17:36 Is Russia constructing a second bridge running alongside the Crimea bridge?
Satellite images suggest that Russia is constructing a second bridge adjacent to the 19-kilometer-long Kerch Bridge, connecting the Russian mainland with Crimea. An online platform, "Ukrajinska Prawda," reports on an ongoing "parallel construction" that appears to be a bridge. ntv.de validates this through a comparison of satellite images from June, July, and August, confirming construction activity. According to "Ukrajinska Prawda," the Russians are taking measures to safeguard both the new construction and the consistently attacked Kerch Bridge.
16:58 Zelensky acknowledges challenging conditions on the Eastern FrontAs reported by British newspaper "The Guardian," President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the situation on Ukraine's eastern frontline as challenging, particularly near the vital logistics center of Pokrovsk and near Toretsk. The Ukrainian General Staff reported 14 skirmishes in the Toretsk area and 34 in the Pokrovsk sector since the day began on their official Facebook page.
16:36 Moscow advises residents in Kursk: Deactivate dating apps and surveillance camerasThe Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs advises residents in three border regions to deactivate dating apps and disable online surveillance cameras. The ministry revealed that the enemy is identifying a significant number of IP addresses on their territory and remotely accessing unsecured cameras monitoring various areas, including private farms, strategically important roads, and highways. Additionally, using online dating services is discouraged as they may be used for information collection.
16:20 Russia reports 17 civilian casualties - within one weekRussian news agency TASS reported, citing rescue services, that the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk resulted in 17 civilian deaths within the past week. Another 235 civilians were injured.
15:54 Reporter describes rapid Russian advance in Pokrovskntv reporter Nadja Kriewald reported from eastern Ukraine that Russian troops launched 63 attacks on the Pokrovsk front on the previous day. She spoke with rescue workers who were planning to evacuate a Ukrainian village, but the operation had to be called off as the Russian army had reportedly taken control of the area.
15:33 Russia reacts angrily to American journalists in KurskRussia has summoned a high-ranking American diplomat, according to Russian news agency TASS. Russia aims to protest against the "provocative actions" of American journalists in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces launched an offensive two weeks ago. The reporters have allegedly illegally entered the area and will face legal action, TASS reported.
15:10 East Commissioner recognizes Russian propaganda in East GermanyGermany's federal commissioner for the east, Carsten Schneider of the SPD, expressed shock at some Germans' views on Ukraine. He condemned the prejudiced comments about Ukraine and Ukrainians, particularly in East and West Germany. Schneider stated that Russian propaganda plays a significant role in this situation and is especially effective in East Germany.
14:48 Ammunition shortage due to Kursk advance blamed for Russian gainsAccording to the "Financial Times," the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine can be partially attributed to Kiev shifting resources north due to the attack on Kursk. Troops in the area have begun rationing ammunition for their weapons for the first time since the U.S. Congress halted aid. These resources have been reallocated to support the troops invading the Russian region of Kursk.
14:26 Kremlin Expert: Kursk invasion highlights shifting Moscow power dynamicsKremlin expert Rainer Munz believes the Ukrainian advance in Kursk could accelerate or at least reveal the generational change within the Moscow power apparatus. Despite this, Munz noted that Putin's power remains unthreatened.
14:01 After Russian attack on Ternopil: Authorities warn of high chlorine levels in the airFollowing a Russian attack on an industrial site in Ternopil, western Ukraine, local authorities issued a warning about high chlorine levels in the air. Oksana Chaichuk, head of the regional center for disease control and prevention, urged residents to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed due to chlorine levels in the air ranging four to ten times higher than normal. The attack reportedly targeted a fuel and lubricant depot, resulting in a fire at an unspecified facility. No casualties or injuries were reported.
13:39 Moscow: Russian troops capture the town of New York in DonetskRussian forces reportedly captured the town of New York in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The troops seized control of "one of the largest settlements in the vicinity of Torez, the strategically significant logistics center of Novogorodskoe," the ministry declared, using the Soviet-era name. The name New York, derived from German settlers, was changed to Novogorodskoe in 1951 and then reinstated in 2021 due to the efforts of Ukrainian activists. The town is located approximately 6 kilometers south of Torez, which has been a target of Russian attacks for weeks.
