18:06: Military officials in Kiev report over 100 confrontations or engagements taking place.
In the eastern frontlines of Ukraine, Ukrainian troops and Russian aggressors have engaged in numerous skirmishes. The General Staff in Kyiv reports a total of 109 armed confrontations throughout the day. Once more, the hotspot of the conflicts is the area surrounding the town of Pokrovsk on the edge of Donbass. There, Russian forces launched 23 offensive attacks backed by artillery fire against Ukrainian defense lines, all of which reportedly failed. Additionally, Russian attacks are also reported near the nearby town of Kuracheve.
17:28 Ukrainian Governor: Russian Guided Bombs Hit Residential BuildingIn the Kharkiv region, two civilian casualties were reported and eight were injured following a Russian airstrike on a residential building in the village of Cherkaskaya Losova, according to Ukrainian authorities. Regional Governor Oleh Synehubov confirmed the incident, and rescue services were dispatched to the scene. This incident is not the first of its kind in the region; on the previous Friday, a bombardment in Kharkiv city struck a residential building and a playground, resulting in seven fatalities and numerous injuries.
16:50 Washington Wary: No Sending of Americans to Ukraine for Equipment MaintenanceThe Biden administration has turned down a proposal to dispatch Americans to Ukraine to maintain western military equipment, including F-16 fighter jets, as reported by "The Washington Post". The discussion on sending American civilians to a war-torn nation to assist with equipment upkeep has been a contentious issue since the war's commencement. With the long-awaited arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine at the end of July, the debate has intensified. U.S. officials exhibit concern over the possibility of Russian targeting American contractors in Ukraine.
16:14 Concerns Declared for Maria Kolesnikova: Opposition Accuses Belarus Prison of Harsh Conditions and IsolationThe Belarusian opposition is expressing concern over the health and well-being of imprisoned opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, reported to be in a poor state. Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stated that Kolesnikova currently weighs 45 kg and is subjected to harsh conditions and isolation. Tsikhanouskaya accused the prison administration of "cruel and inhumane treatment" and "slow death" of the prominent government critic.
15:36 Ukrainian Officials Meet with U.S., U.K., France, and German Security Advisors for Weapon Production and Investment DiscussionsA Ukrainian delegation, led by Economy Minister Julia Svyrydenko and Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Administration, held discussions with security advisors from the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany in Washington, as reported by "Kyiv Independent". During the meeting, topics such as joint weapon production, future western investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, and strengthening Ukrainian air defense and energy system security were discussed. Yermak remarked, "Now is the time to intensify our efforts to aid Ukraine in achieving victory. It is vital to make the most of this opportunity."
14:56 Russia attempts to conceal the war using festivities and celebrations in MoscowThe ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia persists on the battlefields. Nevertheless, the residents of Moscow remain oblivious to the drone attacks, burning oil depots, and civilian fatalities. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz highlights how the city is concealing the war by any means necessary.
14:25 Ukraine: Four Dead and Wounded in Chasiv Yar due to Russian AttackAt least four civilians have lost their lives and numerous others were injured in the Donetsk region's Chasiv Yar city due to a Russian attack, as reported by the Ukrainian governor, Vadym Fillaschkin, via Telegram. The victims were males aged between 24 and 38 years. The assault took place early in the morning, resulting in damages to a private residence and a skyscraper.
13:53 Kharkiv Mourns Losses After Russian AttackFollowing a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, the community come together to pay tribute to the deceased. According to the Kharkiv region's governor, Oleg Synegubov, seven people were killed and 97 individuals, including more than 20 minors, were hurt in the attack on Friday evening. The youngest casualty was a ten-month-old child. One of the deceased is reported to be the 18-year-old Ukrainian artist Veronika Kozhushko. Noted Ukrainian artist Serhiy Shadan expressed his condolences and frustration on Facebook, writing, "The Russians continue to destroy our future. There is no forgiveness," he added, posting an image created by Kozhushko.
13:03 Danish Prime Minister: There's No Escaping Ukraine's Victory in War vs RussiaAs reported by "European Pravda", the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, spoke about Ukraine's war against Russia during the GLOBSEC conference in Prague. According to the report, Frederiksen stated that Ukraine should emerge victorious from the conflict. She labeled this as an "unavoidable development." "There's no option but for Ukraine to win this war. Because if Russia wins, Ukraine will be defeated, and so will we all," she's quoted as saying. Frederiksen emphasized that there's near-unanimous agreement on this within the European Union. "Europe has never been more united than it is now (...). Sometimes we argue internally. (...) But it's 26 against one," the article quotes Frederiksen. She presumably means the entirety of Europe against Russia.
12:15 Russia Gains Control over Kirove in Donetsk RegionAccording to information from the Ministry of Defense in Moscow, Russian forces have seized control of the village of Kirove in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Russian troops have been gradually advancing along the frontline in the east for some time now. Donetsk, along with Luhansk, forms the industrially dominant Donbass. These two regions, in addition to Zaporizhzhia and Kherson further south in Ukraine, were already annexed by Russia in September 2022, although Russian troops do not fully control them. Ukraine aims to reclaim all territories, including the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed in 2014 and lies much further south than Kherson.
