00:53 Fire at the Sapporich nuclear power plant largely extinguished
23:21 Russians Attempt to Score Points with Archival Footage - "Successes in Kursk" Exposed as Old Videos
The Russian Ministry of Defense has released videos purporting to show successful strikes against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. However, the independent Russian news outlet "The Insider" reported on Saturday that these videos were actually filmed elsewhere and at different times. On August 6, the Ukrainian military unexpectedly crossed the border, bringing regular Ukrainian troops into Russia for the first time. As the Ukraine continued its advance, Russia declared a state of emergency and an "anti-terror operation." The Russian Ministry of Defense and state-controlled media broadcast videos claiming to show Russian forces repelling Ukrainian troops in the region. A video released on August 9, supposedly showing Russian troops responding to the incursion in Kursk by attacking Ukrainian military in the neighboring Sumy region, was actually published weeks before the offensive, according to The Insider. The state-owned Russian news agency TASS published the video on July 14.
22:10 Authorities Plan to Open Underground Schools in Saporischschja
According to the governor of the Saporischschja region, Ivan Fedorov, local authorities plan to open some of the six underground schools built in the southeastern city of Saporischschja and the surrounding area by the end of October. "We expect the first schools to start accepting students by the end of October, that's our ambitious goal," Fedorov said on television. "And today, we see that we can meet this plan." Kharkiv was the first Ukrainian city to introduce the concept of underground schools to ensure offline education despite regular Russian attacks. The first school was set up in the Kharkiv metro.
21:53 Zelensky Accuses Russia of Setting Fire to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of setting fire to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. While radiation levels are normal, Zelensky wrote on the X platform, "But as long as the Russian terrorists control the nuclear power plant, the situation cannot be normal." He called for an immediate response from the international community and the IAEA. Russia seized the largest nuclear power plant in Europe shortly after the start of its invasion and has been occupying it since. Both sides blame each other for attacks on or sabotage at the plant. Russia has recently complained repeatedly about Ukrainian drone attacks.
21:38 Fire in Cooling System of Zaporizhzhia NPPAccording to the Russian occupation authorities, a fire has broken out in the cooling system of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Enerhodar, southeastern Ukraine. The Russian-appointed head of the region, Yevgeny Balitsky, claims that there was a Ukrainian attack on the area around the power plant beforehand. However, he says there is no danger as all blocks of the NPP are shut down and radiation levels are normal.
21:11 Zelenskyy: Every single Russian rocket attack on border deserves "adequate response"In his video address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that every rocket attack on Ukraine launched from Russian border regions deserves an "adequate response." Russian forces fired over 50 drones and four rockets at Ukraine overnight. A rocket strike in the Kyiv Oblast killed a father and his four-year-old son. "The Russians launched them from the Voronezh region," says Zelenskyy, referring to the ballistic rockets. "We are registering all the places from where the Russian army is striking, including the Belgorod region, the Kursk region, and other regions. ... We are recording every rocket strike. And each of these strikes deserves an adequate response."
20:17 Russia calls Ukrainian offensive in Kursk "barbaric"The Russian Ministry of Defense has described the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region as "barbaric" and claimed it is militarily pointless. Ukraine has occupied a few dozen square kilometers of Russian territory without claiming it. Meanwhile, Russia controls over 100,000 square kilometers of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory. It is suspected that the offensive may aim to draw Russian elite units away from Ukrainian frontlines.
19:29 Commander of the German Armed Forces: Germany must be prepared for war with Russia in five yearsMichael Gissing, commander of the Hamburg regional command of the German Armed Forces, says in an interview with "Welt" that Germany should be prepared for a large-scale military conflict with Russia in five years. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany has increased its military budget and pushed forward the expansion of its arms industry. "In Germany, we are still miles away from perceiving an external threat, unlike, for example, the people in the Baltic states or Poland," said Gissing. "But my inner clock as a soldier tells me that we must be resilient as a society in five years to withstand a military threat from outside."
18:55 Finance Minister: Delays in US Aid Contribute to Ukraine's Budget Deficit
Delays in US military aid have contributed to Ukraine's rapidly increasing budget deficit this year, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko told the "Financial Times" in an interview. Other government officials have estimated the deficit at nearly a quarter of the country's GDP, or $43.5 billion, equivalent to around €40 million. The minister's admission of the difficult situation with military spending comes at a time when Russian troops are advancing further across the frontline in the Donbass. Ukrainian soldiers on the ground report shortages of personnel, ammunition, and military equipment, making the defense of Ukrainian-held cities more challenging than ever. Marchenko said that the disbursement of US military aid is proceeding "slowly," more than three months after Congress approved direct military aid to Ukraine worth $27 billion, including $13.8 billion for the purchase of modern weapons and another $13.8 billion for the purchase of US defense systems.