A Russian deserter, nicknamed "Silver," working with Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) previously hurt his commanding officer using a grenade in the city of Ocheretyne in the Donetsk Oblast. The incident was disclosed by HUR. Before abandoning his post, "Silver" reportedly injured his commander due to witnessing unsavory acts within his unit and among commanders. He then reached out to the "Freedom of Russia" legion in early 2024 and began supplying them with information about the location of Russian troops and military strategy.
12:23 Ukrainian Parliament Considering to Ban Russian-Faith ChurchThe Ukrainian Parliament is debating a potential ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church aligned with Russia. The parliament in Kyiv has already approved a bill, which would initially forbid the Russian Orthodox Church's operations on Ukrainian territory. However, it needs approval from the courts. The Ukrainian government criticizes this church as a platform for Russian influence in the country and a supporter of Ukraine's invasion.
11:51 Oil Depot Fire in Russian Rostov Being Handled by FirefightersMore than 500 firefighters are currently managing a large fire at an oil depot in Rostov, Russia, which has now been burning for three days. The depot fire, spanning over 10,000 square meters and involving several diesel tanks, was caused by a Ukrainian drone assault, as claimed by the head of Proletarsk, Valery Gornitsky. There is no danger of explosion or evacuation, he reassured. Four firefighting aircraft and over 520 firefighters are participating. Due to the high temperatures, vehicles cannot approach the fire, Gornitsky stated. At least 41 firefighters have sustained injuries, with 18 of them receiving hospital treatment.
11:08 Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure Bombing Results in Ternopil Plant DamageA plant and a fuel storage tank were affected by Russia's recent bombings of Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the Ternopil region. Ukrainian television broadcast massive black smoke plumes rising over Ternopil, prompting local authorities to advise citizens to remain indoors. More than 90 firefighters are engaged in extinguishing the fire, and the situation is under control, according to the Ternopil regional administration.
10:41 Russian Ex-Diplomat Bondarev Accuses Putin of Cowardly BehaviorRussian President Vladimir Putin is acting "like a cowardly impostor," according to Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat, who penned an op-ed for ntv.de. Putin's reputation as an unbeatable adversary has been tarnished by the conflict in Ukraine. The swift takeover that was expected didn't materialize, and Russia appeared caught off guard by Ukrainian attacks, such as the one in Kursk. "Putin lacks the ability to confront serious threats and is lost in his response," Bondarev criticized. The former diplomat, who has distanced himself from the Putin regime due to the Ukrainian war, also criticized Western politicians for their stance on not using supplied weapons against Russian forces on their own territory. "One should confront Putin with force," Bondarev asserted, dismissing the West's concern over escalation as unfounded. "The escalation is already underway - Putin's enemy has entered Russian territory! Yet, he has not responded in any way."
10:13 Ukraine Reports Five Civilians Killed and Over Two Dozen Injured in Russian AttacksIn the previous 24 hours, Russian assaults in Ukraine resulted in five civilian fatalities and at least 22 injuries, including a child, according to regional authorities, as reported by "Kyiv Independent."
09:37 Russian Oil Depot in Flames as Satellite Images Show DamageUkraine attacked a large fuel depot in Proletarsk, Russia, with drones on Sunday morning. Despite valiant attempts to put out the fire, it persisted into the following day, causing injuries to over 40 firefighters, as reported by regional authorities. Satellite images illustrate the extent of the conflagration:
Ukraine has intentionally targeted several Russian refineries and oil facilities with drones over the past few months in an attempt to disrupt the supply of fuel to enemy troops and minimize Russian oil industry revenues.