11:45 Russia Claims Ukrainian Attack on BelgorodAccording to Russian reports, Ukrainian forces have bombarded the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine. The casualties and injuries were announced by Belgorod's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, through his Telegram channel. In an airstrike on the city of Belgorod, three people were killed and over 30 were injured, including three children. More than a dozen residential buildings and 47 cars were reportedly damaged.
11:10 Expert Triebel: Russia Aims to Meddle in Moldova's ElectionsMoldova is scheduled to hold presidential elections on October 20. Around 2.5 million residents will also vote in a referendum on whether to incorporate EU membership into the constitution, to prevent future governments from abandoning this process. Russia is trying to interfere in the elections using disinformation and false news, asserts Brigitta Triebel, head of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung office in Chisinau. "The Moldovans are being told: If you don't want to get entangled in a conflict like Ukraine, vote for the pro-Russian parties," Triebel said. "People's fears are being exploited."
10:49 Ukraine Intercepts 24 out of 52 Russian DronesThe Ukrainian air force claims it has intercepted 24 Russian drones. A total of 52 drones were launched by Russian forces in an attack overnight on Saturday, affecting eight regions in Ukraine. 25 drones of the Iranian Shahed type crashed on their own, and three more headed toward Russia and Belarus. There have been no reports of injuries or significant damage. The target of the Russian attack included Kyiv, where this was the fourth drone attack within a week. All drones targeting Kyiv were intercepted.
10:16 Russian Military Bloggers: Ukrainian Forces Destroy Bridge in KurskRussian military bloggers post a video on their Telegram channels, allegedly showing the aftermath of a Ukrainian attack on a Russian military convoy at the entrance to the village of Svannoe in the Kursk region. Radio Free Europe (RFE/RL) also shares the video on Telegram. The video is said to depict destroyed military vehicles and a collapsed floating bridge over the Seym River in Kursk.
09:34 Russian Authorities Report Ukrainian Attack on ShebekinoAuthorities in the city of Shebekino in the Russian region of Belgorod report Ukrainian shelling. A woman was injured on Saturday. Shebekino is located near the border with Ukraine.
09:00 Ukraine Discloses Figures on Russian Troop LossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these figures, Russia has suffered around 614,950 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the past 24 hours alone, the number of losses is said to be 1,360. According to a report from Kyiv, eight tanks, 42 artillery systems, and 18 drones were also destroyed during this period. Since the start of the large-scale attack, Russia has reportedly lost a total of 8,582 tanks, 17,614 artillery systems, 368 aircraft, 328 helicopters, 14,471 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates put the losses lower, but these are likely minimized values.
08:35 Russia: Video Suggests Ukrainian Attack on BelgorodAccording to local authorities, five people were killed and 46 injured in a Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod late on Friday evening (see entry 23:19). 37 injured people were taken to the hospital, including seven children, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, reported. A video circulating on social media, taken from the dashboard of a car, allegedly shows the attack. It shows another car being blown up while driving, followed by an explosion on the other side of the street a few seconds later. Such footage and reports of combat cannot be independently verified.
07:48 Report: At least 66,000 Russian soldiers reportedly killed in UkraineAt least 66,471 Russian soldiers are reportedly killed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as per a report by Russian independent media outlet Mediazona. In collaboration with BBC News Russian, Mediazona has documented the names of these soldiers through open-source research. The journalists mention that this count only includes identifiable soldiers and the actual losses could be significantly higher. The Ukrainian General Staff estimates over 600,000 Russian soldiers dead, while Western estimates concur with this figure.
07:15 Ukraine: Death toll rises to 7 after Russian attack on KharkivSeven individuals lost their lives and 97 others were injured, including over 20 minors, following a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. According to regional governor Oleg Synegubov's Telegram post, a children's playground and a 12-story residential building were hit during the Russian assault on Friday. A fire broke out as a result of the attack. Synegubov confirmed that firefighting efforts continued into Saturday morning.
06:27 ISW: Putin's Approval Rating Among Russians Drops to Record LowFollowing the Ukrainian incursion into the Russian border region of Kursk, dissatisfaction among the Russian population with their government and President Vladimir Putin is escalating, according to the latest report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Utilizing data from the Russian state-run polling institute Public Opinion Foundation, 28% of respondents expressed their discontent with the Russian authorities' response to the incursion. Furthermore, citing surveys from the Russian state-run Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), Putin's approval rating has decreased by 3.5% to 73.6%, reaching a new record low since the initiation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to ISW, these surveys suggest that societal discontent has grown since the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk.
05:40 Venezuela Transfers Two Colombians to Russia for Alleged Support for UkraineRussian security service FSB has announced the detention of two Colombian citizens, accused of aiding Ukraine. The men, identified as Alexander Ante and Jose Aron Medina, were handed over by Venezuela after being detained by its authorities during a layover in Caracas while en route to Colombia last month. Spanish media sources claim that the two joined the International Legion during the summer of 2023. They were apprehended at Caracas airport in mid-July. FSB alleges that the men possessed documents detailing their involvement in the conflict and wore Ukrainian military attire.
