17:23 Russian Leader Putin: Russia Needs to Prepare for Military Counterattacks Originating from Any Quarter
16:51 Berlin, Paris, and London Criticize Iran's ActionsGermany, France, and the UK criticize Iran for delivering ballistic rockets to Russia. They view this as another escalation of Iran's military support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The three governments stated, "This is another escalation of Iran's military support for Russia's war against Ukraine." The rockets have the potential to reach European territory, causing more hardship for the Ukrainian population. This action by Iran and Russia poses a direct threat to European security. Iran was warned against such actions, and as a result, sanctions will now be imposed against Iran, including suspending bilateral air transport agreements and targeting Iran Air. Additionally, sanctions will be imposed on individuals and institutions involved in this incident. Previously, the US accused Iran of supplying Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine and announced new sanctions against Tehran.
16:32 Shoigu Refuses to Enter into Negotiations with UkraineSergei Shoigu, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, refuses to enter into negotiations with Ukraine unless Ukrainian troops withdraw from Russian territory. "As long as they haven't left our territory, we won't be conducting talks with them," Shoigu told Russian state TV. Since early August, Ukraine has been conducting an offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, with Ukrainian ground troops advancing onto Russian territory for the first time since the start of the war. Shoigu believes that this attack on the Kursk region is an attempt to force Russia to negotiate on Ukraine's terms and withdraw its forces from the Donbass.
16:04 Russian and Ukrainian armies are forced to recruit prisoners for the frontlineTo ensure a consistent supply of soldiers, both Russia and Ukraine are resorting to recruiting prisoners for the frontline. Oleksandr, who was once a prison warden, is now their commander in the 59th Brigade. "They'll do anything to survive," he says. The video features the men discussing their dangerous deployment.
15:38 Russian military has a plan to expel Ukrainian troops from the Kursk regionThe Russian military has a plan to expel Ukrainian troops from the Russian border region of Kursk, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Of course, the military has all the necessary plans, but I don't think these plans can be discussed publicly," he said in response to a question about when Ukrainian troops will be expelled from Russian territory. Ukrainian soldiers have launched a massive attack on Kursk on August 6, with large parts now under Ukrainian control.
15:13 Latvia Enhances Border Security MeasuresDue to security reasons, Latvia has extended the enhanced protection of its border with neighboring Belarus until the end of the year. In Riga, the government of the Baltic EU and NATO country made this decision. The reason for this extension is the still disproportionately high number of attempts to cross the border illegally. This special regulation, which was originally valid until September, also takes into account the further risk factor of Russia's war against Ukraine, which is backed by the authoritarian leadership in Minsk. With this regulation, the border guard is granted further powers in six areas in the east of the Baltic EU and NATO country.
14:47 Ukraine Increases Weapon ProductionAccording to government figures, Ukraine is significantly increasing its weapon production this year. "In the first eight months of 2024, we have doubled our weapon production compared to 2023," said Prime Minister Denys Schmygal in Kyiv. Ukraine aims to produce more than a million drones by the end of the year. "We are making progress. The drone production is growing further," said Schmygal.
14:23 Military Expert Praise's Chancellor Scholz's InitiativeChancellor Scholz proposes peace negotiations with Russia. Some political circles criticize this initiative, but military expert Ralph Thiele supports it and urges haste. After the Kursk offensive, Ukraine faces a breakthrough of its defense lines.
13:52 Researchers Warn of Germany's Defense SpendingResearchers at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy warn that the German government's defense spending is "completely insufficient" given the threat situation posed by Russia. "Despite the 'turning point' rhetoric, the gap between Germany's and Russia's military capabilities is widening further," explains the institute. The researchers demand a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. "Russia is growing into an increasingly serious security threat to NATO. At the same time, we are making very slow progress with the armament needed for deterrence," says study author Guntram Wolff. According to this, the German government is currently barely able to replace the weapons flowing to Ukraine. The stock of air defense systems and so-called artillery howitzers is even significantly declining.
12:25 Netherlands Allows Use of Weapons on Russian TerritoryUkraine repeatedly calls on the EU and the USA to allow the use of weapons on Russian territory. Now, the Netherlands has given its approval, including promised fighter jets.
12:59 Russia Claims Capture of Four More Towns in Donetsk
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian forces have seized control of additional towns in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Southern Group of Forces has captured Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, while the Eastern Group of Forces has taken Wodiane, and the Central Group of Forces has secured Halyzynivka. Independent verification of these claims is not feasible. Ukrainian military observers have acknowledged the occupation of three of these towns, with the exception of Hryhoriwka. The Ukrainian frontline is under significant pressure in the east of the country.