09:16 Ukrainian Capital Reports Over 1300 Russian Soldiers "Eliminated" in a DayUkrainian authorities claim that 1,330 Russian soldiers were either killed or incapacitated within one day, according to official figures from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Since the conflict commenced in February 2022, a total of 601,800 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated," according to the ministry. The ministry also reported that the enemy lost five more tanks (8,518 in total) since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Ukraine claims to have destroyed or acquired over 16,500 armored vehicles and over 13,800 drones. These figures cannot be independently verified as Moscow refrains from disclosing information about its losses in Ukraine.
"08:47 Biden Stands Firm on Ukraine's Freedom: No Leader Should Kneel to Tyrants" Joe Biden asserted, "No leader should kneel to tyrants." Speaking at the Democratic Party convention's first night, the American president observed, "Putin assumed he'd seize Kyiv in three days. Three years later, Ukraine remains free," as per "Kyiv Independent." Biden contrasted his stance as a steadfast NATO ally and champion for a sovereign Ukraine with former President Donald Trump, who had expressed praises for Russian President Vladimir Putin. "No commander-in-chief should ever kneel to tyrants," Biden declared.
08:31 Russia Conducts Nighttime Airstrikes on Ukraine Russia unleashed another round of nighttime aerial assaults on Ukraine, striking nine locations spread across the country's middle, north, and south, as per the Ukrainian air force's report on Telegram. Three missiles and 25 drones were downed. This month marks the fifth missile strike on Kyiv, with 41 air alerts sounding in the capital during August. Yesterday, the military reported repelling a drone assault on Kyiv.
07:52 Kyiv's Military Administration: Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv Repelled - No Damages Yet Russian soldiers attacked Kyiv from the north again this morning, as claimed by the city's military administration via Telegram. "It appears the enemy struck the heart of Ukraine from the north, likely employing missiles such as the Iskander. This is the fifth rocket attack on Kyiv this month!", the message reads. The missiles were supposedly annihilated by air defense forces at Kyiv's outskirts. No damage or losses have been reported in the city thus far.
07:38 Belarus: Lukashenko Deploys Extra Troops and Aircraft to Border with Ukraine Belarus has transitioned additional air defense troops and aviation to its border with Ukraine, announced General Major Andrei Lukyanovich, chief of the Belarussian air defense forces, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." This announcement follows swiftly after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced deploying a third of the nation's army to the border this summer. Lukashenko blamed the understanding gap between Belarus and Ukraine for the troop concentration at the border. Lukyanovich informed national television that Belarusian military personnel, aircraft, anti-aircraft missiles, and radio-electronic units have been deployed to the border. Ukraine has yet to substantiate Lukyanovich's claims regarding increased Belarussian troops and weaponry on the border. The state border guard service of Ukraine reported over a week ago that no military buildup had occurred near the border with Belarus despite Lukashenko's orders.
07:24 ISW: Russia Sends 5,000 Troops to Kursk Oblast Russia is compelled to send soldiers from other theater fronts to Kursk due to Ukrainian troops' activities in the region, according to a report from the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW). "Russian troops have integrated additional troops into the Kursk Oblast since the initiation of the Ukrainian advance, likely deploying over 5,000 soldiers to the region," analysts suggest.
06:54 Zelensky Urges Early Second Peace Summit in Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his diplomats to bring about the second Peace Summit in Ukraine before the year's end. Speaking at a gathering of foreign diplomatic delegates in Ukraine, Zelensky observe, "I consider the inaugural summit to be an outstanding achievement for Ukraine. I wish to express gratitude to everyone who contributed to our summit's realization. Now we are preparing for the second Peace Summit, and it is crucial that it occurs this year." He urged everyone to hasten the process and widen the circle of support for the first summit's communique.
06:22 Russia Targets Kyiv for Nighttime Air Attacks Russia persists in launching nightly attacks on Kyiv, as per Ukrainian sources. Air defense units were active last night to repel another Russian aerial assault on Kyiv, as reported by the city's military administration via Telegram. Witnesses claimed to hear explosions resembling air defense systems.
05:11 Multiple Drone Attacks Hit Ukrainian Regions Far from Warfront Multiple drone attacks transpired throughout the night in several Ukrainian regions distant from the frontlines. According to air defense, Sump, Poltava, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions were among the targets, with air defense also being activated near Kyiv. Local administration advised residents to seek shelter. No damages yet have been reported.
