17:28 Stegner is cautious about the possible use of German weapons at Kursk
17:00 ISW: Ukraine advances kilometers into Russian territory
The Ukrainian army has made significant progress in its offensive in the Russian region of Kursk since Tuesday morning, according to estimates by experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in the US. The ISW reports "up to ten kilometers" of advance, while Russian military blogger Yuri Podolyaka claims the Ukraine has pushed forward more than 25 kilometers. Ukrainian President's advisor Mykhailo Podoliak described the situation in western Russia as a consequence of Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine. Russian reports claim "up to a thousand" Ukrainian soldiers, along with dozens of tanks and armored vehicles, are involved in the attack. So far, at least five civilians have been killed and 31 injured. The ISW further states that the "current extent and location of Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region (...) suggest that Ukrainian forces have breached at least two Russian defensive lines and a position." The Ukraine is reportedly targeting a key Russian army supply hub near the town of Sudzha, eight kilometers from the border.
16:28 Kiesewetter calls Ukrainian advance in Kursk "militarily strategic"
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter described the Ukrainian advance in Kursk as "militarily strategic." He said it could "relieve pressure on the front at other points because Russia has to tie up or redeploy forces there," according to the Tagesspiegel. Kiesewetter also stated that the Ukrainian advance is "clearly permissible under international law in the sense of the right to self-defense" (see also entries from 14:45 and 15:07).
15:57 Ukraine: Two dead in Russian attack in Donetsk
At least two people were killed in a Russian artillery attack in the city of Kostjantyniwka in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, according to local authorities. The attack in the morning hit a residential area, regional governor Vadym Filshkin said on Telegram. Donetsk is a hotspot of the fighting, with the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the region regularly subjected to Russian shelling. Russian troops are trying to advance on the strategically important logistics hub of Pokrovsk, an industrial and mining city. Four people were killed in a Russian attack in Donetsk on Wednesday.
15:36 Russia: Fighting Continues After Ukrainian Advance into Kursk RegionFighting in the border region has continued for the third day in a row, according to reports from Moscow. Russian forces and border guards are preventing Ukrainian units from advancing deeper into Kursk, the Russian Defense Ministry said. At the same time, the Russian army is attacking Ukrainian forces attempting to retreat from the Ukrainian border region of Sumy.
15:07 Wagenknecht Warns Against Use of German Weapons in Russia: "Red Line"Sahra Wagenknecht has warned against the use of German weapons in the Ukrainian advance into Russian territory. "This is a highly dangerous development," says Wagenknecht to the Funke media group. "The Federal Chancellor must call the Ukrainian President and demand that no German weapons be used in the advance onto Russian territory," demands the BSW chairwoman.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz had promised that Germany would not become a party to the war. But: "First, he allowed the Ukraine to shoot at Russian territory with German weapons," criticizes Wagenknecht. "Does the federal government now also allow the Ukraine to advance into Russia with German weapons? That would be the next red line to be crossed," adds the BSW party leader. The federal government is "drawing Germany ever deeper into the war," she continues. "The danger of a major European war is becoming greater."
14:45 Chairman of Defense Committee: Ukraine Can Use German Weapons in KurskThe chairman of the Defense Committee in the Bundestag, Marcus Faber, sees no problem with Ukraine using German-supplied weapons in its current advance on Russian territory. "Upon delivery to Ukraine, they become Ukrainian weapons," says the FDP politician to the Funke media group. This applies "to all material," including the Leopard 2 battle tank. "With the Russian attack on Ukraine, the territory of both states has become a war zone," explains Faber's position. "The use of weapons is subject to the provisions of international law."
14:24 Ukraine Calls on Mexico to Arrest Putin at Sheinbaum's InaugurationThe Ukrainian embassy in Mexico has called on the Mexican government to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends the inauguration of elected President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum will assume the presidency on October 1, 2024, becoming the first woman to hold this office in the Latin American country. "We trust that the Mexican government will comply with the international arrest warrant and hand over the named (Putin) to the judicial authorities of the United Nations in The Hague," said the embassy. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Putin for the war crime of deporting Ukrainian children to Russia following Moscow's invasion at the beginning of 2022. Juan Ramon de la Fuente, who was elected as Sheinbaum's foreign minister, explained that it is "standard protocol" to invite the heads of state of all countries with which Mexico has diplomatic relations, including Russia, to the inauguration.
