14:28 Eastern Ukraine experiences a deadly Russian assault, resulting in the loss of five lives
8:00 AM: At Least Five Innocent Individuals Lost in Russian Assault in Eastern Ukraine
At least five innocent individuals have met their demise in a Russian assault in eastern Ukraine this morning, as per official reports. Authorities and emergency services are currently on the scene in Kostiantynivka, a city in the Donetsk region, as announced by the region's governor, Vadym Fillaschkin, via Telegram. He once again urged residents to prioritize their safety as Kostiantynivka is situated near the front line, where Russian forces have been making significant gains in recent months and have repeatedly targeted the nearby city of Pokrovsk, a significant logistical hub for Ukrainian forces.
2:06 PM: Historical Estate of Renowned Ukrainian Anarchist Fighter Nestor Makhno Ruined in Saporishshia Attack
The historical estate and residence of Ukrainian anarchist fighter Nestor Makhno in Huliaipole have been damaged beyond repair in a Russian assault on the Saporishshia region. As reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," the Ukrainian National Police confirmed this incident. Makhno's renowned 20th-century revolutionary home had been transformed into a museum. Following the Russian attack, the building caught fire and was eventually engulfed in flames. According to the National Police, Russian forces launched 306 attacks on nine settlements in the Saporishshia region overnight, resulting in damaged or destroyed buildings and infrastructure. Regrettably, no civilian casualties were reported.
1:38 PM: 115 Ukrainian Military Personnel Released from Russian Captivity
115 Ukrainian military personnel have been released from Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced via Telegram. "We hold each one of them dear in our hearts. We are doing everything we can to bring everyone home," the Ukrainian leader expressed, thanking the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for facilitating the prisoner exchange negotiations with Moscow. Zelenskyy also shared photos of the freed soldiers on Telegram, stating that they come from various Ukrainian military branches, including the army, national guard, navy, and border guard.
1:25 PM: Upcoming Prisoner Exchange between Russia and Ukraine
Another prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is imminent: 115 prisoners each are expected to be exchanged today, according to a government official representing the mediating United Arab Emirates (UAE). This would mark the first such exchange since Ukraine initiated its military offensive within Russia this month. The Russian Defense Ministry, backed by the state-run Russian news agency RIA, has confirmed this plan. It is reported that Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine during its offensive in the Kursk region are currently located in Belarusian territory. This exchange, the seventh mediated by the UAE since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, will proceed with the close support of the US ally, Abu Dhabi, despite frustrating Western governments.
1:16 PM: President Duda and Prime Minister Simonyte Attend Ukraine's Independence Day Celebrations in Kyiv
Ukraine is commemorating its 33rd Independence Day today. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcoming Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on this special occasion. Several photographs from the celebrations in Kyiv have been shared by the Ukrainian Presidential Office.
12:56 PM: Latvia Provides 126 Million Dollars in Military Support to Ukraine and Expands Drone Coalition Initiative
Latvia has pledged 126 million dollars (112 million euros) in military aid to Ukraine this year and will contribute to expanding the drone coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this on Facebook. Umerov had previously met with a Latvian delegation led by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds. "A key focus is strengthening the drone coalition, with Latvia playing a leading role," Umerov stated. Latvia will supply Ukraine with several thousand drones to assist in countering large-scale Russian aggression. According to the Ukrainian defense minister, the coalition already numbers several dozen states.
12:16 PM: Zelensky Grants Ukraine's Accession to the International Criminal Court
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law ratifying the Rome Statute, thereby paving the way for Ukraine's full membership in the International Criminal Court. This significant step is seen as a measure toward Ukraine's integration with the EU. The Ukrainian parliament had previously supported this move. The court has issued international arrest warrants for individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
11:38 AM: Ukraine Bans Kremlin-Influenced Ukrainian Orthodox Church
On Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law prohibiting religious organizations with links to Moscow. The move, according to Zelensky, aims to fortify Ukraine's independence. The bill, which received parliamentary approval on Tuesday, bars religious organizations with Kremlin ties. Russia criticized this decision. The bill set a deadline for religious organizations to cut their ties with Russia, a task that could take several years to accomplish. "Today, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is taking a step towards liberation from Moscow's grasp," Zelensky declared in his speech.
