14:23: Military Strategist Commends "Wise Decision" by Chancellor Scholz
13:52 Kiel Institute Warns: Defense Spending "Completely Inadequate"Experts at the Kiel Institute for World Economics argue that the German government's defense spending is "completely inadequate" due to the threat posed by Russia. The institute explains that despite talk of a "turning point," the gap between Germany's and Russia's military capabilities continues to grow wider. The researchers advocate for a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. Study author Guntram Wolff comments, "Russia is becoming an increasingly significant security threat to NATO, while we are advancing at a snail's pace with the necessary build-up for deterrence." Currently, the German government struggles to replace weapons sent to Ukraine, and stocks of air defense systems and artillery howitzers are running low.
12:25 "Significant Difference" between Putin and LavrovUkraine has repeatedly urged the EU and the US to permit the use of weapons on Russian territory. Now, the Netherlands has granted approval, including promised fighter jets.
12:59 Russian Military Claims Capture of Four More Towns in DonetskThe Russian military asserts that it has seized control of four additional towns in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Southern Group of Forces captured Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, while the Eastern Group took Wodiane, and the Central Group seized Halytsynivka, according to the Russian Defense Ministry's report. These declarations cannot be independently confirmed. Ukrainian military observers have marked three out of the affected towns as under Russian occupation, excluding Hryhoriwka. Ukraine is under intense pressure on the eastern front.
12:20 Moscow Recognizes Only One Negotiating PartnerA peace conference was held in Switzerland in June without Russia's participation. Now, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses a willingness to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin's reaction remains unclear. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shows diplomatic effort, but not with Europe, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Kyiv: Russia Increasingly Using Chemical WeaponsUkrainian authorities allege that Russian forces in Ukraine are increasingly employing chemical weapons. The Ukrainian military command writes on Facebook that Russian forces utilized munitions containing harmful chemicals and chemical agents 447 times in August alone, and 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian military command further states that the Kremlin troops are equipping munitions with banned chemical agents and employing unidentified chemical compounds. It adds, "Russia is thus blatantly violating the rules of warfare and disregarding the standards and commitments under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction."
11:19 Presidential Office in Kyiv: Attacks on Russian Weapon Depots Permitted
The head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office emphasizes his country's request to its Western allies to permit the use of their weapons against targets deep within Russian territory. Andrij Jermak states that the ability to strike missile depots in Russia is essential. "Defense is not escalation," Jermak writes on Telegram. "It's about utilizing Western weapons to prevent terror." Western countries hesitate to give Ukraine permission to use the weapons they've supplied on Russian territory, citing concerns about being dragged into the conflict.
10:53 Fires and Injuries - Russia Strikes with Dozens of Drones and Two Missiles
At least three people are hurt, buildings are damaged, and fires are started in Ukraine following Russian drone and missile attacks, according to local authorities. Air defense shot down 38 out of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions during the nighttime attack, the air force reports on Telegram. Russia also utilized two missiles in its attack, targeting energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions, the energy ministry in Kyiv reports, causing disruptions to high-voltage lines and substations.
10:27 End of Role Model Status: Putin's Children's Rights Ombudswoman Marries Oligarch
Maria Lwowa-Belowa, Russia's children's rights ombudswoman, who once symbolized the Russian woman, has lost her 'role model' status. She married an oligarch, Konstantin Malofeey, with whom she had been in a relationship, over the weekend. Malofeey is the founder of Kremlin-linked Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and a staunch supporter of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Russia Reports Ukrainian Attack Wave
A woman is killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, according to the region's governor. Videos show explosions in residential areas. Russian reports claim that 144 drones were intercepted.
09:32 With Over 400 Warships: Russia's Fleet Begins Maneuvers
Russia's navy commences strategic maneuvers "Okean-2024" in various waters of the world's largest country. Over 400 warships, including submarines, and over 90,000 personnel from various fleets will be participating in the exercises until September 16, the defense ministry in Moscow reports. The exercises are taking place in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian seas, as well as the Mediterranean, where Russia has a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Two Lives Lost in Russian Region Orenburg Oil Pipeline FireAn oil pipeline flameup in the Russian region of Orenburg has led to two fatalities, as reported by the news agency TASS. An inquiry into the blaze's origin is now underway, albeit the exact time it started remains undisclosed. Mysterious reports about this event had been circulating on certain Russian Telegram channels as early as Monday.
08:43 Shoigu Bats Against Ukraine NegotiationsRussia will not engage in negotiations with Ukraine until its troops pull back from Russian territories, according to TASS, which obtained this information from Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Previously, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov had also dismissed the idea of negotiations.
08:14 Moscow Airports Resume OperationsRosaviatsiya, Russia's aviation authority, announced via Telegram that Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports have resumed operations. Air traffic had been halted temporarily due to Ukrainian drone assaults in the Moscow region.
07:43 Scholz Sets Preconditions for Russia's Involvement in Peace TalksGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has connected Russia's participation in a potential Ukraine peace summit to some conditions. Speaking at an SPD event on Monday evening, Scholz emphasized the value of exploring exit strategies from the war situation in parallel with the necessary military support for Ukraine against aggressor, Russia. He voiced his hopes for another peace conference, involving Russia, similar to the Ukrainian leadership. However, he pointed out that this would not be achievable if the invited individual continues stating, "I will keep attacking." Scholz criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for declaring his desire for more Ukrainian territory during potential peace talks. The Chancellor underscored the necessity of transparency, firmness, and integrity in ensuring peace and security in Europe.