02:23 USA Remains United with Kyiv - Kursk Offensive Discussion Despite Ukrainian troops' counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk, the USA remains devoted to supporting Kyiv. US President Joe Biden reiterated, "We are steadfast in our support of Ukraine and will remain by their side as long as necessary," during a press conference by the US Department of Defense spokesperson. The US continues to allocate military aid to Kyiv. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reassured his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov of ongoing US support during a phone conversation, the spokesperson clarified. During their conversation, Austin gained further insights into Ukraine's objectives for the counteroffensive.
01:07 Germany Delivers More Defense Aid to UkraineGermany has handed over another batch of military equipment to Ukraine. As per the announcement by the Defense Ministry, this new aid includes a third Iris-T air defense system, thousands of artillery rounds, drones, a recovery vehicle, and loads of rifles along with their ammo.
00:20 Zelenskyy Claims Biggest Capture of Russian SoldiersPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has declared the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk as the most significant capture of Russian soldiers since the war's launch. Speaking to diplomats, he mentioned that these captives would be later exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war. Evidence suggests that Russia has detained more Ukrainian soldiers than vice versa up till now.
22:21 Chechen Leader Encourages Soldiers in KurskA Chechen military commander named Apti Alaudinov has rallied Russian conscripts to head to the frontlines, asserting that those who perish in Kursk region will be heaven-bound, according to the Kyiv Independent newspaper.
21:58 Zelenskyy: Ukrainian Incursion Challenges Russia's Red Line ConceptUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian incursion into Russia's territory was initially disregarded as unattainable. He continued, saying that many countries had cautioned that this incursion would transgress Russia's most critical red line. However, Zelenskyy added, "Russia's red line theory collapsed somewhere near Bucha."
21:38 Lithuania Constructs Base for German TroopsLithuania has begun constructing a facility for German troops. Once completed by 2027-end, the site can accommodate up to 4,000 German soldiers. This marks the Bundeswehr's first permanent overseas deployment since World War II. In 2021, Germany pledged to station troops in its NATO and EU member state, sharing a border with Russia. Estimated construction expenditure exceeds one billion euros according to Lithuania's Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis.
21:15 Czech President Suggests NATO Membership for Partially Occupied UkraineCzech President Petr Pavel proposed the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, despite some territorial occupation by Russia. He envisions peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in the forthcoming years, which could culminate in Russia retaining certain occupied territories without democratic states recognizing these boundaries modifications. Subsequently, according to Pavel, "we could accept Ukraine into NATO in the territory under its control at that moment." Germany also became a NATO member in 1955 while still part of the Soviet Union's occupation.
20:57 Ukrainian Forces Nearing Russian BridgeUkrainian forces reportedly took control of Wyschnewka town in the Russian-occupied Kursk region, positioning them around 12 kilometers from the floating bridge over the Seym River, which is currently the sole strategic passage for Russian military supply or evacuation.
20:36 Pokrovsk in PerilThe military administration of the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk is experiencing uncertainty as Russian troops charge forward: "The enemy is marching towards the outskirts of Pokrovsk. We can see it, it's no secret," stated the head of the information department to the "Washington Post.""Perhaps the situation will change somehow - we hope the enemy will halt at some Pokrovsk approaches and our troops will repel them," she said. If Pokrovsk falls, it would be the largest populated area captured by the Russians since Bachmut in May 2023.
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The Ukrainian conflict continues to escalate with the Russian construction of another bridge adjacent to the Kerch Bridge, connecting Russian mainland with Crimea. This new bridge construction has been reported by both an online platform, "Ukrajinska Prawda," and German news outlet ntv.de, using satellite images to confirm their claims.
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has advised residents in three border regions to deactivate their dating apps and disable online surveillance cameras due to the enemy identifying a significant number of IP addresses on their territory and remotely accessing unsecured cameras monitoring various areas.