18:21 Governor Reports Four Injured in Russian City Strike
In the night, Ukrainian forces are said to have attacked not only the Russian region of Kursk but also the surrounding regions of Voronezh and Belgorod with drones and missiles (see entry 08:07). Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that four people were injured, including three men with shrapnel wounds, in an attack on a city in Belgorod. They were taken to a hospital in Shebekino and their condition is said to be stable. The strike also damaged a residential building, a bus stop, and a bus, according to Gladkov.
17:38 Russians Attempt to Break Ukrainian Defenses 26 Times Near Pokrovsk
Apart from the fighting around Ukraine's push into Russian territory near Kursk, Russian troops have continued their attacks in the east of Ukraine. The main areas of combat were around Torez and Pokrovsk, according to the Ukrainian General Staff in Kyiv. The heaviest fighting was registered near Pokrovsk on the edge of the Donbass. Russian units made 26 attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses since the morning, all of which were repelled. Independent confirmation of these reports is not possible. Near Torez, Russian troops again tried to advance towards the settlement of Niu York (New York), but these attacks were also repulsed. Additionally, the city of Torez was targeted by Russian air strikes.
17:10 Abbas and Putin Meeting Announced for Monday in MoscowPalestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Moscow from August 12 to 14 and is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 13. This was reported by the Palestinian ambassador to Russia, Abdel Hafiz Nofal, to the state-owned Russian news agency TASS. "The President will arrive in the evening of August 12. It is expected that he will meet with President Putin on Tuesday, and before that, Mahmoud Abbas will lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow. The President will depart on August 14. But of course, there will also be a meeting with the Arab ambassadors," Nofal emphasized. According to the diplomat, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be the main topic of the talks. "The situation in Gaza. They will discuss the role of Russia and what can be done. We have a very difficult situation, and Russia is a country close to us. We need to consult," said Nofal.
16:36 All Bodies Identified: Three Girls Among Dead in Russian Attack on SupermarketThe identification of the people killed in a Russian missile attack on Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region was completed by the prosecutor's office in the morning. It is now known that among the dead are three children. They are three girls aged 9, 11, and 16. On Friday, Russia carried out a missile attack on a shopping center in the center of Konstantinovka. Fourteen people were killed and 44 others injured. The attack mainly affected the Eko-Market supermarket and a post office. The bodies of two children had already been identified on Saturday.
15:54 Ukrainian Armored Vehicles with White Triangles Spotted on the Way to KurskDozens of Ukrainian armored vehicles have crossed the eastern Ukrainian region of Sumy, which borders the Russian region of Kursk. AFP reporters saw symbols in the form of a white triangle on the vehicles - apparently a sign that they are part of the advance of the Ukrainian army into Kursk. After the incursion of Ukrainian troops, fighting continues in the Russian border region of Kursk. The fighting has been going on for the sixth consecutive day today, Sunday. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow reports that 35 drones were intercepted over Kursk and the regions of Voronezh, Belgorod, Bryansk, and Oryol overnight.
15:21 Kyiv Does Not Register Additional Belarusian Troops and Equipment at the BorderUkraine does not see any additional Belarusian troops at the border, despite Minsk claiming to be reinforcing the border, said the spokesman for the state border guard service, Andrii Demtschenko. His statement comes a day after Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko ordered the deployment of reinforcements to the border areas with Ukraine. On Friday, several drones from Ukraine were shot down over Belarus. Lukashenko ordered the military presence to be reinforced in the directions of Gomel and Mozyr and to send, among other things, the Polonez rocket systems and the complexes of medium-range ballistic missiles Iskander there. On the Ukrainian side, the area borders the Kviv, Shytomyr, and Chernihiv regions. "The situation at the border is fully under control. We are not registering any movement of equipment or personnel near our border," said Demtschenko.
14:43 Expert on Kursk Offensive: "Surprise attack benefits Kyiv"Defense and security expert Michael Clarke told U.S. broadcaster Sky that Ukraine launched a "completely surprising attack" against Russia in the Kursk region this week. Clarke believes everything indicates that Ukraine is "winning this battle as much as possible." "They haven't just launched a surprise attack - they've launched an attack of complete astonishment. They've astonished the Russians and the Western backers," he said. "The shock value of this surprise attack benefits Kyiv." The breach into Russian territory is at least 35 miles long and about 15 miles deep. Clarke estimates that about three or four Ukrainian brigades are in Russia, consisting of "elite troops at the highest level." No details were given about Ukraine's objectives, but Clarke said Kyiv is likely hoping to draw good Russian army units away and ease pressure on Ukrainian frontlines elsewhere. There are signs that Moscow is pulling its better units out of southern Ukraine, including from the areas of Chassiv Yar and Pokrovsk. "Russia will do whatever it takes to fix this breach," Clark said. "Putin can't let this slide."
