16:21 Russia: Up to 1,000 Ukrainians involved in border attacks
16:02 Von der Leyen: 108 Billion Euros in Aid Provided Since War BeganThe President of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, reports that the EU has provided 108 billion euros in aid to Ukraine since the start of the large-scale war. "The EU has been standing by Ukraine since the first day of the Russian invasion," she writes on X. "Ukraine will prevail in this survival struggle. And the EU will stand by Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary," she continues.
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian CaptivityThe soldier of the Azov Brigade, Oleksandr Ischchenko, who died in Russian captivity nine days ago, was apparently killed. The 55-year-old Ukrainian died from blunt force trauma to the chest. The "Kyiv Independent" reports this, 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 prisoner of war." The published report showed that the soldier's death was due to multiple rib fractures and shock. Ischchenko was 55 years old and came from Mariupol. He 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 who were put on trial in Russia last year. He was being held in a detention center in Rostov-on-Don.
14:44 Attacks on Kursk: Putin Calls it a 'Massive Provocation'In the face of ongoing Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region of Kursk, Putin accuses Kyiv of a "massive provocation." "As you know, the Kyiv regime has undertaken another massive provocation," Putin says in a televised meeting with government officials. Ukraine is "firing indiscriminately, with various weapons, at civilian buildings, residential homes, and ambulances."
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Ongoing Fighting in KurskThe Defense Ministry in Moscow confirms reports of ongoing fighting in Kursk. "The operation to destroy the groupings of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is continuing," the ministry says in a statement. According to the ministry, there were clashes in border areas on Russian territory against Ukrainian intruders. Just the day before, the Defense Ministry had claimed that an attempt to break through the border had failed. Now it says that a deep incursion on Russian territory has been prevented. According to the Defense Ministry, soldiers are fighting together with border guards in the area against the intruders.
13:35 Russia: Thousands Flee Kursk - Putin Takes Charge
Thousands of people have fled the border towns in the Russian region of Kursk that have been attacked by Ukrainian forces, 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 in transport vehicles and buses from the shelled villages. Smirnov said he had spoken with President Vladimir Putin about the situation overnight, and that the president had taken it under personal control. Emergency shelters with around 2,500 places have been set up, with psychologists also on duty.
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 located 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 tumultuous history with both sides of the conflict and was reportedly damaged in an attack a few months ago. It had previously served as a parts depot. The partisan group says it has shared the location information with Ukrainian 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 was found guilty of spreading false information about the armed forces, the investigative committee said. 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 the Study of War described Kurshin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultranationalist on the farthest edge" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russia's war efforts.
11:38 British Intelligence Comments on Sunk Russian SubmarineThe UK's Ministry of Defence has released 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," it says from London. The latest attack is "likely the last chapter for the submarine, as it would be more economically sensible to build a replacement submarine." The intelligence service speaks of a morale boost for Ukrainian forces from the attack. However, it is unlikely that it will have significant impacts on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea fleet. "The attack, however, highlights the increasing risks for Russian forces on the Crimean Peninsula and will likely force Russia to reconsider 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 significant pressure, particularly in the Donetsk region, where Russians are "advancing every day," according to ntv reporter 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 Health Ministry, 24 people, including six children, were injured in the Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, Russian state news agency Interfax reports, citing the ministry.
10:07 Russia Attacks with Drones - Ukraine Reports Perfect Shoot-Down RateUkraine's air force claims to have shot down 30 Russian drones, all of which were launched by Russian troops overnight towards targets in seven regions, the Ukrainian air force said on the Telegram messaging service.
09:29 ISW: Russia's Ex-Defense Minister Shoigu "Grossly Exaggerates" Territorial GainsAccording 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" and puts the figure at 290 square kilometers, or about 0.05 percent of Ukraine's territory. Considering the overall size of Ukraine, Russia's advance over the past few months is still very slow. Ukrainian forces often withdraw from areas to protect soldiers.
08:55 Russia: Kursk Targeted by Ukrainian Air Strikes Again
One 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 regional authorities. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems in the border region, 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 Intercepts Drones in Several Border Regions
Russia's air defense has intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight, according to the Ministry of Defense 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 Kursk
The 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 region 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 hinder the guys and military leadership in 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 (RDK). 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 RDK was not involved. The Russian Volunteer Corps consists of Russian right-wing 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 RDK has occasionally drawn attention with alleged incursions into Russian border regions, which critics have often dismissed as media stunts. According to ISW, another similar unit, the Legion of Freedom of Russia, has not commented on its involvement. Both groups often report on their actions through their Telegram channels, but there is no indication of any involvement in Kursk.
06:23 Ukrainian Troops Infiltrated Russian Territory? Possible Attack Raises Many Questions
The alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russian territory in the border region of Kursk remains shrouded in mystery. 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 allegedly showing the aftermath of the supposed Ukrainian raids, but most of the damage shown is due 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 stepping up 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, the number is expected to be significantly higher. "We are not disclosing all the details at this time, but our drone production capacity is increasing steadily, 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 refusal of Western partners to allow the Ukrainian military to use the heavy weapons they have supplied 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. Governor Alexei Smirnov also reported at least 20 injured in a Telegram message. Two missiles were also fired over the region early in the morning.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine
Following Mali, Niger has also severed diplomatic ties 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 posted 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 Kiev's stance against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia is expanding its influence in Sahel states through the Wagner Group.
23:23 Russia: Ukrainian Attack on Kursk Repelled
Russia 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, 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 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 report does not mention any Ukrainian attacks in the border region.
22:22 Kremlin Pressure - Activist Ends Protest for Return of Russian Soldiers
Under increasing pressure from the Kremlin, a leading activist in the campaign for the return of Russian soldiers from the front has withdrawn from public appearances. Maria Andreyeva, one of the leaders of the group "Put' Domoy" (Return Home), told the AFP news agency that she would "go underground" and stop her public appearances. She was labeled a "foreign agent," she said on Telegram. "Foreign agents are not only deprived of their rights but also of their livelihood." The group "Put' Domoy" consists of wives and mothers who repeatedly call on Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring back their men and sons fighting in Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the protesters, the Kremlin is now increasingly taking action against them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Invests More in Domestic Rocket Program
Ukraine is allocating additional funds for its domestic rocket program, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The move is aimed at reducing the gap with Russia, which has 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 did not provide further details. In July, the Ukrainian president said that 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 Release
After returning to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange, a Russian spy couple has spoken out publicly for the first time. "When I saw the honor guard from the window of the plane, I cried," Anna Dulzewa said in an interview on Russian state television, describing the moment of her return to Russia. Anna and Artiom Dulzew lived in Slovenia for five years as Russian spies. They were arrested in 2022. "We told the children that we are Russians, that they are Russians, and that we are the Dulzews," Anna Dulzewa said, adding that she and her children only spoke Spanish. Dulzewa 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 over a spy scandal, Moscow has declared a Moldovan diplomat "persona non grata," according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. It reports having summoned the Moldovan ambassador to Russia to "strongly protest against the ongoing hostile steps" by Chisinau against 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 afterward, 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 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 stressed that talks can only take place if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and abandons plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects this.
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The Ukrainian conflict has been a major focus of international attention and aid, with the EU providing 108 billion euros to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. Unfortunately, this aid hasn't prevented the tragic death of Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Ischchenko in Russian captivity, where he was allegedly killed nine days ago. His death was ruled to be due to multiple rib fractures and shock, causing distress among Ukrainians and prompting the deputy commander of the Azov Brigade, Sviatoslav Palamar, to call it another brutal murder of a Ukrainian prisoner of war.
