reserves as Ukraine presses on with the counteroffensive launched in May. He did not say how much ground Ukraine had gained in the latest combat.
09:17am: Long-term aid plan for Ukraine shows Russia time ‘not on its side,’ says US
A plan to secure long-term military aid for Ukraine from the G7 countries Wednesday will show Russia that “time shouldn’t be on its aspect,” a top US official said.
“It alerts a joint long-term dedication to constructing a strong defensive insurance coverage pressure for Ukraine,” lead White House advisor for European affairs Amanda Sloat told reporters.
“This multilateral declaration will ship a big sign to Russia that point shouldn’t be on its aspect.”
President Joe Biden and other leaders from the G7 – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States – will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later Wednesday at the end of the NATO summit in Vilnius to announce the plan.
8:35am: Fears mount Russia will pull out of grain deal
Concerns are growing that Russia will not extend a United Nations-brokered deal that allows grain to flow from Ukraine to parts of the world struggling with hunger, with ships no longer heading to the war-torn country’s Black Sea ports and food exports dwindling.
Turkey and the UN negotiated the breakthrough accord last summer to ease a global food crisis, along with a separate agreement with Russia to facilitate shipments of its food and fertilizer. Moscow insists it is still facing hurdles, though data shows it has been exporting record amounts of wheat.
Russian officials repeatedly say there are no grounds for extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is up for its fourth renewal next week. Moscow has issues such threats before, but have then gone on to extend the deal for two months instead of the four months outlined in the agreement.
8:32am: Ukraine says shot down 11 Russian drones
Ukraine said Wednesday it had shot down 11 Russian attack drones in a second night of strikes on the capital Kyiv.
“A complete of 15 kamikaze drones had been concerned within the strike. Eleven of them had been destroyed within the areas of accountability of the Centre and East air instructions,” Ukraine’s air force said on social media.
1:52am: Ukraine, Russia report heavy fighting in east, south
Ukraine’s military on Tuesday reported heavy fighting in the east and southeast, the main theatres of its drive to recapture land seized by Russian invaders, saying its forces had repelled dozens of enemy attacks.
Russian accounts from the front line outlined clashes, including a successful defence of areas near the devastated city of Bakhmut, where Ukraine says its forces are recovering ground.
A spokesperson for Ukraine’s General Staff, Andriy Kovaliov, said Ukrainian troops had beaten back a Russian advance backed by artillery strikes near two towns north of Bakhmut – captured by Russian mercenary forces in late May.
The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had repelled nine attempted Ukrainian advances in eastern Donetsk region, including one drive near Kliishchivka.
1:09:am Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv for second night in row
Russia launched a wave of drone attacks on Kyiv and its region a second night in row, with air defence systems engaged in repelling the strike, a Ukraine military official said.
“The air raid alert is on! Air defence methods engaged within the area on method to Kyiv,” Serhiy Popko, head of the military administration for the Ukrainian capital said on the Telegram messaging app.
The Kyiv military administration urged on its Telegram channel that people stay in shelters until the raids are over.
Reuters witnesses in Kyiv heard blasts resembling the sound of air defence systems intercepting air objects.
00:37am: Russia’s Medvedev says NATO’s military aid to Ukraine brings World War III closer
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy secretary of Russia’s powerful Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, said late on Tuesday that the increase in military assistance to Ukraine by the NATO alliance brings World War III closer.
Commenting on the first day of the summit of the US-led alliance in Lithuania, where a number of countries pledged more weaponry and financial support, Medvedev said the aid would not deter Russia from achieving its goals in Ukraine.
“The utterly loopy West couldn’t give you the rest … In reality, it is a lifeless finish. World War III is getting nearer,” Medvedev wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
“What does all this imply for us? Everything is apparent. The particular navy operation will proceed with the identical objectives.”
10:13pm: Biden, Erdogan discuss transfer of F-16s to Turkey, Ukraine priorities during meeting
US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed defence and economic priorities during a meeting on Tuesday, the White House said, a day after Ankara backed Sweden joining the NATO military alliance.
The Biden administration will move ahead with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey in consultation with Congress, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier.
“They additionally mentioned regional problems with shared curiosity, together with their enduring assist for Ukraine and the significance of preserving stability within the Aegean,” the White House said in a statement after their meeting.
Key developments from Tuesday, July 11:
NATO leaders meeting in Vilnius agreed that Ukraine’s future lies within the alliance but stopped short of handing Kyiv the invitation or timetable for accession that the country has been seeking.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky described the lack of a time frame as “absurd”.
Russia, meanwhile, again warned against an expansion of the alliance, and said that moving NATO infrastructure towards Russia’s borders would be a “mistake”.
France on Tuesday also began delivering long-range SCALP cruise missiles to Ukraine which will be integrated into non-Western warplanes. The Kremlin warned the move will have “penalties for the Ukrainian aspect”.
Read yesterday’s reside weblog to see how all of the day’s occasions unfolded.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)
Originally revealed on France24