04:47 Czech President Denies Connection Between Russian Advance and Kursk OperationCzech President Petr Pavel asserts that the Russian advance in the Donetsk Oblast has no connection to Ukraine's operation within the Russian Oblast of Kursk. Pavel emphasizes that he does not believe there is a direct connection between Russia's swift advance on the Pokrovsk front and the Ukrainian operation in Kursk. He believes that the Russian leadership's ultimate goal is to capture the territories of all four Oblasts – Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Kherson – which they consider their own. Accomplishing this within favorable weather conditions remains their priority, according to Pavel.
03:47 Stoltenberg Identifies Ukrainian Advance into Kursk as "Legitimate"NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has deemed the Ukrainian forces' advancement into the Russian border region of Kursk as legitimate. Stoltenberg affirms that Ukraine has the right to defend itself, as per international law. Stoltenberg dismisses accusations from the Russian government asserting that the West had been previously informed about the attack on Russian territory, stating that Ukraine did not consult NATO regarding its plans for Kursk beforehand and NATO played no role in the operation. This marks Stoltenberg's initial response to the Ukrainian advance in the Russian border region.
02:48 Ukraine Accuses Russia of Widespread Use of Chemical WeaponsSince Russia's invasion commencement, Ukrainian authorities have recorded over 4,000 instances of chemical weapons usage at the front, with over 3,100 reported cases since December 2023. The number of chemical weapons incidents has significantly increased compared to the approximately 600 instances recorded in January, as per Ukrainian military data. The highest number of reported instances peaked in May 2024 with 715 reported instances, then gradually decreased in the summer months. No data is available for the month of August yet.
1:49 ICC Demands Putin's Arrest During Mongolia Visit The International Criminal Court (ICC) representative, Fadi el-Abdallah, communicated to the BBC that Mongolia, being an ICC member state, has the duty to detain Russian President Vladimir Putin during his impending visit. Putin's planned trip to Mongolia on September 3 would be his first visit to an ICC member nation that has ratified the Rome Statute. This treaty requires member states to apprehend Putin if he steps foot in their territory. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March 2023 due to his involvement in the forced removal of children from the Russian-controlled regions in Ukraine.
00:33 Biden-von der Leyen Video Call: Russian Invasion Recalled EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the importance of robust transatlantic relations despite the US presidential election outcome in November. She received the Czech and Slovak Transatlantic Award (CSTA) at the Globsec security conference in Prague. In her speech, she reminisced about a video call with US President Joe Biden on the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "We swiftly agreed on our response to Putin's war," von der Leyen stated. Once more, Europe and America stood "side by side on the right side of history."
23:19 Belgorod Attacks: Five Casualties Reported At least five individuals lost their lives in Ukrainian assaults on the Russian border region of Belgorod, as reported by Russian sources. A woman and four men succumbed to their injuries, announced regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on the Telegram messaging platform. Additionally, 37 people sustained injuries. Ukraine targeted the city of Belgorod and the region using multiple rocket launchers, Gladkov divulged further.
22:01 Ukraine's Drone Tech Advancements Ukraine seeks to incorporate weapons manufacturers in the development of AI for drone swarms and "affordable missiles" to counter Russian kamikaze drones, announced Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, at the Globsec Forum in Prague. Both Ukraine and Russia have been heavily investing in drone technology throughout the entire Russian invasion, transforming modern warfare. According to Fedorov, Ukrainian troops encounter numerous difficulties, including Russian troops, ammunition shortages, kamikaze drones, and reconnaissance drones. To counter these threats, the Ukrainian military uses low-cost first-person-view (FPV) drones, reconnaissance drones, small air defense systems, and domestically manufactured long-range drones to strike Russian targets, Fedorov explained. "What are the next challenges that require your assistance? How do we create an efficient laser targeting system, how do we develop AI for swarms of drones, how do we produce Ukrainian HIMARS, how do we develop affordable Ukrainian missiles capable of shooting down Shaheds?" Fedorov queried.
21:32 Ukraine Receives Urgent Artillery Shells Ukraine receives its first batch of crucial howitzer ammunition from the US-European coalition, disclosed Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky in Brussels. 155-mm artillery shells are critically needed on the battlefield. "The Czech ammunition campaign is living up to its promise, and by the end of the year, we will provide half a million large-caliber projectiles. We delivered approximately 100,000 pieces each in July and August," Lipavsky clarified.
You can refer to all previous updates here.
The Ukrainian military is experiencing heavy fire during their operations in the eastern frontlines of Ukraine, as Russian forces launch numerous attacks against Ukrainian defense lines. In response to the ongoing conflict, the United States has decided not to send American personnel to Ukraine for equipment maintenance, due to concerns over potential Russian targeting of American contractors.