11:02 AM: Media Reports: Russian Ammunition Depot on Fire after Drone Attack
Ukraine appears to have successfully targeted a military facility: A Russian ammunition depot in the Voronezh region reportedly caught fire as a result of Ukrainian drone attacks, according to the independent news portal Astra. The suspected target was a warehouse near the town of Ostrogoshsk, situated approximately 100 kilometers south of Voronezh. Official confirmation of the incident as an ammunition depot has not been provided, but a state of emergency was declared in three nearby villages due to the threat of fire and explosions. (More information in the 9:54 entry)
10:26 Zelensky: Conflict resurges in Russia's territory
As per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, conflict has reemerged in Russian territory. Russia's invasion of Ukraine was intended to "annihilate" Ukraine, Zelensky mentioned in a video message commemorating Ukraine's Independence Day. Instead, Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd Independence Day, Zelensky continued. "What the enemy brought upon our land has now returned to its origin." According to Zelensky, the video was recorded in a border region where Ukraine launched a surprise offensive against Russia. Ukrainian troops penetrated into the Russian region of Kursk on August 6.
09:54 Emergency declared in Voronezh region of Russia due to drone attacks
Russia has declared an emergency in parts of the Voronezh region near the border with Ukraine following nighttime drone attacks, regional governor Alexander Gusev announced on Telegram. Five drones were intercepted by Russian forces, but the falling debris ignited a fire that caused explosives to detonate. No civilian structures were damaged, Gusev assured, but emergency measures were required in three settlements. Approximately 200 people were evacuated. Two women were injured, one of whom was hospitalized as a result of the explosions.
09:31 Kyiv reports over 1100 Russian troops eliminated in a single day
According to official figures from Kyiv, Russia's troop losses have remained significant, with 1160 Russian soldiers reportedly killed or incapacitated within a day. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, a total of 606,490 Russian soldiers have reportedly been eliminated, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry stated in its daily update. The enemy also lost nine additional tanks (8,542 in total), the ministry reported. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has reported over 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones no longer in Russian military possession or destroyed. These figures cannot be independently verified as Russia is silent about its own losses in Ukraine.
08:48 Zelensky: We are gradually pushing back the Russian army from Kharkiv
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russian army is being pushed back from the Kharkiv region. He stated this following a conversation with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, in his evening video address. "Kharkiv is a heroic city, a city of people and life. Since early May, our defense forces have repelled Russian attempts to advance on Kharkiv and destroy our city and the entire Kharkiv region," Zelensky said. "We are gradually pushing back the Russian army."
08:10 Ten individuals injured in Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast
Ten people were injured in Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast the previous day, as reported by the state news agency Ukrinform, citing Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the military administration of Kherson Oblast.
07:54 Infrastructure facilities in the Sumy Oblast attacked by Russian rockets
Russian rockets have struck several infrastructure facilities in the Ukrainian Oblast of Sumy, according to the regional prosecutor's office, as reported by the state news agency Ukrinform. Russian troops launched rocket attacks on the infrastructure facilities yesterday afternoon, the statement said.
07:29 Explosion at Russian Oblast Voronezh munitions depot due to drone strike
A drone strike in the Russian Oblast of Voronezh triggered a fire and the detonation of explosive objects last night, according to "Kyiv Independent" citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. Russian air defense units allegedly downed several unmanned aerial vehicles over the oblast. Falling debris supposedly ignited a fire and explosion at an unnamed site. Russian Telegram channel Astra reported that the explosion occurred at a munitions depot in Ostrogoschsk. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have carried out a series of drone strikes targeting Russia's military infrastructure and oil industry.
06:53 US imposes sanctions on over 400 entities and individuals
The US Department of State announced that the US is imposing sanctions on over 400 organizations and individuals for allegedly supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. "Today's actions impact Russia where it hurts," said Aaron Forsberg, Director of Economic Sanctions Policy at the US Department of State. The measures target certain sectors of Russia's energy sector and companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. They also include Chinese companies suspected of helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions and grow its military, such as the import-export department of the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group, alleged to have supplied dual-use goods worth $4 million to Russian companies. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stated that China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and that regular trade between China and Russia should not be impeded.
