18:44 East Ukraine under Russian assault: Residents evacuating hamlets near the conflict zone
18:04 Russia and China Talk About Enhanced Energy Collaboration
Russia and China, close allies, talked about intensifying cooperation in the energy sector during a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Moscow. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told his guest that Russia is currently China's largest oil supplier. "In the imminent future, we will also lead in natural gas," he stated, as mentioned by the state news agency TASS. Li Qiang supposedly highlighted the growing depth and quality of energy partnership. Although Beijing views Russia's war against Ukraine as disrupting global order, it maintains its support for Russia on this matter.
17:33 Ukraine Affiliates with International Criminal Court with an Exception
Ukraine has joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), but claims temporary immunity for its military. The Ukrainian parliament approved a 281-1 vote with 22 abstentions to ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC, according to MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak through Telegram. Ukraine ratified the Rome Statute in January 2000 but had not ratified it until now. The Statute serves as the foundation for the ICC in The Hague, which handles charges such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The recently adopted document indicates that Ukraine will not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction over war crimes involving Ukrainian citizens for seven years, due to concerns that certain military actions against Russian forces could be classified as war crimes.
17:15 Only Russia Rejects Swiss UN Invitation
Russia is the sole country to decline an invitation from Switzerland for the UN Security Council members to visit Switzerland on August 25-26. Diplomats from the other 13 nations will be traveling to Geneva, as mentioned by a Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Russia's representatives in New York informed them of their decision not to participate, without providing reasons. Russia has labeled Switzerland as an "unfriendly country" due to EU sanctions against it over the Ukraine conflict. Switzerland is representing one of the ten non-permanent members of the Security Council for the first time. The permanent members are Russia, China, the USA, the UK, and France, in addition to the temporary members Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. The term for non-permanent members is two years. The trip is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
16:49 Moscow Mayor Discusses Large Ukrainian Drone Attack
Moscow Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, commented on the latest Ukrainian drone attack on the capital as one of the most significant since the start of the war two and a half years ago. Some of the drones were destroyed over the city of Podolsk, which is 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin, he shared via Telegram. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 11 flight objects heading towards the capital region were neutralized. A total of over 45 drones were destroyed over Russia. Meanwhile, Russia launched nearly 70 drones against Ukraine overnight, with most supposedly being intercepted by the Ukrainian air force. Ongoing conflict is taking place in eastern Ukraine and in the Russian border region of Kursk. "This is, so far, one of the largest attempts to attack Moscow with drones," Mayor Sobyanin said. However, the attack was repelled, and no damage was incurred.
16:20 Ukrainian Orthodox Church Leader Encourages Conversion
The leader of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, has called upon believers of the prohibited pro-Moscow Orthodox Church to convert. The Ukrainian parliament had banned all religious organizations linked to Russia on Tuesday. "This law allows all religious structures that have not yet severed their ties with Moscow to fully free themselves," Epifaniy stated on Ukrainian news television. "And we, in turn, call upon all Orthodox Christians in Ukraine who have not yet broken away from this Russian yoke to finally do so."
15:54 Indian PM Modi Endorses 'Return to Peace' before Ukraine Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has traveled to Poland as part of a monumental trip to Eastern Europe. Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Poland in 45 years. On August 25, Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine. Prior to his departure, Modi expressed the need for a "return to peace" in Ukraine. As a "friend and partner" of Kyiv, India "desires a prompt return of peace and stability in the region," he wrote on online media.
15:28 Elections in Kursk Deferred in Seven Communities
In response to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, Russia has postponed local elections in seven communities in the region. "The Central Election Commission supports the proposal of the Kursk Region Election Commission to postpone the elections in seven municipalities," the commission declared. Elections will be held once "adequate security guarantees" for voters can be ensured, the commission added. In the other parts of Kursk, voters will cast their ballots as planned between August 28 and September 8 to elect the governor of the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military is reportedly in control of numerous villages in the Russian region of Kursk since its offensive began on August 6. According to Russian sources, over 120,000 civilians have fled the region.
15:07 Ukrainian Forces Affirm Utilization of Western Arms on Russian Territory Ukraine claims to have targeted replacement bridges over the Seim River in Russia using US HIMARS rockets. "Where have the ponton bridges in the Kursk region vanished to? Deployment forces... are destroying them explicitly," Ukrainian special troops declared via the Telegram messaging service. US HIMARS rocket systems are being deployed. This is the initial time Ukraine has confirmed the use of these western weapons in its assault on Russian territory. Countries like the US and Germany have yet to object. However, Russia has criticized it as an escalation of the conflict. Military experts had already assumed that HIMARS rockets were contributing to the destruction of at least three of the original bridges over the Seim. The destruction makes it more challenging for the Russian army to supply the region and launch a counteroffensive.
