LIVE TEXT The war in Ukraine, day 797. The White House cannot comment on the timing and delivery of American aid to Ukraine. Former German officer admits spying for Russia, motivated by the fear of a nuclear war.

UPDATE General Staff: Russia has lost 468,720 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022

Russia has lost 468,720 soldiers in Ukraine since the start of its invasion on February 24, 2022, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced on April 30. This number includes 1,250 losses suffered by Russian forces in the last day.

According to the report, Russia also lost 7,307 tanks, 14,046 armored fighting vehicles, 16,109 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,011 artillery systems, 1,053 multiple launch missile systems, 779 air defense systems, 348 planes, 325 helicopters, 9,531 drones, 26 ships and boats and a submarine.

UPDATE FT: The head of Naftogaz asks the EU to protect gas deposits against Russian attacks

The CEO of Ukraine’s national energy company has urged EU countries to help protect its natural gas storage facilities against recent Russian attacks so they can further help lower prices across the continent.

WSJ UPDATE: A manufacturer in Kharkiv is diversifying its business and producing long-range drones

In a hidden hangar in western Ukraine, several dozen workers are producing long-range drones designed to meet growing demand as Ukraine steps up its strike campaign inside Russian territory, according to a report published by the Wall. Street Journal.

UPDATE The White House cannot comment on the timing and delivery of American aid to Ukraine

Military aid deliveries to Ukraine are continuing, but the White House cannot comment on the timing and volume of deliveries due to operational security concerns, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on April 29.

UPDATE Russian forces attack 7 communities in the Sumy region, damaging a school

Russian forces attacked seven communities along the border in the Sumy region on April 29, destroying a school, the regional military administration said. At least 73 explosions were recorded.

Former German officer admits spying for Russia, motivated by the fear of a nuclear war

A former German army captain, identified only as Thomas H., has admitted to spying for Russia, citing fears of a potential global nuclear escalation in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine, The Kyiv Independent reports.

In the trial held in Düsseldorf, he confessed to carrying out espionage activities and revealing state secrets. Thomas H., arrested last August when he was serving as an officer, expressed his regret, admitting the accuracy of the accusations.

Motivated by fears for his family’s safety after watching pro-Russian content highlighting the risk of a nuclear conflict in Ukraine, he contacted Russian authorities to find out. Thus, he approached the Russian consulate in Bonn and the embassy in Berlin in May 2023, offering cooperation and providing sensitive information.

Thomas H., employed at a facility of the German army in Koblenz, responsible for testing military equipment and technologies, allegedly provided military documents to the Russian secret services without receiving payment. Also during the same period, he joined the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The case adds to Germany’s security and intelligence challenges since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including the recent arrest of German-Russian nationals on suspicion of military sabotage and the exposure of sensitive discussions of high-ranking German military officials.