16:02 Von der Leyen: €108 billion in aid since the start of the war
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian CaptivityThe soldier of the Azov Brigade, Oleksandr Ischchenko, who died nine days ago in Russian captivity, was likely killed. The 55-year-old Ukrainian died from blunt force trauma to the chest. The "Kyiv Independent" reported, citing a forensic report published by the deputy commander of the Azov Brigade, Sviatoslav Palamar. Palamar described Ischchenko's death as "another brutal murder of a Ukrainian POW." The published report indicated that the soldier's death was due to multiple rib fractures and shock. Ischchenko, 55, was from Mariupol and joined the Azov Brigade shortly after the invasion. He was captured in 2022 during the fighting in Mariupol. Ischchenko was one of the 24 Ukrainians charged in a sham trial by Russia last year. He was being held in a detention center in Rostov-on-Don.
14:44 Attacks on Kursk: Putin Calls it a 'Large-Scale Provocation'In the face of ongoing Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region of Kursk, Putin accuses Kyiv of a "large-scale provocation." "As you know, the Kyiv regime has carried out another large-scale provocation," Putin says at a televised meeting with government officials. Ukraine is "indiscriminately firing, using various types of weapons, at civilian buildings, residential homes, and ambulances."
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Ongoing Combat Operations in KurskThe Defense Ministry in Moscow confirms reports of ongoing combat operations in Kursk. "The operation to destroy the groupings of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues," the ministry says. There were skirmishes in border towns against Ukrainian infiltrators. The day before, the Defense Ministry claimed that an attempt to break through the border had failed. Now, it says that a deep incursion into Russian territory has been prevented. According to the Defense Ministry, soldiers are fighting alongside border guards against the infiltrators in the area.
13:35 Russia: Thousands Flee Kursk - Putin Takes Control of SituationThousands of people have fled the border towns attacked by the Ukrainian side in the Russian region of Kursk, according to authorities. The citizens left their homes in private vehicles, said Alexei Smirnov, the acting governor, in a video message. Additionally, 200 people were evacuated from the shelled towns in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he spoke 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, and psychologists are on duty there.
12:57 "Hidden by Occupiers" - Partisan Group Reports Discovery of Legendary Ship in CrimeaThe 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 Ukraine has already sunk or damaged. "The occupiers hide their ships in the bays, hoping to save them," Atesh writes on Telegram. The two 775s are said to be located in the Kilen Bay. One of them is the well-known "Konstantin Olshansky" in Ukraine, captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a tumultuous history among both conflict parties and was reportedly damaged in an attack a few months ago. Previously, the "Konstantin Olshansky" served as a parts warehouse. 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 TermIn 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 military, the investigation agency reports. Kurshin ran the Telegram channel "Moscow Calling," which supported the goals of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, he 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 "ultra-nationalist on the farthest fringe" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russia's war efforts.
11:38 British Intelligence Comments on Sinking of Russian Navy SubmarineThe British Ministry of Defence has released an intelligence update on the sinking of the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" off Crimea a few days ago. "Unlike some reports, the submarine was likely not fully repaired from an earlier attack on Crimea in September 2023," it says from London. The latest attack is "likely the last chapter for the submarine, as it is likely more economically viable to build a replacement submarine." The intelligence service speaks of a morale boost for Ukrainian forces from the attack, but it is unlikely to have significant impacts on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea fleet. "However, the attack highlights the increasing risks to 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 SituationThe Ukrainian military is facing immense pressure, particularly in the Donetsk region, with Russians "advancing every day," as reported by ntv correspondent 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 of KurskAccording to the Russian Ministry of Health, 24 people have been injured, including six children, in the Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk. This is reported by the state-owned Russian news agency Interfax, citing the ministry.
10:07 Russia Strikes with Drones - Ukraine Reports Perfect Hit RateThe Ukrainian air force claims to have intercepted and destroyed 30 Russian drones. This is all the drones that the Russian troops fired at targets in seven regions overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force on the Telegram messaging service.
09:29 ISW: Russia's Ex-Defense Minister Shoigu "Greatly Exaggerates" Territorial GainsAccording to Russia's former Defense Minister Shoigu, the Kremlin's forces have captured 420 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since June 14. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers this "greatly exaggerated" and puts the figure at 290 square kilometers, or about 0.05% of Ukraine's territory. The country is about 600,000 square kilometers in total. "The Russian military leadership has repeatedly exaggerated Russian territorial gains in Ukraine," the US think tank states. Russia often reports the capture of villages, but these are usually completely destroyed settlements. Considering the overall size of Ukraine, Russia's advance over the past few months has still been quite slow. Kyiv's forces often withdraw from areas to protect soldiers.