14:52 Ukrainian Drones Downed Near Moscow Once More Drones from Ukraine are once again approaching the Russian capital. Several video clips reveal shootdowns and significant fireballs in the sky, with the Russian army claiming to have destroyed at least ten aerial vehicles. It remains unclear if there are any damages or casualties.
14:25 Foreign Office: "Russia Uninterested in Peace Talks" According to the German government's assessment, Russia shows no interest in negotiating an end to the war. "Russia is not interested in peace talks," a spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin said. Instead of engaging in discussions with Ukraine about a just peace, the government in Moscow is demanding the annexation of territories that Russian forces do not even control. Moreover, Russia could end the war at any time. To defend against the violation of international law, Ukraine needs suitable weapons, the spokesperson emphasized, referring to demands in the ongoing election campaigns in Thuringia and Saxony to stop deliveries and seek a solution more diplomatically.
13:53 Kadyrov Maintains Putin's Support in Chechnya For the first time in 13 years, President Vladimir Putin is traveling to the Russian republic of Chechnya. There, he is received by strongman Ramsan Kadyrov. The two autocrats assure each other of their mutual support, with Kadyrov presenting Putin with a gift. However, the friendship is not unconditional, explains ntv reporter Rainer Munz.
13:30 Village in Eastern Ukraine Captured by Russian Forces The Russian army claims to have captured another village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The Russian troops have "liberated" the village of Shelanne, the defense ministry in Moscow reported in its daily report. The village is located northeast of the city of Donetsk, which is controlled by Russia. Around 20 kilometers away from Shelanne is the city of Prokhorovka, which is considered an important logistics hub. However, the Institute for the Study of War reported that the location was already captured on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine's Path to International Criminal Court Membership The Ukrainian parliament votes to ratify the so-called Rome Statute, allowing the country to join the International Criminal Court. Full membership is an important step towards reconciliation with the EU. The court has issued international arrest warrants, among others, for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
12:45 Russian Attack on Ukraine with Multiple Drones The Ukrainian air force reports shooting down 50 Russian attack drones overnight. Another 16 aerial objects were likely brought down by electronic jammers, the military reports. One drone returned to Russia. In total, Ukraine was attacked by 69 drones, one of which came from Belarus. Russia also used two ballistic missiles and a cruise missile in the attack, only the cruise missile was intercepted. No information about damages or casualties has been reported. There is no statement from Moscow yet.
12:22 Russian: Ukrainian Defense Weakens at Pokrovsk Ukrainian troops continue to face heavy Russian attacks in the east of the country, the military reports. The General Staff in Kyiv reports 66 Russian assaults on the Pokrovsk front on Tuesday, all of which were repelled. Fighting is ongoing around many villages that lie on the way to Pokrovsk, which is about ten kilometers away. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledges the difficult situation. On the Russian side, it is reported that the Ukrainian defense at Pokrovsk is weakening. Russian military bloggers reported progress of their troops.
11:50 Medvedev: "Negotiations Will Only Occur When the Enemy is Defeated Completely" Should Ukraine finally negotiate with Russia? Not likely, according to Russian ex-President Dmitri Medvedev, who has become increasingly radical in recent years. Medvedev, now vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, writes on his Telegram channel that given Ukraine's advance in Kursk, there is no possibility for negotiations between the two sides. There will be no talks between Moscow and Kyiv until Ukraine is completely defeated on the battlefield. "The idle chatter of self-proclaimed mediators about the noble topic of peace has ended. Everyone recognizes the reality of the situation, even if they cannot say it out loud," Medvedev writes. "There will be no negotiations until the enemy is completely and utterly defeated."
11:22 Wagner Group's Aggression in Africa IncreasesDespite the demise of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and the renaming of the group to Africa Corps, Russian mercenaries are still making a significant impact on Africa. Analysts at Acled predict that Wagner's influence in the continent will only expand further. In the first half of 2024, there were more incidents of political violence related to Russian mercenaries in Africa than during Prigozhin's lifetime. Since 2014, Prigozhin had effectively built a private army, with Wagner mercenaries fighting in various conflict zones, including Ukraine, Syria, and mainly in Africa, in Russia's interest. In June 2023, a rebellion led by Wagner mercenaries broke out against the Kremlin. Prigozhin and his associates met their fate in an airplane crash on August 23, 2023.
