14:25 Russian Defense Ministry admits to continuing fighting in Kursk
13:35 Russia: Thousands Flee Kursk - Putin Takes Charge
The Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow confirms reports of ongoing combat operations in Kursk. "The operation to eliminate Ukrainian military groups is continuing," the ministry states. According to the ministry, there have been skirmishes in border towns on Russian territory against Ukrainian infiltrators. Just yesterday, the Defense Ministry claimed that an attempt to breach the border had failed. Now, it is stated that a deep incursion into Russian territory has been prevented. According to the Defense Ministry, soldiers are fighting alongside border guards in the region against the infiltrators.
13:35 Russia: Thousands Flee Kursk - Putin Takes Charge
Thousands of people have fled from border towns attacked by Ukrainian forces in the Russian region of Kursk, according to official reports. Citizens have left their homes in private vehicles, said Alexei Smirnov, the acting governor, in a video message. Additionally, 200 people have been evacuated from the shelled towns in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he had spoken with President Vladimir Putin about the situation overnight. The President has taken the situation under personal control. Emergency shelters with around 2,500 places have been set up. Psychologists are also on duty there.
12:57 "Hidden by Occupiers" - Partisan Group Reports Discovery of Legendary Ship in Crimea
The pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh, active in the Russian-occupied Crimea, claims to have discovered two Russian ships. They are said to be landing ships of project 775, many of which have been sunk or damaged by Ukraine. "The occupiers hide their ships in the bays, hoping to save them," Atesh writes on Telegram. The two 775s are said to be in the Kilen Bay. One of them is the well-known "Konstantin Olshansky", captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a colorful history among both conflict parties and was damaged in an attack by Ukraine a few months ago, according to Ukrainian reports. Previously, the "Konstantin Olshansky" served as a parts depot. The partisan group states that they have shared the location information with the Ukrainian armed forces. "There is no doubt that more ships will sink in the near future."
12:24 Russian Military Blogger Sentenced to Long Prison Term
In Russia, military blogger Andrei Kurshin has been sentenced to six and a half years in a labor camp. He is accused of spreading false information about the armed forces, the investigation agency reports. Kurshin ran the Telegram channel "Moscow Calling", which supported the goals of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Kurshin criticized the way the military leadership was conducting the campaign. Analysts from the Institute for War Research described Kurshin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultranationalist at the extreme edge" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russian war efforts.
11:38 British Intelligence Comments on Sunk Russian Submarine
The UK's Ministry of Defence has issued an intelligence update on the sinking of the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" off the coast of Crimea a few days ago. "Unlike some reports, the submarine was likely not fully repaired from a previous attack on Crimea in September 2023," the update from London states. The latest attack is "almost certainly the last chapter for the submarine, as it would likely be more economical to build a replacement submarine." The intelligence service notes a morale boost for Ukrainian forces from the attack, but it's unlikely to have significant impact on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea fleet. "However, the attack highlights increasing risks for Russian forces on Crimea and will likely force Russia to reassess all plans to redeploy significant naval forces to the peninsula."
11:03 Strategy Shift or Diversion? Ukraine "Unnerves the Enemy" with Unclear Kursk Situation
The Ukrainian military is facing significant pressure in the Donetsk region, with Russians "advancing every day," as reported by ntv's Nadja Kriewald. Meanwhile, there are reports of Ukrainian advances in the north, but Kyiv is keeping the details under wraps.
10:34 Moscow Reports Injuries from Ukrainian Incursion into Russian Region Kursk
Russia's health ministry reports that 24 people, including six children, were injured in a Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, according to state news agency Interfax.
10:07 Russia Strikes with Drones - Ukraine Reports Perfect Hit Rate
Ukraine's air force claims to have shot down and destroyed all 30 Russian drones launched overnight towards targets in seven regions, according to a Telegram post from the Ukrainian air force.