08:55 Russia: Kursk Targeted by Ukrainian Air Strikes AgainA day after Ukrainian attacks on the Russian region of Kursk with several deaths, the region is again the target of Ukrainian air strikes, according to official statements. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems in the border region, the 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 Ministry of Defense.
08:22 Russia Reports Intercepted Drones in Several Border RegionsRussia's air defense has intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow. The affected regions are Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod, and Rostov, all of which border Ukraine, the state-owned news agency RIA reports, 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 short statement, it says it will not provide an update on the situation in the border region "to ensure the safety of the personnel of the defense forces." "We are closely monitoring the events 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 the military leadership in their decisions that could affect everyone's fate."
07:06 Alleged Attack on Russian Region Kursk: Speculations about Right-Wing Russian Unit
Russian military bloggers claim that the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops onto Russian territory involved the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) finds no confirmation of this, while 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 right-wing extremists and nationalists fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russia. In the past, Kyiv has distanced itself from this group and stressed that it acts independently. The RVC has occasionally drawn attention with alleged incursions into Russian border regions, which critics have largely seen as media stunts. According to ISW, another similar unit, the Legion for the Freedom of Russia, has not commented on a possible 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 Allegedly Entered Russian Territory: Possible Attack Raises Many Questions
The alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops onto Russian territory in the border region of Kursk remains shrouded in mystery. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), geolocated images show damaged and abandoned armored vehicles about seven kilometers north of the border. However, ISW cannot confirm whether these armored vehicles are Russian, Ukrainian, or both. Similarly, the Russian Ministry of Defense's claim that the Chechen Achmat special unit was involved in repelling the attack cannot be confirmed. "Russian military bloggers published images supposedly showing the aftermath of the alleged Ukrainian attacks, although the majority of the damage shown can be attributed to routine Ukrainian shelling and does not suggest ground activity in the area."
05:52 Ukraine Orders One Million Drones
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is expanding the production of drones as an important tool for warfare. "We have already ordered one million drones from our manufacturers for this year," Zelenskyy said 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 not only with state funds but also with partners to invest in our drone production." The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is due to the reluctance of Western partners to allow the Ukrainian military to use the heavy weapons they have supplied against targets on Russian territory.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UkraineFollowing neighboring Mali, Niger has now severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine. The reason cited is alleged Ukrainian support for a rebel attack in Mali. In late 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 this is a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently touring southern African states and Mauritius to rally support for Kyiv's stance against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia 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 reports. Russia used artillery, combat aircraft, and drones to fend off the attack. Ukrainian military authorities in the Sumy region, on the other side of the border with the Russian Kursk region, claim 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 Kremlin pressure, a leading activist in the campaign for the return of Russian soldiers from the front has withdrawn. Maria Andrejewa, one of the leaders of the Put Domoy (Return Home) group, told news agency AFP she would stop her public appearances and "go underground." She said she had been classified as a "foreign agent," which she said not only strips people of their rights but also their livelihood. The Put Domoy group consists of wives and mothers who regularly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring their men and sons back from Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin is increasingly cracking down on them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Invests More in Missile ProgramAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, additional funds have been allocated for Ukraine's domestic missile program. The aim, he wrote on Telegram, is to reduce the gap with Russia, which possesses a range of long-range weapons. "Additional funds have been allocated for our missile program. More domestically produced missiles are coming," he said without providing further details. In July, the Ukrainian leader said Kyiv was working to reduce its dependence on missiles 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 speaks out publicly for the first time. "When I saw the honor guard from the window of the plane, I had to cry," Anna Dulzewa describes in an interview on Russian state television the moment of her return to Russia. Together with her husband Artiom, Dulzewa lived for five years as a Russian spy in Slovenia. In 2022, both were arrested. "We told the children that we are Russians, that they are Russians, and that we are the Dulzews," says mother Anna Dulzewa, who claims to have spoken only Spanish with her children. Dulzewa says she wants to "continue serving Russia".
20:04 Moscow Declares Moldovan Diplomat 'Unwelcome'In response to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat over a spy scandal, Moscow says it has declared a Moldovan diplomat persona non grata. The Russian Foreign Ministry says it summoned the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to protest "persistent unfriendly steps" by Chisinau against Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia has been declared "unwelcome". 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 leaking information abroad. Shortly after, the Russian diplomat was expelled from the country.
19:15 Shoigu: Window for Negotiations Closing for KyivFormer Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urges Ukraine to start peace talks. "The window of opportunity for Ukraine is getting smaller," says the secretary of the Security Council on state television. The longer Ukraine hesitates, the more territory it will lose, he says. Moscow has stressed that talks can only take place if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and renounces possible NATO membership. Ukraine rejects this.
You can read all previous developments here.
The President of the Council played a crucial role in negotiating the release of the Russian spy couple.
During the investigation into the death of Oleksandr Ischchenko, the Deputy Commander of the Azov Brigade, The President of the Council was not mentioned.