10:50 Advice from a Funeral Director to Men in KurskA video published on Telegram contains a man in military uniform from Kursk lambasting those fleeing the region. However, this man is not a serviceman but 39-year-old funeral director Kirill Suworow from St. Petersburg, according to Russian opposition news agency Agentstvo. In the video, Suworow criticizes the men of Kursk, asking, "What on earth are you doing? Where are you running to, my dear gentlemen?" He also encourages them to take up arms, or at least help in digging trenches for the soldiers. When asked by Agentstvo, Suworow, who is also the CEO of a granite factory, reaffirmed his criticism of the men of Kursk. He stayed silent when asked if he would partake in the war himself.
10:26 Pentagon Acknowledges Russian Struggle in KurskBased on an assessment from the U.S. Department of Defense, Russia is having trouble dealing with the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the western Russian region of Kursk. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder reports that there have been signs of a small deployment of Russian units to the area, but overall, Moscow is facing challenges in responding. According to Ryder, Ukraine has managed to put pressure on Russia, which was previously observed only in Ukraine's territory. He asserted that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk does not alter U.S. support for Kyiv.
10:03 Eastern Front's Challenges for UkraineUkrainian President Zelenskyy admits to a difficult situation on the eastern front. According to ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald, the situation is "critical," with Russian soldiers outnumbering Ukrainian forces significantly. Additionally, the Kremlin appears to be disregarding its own casualties.
09:37 Ukrainian Forces Attack Russian Air Defense in RostovThe Ukrainian military claims to have struck an air defense system in the southern Russian region of Rostov. Per the Ukrainian General Staff, the targeted system was a battery of S300 anti-aircraft missiles, which Russia has used in attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Explosions were reported near Novoshakhtinsk, with the accuracy of the hit still under investigation. On the other hand, Vasili Golubev, the Rostov governor, reported that Russian air defense had downed a missile from Ukraine. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense did not mention this in its daily report.
09:09 Moscow Airports Disrupted by Drone AttackA drone attack on Moscow disrupted operations at three of the city's airports overnight. Air traffic control reported a four-hour restriction on Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo airports until 6:30 AM local time, with the main airport, Sheremetyevo, unscathed. The Russian air force reportedly intercepted and destroyed eleven drones headed towards Moscow. The mayor of the capital, Sergei Sobyanin, described this as one of the largest drone attacks on Moscow yet.
08:41 SPD Foreign Policy Spokesperson on PutinSPD politician Michael Roth emphasizes the need for strong support for Ukraine, especially during this "critical phase." According to Roth, the best way to force Putin to engage in negotiations is by showing that he cannot conquer Ukraine. He believes that with continued military support from the West, Ukraine can make Putin realize his defeat is imminent. He expressed satisfaction with Ukraine's successes on Russian soil and underlined that the imperialistic giant Putin is, indeed, defeatable.
08:12 Woidke Ponders Over German Wage for Ukrainian RefugeesBrandenburg's Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke is contemplating on the wage package for Ukrainian refugees. "At the time, the decision was necessary due to urgency, but now we must evaluate if this form of aid still pertains," he shared with "Stern". In other European countries, a higher percentage of Ukrainians have employment than in Germany. "We need to improve that situation. This would benefit our economy - we require labor - and advance integration." A new state parliament will be elected in Brandenburg in September.
07:40 Ukraine Summarizes: So Many Rockets and Drones Russia Has Already FiredSince the start of the war, Russia has fired over 9,600 rockets and almost 14,000 attack drones against Ukraine, as per Ukrainian records. The "Kyiv Independent" reports this, citing statements by Ukrainian armed forces commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. According to this, 5,197 of the shot-down rockets targeted civilian areas, with Ukraine being primarily attacked with S-300/S-400 rockets, hitting a total of 3,008 times. The second most frequently used weapons were cruise missiles of the type Kh-555/Kh-101, with 1,846 registered attacks.
07:08 German Military Steps up Security in BarracksThe German military is intensifying security measures for all barracks. As reported by "Der Spiegel", the barracks have been instructed to thoroughly inspect all outer fence gaps and monitor them more closely, particularly at night. Soldiers are also being trained to take notice of unauthorized individuals in secure areas and report any suspicions immediately. This is a response to allegations of intruders in sensitive security zones. According to "Der Spiegel", a high-ranking general admits that the protection of German barracks is still in "peacetime mode". Entrance and exit controls are usually handled by private service providers, as well as patrols along the barracks' fences.
