16:32 Shoigu dismisses the idea of dialogues with Ukraine
Russia's National Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu, dismisses the notion of peace talks without Ukrainian troops withdrawing from Russian territory. He stated, "As long as they haven't been booted out of our territory, we'll inevitably steer clear of chats with them," referring to the Ukrainian troops. Since mid-August, a Ukrainian offensive has been ongoing in the Russian region of Kursk, marking the first time Ukrainian ground troops have infiltrated Russian territory since the war's inception. This operation is part of Ukraine's defensive battle against the Russian invasion, which has been continuing for over two and a half years. Shoigu views the incursion into Kursk as an attempt to force Russia into negotiations on Ukrainian terms and the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Donbass.
16:04 Prisoners Turned Soldiers - Frontline Accounts
Both Russia and Ukraine employ prisoners for combat duty to maintain a consistent reinforcement rate. Oleksandr, a former wardenee, now commands the 59th Brigade in Russia. He shares his ensemble's harrowing experiences in a video broadcast.
15:38 Kremlin: Russian Troops Plan to Drive Ukrainian Forces from Kursk Border Region
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the Russian military has a strategy to dislodge Ukrainian troops from the Russian flagrantly invasive region of Kursk. TASS news agency cites Peskov as saying that while the military has formulated necessary plans, they're not appropriate for public disclosure. Ukrainian soldiers initiated a major assault on Kursk on August 6, seizing substantial parts of the region.
15:13 Lithuania Prolongs Border Security Measures
Lithuania has opted to extend its border fortification measures against neighboring Belarus until year's end, due to security-related reasons. The motive behind this extension stemmed from the continual disproportionately high number of illegal border crossings attempts. The prolongation of the temporal restriction, initially valid until September, considered the projected risks posed by Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, supported by the authoritarian Belarusian leadership. The extended regulation grants enhanced powers to border control authorities in six pivotal eastern districts of Lithuania.
14:47 Ukraine Boosts Weapon Production
Ukraine has significantly amplified its weapon manufacturing output this year, as per government announcements. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported, "In the initial eight months of 2024, we've expanded our weapon production by double compared to 2023." Ukraine aims to produce over a million drones by the year's end. "We're making progress. The drone production is escalating," confirmed Shmyhal.
14:23 Military Analyst Praise Chancellor Scholz for "Smart Move"
Chancellor Scholz proposes peace talks with Russia. This initiative draws considerable backlash from certain political circles. However, military analyst Ralph Thiele endorses Scholz's initiative and encourages expediency. Post the Kursk offensive, Ukraine faces the brink of breaching its defense lines.
13:52 Kiel Institute for the World Economy warns about "Inadequate" Defense Spending
Researchers from the Kiel Institute claim that, considering the threat posed by Russia, Germany's defense spending is inadequate. Regardless of the "turning point" rhetoric, the disparity between German and Russian military capacities continues to widen, according to the institute. The researchers encourage a perpetual defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. "Russia is evolving into an ever more formidable security threat to NATO. While we're proceeding quite gradually with the necessary deterrent build-up, Russia's army is steadily strengthening," explains study author Guntram Wolff. Currently, the German government barely manages to replace the weapons sent to Ukraine. The stockpiles of air defense systems and artillery howitzers are even substantially depleted.
12:25 Revelatory Split between Putin and Lavrov
Ukraine has repeatedly solicited EU and U.S. authorization to utilize weapons on Russian territory. Recently, the Netherlands granted permission, including fighter jets.
12:59 Russia Claims Capture of Four More Towns in Donetsk
Russia's military asserts control over four more towns in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Southern Group of Forces allegedly took Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group captured Wodiane, and the Central Group took Halyzynivka, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense. These assertions couldn't be independently verified. Ukrainian military observers have classified three of the affected towns (except Hryhoriwka) as under enemy control. Ukraine struggles under intense pressure on the eastern front.
11:50 Kyiv Time: Russia Amplifying Use of Chemical WeaponsUkrainian authorities are alerting about an upward trend in the utilization of chemical weapons by Russian troops within Ukrainian territory. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command communicated via Facebook that Russian soldiers employed ordnance containing hazardous chemicals and chemical warfare agents 447 times just in August, and 4,035 times spanning from February 15, 2023, to August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command also points out that Russian troops are importing ammunition containing prohibited chemical warfare agents and administering unidentified chemical compounds. They further add: "Russia thus triumphantly breaches the rules of warfare and shows blatant disregard for the stipulations and commitments under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction."