06:18 Belarus and China strengthen security cooperation
Belarus and China have agreed to bolster cooperation in the field of security, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." Beijing and Minsk aim not only to strengthen security cooperation but also to increase collaboration in the financial and energy sectors. The countries also agreed to intensify cooperation in industrial supply chains.
4:38 Celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day: Starmer Assures Long-term UK SupportOn Ukraine's Independence Day, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promises continued assurance. "My message to all Ukrainians, whether you're at the frontline or in the UK, is clear: we've got your back today and always," Starmer said in a recorded message. He reaffirmed this commitment during his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his London visit, he stated. Not only the UK government, but the entire nation supports Ukraine. "We're here for you as long as you need us." Starmer concluded with the Ukrainian greeting "Slava Ukrajini" (Hail to Ukraine).
01:29 Norway Backing Ukraine's Grenade Development & Financing ItNorway has granted Ukraine a license for the development of 155-mm grenades and is financing the project. Norwegian company Nammo has sealed a deal with a Ukrainian defense firm to produce artillery grenades at Norwegian expense. "Norway currently supports by offering ammunition from its stock and directly from industry. Now, Nammo wants to share its plans with Ukraine, enabling faster re-supplying of the Ukrainian armed forces," stated Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
23:54 Kiesewetter on Geilenkirchen NATO Base Threat: Potential Russian Hybrid War Targets?After a temporary heightened security level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen and indications of possible drone attacks, security experts in Germany warn of vigilance. "Germany has long been a target of Russia's hybrid war, making military facilities and particularly those relevant to NATO in Germany a potential focus of sabotage and espionage," CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter told "Tagesspiegel". Previously, the security level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen was raised temporarily to the second-highest level, Charlie, due to a potential threat. According to Kiesewetter, the airbase in Geilenkirchen is a significant facility for NATO, housing the air-based early warning and control system AWACS. "The Charlie security level signifies corresponding precautions, including potential drone overflights and indications of possible concrete dangers," Kiesewetter further said. Nevertheless, the ongoing threat situation and Russian attack danger are well-known and not novel.
22:21 Latvia Announces Largest Drone Delivery to Ukraine YetLatvia has announced its largest drone delivery to Ukraine to date. 1400 drones from Latvian manufacturing firms are ready, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds wrote on X, consequently completing the procurement of more than 2700 drones from its own industry. Latvia, along with the UK, leads an alliance delivering one million drones to Ukraine. Its members, including Germany, have pledged investments in drone production and drone delivery to Ukraine.
21:34 Biden Unveils New Military Aid to Ukraine: Focus on Air DefenseUS President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package for Ukraine during his talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the White House, the package includes air defense missiles, drone defense equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reiterated the "unwavering US support for the Ukrainian people" to Zelenskyy. The exact financial scope of the new aid was not disclosed.
21:29 Zelensky Urges Delivered Weapons ProntoUkraine's army is in desperate need of international assistance. Ukrainian President Zelensky is urgently asking Ukraine's Western allies to deliver the promised weapons packages. "At the front, we're fighting with grenades and equipment, not with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon,'" he says in his evening video address. According to him, Ukraine is waiting for weapons or equipment "that have been announced and decided upon, but not yet delivered" yet.
20:58 Kursk Residents Feel Forgotten: "Everyone for Themselves"As conflicts persist in Southern Russia's Kursk region, residents there seem increasingly disillusioned: with the authorities they believe have betrayed them, with the Ukrainian military, and even with their own military. "For Russia, we're simply a small piece of the map. For the Ukrainians, we're enemy supporters of Putin's regime. Everyone here is on their own," says a 28-year-old to "The Moscow Times". She accuses authorities of deceit and spreading misinformation, claiming everything is under control. And a 32-year-old explains that while some people may sympathize with Ukraine or remain neutral, their stance has now transformed into intense anger. Another Kursk resident says, "Ukrainians aren't our friends right now." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk says she harbors no resentment toward Ukraine, seeing them as "also victims of this situation".
3:12 PM: The President of the Council Expresses Condolences for the Loss of Innocent LivesIn view of the tragic incident where at least five innocent individuals perished in the Russian assault in eastern Ukraine, the President of the Council extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
5:03 PM: The President of the Council Supports Ukraine in its Fight for SovereigntyGiven the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, with Russian forces repeatedly targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas, the President of the Council reiterated the Council's strong support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, urging an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