07:18 Fico Accuses Ukrainian Military of Fascism - Kyiv ProtestsUkraine has expressed surprise at the allegations made by pro-Russian Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. According to Reuters, Fico had urged Kyiv to tackle "fascism" within its military. In response, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Ukrainian soldiers were protecting their families, homes, and land, in addition to Europe and the free world, against Russian invaders marked with the letter 'Z' - a symbol of modern Russia's fascist aesthetics. The ministry also recalled the millions of losses suffered by the Ukrainian people during their fight against Nazism in the 20th century. Fico's "fascism" charge echoes Russian propaganda labeling the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. However, right-wing extremist parties in Ukraine's 2019 elections only garnered 2.4% of the vote. Historian Timothy Snyder, on the other hand, sees clear fascist traits in the Putin system.
06:56 Russian Regional Governor Adjusts Casualty FiguresA Ukrainian drone strike in Moscow has resulted in a woman's death and injured three civilians, as reported by Governor Andrei Vorobiev on Telegram. Initially, he mentioned a child's death (see entry at 06:02), but later retracted this claim. According to Vorobiev, 43 individuals are staying in temporary shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace Set to Investigate Environmental Harm by Russia in UkraineGreenpeace has reopened its Kyiv office with the goal of expediting reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and investigating environmental damages stemming from the Russian invasion. Greenpeace is currently collaborating with local environmental organizations and has pledged to harness the power of solar and wind energy for Ukraine's social infrastructure reconstruction. Greenpeace has consistently highlighted environmental damages caused by the Russian invasion in Ukraine, including situations at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Russia Confirms Child's Death in Moscow Region due to Ukrainian Drone StrikeFollowing a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region, a child has perished, as per Russian reports. Governor Andrei Vorobiev, who shared this information on Telegram, revealed that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the Moscow region overnight. One of these drones caused a fire now being extinguished by the fire department. Vorobiev added, "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child has passed away."
05:31 Ukraine Repels Drone Attack on KyivThe Ukrainian air defense forces have thwarted a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, according to the military administration of the Ukrainian capital, reported via Telegram.
04:36 Russia: Drone Debris Hits Fuel and Energy Complex in Tula RegionDebris from a drone shot down by Russian air defense over the Tula region has fallen on a fuel and energy facility, according to Russian news agency TASS. The authorities in Tula reported no injuries, and the industrial process and power distribution to consumers remained unaffected. The situation was under control.
03:29 Ukraine Launches Drone Attack on MoscowFollowing the interception of two Ukrainian drones over Moscow's Domodedovo district, emergency services have been dispatched to the crash site, as announced by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No further information was provided regarding damage or casualties. The Domodedovo district, approximately 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, hosts one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russian Air Defense Intercepts Drone over MoscowRussian air defense forces have successfully dealt with a drone approaching the Russian capital, as reported by Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin. Preliminary data suggests no damages or casualties in the area where the debris landed, Sobyanin communicated through Telegram. The Ukrainian side has yet to make any statement regarding the matter.
00:12 Zelensky Praises Sweden for New Defense Aid PackageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Sweden for a military aid package valued at approximately $445 million. Zelensky stated via X that this essential aid, which includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions for immediate requirements in Ukraine, would strengthen our defensive capabilities. Swedish sources divulged that the package also comprises spare parts for Gripen fighter jets, potentially for future aircraft deliveries.
22:17 Foreign Ministry: Russia Poses Severe Threat to Peace on NATO's Eastern EdgePost the drone intrusions into Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Ministry has designated Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, as the "most substantial threat to peace and security" directly affecting NATO's eastern boundary. "Regrettably, Putin's Russia is currently the most significant threat to peace and security directly impacting NATO's eastern border," the ministry disclosed on X. "This dire reality has been underscored, not least by the drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." "In alliance with our partners, we remain steadfast in our support," the Foreign Ministry emphasized, pertaining to the drones. Over the weekend, both NATO and EU members Latvia and Romania reported drone incursions into their territories.
21:42 US Unable to Confirm Iranian Missile Supply to RussiaThe US administration cannot corroborate statements indicating that Iran has transferred ballistic missiles to Russia, according to United States National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby.
21:28 Zelensky Pressures for Accelerated Weapon DeliveriesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western nations to expedite the implementation of aid commitments. "The course of the conflict hinges directly on the efficiency of logistics in deliveries and the fulfillment of all commitments from our partners," Zelensky remarked in his evening address. Supplies and equipment must reach their destination in a timely manner to be effective. "What's required in September should be delivered to our troops in September."
20:52 Russian Opposition Politician Warns Against Granting Putin a 'Victory' ExitProminent Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Mursa advised the West against allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin an "acceptable" exit from the Ukraine conflict. "It's imperative that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious from the war against Ukraine," Kara-Mursa said. "It's essential that Vladimir Putin does not manage to extricate himself from this war in Ukraine with an 'honorable' outcome." Around a month following his release in a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa explained that they understand the weariness about the conflict in Western societies. However, he stressed that Putin must be defeated. He added, "If, sadly, the Putin regime can present the outcome of this war as a triumph for itself and maintain power, we will be confronting another conflict or catastrophe within the next year or 18 months."
You can catch up on previous developments here.
The European Union has shown concern about Russia's actions towards Ukraine, calling for a strong response to protect its Eastern border. The European Council concluded in a recent meeting that Russia poses a significant threat to peace on NATO's eastern edge and urged its members to support Ukraine in its defense efforts.
Recognizing the European Union's stance, the German government has suggested engaging in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, experts at the Kiel Institute for World Economics argue that the German defense spending is "completely inadequate" in the face of this threat, emphasizing the need for a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros to maintain deterrence capabilities.