11:19 Kyiv Presidential Office: Permission for Targeting Russian Arsenal GrantedThe head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office underlines his country's request to their Western allies to authorize strikes against Russian targets situated within Russian territory. Andrij Jermak claims that the ability to attack Russian missile depots is essential. "Defended actions are not escalation," Jermak shares through Telegram. Western countries are reluctant to permit Ukraine to deploy the weapons they've supplied on Russian soil, due to concerns regarding their potential involvement in the conflict.
10:53 Ukraine: Dozens of Russian Drones and Missiles Cause Injuries and DamageAt least three people were hurt and buildings damaged, along with fires breaking out in Ukraine as a result of Russian drone and missile attacks, local authorities report. The air defense managed to shoot down 38 out of 46 Russian drones in 13 different regions during the nighttime attack, the air force reports via Telegram. Russia also employed two missiles in its attack, causing damage to power plants in eight Ukrainian regions, the energy ministry in Kyiv reports, resulting in interruptions to high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 End of Role Model Status: Putin's Children's Rights Ombudsman Marries OligarchMaria Lwowa-Belowa, Russia's children's rights ombudswoman, formerly representing the quintessential Russian woman, has apparently moved past her traditional beliefs. Married to an orthodox priest since 2003, they spoke in propaganda media about upholding conservative values, Christian faith, and their experiences raising numerous children. She was also indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2023 along with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine. It appears her loyalty to tradition and her priest-husband has waned, as she married oligarch Konstantin Malofeew over the weekend, whom she had been with in a relationship. Their relationship remains orthodox, as Malofeew is the founder of the Kremlin-allied Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and an advocate for monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Russia: Ukrainian Drone Attack Confirmed, Two DeadA woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, as reported by the region's governor. Explosions were captured visually in residential areas. Russian sources also reported that 144 drones were intercepted.
09:32 Russia: Naval Maneuvers Commence with Over 400 WarshipsRussia's navy begins its strategic exercise "Ocean-2024" in various bodies of water across the largest country by area. Over 400 warships, including submarines, and over 90,000 personnel from various naval units will participate in the exercises until September 16, the defense ministry in Moscow reports. The exercises will take place in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Baltic and Caspian Seas, and the Mediterranean, where Russia maintains a position at the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Russia: Two Fatalities Reported Due to Oil Pipeline Fire in OrenburgAn oil pipeline fire in the Russian region of Orenburg resulted in two deaths, as reported by news agency TASS. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, though its exact start time remains uncertain. Unverified reports about the incident had previously surfaced on some Russian Telegram channels.
08:43 Russia: Shoigu Rejects TalksRussia will not negotiate with Ukraine until its troops leave Russian territories, as reported by TASS news agency, citing Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Peskov had also ruled out negotiations.
08:14 Moscow Airports: Operations ResumeFlights at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports have resumed, according to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) via Telegram. Flights were halted temporarily as a result of Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow region.
07:43 Scholz Sets Stipulations for Russia's Participation in Peace ConferenceGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has connected Russia's potential participation in a potential Ukraine peace conference to certain prerequisites. Speaking at a SPD event on Monday evening, he emphasized the need to explore options for ending the conflict alongside military support for Ukraine against the aggressor, Russia. He supports another peace conference with Russia's participation, but noted that this isn't feasible if the Russian president persists in carrying out his attacks. "Clarity, firmness, and character are essential in this situation to secure peace and security in Europe," Scholz emphasized.
07:18: Slovak Prime Minister Fico Accuses Ukrainian Military of Fascism - Kyiv Counters Ukrainian authorities are puzzled by the claims made by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who suggested the Ukrainian military needs to be rid of "fascism." In a statement, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated, "Ukrainian troops protect their families, homes, and land, as well as Europe and the free world, from Russian invaders marked by the 'Z' letter - a symbol representing modern Russia's fascist aesthetics." The ministry further noted that Ukrainians have endured significant losses fighting against fascism in the 20th century. Fico's "fascism" accusations align with Russian propaganda, which often depicts Ukraine's leadership as Nazis. However, far-right parties garnered only 2.4% of the vote in Ukraine's 2019 elections. Meanwhile, historian Timothy Snyder observes fascist tendencies within the Putin system.
06:56: Modified Report on Casualties in Moscow Following Ukrainian Drone Strike In response to a Ukrainian drone strike in Moscow, one woman was killed, and three civilians sustained injuries, as per Moscow regional governor Andrei Vorobyov's report via Telegram. Initially, he indicated a child's death, but later clarified the information was unverified. According to Vorobyov, shelter accommodations are being provided for 43 individuals.