14:04 Kyiv: Incursion into Russian territory aims to 'destabilize' RussiaAn incursion by Ukrainian troops into the Russian border region of Kursk is aimed at "destabilizing" Russia, a Ukrainian security official told news agency AFP. "We are on the offensive," the official said. "Thousands" of Ukrainian soldiers are involved. "The aim is to disperse the enemy's positions, inflict maximum losses, and destabilize the situation in Russia," the official said.
13:37 Russia announces harsh response to attacks on Kursk border regionAfter new Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region of Kursk, Moscow has announced a harsh response. "A harsh reaction from the Russian armed forces will not be long in coming," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the Telegram messaging service. She promised to hold those responsible for the "crimes" in Kursk to account.
13:05 Belarus: Video allegedly shows tank transport to Ukraine borderThe Belarusian Defense Ministry has published footage on social media showing several tanks being loaded onto a train. The post preceding it states that units are being put on alert. The reinforcement of troops at the border between Belarus and Ukraine is a response to the alleged intrusion of Ukrainian combat drones into Belarusian airspace.
12:48 Ukraine: 53 Russian drones destroyedUkraine claims to have shot down 53 out of 57 drones in the latest Russian attack. The drones were destroyed over various parts of the country, the air force of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv reported. Russia also used four North Korean rockets, it said.
12:20 Russia: Lancet drone destroys Ukrainian tank in KurskThe Russian Defense Ministry claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian tank in the Kursk region using a Lancet drone. The ministry published a video on Telegram purporting to show the destruction of the Ukrainian tank.
11:53 Zelensky: Russia uses North Korean rocket against Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses his condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased in a post on the X platform following the deadly Russian air strike on Kyiv. A 35-year-old man and his 4-year-old son were killed, and three people, including a 12-year-old boy, were injured. In the X post, Zelensky states, "Preliminary information suggests that the Russians used a North Korean rocket in this attack - another targeted terrorist act against Ukraine." Pyrotechnics experts are working to determine the exact data of the rocket.
11:31 Kriewald: "Lukashenko is wise to remain a loudmouth"
Belarus plans to send troops to the border region with Ukraine? ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald explains that Putin has been trying to drag Belarus into the active war zone for years and does not expect this to happen anytime soon.
10:41 Ukraine aims to destroy Russia's military infrastructure
Following a new deadly Russian air strike near Kyiv, Ukraine aims to permanently destroy Russia's military infrastructure to stop the killing of civilians. The head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, says in Kyiv that it is necessary to deprive Russia of its ability to kill. He publishes a video on his Telegram channel showing troops in a debris field. "It is necessary to destroy its military infrastructure because the enemy does not accept other arguments," Yermak says about the Russian war of aggression. Ukraine hopes for a swift approval from Western allies to use long-range rockets, even against Russian territory.
10:22 Emergency Ministry delivers aid to the border region of Kursk
The Russian Emergency Ministry delivers humanitarian aid to the contested border region of Kursk. The ministry reports that convoys carrying tents, blankets, mobile generators, hygiene items, food, and drinking water have been sent to the region. In cooperation with local authorities, the aid will be distributed to the people. More than 76,000 people have had to leave their homes in the region due to ongoing clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
09:47 Ukraine: Kramatorsk under Russian fire again
On the second day in a row, Russian forces are reportedly shelling the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, according to the Ukrainian governor of Donetsk, Vadym Lysychenko, on Telegram. Infrastructure facilities were hit, and four people were injured. Kramatorsk is the administrative center of the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the Donetsk region. Eastern parts of the region are controlled by the Russian military.
08:59 Ukraine Publishes Figures on Russian LossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has published new casualty figures for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to the data, Russia has lost approximately 590,920 soldiers in its war against Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the past 24 hours alone, the number of losses is reported to be 1,220. A report from Kyiv claims that on the last day of fighting, six tanks, 58 artillery systems, and 27 drones were destroyed. Since the start of the large-scale invasion, Russia has reportedly lost a total of 8,447 tanks, 16,663 artillery systems, 366 aircraft, 328 helicopters, 13,399 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates suggest lower casualty figures, but these are also likely to be minimum values.