09:29 ISW: Russia's Ex-Defense Minister Shoigu "Grossly Exaggerates" Territory Gains
According to Russia's former defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, Russian forces have captured 420 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since June 14. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) calls this "grossly exaggerated," estimating the figure at 290 square kilometers, or roughly 0.05% of Ukraine's total territory of around 600,000 square kilometers. Russia has repeatedly inflated its territorial gains in Ukraine, often claiming to have captured villages that are largely or entirely destroyed. Despite recent setbacks, Russia's overall advance remains slow, with Ukrainian forces often withdrawing from areas to protect soldiers.
08:55 Russia: Kursk Targeted by Ukrainian Air Strikes AgainA day after Ukrainian attacks on the western Russian region of Kursk left several dead, the area has again been targeted by Ukrainian air strikes, according to local authorities. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems, regional governor Alexei Smirnov said on Telegram. Yesterday, Russia reported attempted attacks by Ukrainian forces in Kursk, involving around 300 soldiers, 11 tanks, and about 20 other armored vehicles, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
08:22 Russia Reports Downed Drones in Several Border RegionsRussia's air defense has intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The affected regions are Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod, and Rostov, all of which border Ukraine, state news agency RIA reported, citing the ministry.
07:47 Pro-Ukrainian Channel Deepstate Wants Contact with Ukrainian Units in Russian KurskThe pro-Ukrainian military channel Deepstate also hints at a possible incursion into the Russian border region of Kursk. In a brief statement, it said it would not provide an update on the situation in the border area to ensure the safety of defense personnel. "We are closely monitoring the situation there, maintaining contact with some units, and will provide information as accurately as possible, but only when the time is right. Everyone feels like a strategist – that's normal – but for now, it's important not to get in the way of the guys and military leadership in their decisions that could determine the fate of all," it said.
07:06 Alleged Attack on Russian Region Kursk: Speculations about Far-Right Russian UnitRussian military bloggers claim that the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russian territory involved the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) found no confirmation of this, and a source from the Ukrainian military intelligence service told the media Voice of Ukraine that the RVC was not involved. The Russian Volunteer Corps consists of Russian far-right extremists and nationalists fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russia. In Kyiv, they have distanced themselves from the group in the past, stressing that it acts independently. The RVC has occasionally drawn attention with alleged incursions into Russian border regions, which critics have mainly dismissed as media stunts. According to ISW, another similar unit, the Legion for the Freedom of Russia, has not commented on its involvement. Both groups often report on their actions via their Telegram channels, but there are no indications of involvement in Kursk.
06:23 Ukrainian Troops Pushed into Russian Territory? Possible Attack Raises Many Questions
Many questions remain about the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russian territory in the border region of Kursk. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), geolocated footage shows damaged and abandoned armored vehicles about seven kilometers north of the border. However, the ISW cannot confirm whether these armored vehicles are Russian, Ukrainian, or both. Similarly, the Russian Ministry of Defense's claim that the Achmat special unit of Chechnya was involved in repelling the attack cannot be confirmed. "Russian military bloggers published footage supposedly showing the aftermath of the alleged Ukrainian incursions, although most of the damage shown can be attributed to routine Ukrainian shelling and does not indicate ground activity in the area."
05:52 Ukraine Orders One Million Drones
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is expanding its drone production as a crucial tool in the war. "We have already ordered one million drones from our manufacturers for this year," he says in his evening video address. Next year, it should be significantly more. "We are not disclosing all the details at this time, but our drone production capacity is steadily increasing, and we are working with both state funds and partners to invest in our drone production." The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is due to the reluctance of Western partners to approve the use of heavy weapons supplied to the Ukrainian military against targets on Russian territory.