06:40 Habeck: Ukraine Assistance Unwavering, Even Without G7 AidFederal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck assures ongoing aid for Ukraine, regardless of whether the agreed-upon multi-billion-dollar aid from G7 countries materializes. "The G7 have set everything in motion: Ukraine will receive funds to purchase necessary weapons systems," the Green politician told the Funke media group. "This will happen by the end of the year - as I hear." Ukraine will then receive 50 billion, with an additional 4 billion from the federal budget in 2025. If this does not occur, "we must reconsider," Habeck demands. The commitment to Ukraine "remains firm without conditions." Then, the aid "must be provided differently." Habeck acknowledges that the transition to the planned G7 model could become problematic "if new orders cannot be placed because the existing budget allocations have been exhausted." He suggests a practical solution. "It would be necessary to ensure that the weapons systems are ordered now and paid for later from the G7 funds." A loss for Ukraine in this war would pose a significant threat to Europe's freedom.
06:08 Kursk Incursion: Moscow Accuses Western Intelligence ServicesAccording to a news report, Russia holds Western intelligence services accountable for the most recent Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk. "The operation of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk region was planned with the cooperation of the intelligence services of the USA, Britain, and Poland," the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" cites Moscow's foreign intelligence service SVR. The participating units reportedly coordinated their combat operations in training centers in Britain and Germany. Military advisors from NATO countries allegedly assisted Ukrainian armed forces units that had infiltrated Russian territory and managed Ukrainian forces in handling Western weapons and military equipment. Allied nations were also reported to have provided the Ukrainian military with satellite reconnaissance data on Russian troop deployment in the operational area.
05:39 Russian Sources: All Three Sejm Bridges Damaged or DestroyedThe Ukrainian armed forces have either damaged or destroyed all three bridges over the Sejm River in western Russia, according to Russian sources. The Ukrainian attacks on the Sejm bridges in Kursk could lead to the encirclement of Russian troops between the river, Ukrainian incursion into Russia, and the border of both countries. These attacks appear to be slowing down the Russian response to the Kursk offensive, which Ukraine initiated on August 6.
04:30 Russia Reports Widespread Ukrainian Drone Attack
Russia reports a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on various regions. Authorities claim that three drones were shot down about 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin and 15 more in the border region of Bryansk. Earlier, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that three drones heading towards Moscow were intercepted over the city of Podolsk. No damage or injuries have been reported in Bryansk and Podolsk. Similar reports of intercepted attacks emerge from the regions of Tula and Rostov, with no reported damage or injuries. The exact number of launched drones and missiles remains unclear. Ukraine typically does not comment on such incidents.
For the first time in 13 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a trip to the North Caucasian republic of Chechnya. He joins hands with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in inspecting troops and volunteers getting ready for deployment to Ukraine. Putin praises the troops at the Russian University for Special Forces in Gudermes, saying, "As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely invincible," as per the Kremlin's website. The unexpected visit transpires amid Ukrainian progressions into the Russian region of Kursk. Kadyrov informs Putin that Chechnya has dispatched over 47,000 fighters to Ukraine since the war's commencement, including around 19,000 volunteers. Kadyrov frequently refers to himself as "Putin's foot soldier."
02:44 Russian Air Defense Dismantles Drones Over Moscow
Russia announces intercepting a drone attack on the capital, Moscow. As stated by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's Telegram post, three drones launched from Ukraine got shot down by air defense. Preliminary reports disclose no damages or casualties due to falling debris.
01:50 Alleged Treason Confession: FSB Confirms Scientist's Capture
The Russian FSB verifies the apprehension of a scientist under suspicion of treason. The unidentified man is reportedly accused of conducting hacker attacks on critical Ukrainian infrastructure, sending money to their military, and amassing information on Russia's army. The FSB fails to disclose the exact timing of the man's arrest. Russian media circulate a supposed video showing the arrest, with snow clearly visible in the background. According to Telegram news channel Ostoroschno Nowosti, the man is a physicist who purportedly got arrested in December 2023, as per earlier media reports.