06:25: Greenpeace Intends to Investigate Environmental Damage by Russia in Kyiv Greenpeace has reopened its Kyiv office to expedite Ukraine's reconstruction projects and document environmental crimes that stem from the Russian invasion. They are collaborating with local environmental organizations for this purpose. According to the new office leader, Natalia Hosak, "Our aim is to aid Ukraine in the eco-friendly reconstruction of social infrastructure with the aid of solar and wind energy." Greenpeace has previously highlighted environmental damage caused by the Russian invasion, such as monitoring the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02: Russia Confirms Child's Death in Moscow Region Following Ukrainian Drone Strike Following a Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region, a child reportedly lost their life, as per Russian sources. According to regional governor Andrei Vorobyov's post on Telegram, at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the Moscow region overnight. One drone caused a fire currently being extinguished by the fire department, leading to the child's death. One additional injured individual was reported when debris from another intercepted drone struck an apartment building in the Moscow region. The total number of intercepted drones, as per earlier news from Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, was 11.
05:31: Ukrainian Air Defense Repels Russian Drone Attack on Kyiv Ukrainian air defense units have successfully repulsed a Russian drone assault on Kyiv, as reported by the Telegram messaging service.
04:36: Debris from Russian Drone Lands on Fuel and Energy Complex Debris from a Russian drone shot down over the Tula region landed on a fuel and energy facility, as per Russian news agency TASS. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. Moreover, the technology process and resource supply remained uninterrupted, with the situation under control.
03:29: Ukraine Uses Drones to Attack Moscow Region In response to two intercepted Ukrainian drones over the Domodedovo district of Moscow, emergency services were dispatched to the crash site, as reported by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Sobyanin did not mention any potential damage or casualties.
02:17: Russian Air Defense Destroys Incoming Drone towards Moscow Russian air defense units cheated an incoming drone targeting the Russian capital, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Initial information suggested no damage or injuries at the crash site. No statement from the Ukrainian side was issued.
00:12: Zelensky Thanks Sweden for Aid Contribution Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered gratitude to Sweden for a defense package valued at approximately $445 million. "This valuable aid, including air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial assistance to meet urgent necessities of Ukraine, will strengthen our defensive capabilities," Zelensky stated on X. According to Swedish reports, the package also features spare parts for Gripen fighter jets, paving the way for future deliveries.
22:17: Foreign Ministry Identifies Russia as a Threat to NATO's Eastern Flank In response to Russian drone intrusions into Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Ministry described Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, as the "greatest threat to peace" directly affecting NATO's eastern border. "Unfortunately, Putin's Russia is currently the biggest threat to peace and security directly affecting NATO's eastern border," the ministry stated on X. "These findings have been further highlighted by recent drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." The ministry affirmed its coordination with alliance partners and vowed their support during these challenging times. Over the weekend, NATO and EU member states Latvia and Romania reported the intrusion of Russian drones into their territories.
21:42: US Unable to Confirm Iranian Missile Supply to Russia The United States government could not validate reports that Iran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, according to John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council.
21:28 Zelensky pushes for prompt execution of aid accordsPresident Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine emphasized the need for prompt execution of aid agreements with the West. He stated, "The trajectory of the conflict relies significantly on the standard of logistics in supply deliveries and the complete adherence to all commitments by our allies." Zelensky made these remarks during his evening video broadcast. Timely delivery of weapons and equipment is fundamental for their effectiveness. "What's essential in September should reach our troops by September."
20:52 Russian opposition figure cautions against giving Putin a soft exitProminent Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa advised the West against offering Russian President Vladimir Putin a soft exit from the Ukraine conflict. His stance was, "It's crucial that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious against Ukraine." Kara-Mursa further asserted, "It's critical that Vladimir Putin does not locate an exit strategy from this war in Ukraine that would salvage his face." He acknowledged the weariness surrounding the conflict in Western societies, which he believed has been persisting for approximately a month. However, he reiterated, "Putin must be defeated. Regrettably, if unfortunately, the Putin regime is allowed to portray this war's outcome as a triumph and sustain power, we'll be discussing another conflict or disaster within a year or 18 months."
You can access the previous events here.)
- The European Union expressed concern over Russia's continued invasion of Ukrainian territory, calling for a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law.
- In a bid to facilitate peace talks, some EU member states hinted at the possibility of easing sanctions on Russia, conditioned upon a Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Russian-controlled areas, following recommendations from the European Union.