13:50 Monitoring Services: Russian Users Can No Longer Open YouTubeUsers in Russia are unable to open YouTube on their computers and mobile devices. Internet monitoring services downdetector.su, Failure Detector, and sboy.rf report a major outage of the platform. According to the service sboy.rf, over 15,000 complaints have been registered regarding the video hosting service. Complaints came from people in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Saratov, Samara, Krasnodar, the occupied Crimea, and several other regions. Users reported that they could only access YouTube through virtual private networks (VPNs). Even Reuters reporters in Russia were unable to access YouTube. However, the website was still available on some mobile devices. YouTube is the last Western platform still accessible in Russia, making it the last bastion of free expression in the country. According to Decoder, over 90 million users access YouTube monthly in Russia, placing it at the top of video and streaming platforms. In mid-July, Russian media reported that the Russian government planned to block YouTube in September.
13:24 EU: Ukraine Conducts "Lawful Defensive War" in Russian KurskThe EU views the advance of Ukrainian troops into the Russian region of Kursk in the context of the right to self-defense. "We believe that Ukraine is conducting a lawful defensive war against an illegal aggression," says a spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Brussels. The right to self-defense includes the right to attack the enemy on its own territory. The EU fully supports Ukraine's efforts to restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty and combat illegal Russian aggression. Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks and artillery, recently crossed the Russian border from the Sumy region at Sudzha and, according to reports, took control of several villages. Russian reports indicate that around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers are involved in the operation.
12:43 Ukraine: Dozens of Russian Soldiers Captured in KurskAfter the Ukrainian military entered the Russian region of Kursk, "many" Russian soldiers were reportedly captured. This was announced by the Ukrainian project "Khochu nayti" on Telegram. The humanitarian project, launched in January 2024 by the Ukrainian military intelligence, serves as a coordination center for Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine. It aims to help military personnel of the Russian army find their relatives. According to "Khochu nayti", both conscripts and contract soldiers are among the captives. "There is also information about the dead, whose bodies were not taken away by their comrades during the retreat," the statement says. The project published drone footage allegedly showing the capture of more than 30 Russian soldiers. Other videos on social networks show dozens of Russian soldiers surrendering in the Kursk region. The total number of Russian soldiers captured since the Ukrainian offensive in the region is still unclear.
12:18 Gazprom: Gas Transit Runs Normally Despite Fighting in Kursk Region
Gazprom reports that gas exports through the Kursk border region, attacked by Ukraine, are running largely normally. Around 37.3 million cubic meters of natural gas are expected to be transported today, the company announced in Moscow. This is five percent less than the previous day, according to Russia's state news agency Tass. Ukrainian troops have reportedly taken control of the city of Sudscha, at least partially, including a gas pipeline measurement station crucial for transit to Western Europe. In 2023, despite the ongoing war, 14.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas were transported to the European Union via this route.
11:37 Military Blogger: Russia Loses 'Important Logistics Hub' to Ukraine
Russian city of Sudscha in the Kursk region has been captured by Ukrainian forces, according to pro-Russian military blogger Yuri Podolyaka. The city, nine kilometers from the Ukrainian border, is now full of Ukrainian troops, Podolyaka writes on his Telegram channel. "Sudscha is essentially lost for us. It's an important logistics hub," he adds. Ukrainian forces are reportedly advancing north towards Lgow. "In general, the situation is difficult and deteriorating, despite the noticeable slowdown in the pace of the Ukrainian offensive."
11:04 Munz: Kursk Incursion 'Completely Surprised' Moscow
Initially, the situation remains unclear, but it's later confirmed: Ukrainian fighters attack on Russian territory. The incursion in the Kursk region has "completely surprised" Moscow, reports ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. However, there's likely more to the attack than just a diversionary maneuver.
10:48 Russia: Situation in Kursk After Ukrainian Incursion 'Under Control'
Russian forces have been engaged in fighting with invading Ukrainian troops in the Kursk Oblast for the third consecutive day. The situation is "stable and under control," according to the vice-governor of the border region, as reported by Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti. Around 3,000 people have been evacuated to safety. Russian troops are actively fighting against Ukrainian units in the Sudscha district and pushing them back, according to the news agency Tass citing local authorities. Four people have been killed in the Ukrainian attacks. The Ukrainian military has not yet commented on the offensive in Kursk. Several pro-Russian military bloggers also report ongoing fighting.