00:59 Zelensky Praises Parliament's Ban on Moscow-Loyal Orthodox Church in UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commends the parliament for its decision to proscribe a Moscow-aligned branch of the Orthodox Church. "I want to recognize the efforts of the Verkhovna Rada, which has passed the legislation promoting our spiritual independence," says Zelensky in his daily video address. The parliament, following intense debates, chooses to outlaw the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which had been under the Moscow Patriarchate for years. This branch of the church in Ukraine faces accusations of either justifying or even collaborating with the enemy and participating in the crimes committed by Russia against its own people. The church has officially separated from Moscow but continues to recognize the Moscow Patriarch. This latter supports the Russian conflict in Ukraine and maintains close ties with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Experiences Challenges in Responding to Ukrainian Advance in KurskAs per the Pentagon's analysis, Russia faces problems replying to the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk area. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, in Washington, reports seeing signs of Moscow transferring a minimal number of units into the region. "However, I would say that Russia is really struggling to respond," adds Ryder. The Ukrainian advance has apparently put their adversary on the defensive, Ryder emphasizes. Ryder declines to comment directly on whether the United States is publicly supporting the Ukrainian advance, but refers to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has stated that the goal is to establish a buffer zone. However, Ryder clarifies that they remain in contact with Kyiv to gather more details about the specific objectives.
22:10 Zelensky Highlights the Importance of Balancing Mobilization with the EconomyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscores the necessity of striking a balance between mobilizing troops and preserving the war-ravaged economy. During his visit to an industrial plant in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, Zelensky replies to a worker's question by affirming the significance of retained employment for soldiers' salaries and Ukraine's defense initiatives.
21:44 Ukraine Reports Additional Territorial Advancements in KurskUkraine announces progressing 28 to 35 kilometers in the Russian region of Kursk, as per their sources. Russian forces are reinforcing their positions there with troops from other locales, says Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi in a televised address. Furthermore, Russia is reportedly deploying units to Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, where intense fighting has recently transpired. There has been no affirmation from Russia regarding this matter.
21:25 Putin Pay a Visit to Chechnya After a Long AbsenceRussian President Vladimir Putin journeys to the Russian republic of Chechnya for the first time in 13 years to meet with strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. Images shared by the news agency RIA Novosti depict Putin shaking hands with Kadyrov in Grozny. Subsequently, Putin wraps his arm around Kadyrov's shoulder and embraces him before they both drive away in a limousine. Kadyrov mentions a "packed schedule" of events on his Telegram post, stating that Putin exhibits ample energy despite the lengthy workday and is eager to explore various places in Chechnya.
21:02 Scholz: Ukraine is receiving " loads of cash, loads of cash" German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses astonishment at the allegation that Germany isn't sufficiently backing Ukraine. This year, Ukraine is set to receive more than seven billion euros, making it the highest recipient among all European nations, as per Scholz's statements on TV station Sat1. The following year, it's anticipated to be four billion euros from the federal budget - again, leading the pack among European nations. In addition, there's the 50 billion USD being facilitated by the Western G7 nations, utilizing frozen Russian assets. "Loads of cash, loads of cash," Scholz emphasizes. Nevertheless, the precise timeline for the availability of these 50 billion to Ukraine remains unclear.
20:14 Putin draws a line between Beslan tragedy and Ukrainian military push Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the brutal Beslan school siege, Russian President Vladimir Putin established a parallel between the incident then and the current Ukrainian military advancement in the Russian border region of Kursk. Russia, he asserted during his Beslan visit, had to fight "terrorists" back in Beslan, and now it must stand against "criminals" in the Kursk region.
19:43 The Moscow Patriarchate labels Ukrainian church ban as "illegal" The Russian Orthodox Church criticizes the Ukrainian parliament-approved ban on its Ukraine-based counterpart, branding it an "illegal act" and a "grave violation of the fundamental principles of religious freedom and human rights," according to Vladimir Legoida, the church spokesperson, via Telegram. Legoida warned that implementing this law could spark "massive violence" against millions of believers. Patriarch Kirill, the church head, also weighed in, mentioning during a Solovki Monastery visit in northern Russia that "this is a challenging period with numerous turning against us not because we are wrong, but solely due to our differences." Kirill is a staunch advocate for the war against Ukraine. Earlier, Kyiv parliamentarians voted in favor of a bill aimed at banning religious organizations with ties to Moscow.
You can read all previous developments here.
Despite their diplomatic disagreements, the possibility of Russia and China engaging in a cyberwar cannot be ruled out in the context of global geopolitics. After all, competition in the digital realm has become a critical aspect of modern warfare.
Furthermore, the escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the energy sector could potentially lead to cyberattacks aiming to disrupt energy infrastructure, as a means to exert pressure or retaliate. Cyberwarfare could prove to be a covert yet powerful tool in this complex geopolitical landscape.
