The article discusses escalating tensions in Ukraine, highlighting recent Russian attacks causing casualties in Kupiansk and increased military pressure on Ukrainian forces in the east. In Kiev, officials were arrested for bribery related to military service evasion. Russia’s parliament approved a substantial increase in defense spending, while South Korea considers a more flexible arms delivery policy to Ukraine amid North Korea’s alleged military support for Russia. The situation remains critical as the conflict continues to evolve.
The situation in eastern Ukraine is becoming increasingly challenging, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Reports indicate that two individuals were killed in Kupiansk due to a Russian attack. Here are the latest updates from the live blog.
Bribery Scandal in Kiev
In Kiev, officials at a military recruitment office have been implicated in a bribery scheme to help individuals evade military service. The State Investigation Bureau revealed that over 1.1 million euros in cash, primarily in US dollars, was uncovered during home raids.
Additionally, authorities seized eleven luxury vehicles worth over one million euros. Three officials from the district military recruitment office in the Holosiyiv region, including the draft board’s head, along with three civilians, have been arrested. Conscripts reportedly paid between 1,800 and over 13,000 euros for fraudulent certificates of unfitness for duty.
It is estimated that about 1,000 men have managed to avoid military service through this method. Two other officials are accused of tampering with military records, facilitating the exit of conscripts from the country. All those involved could face up to 15 years in prison.
Russian Duma Approves Increased Defense Spending
The Russian House of Representatives has passed a preliminary approval for a near 30% rise in defense spending. According to AFP, 314 members voted in favor of the budget draft, while 78 abstained and one member opposed it.
The 2025 budget plan outlines an increase in official defense expenditures to approximately 13.5 trillion rubles, which is about 129.4 billion euros. The budget also includes additional funds for internal security and classified military operations in Ukraine. After the Duma’s final approval, the budget must still be confirmed by the upper house and signed by President Vladimir Putin.
In recent years, Russia’s military budget has reached historic levels since the Soviet Union’s dissolution, aimed at boosting the production of missiles and drones as well as enhancing combat troop salaries. In 2024 alone, military spending surged by 70% compared to the previous year.
South Korea May Adjust Arms Policy
Amidst concerns over North Korean troop deployment in Russia, South Korea might reconsider its arms supply policy to Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that while the goal is to maintain a policy against directly supplying lethal weapons, this stance could be revisited based on North Korea’s activities, following discussions with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
UN Calls for Peace in Ukraine
At the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the necessity for a “just peace” in Ukraine. Speaking on the summit’s final day, Guterres also urged for an “immediate” ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
Job Opportunities for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany
An increasing number of Ukrainian refugees in Germany are finding employment opportunities. A recent study from the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) indicated that the employment rate for Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Germany by June 2022 has nearly doubled over two years, rising from 16% in summer 2022 to 30% in the spring of this year.
This data is derived from ongoing surveys conducted by the BiB and the Family Demographic Panel. Currently, around 1.1 million Ukrainians are residing in Germany as a result of the conflict.
Rapid Russian Advancements in Donbass
Russian media and military bloggers are reporting significant advances by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the coal town of Selydove in Donbass. Pro-Russian blogger Yuri Podolyaka noted that Ukrainian defenses have notably weakened.
According to these sources, Russian troops have taken control of parts of Selydove, a town that once had around 20,000 residents. Ukrainian military officials indicated that heavy Russian assaults are occurring in the vicinity of this town.
Given the current circumstances, claims regarding military developments, shelling, and casualties from both Russian and Ukrainian sources cannot be independently verified.
Putin Remarks on Battle Outcomes
During the BRICS summit in Kazan, President Vladimir Putin warned against what he described as “illusory” attempts to defeat Russia militarily, arguing that adversaries aim for a strategic defeat of the nation. He noted that such miscalculations stem from a lack of understanding of Russia’s history.
Germany’s Commitment to Ukraine
Bärbel Bas, the President of the Bundest