09:35 UN: Russians Torture 95% of Ukrainian POWsEmployees of Russian penal camps are allegedly torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) from the very first interrogations. Moreover, the practice of torture in Russian captivity is "widespread and systematic," according to Danielle Bell, the head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), in an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS. She states that the Russian Federation has tortured 95% of Ukrainian POWs in their prisons. Allegedly, Ukrainian POWs are beaten with metal rods and sticks, stripped naked, and subjected to electric shocks. "This is undoubtedly the worst I've seen in my 20 years of career," Bell comments. Information about Ukrainian prisoners in Russia is primarily collected through interviews with Ukrainian POWs after their release. Simultaneously, the UN mission has direct access to Russian POWs and can assess the prison conditions.
08:49 Estonia Introduces Enhanced Customs Controls at Russian BorderEstonia is introducing full customs controls at its eastern EU external border with Russia. The government of the Baltic NATO state decided on this measure at the beginning of August. From August 8, all persons crossing the border to Russia, as well as all cargo, will be subject to controls. The controls at the road and rail border crossings in Narva, Koidula, and Luhamaa will be gradually introduced. Previously, passenger and vehicle checks were random and risk-based. According to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, the tightening is intended to prevent the transit and transport of EU-sanctioned goods through Estonia and to strengthen the country's security. The border between Russia and Estonia is 294 kilometers long.
08:11 Ukraine Publishes Figures on Russian LossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has published new loss figures for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to the report, Russia has lost approximately 587,510 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, with a daily loss of 1,140 in the last 24 hours. Additionally, two tanks, 36 artillery systems, 81 drones, and one helicopter have been destroyed. In total, Russia has lost 8,431 tanks, 16,487 artillery systems, 366 aircraft, 327 helicopters, 13,293 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine since the start of the large-scale invasion. Western estimates suggest lower loss figures, although these are likely to be minimum values.
07:32 Medvedev Threatens Escalation of Russian Invasion in UkraineDmitri Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, has threatened to escalate the invasion in Ukraine in response to the Ukrainian advance into the Russian border region of Kursk. The Russian military operation should no longer be limited to securing the territories in Ukraine that Russia considers its own, the former president said. Instead, the armed forces should advance towards the cities of Odessa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Kyiv, and beyond. The offensive will only stop when Russia deems it advantageous. According to Russian reports, Ukrainian troops have advanced deep into Russian territory in the region during a counteroffensive, resulting in heavy fighting. The state of emergency has been declared in the region.
07:05 Russia: 14 Ukrainian aerial objects destroyed over Kursk and Belgorod
Russian air defense forces destroyed 14 unmanned Ukrainian aerial objects overnight, eight over Belgorod and six over Kursk, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense on Telegram. Air defense systems shot down six drones and five other missiles over the Kursk region, said regional governor Alexei Smirnov. In the early hours of August 6, Ukrainian forces attacked the border areas of the Kursk region. According to the latest reports from the Russian General Staff, there are still clashes in border areas. An emergency situation has been declared in Kursk (see entries 19:08, 19:38, and 20:41), and residents are being evacuated.
06:25 Ukraine sounds air alert due to Russian MiG-31K attack
The Ukrainian Air Force has sounded an air alert across the entire country. The Ukrainian air force attributes the air attack warning to a missile threat from a Russian MiG-31K. This aircraft type is a Soviet-era interceptor named after the Mikoyan-Gurevich aircraft manufacturer and can carry hypersonic missiles like the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal.
05:32 ISW: Ukrainian armored vehicles ten kilometers behind Russian border in Kursk
According to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops have advanced up to ten kilometers into the Russian region of Kursk. This was confirmed by footage of armored vehicles behind the border. Ukrainian forces have reportedly breached at least two Russian defense lines and a fortress. According to a Russian source, Ukrainians have captured 45 square kilometers in the Kursk area since the start of the operation on August 6, the ISW writes. Russian authorities declared a state of emergency in the region yesterday.
02:30 Ukraine raises threshold for prison sentence in petty theft
In Ukraine, thefts of low value will no longer result in a prison sentence. President Zelensky has signed a corresponding law amendment, classifying thefts valued at up to around 67 euros as administrative offenses punishable by fines. Previously, the threshold for petty theft was around 6.7 euros. The background to this is the martial law in place since the Russian invasion, which provides for up to eight years in prison for looting and theft. An example given in the draft law was a theft of diapers from a supermarket in the western Ukrainian city of Rivne in January 2023, valued at around 8 euros. In this case, no prison sentence will be imposed in the future. However, the perpetrator in this case still received a prison sentence of over three years.