05:06 Russia Reports Five Civilian Deaths in Clashes in Kursk
Five civilians, including two medics, were killed in a clash with Ukrainian soldiers in the Russian border region of Kursk, according to Russian reports. The governor of the region, Alexei Smirnov, also reported at least 20 injured in a Telegram message. Two missiles were also launched over the region early in the morning.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine
Following Mali, Niger has also severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, citing alleged Ukrainian support for a rebel attack in Mali. At the end of July, Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. They then released a photo purporting to show them with the Ukrainian flag. However, investigations by the independent Russian investigative portal iStories suggest that this is a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently traveling in southern African states and Mauritius to rally support for Kiev's stance against Russia. Russia, meanwhile, is expanding its influence in Sahel states through the Wagner Group.
23:23 Russia: Ukrainian Attack on Kursk RepelledRussia claims to have repelled Ukrainian advances on the Russian region of Kursk. "After suffering significant losses, the remnants of the sabotage group retreated to Ukrainian territory," the Moscow Defense Ministry said. Russia used artillery, fighter jets, and drones to fend off the attack. Ukrainian military authorities in the Sumy region, on the other side of the border with the Russian region of Kursk, claim that Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian ballistic missile, two drones, and a helicopter in the region. However, the Ukrainian General Staff's regular update does not report any Ukrainian attacks in the border region.
22:22 Kremlin Pressure - Activist Ends Protest for Return of Russian SoldiersUnder increasing pressure from the Kremlin, a leading activist in the campaign for the return of Russian soldiers from the front has stepped back from public appearances. Maria Andreyeva, one of the leaders of the group "Put' Domoy" (Return Home), told the AFP news agency that she would stop her public appearances and "go underground." She said she had been labeled a "foreign agent," which she said not only strips one of rights but also of livelihood. The group "Put' Domoy" consists of wives and mothers who have repeatedly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring back their men and sons fighting in Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin has increasingly targeted them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Investing More in Domestic Rocket ProgramUkraine is allocating additional funds for its domestic rocket program, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The move aims to reduce the gap with Russia, which possesses a range of long-range weapons, Zelensky wrote on Telegram. "Additional funds have been allocated for our rocket program. More domestically produced rockets are coming," he said without providing further details. In July, the Ukrainian president said Kyiv was working to reduce its dependence on rockets supplied by its allies, including those for air defense.
20:54 Russian Spy Couple Gives Interview After ReleaseAfter returning to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner swap, a Russian spy couple has spoken out for the first time. "When I saw the honor guard from the window of the plane, I had to cry," Anna Duycheva said in an interview on Russian state TV, describing the moment of her return to Russia. Together with her husband Artyom, Duycheva lived in Slovenia as a Russian spy for five years. Both were arrested in 2022. "We told the children that we are Russians, that they are Russians, and that we are the Duychevs," said mother Anna Duycheva, who said she and her children only spoke Spanish. Duycheva said she wants to "continue serving Russia."
20:04 Moscow Declares Moldovan Diplomat "Persona Non Grata"In response to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat due to a spy scandal, Moscow has declared a Moldovan diplomat "persona non grata," according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The ministry stated that it had summoned the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to express strong protest against Chisinau's continued hostile actions towards Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia has been declared "persona non grata." Last week, Chisinau accused an employee of an unnamed embassy in the country of communicating with two officials suspected of conspiring against the Moldovan government and passing information abroad. Shortly thereafter, the Russian diplomat was expelled from the country.
19:15 Shoigu: Window for Negotiations with Kiev NarrowingFormer Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urges Ukraine to begin peace talks. "The window of opportunity for Ukraine is closing," says the Secretary of the Security Council on state television. The longer Ukraine hesitates, the more territory it will lose, he adds. Moscow has emphasized that talks can only proceed if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and abandons any plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects these terms.
You can read about previous developments here.
The Russian Defense Ministry is actively engaging in combat operations to eliminate Ukrainian military groups in Kursk, as stated in their announcement.President Vladimir Putin has taken personal control of the situation in Kursk, following reports of thousands of people fleeing border towns attacked by Ukrainian forces.