12:20 Moscow Only Pays Attention to One Dialogue PartnerIn June, a peace conference was held in Switzerland without the participation of Russia. Since then, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shown an inclination towards engaging in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry responds with diplomatic initiatives, but not towards Europe, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Kyiv: Russia Frequently Utilizes Chemical WeaponsUkrainian officials warn that Russian forces in Ukraine are increasingly employing chemical weapons. According to a statement on Facebook by the Ukrainian military command, Russian forces used hazardous chemical-laced ammunition and chemical agents 447 times just in August, and 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian military command also claims that Russian troops are transporting inhibited chemical-laden ammunition and employing unidentified chemical compounds. They further assert that Russia is blatantly violating the rules of warfare and ignoring the regulations and commitments of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction.
11:19 Kyiv's Presidential Office: Attacks on Russian Weapons Depots PermittedThe head of the Ukrainian presidential office emphasizes the demand he has made to his international allies to grant permission for the use of their weapons against targets deep within Russian territory. Andriy Yermak argues that it is necessary to strike rocket depots in Russia. "Defense is not escalation," he writes on Telegram. "It's about preventing terrorism." Western countries are hesitant to authorize Ukraine to employ weapons supplied by them on Russian territory, citing concerns about becoming involved in the conflict.
10:53 Fires and Injuries - Russia Launches Multiple Drone and Missile AttacksAccording to local authorities, at least three individuals were injured, and buildings were damaged, causing fires during Russian drone and missile attacks in Ukraine. The air defense intercepted 38 of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions, the air force reports on Telegram. Russia also launched two missiles during its attack. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions were targeted, the energy ministry in Kyiv reports, causing interruptions to high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 The Role Model's End: Putin's Children's Rights Ombudsman Marries An OligarchLong celebrated as the ideal of Russian womanhood, Maria Lwowa-Belowa was married to an Orthodox priest since 2003. Together, they spoke in media outlets promoting conservative values, Christian faith, and their experiences raising numerous children. She was also indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2023 alongside Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. However, her love for tradition and her priest-husband may have not been as strong as once believed. Independent portal Verstka reports that she has married oligarch Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she has been in a relationship for some time. This relationship remains somewhat traditional, as Malofeew is the founder of the Kremlin-friendly Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and a firm supporter of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Ukraine Launches Strikes on MoscowA woman is reported dead in a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, Russia's regional governor states. Videos show explosions in residential areas. Russian reports claim that 144 drones were shot down.
09:32 Russia's Fleet Begins 'Ocean-2024' ManeuversRussia's navy begins strategic maneuvers known as "Ocean-2024" in various regions of the world's largest country by area. Over 400 warships, including submarines, and over 90,000 personnel from various naval units will be involved in the exercises until September 16, according to the Russian defense ministry. The drills are being conducted in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian Seas, as well as the Mediterranean, where Russia has a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Two Dead in Oil Pipeline Fire in the Russian Region of OrenburgTwo individuals died in a fire at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, as reported by TASS news agency. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. The exact time of the fire's start is not yet known. Unconfirmed reports of the incident were circulating on some Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Russia Rules Out Negotiations TemporarilyRussia will not engage in negotiations with Ukraine until its troops withdraw from Russian territories, according to TASS news agency, citing Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Peskov had also ruled out negotiations.
07:43 Scholz Sets Stipulations for Russian Participation in Peace TalksChancellor Olaf Scholz suggests conditions for Russian involvement in a potential Ukraine peace conversation. At an SPD gathering, he underlines the importance of military assistance for Ukraine against the aggressor Russia, along with exploring an exit strategy from the war situation. He shares that Ukraine, like the Ukrainian leadership, desires another peace conference with Russian participation, but notes, "That surely won't work if the individual invited is simultaneously stating 'I'll keep attacking'," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin, according to Scholz, even expresses a desire for additional Ukrainian territory should peace prospects arise. "What we necessitate in politics, as always, is clarity, firmness, and character. That's what's needed to secure peace and security in Europe," the Chancellor emphasizes.
07:18 Fico Criticizes Ultra-Nationalism in Ukrainian Military - Kyiv DemonstratesUkraine is left perplexed by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's accusations of extremism within its military. Reuters reports that Fico suggested Kyiv take measures to purge its military of "fascist" tendencies. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry voiced its objections, stating, "Ukrainian soldiers are safeguarding their families, homes, and land, as well as all of Europe and the free world against Russian aggressors bearing the letter 'Z' - a symbol of modern Russia's fascist aesthetics." The ministry added that Ukraine had suffered "millions of losses" combating Nazism in the 20th century. Fico's "fascism" comment echoes pro-Russian propaganda that routinely labels the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. Notably, far-right parties garnered just 2.4 percent of the vote in the 2019 Ukrainian elections. Historian Timothy Snyder, however, has pinpointed fascist traits in the Putin regime.