00:27 Klingbeil: Stationing of US missiles in Germany is correctSPD leader Lars Klingbeil defends plans for the deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany against criticism from within his own party. "This deployment is correct because it helps us to defend ourselves in case Russia gets the idea to attack us," Klingbeil told the German editorial network. It is part of credible deterrence. At the NATO summit in July, the White House and the German government announced that the US would again station weapon systems in Germany from 2026 that reach far into Russia. Named were Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and new hypersonic weapons. There are critical voices within the SPD, including the parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich, who warns of the risk of military escalation.
22:38 Human rights activist Orlow wants to fight for Russian prisonersThe Moscow human rights activist Oleg Orlow, released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Western states, wants to continue his civil rights work in exile. "Memorial cannot be destroyed," the 71-year-old said at a press conference at the Center for Liberal Modernity in Berlin. The organization he co-founded, Memorial, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, also advocates for political prisoners in Russia. Orlow estimates that at least 800 political prisoners are still incarcerated in Russia - conservatively estimated. His new role in exile in Germany is difficult for Orlow, as he told the story. He would rather be in his homeland, but fears prosecution. Orlow now hopes that he can advocate for the release of more political prisoners in exile, including eight seriously ill ones. "When it turned out that these people were not on the list, we were very disappointed - we who were exchanged." Memorial continues to work in Russia despite repression, but also from abroad.
21:30 Not dead after all? Famous Russian propagandist injuredThe famous Russian propagandist Yevgeny Poddubny was injured in the Kursk region. The state television company VGTRK reports on Telegram that Poddubny was injured in an attack by a Ukrainian drone in the Kursk region and was taken to hospital. Previously, numerous Russian media had reported the death of Poddubny in agreement. Yevgeny Poddubny is one of the most famous Russian "war correspondents" in Russia. His Telegram channel has around 734,000 followers. According to preliminary information, he was filming a report about the battles in the Kursk region on Wednesday.
20:41 Region Kursk declares state of emergencyIn the Russian region of Kursk, a state of emergency has been declared amid a Ukrainian ground offensive. This was announced by the governor of the region, Alexei Smirnov, in a Telegram post. Ukraine has advanced deep into Russian territory near Kursk in a counterattack. The offensive began on Tuesday, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, and reached the northwest of the city of Sudzha on Wednesday.
20:14 Clashes Nearby: Russia Bolsters AKW Kursk DefenseDue to Ukraine's advance into the Russian border region of Kursk, Russia's National Guard is reinforcing the protection of the AKW Kursk nuclear power plant. Additionally, extra forces are being deployed to combat sabotage and reconnaissance units in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, the agency reports. This is happening in cooperation with Russian border troops and the army. The nuclear power plant, with four units and a capacity of nearly two gigawatts, is located just over 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The day before, Ukrainian troops supported by tanks and artillery crossed the Russian border from the Sumy region at Sudzha, reportedly advancing up to 15 kilometers towards the nuclear power plant.
19:38 Attacks in Kursk Region: European Gas Price Hits Yearly HighThe price of European natural gas has risen to its highest level this year. The leading TTF futures contract for delivery next month rose by 5.7 percent to 38.78 euros per megawatt hour in Amsterdam. Market participants are pointing to Ukraine's attacks on the Russian region of Kursk. The fighting is reportedly taking place near Sudzha, an important gas injection point that supplies Western Europe through Ukrainian pipelines. Gazprom is currently reporting normal gas supplies.
19:08 Ukraine Evacuates Border Areas Near Russian KurskAmid heavy fighting in the Russian Kursk region, Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of more locations in the neighboring Sumy region. The measures affect 23 settlements, according to the military governor of Sumy, Vladimir Artyukh, on Ukrainian television. Around 6,000 people, including over 400 children and adolescents, are to be taken to safety from the border area. The day before, Ukrainian troops launched an incursion across the Ukrainian-Russian border towards the city of Sudzha in the Kursk region, advancing several kilometers onto Russian territory. Moscow reported around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers equipped with heavy machinery. Kyiv has not yet commented on the events. In May, local authorities had already ordered evacuations from an area within 10 kilometers of the border due to regular Russian shelling of border areas.
You can read all previous developments here.
The Commission at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has noted the advancement of Ukrainian forces into the Russian region of Kursk, contributing to their analysis of the ongoing conflict.
In response to the escalating situation, the EU has recognized Ukraine's right to self-defense against Russian aggression, fully supporting its efforts to restore territorial integrity and sovereignty.