08:07 Russia: Massive Drone Strikes in Russian Border Regions of Belgorod and VoronezhUkrainian forces reportedly attacked the Russian regions of Voronezh and Belgorod with drones and missiles overnight, in addition to the Russian region of Kursk (see entry 01:51). The governors of Voronezh and Belgorod announced this on their Telegram channels. Oleksandr Gusev, governor of the Voronezh region, reported that the air defense system shot down more than a dozen drones in the Voronezh region, damaging buildings. Gusev stated that there were no casualties. In several settlements in Belgorod, there were drone attacks. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, wrote about this on Telegram. In two locations, there were explosions and fires. There were no casualties.
07:32 Rescue Service: Two Dead After Russian Attack on Kyiv RegionAs a result of a Russian missile attack (see entry 00:27), a 35-year-old man and his 4-year-old son were killed in a suburb of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, according to the state rescue service. Three others were seriously injured. Missile debris fell on private homes in Brovary east of Kyiv in the evening, the rescuers reported on Telegram. The father and son were trapped under the rubble of a building.
07:04 Russia: Russian Su-25 Jet Allegedly Strikes Ukrainian Forces in Russian KurskA Russian Su-25 fighter jet reportedly attacked and hit Ukrainian forces in the border area of the Russian region of Kursk, according to the Russian Defense Ministry on Telegram. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the attack was carried out with unguided air-to-ground missiles. The Russian Defense Ministry also stated that the crew performed an air force missile defense maneuver, triggered heat flares, and returned to the airbase. A video showing the fighter jet's deployment was published on the Telegram channel of the Defense Ministry. The Su-25 fighter type is a ground attack aircraft developed in the Soviet Union. In the Ukraine war, Su-25 jets are used for air support of Russian ground troops.
06:24 ISW: Kremlin Downplays Ukrainian Incursion in Kursk RegionThe Kremlin has likely decided to declare an anti-terror operation instead of martial law to downplay the Ukrainian invasion in the Kursk region, preventing panic or a backlash at home, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts suggest this indicates the Kremlin's unwillingness to resort to more drastic measures.
05:38 Orthodox Church with Moscow Ties to be Banned?Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted in his evening video address on Saturday that the country's leadership plans to strengthen "our Ukrainian spiritual independence." This implies that the leadership will ban the Orthodox Church with ties to Moscow. Since the Russian troops' invasion, the number of members in the other independent church has been growing. However, the minority church tied to Moscow maintains its influence, with the Ukrainian government accusing it of supporting the invasion and attempting to poison public opinion.
03:50 ISW: Ukrainians Hold Positions and AdvanceGeolocated footage and Russian reports from yesterday suggest that Ukrainian forces have largely maintained their previously reported positions in the Kursk region and have made some advances, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
01:51 Russia: Injured by Ukrainian Missile in City of KurskAt least 13 people have been injured, two severely, by debris from a downed Ukrainian missile in the Russian city of Kursk, according to the acting governor of the border region.
00:27 Explosions in Ukrainian Capital KyivSeveral explosions have been heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. According to AFP journalists, the explosions were heard in the city center and east. The Ukrainian air force stated that two Russian missiles were targeted at the capital, while the Kyiv military administration reported the activation of air defense systems on the Telegram online service.
00:11 Ukraine Awaits "with Anticipation" Decisions from US, UK, and FranceUkraine may be able to expect the delivery of more long-range weapons to maintain its defense against Russian aggression. In his evening video address, President Zelenskyy said, "We are also awaiting with anticipation the decisions of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France on long-range capabilities - decisions that will bring us closer to a just peace." For a long time, Ukraine had been trying to convince Germany to supply Taurus long-range missiles, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz refused.
22:17 Ukraine Suspects 28 Officials of Defrauding Defense Budget
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, in collaboration with the State Investigation Bureau, National Police, and Security Service of Ukraine, has conducted a special operation to expose the organizers and participants in criminal schemes defrauding Ukraine's defense budget. The Prosecutor General's Office reported that the total damage to the state amounts to over 1.5 billion Hryvnia, approximately €33 million. According to the investigation, employees of the Ministry of Defense, military units, joint ventures, regional military administrations, city councils, and company directors across many regions of Ukraine are involved. As a result of the investigation, 28 individuals have been suspected, including nine members of organized criminal groups.
You can read all previous developments here.**
The European Union should strongly condemn Russia's attempts to manipulate the public with falsified military footage, such as the videos released by the Russian Ministry of Defense in Kursk.
In response to the growing humanitarian crisis in the Saporischschja region, the European Union should provide immediate financial aid and resources to help local authorities open the underground schools by the end of October.