06:56 Russian Regional Leader Revises Casualty FiguresIn a drone attack on Moscow by Ukraine, a woman is killed, and three civilians are injured, according to Moscow's regional leader, Andrei Vorobyov, via Telegram. Initially, Vorobyov reported the death of a child, but he later could not confirm this information. At least 43 individuals are reportedly being housed in shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace Vows to Investigate Environmental Wrongdoings by RussiaGreenpeace resumes operations in Kyiv with the aim of speeding up reconstruction projects and investigating environmental crimes due to the Russian invasion. According to the environmental organization, it is already collaborating with local environmental organizations to achieve this goal. The new office head, Natalia Hosak, explains, "Our objective is to support Ukraine's eco-friendly reconstruction of social infrastructure through renewable energy sources like sunlight and wind." Greenpeace frequently highlights environmental damage in Ukraine resultant from the Russian invasion.
06:02 Russia Reports Death of Child in Moscow RegionFollowing a Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region, Russian reports indicate that a child has perished. Moscow's regional governor, Andrei Vorobyov, reported on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region overnight. One of these drones is believed to have initiated a fire, which is currently being extinguished by firefighters. "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child has died," Vorobyov stated. Furthermore, in the capital region, another drone is said to have injured at least one person upon falling onto a residential building. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially reported the interception of 11 drones in the vicinity of the Russian capital.
05:31 Ukraine Repels Drone Assault on KyivThe Ukrainian military administration in Kyiv has reported, via the Telegram messaging service, that Ukrainian air defense units have thwarted a Russian drone assault on the city.
04:36 Russia: Drone Debris Hits Fuel and Energy ComplexAccording to the Russian news agency TASS, drone debris shot down by Russian air defense in the Tula region struck a fuel and energy facility. No injuries were reported, and there was no disruption to the facility's operations or supply to consumers. The situation remains under control.
03:29 Ukraine Targets Moscow with DronesFollowing the interception of two Ukrainian drones over Moscow's Domodedovo district, emergency services have been dispatched to the crash site, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No details concerning potential damage or casualties have been disclosed. The Domodedovo district, located approximately 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, is home to one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russia's Air Defense Despatches DroneRussian air defense units have destroyed a drone heading towards Moscow, as per Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Preliminary reports indicate no damage or injuries to the area where the debris landed. The Ukrainian side has not issued a statement.
00:12 Zelensky Praises Sweden for New Aid PackageUkrainian President Zelensky has commended Sweden for a defense aid package valued at $445 million. "This significant aid, which includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions to cover immediate Ukrainian needs, will enhance our defense capabilities," Zelensky said, as reported by X. The package also reportedly includes spare parts for Gripen fighter jets, intended for future aircraft delivery.
22:17 Foreign Ministry: Russia poses "biggest danger to peace" directly at NATO's borderAfter intrusions of Russian drones into Lithuania and Bulgaria, the Foreign Ministry labels Russia under President Vladimir Putin as "the biggest danger to peace and stability." Regrettably, Putin's Russia is currently the biggest danger to peace and stability directly at NATO's border," the ministry states on X. "This is clear, especially from the recent drone incidents in Lithuania and Bulgaria." "We work closely with our alliance partners and stand by their side," the Foreign Ministry mentions in regards to the drones. Over the weekend, NATO and EU member states Lithuania and Bulgaria each reported the incursion of a Russian drone into their territory.
21:42 US refuses to verify claims of Iran exporting rockets to RussiaThe US government refuses to validate reports that Iran has shipped ballistic rockets to Russia, as stated by John Kirby, spokesperson for the US government's national security.
21:28 Zelensky encourages rapid execution of Western aid agreementsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged for the swift execution of aid agreements with the West. "The outcome of the conflict relies straight on the efficiency of logistics in deliveries and the fulfillment of all commitments by partners," Zelensky said in his evening video address. Weapons and equipment must arrive on time to be effective. "What is crucial in September must reach our troops in September."
20:52 Russian opposition politician advises against granting Putin a "face-saving retreat"Prominent Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa advises the West to avoid granting Russian President Vladimir Putin a "face-saving retreat" from the Ukraine conflict. "It is vital that Vladimir Putin does not win the war against Ukraine," says Kara-Mursa. "It is vital that Vladimir Putin does not find a face-saving retreat from this war in Ukraine." Around a month after his release in a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa claims to understand the "fatigue" about the war in Western societies. However, Putin must "be defeated." He adds, "If, God forbid, the Putin regime can present the outcome of this war as a victory for itself and remain in power, we will be discussing another conflict or another disaster within a year or 18 months."
You can review all previous developments here.
The international community strongly condemns the delivery of ballistic rockets from Iran to Russia, further escalating Iran's military support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This move poses a direct threat to European security and could potentially result in more hardships for the Ukrainian population.
In light of Iran's continued military support for Russia, calls for sanctions against Iran have grown louder. The international community is now imposing sanctions on Iran, including suspending bilateral air transport agreements and targeting individuals and institutions involved in this incident.
