18:49 Ukrainians embark on a drone pursuit utilizing a helicopter
17:34 Zelensky Criticizes India's Dealings with Russia's Aggression Funding
In a dialogue with Indian journalists, Ukrainian President Zelensky also voiced his disapproval of India's interactions with Russia. He claims that Russian President Putin is utilizing the profits from oil and gas sales to finance his aggression against Ukraine, declaring, "He's swindling his people out of billions." Zelensky pointed out that the Russian population is impoverishing, but they fail to recognize it due to Putin controlling both media and social networks. He further stated that Putin's war economy receives financial support from billions supplied by India, China, and Arab states. However, Kiev is unable to influence New Delhi since, as Zelensky told Indian reporters, "you are a sovereign nation, that's your government." Nevertheless, he urged them to ponder the potential actions to halt the financial flow boosting Russian forces.
17:09 Musk Advocates for Telegram CEO's Release
Elon Musk, CEO of X, advocated for the release of Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, who was imprisoned in Paris. Musk shared Durov's interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson via X, using the hashtag #FreePavel. In another X post, he wrote, "Liberté Liberté! Liberté?"
16:37 Söder Opposes Kretschmer's Ukraine Position
Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Söder distanced himself from Saxon colleague Michael Kretschmer's (CDU) stance on Ukraine policy. "We have a clear position. Herr Kretschmer possesses his, which I respect. However, our fundamental position is distinct," Söder said in an ARD summer interview. "I'll be blunt: Would World War II have ended if one had tolerated Hitler's continuation?" Söder, referring to Russian President Putin, said. "Do wars conclude by simply yielding to the aggressor?" Kretschmer criticized weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Söder deemed the belief that Putin would cease his policies if he seized Ukraine "naive."
16:09 Selenskyj Affirms Trump's Support for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Selenskyj declared that US presidential candidate Donald Trump had pledged his support for Ukraine and wished to put an end to the war. Selenskyj mentioned this in an interview with Indian journalists, which he shared on social media.
15:41 Medvedev Claims to Have Warned Telegram CEO Previously
Following Pavel Durov's arrest in Paris as CEO of Telegram, former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev said he had warned Durov "a long time ago" that he would encounter "serious difficulties" due to his stance on user data privacy "in all countries." Medvedev wrote on Telegram, "He miscalculated. Today's common enemies perceive him as a Russian, which makes him unpredictable and dangerous." According to Medvedev, Durov finally needs to recognize, "that one cannot choose one's homeland."
14:36 Zelensky Suggests India Host Future Peace Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that India could host a second summit geared toward resolving the conflict peacefully. His assertion came during a conversation with Indian journalists, which he later publicized on social media. He expressed his support for this initiative to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Currently, negotiations are taking place with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland regarding hosting the second gathering. However, it is challenging to organize the conference in a country that did not endorse the final declaration from the previous summit's conclusion. While India attended the initial meeting in Switzerland in June, it did not support the final declaration.
14:13 Pope Criticizes Ban on Pro-Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine
Pope Francis criticized the ban of the pro-Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Reviewing the legislation issued by President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Pope said during his Sunday prayer, "No Christian church must be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches should not be tampered with!" The Ukraine justifies the ban due to the Moscow Patriarchate's support for Russian aggression. The Pope told tens of thousands of believers on St. Peter's Square, "One does not commit evil by praying. If someone commits evil against his people, he is guilty. However, it cannot be inferred that evil has been committed due to prayer."
13:43 Ukrainian Ministry Condemns "Barbaric War Crime" - Hotel Attack in Kramatorsk
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned the Russian attack on a hotel in Kramatorsk where foreign journalists were lodging. This announcement was made by the Ministry's spokesperson, Georgiy Tykhyi, on X. "Last night, another exceedingly barbaric and deliberate Russian attack on Kramatorsk's residential quarter injured foreign journalists in a hotel," the spokesperson said. According to Tykhyi, targeted attacks on media professionals have become a standard tactic in the Russian war. "These barbaric war crimes must be denounced and punished," the Ministry's spokesperson reiterated.
13:14 After Russian Attacks on Sumy: Police Report 4 Dead, 13 Injured
The Russian military attacked the Ukrainian oblast of Sumy 261 times within a single day, as reported by the local police. According to their report, at least four people perished, and thirteen individuals suffered injuries due to the attacks on the northern region. As reported by Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," six apartment blocks, 26 houses, an educational institution, outbuildings, automobiles, a gas pipeline, and shops were harmed. In addition, dry grass burned over an area of approximately two hectares.
12:42 Zelensky taunts Putin: "Ailing Elderly Man from the Red Square"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day, not only unveiled the Ukrainian-developed rocket drone Palianytsia but also took a dig at Russian leader Vladimir Putin in a video address. Zelensky referred to Putin as a "ailing elderly man from the Red Square" because of his aggressive nuclear rhetoric. Zelensky described Putin as "(a) sick old man from the Red Square who constantly threatens everyone with the red button," stating that "he won't impose any of his 'red lines' on us."
12:14 Ministry of Energy: Over 500 Ukrainian Settlements Still Lack Power Post AttacksAccording to reports from the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and the state news agency Ukrinform, over 500 Ukrainian settlements continue to endure power outages following Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. The situation in the energy sector is complicated, but there are no imposed power restrictions for consumers. Technicians have managed to restore power for over 7,200 individuals. The ministry encourages responsible energy use, particularly in the evenings, due to the critical damage and vulnerability to disruptions in the energy system caused by massive Russian troop attacks.
11:38 Ukraine: 160 Engagements with Russian Troops along the Frontline in a DayUkraine's General Staff reported this morning around 11:38 that the Ukrainian side experienced 160 engagements along the frontline the previous day. Intense fighting occurred in ten different sectors, with the most tense situation taking place in the direction of Pokrovsk. Russian forces conducted five attacks with 15 missiles and 95 attacks with 127 guided aerial bombs on Ukrainian positions and settlements.
10:57 Missing Reuters Journalist after Hotel Attack in Kramatorsk - Search in Rubble ContinuesLast night, Russian forces targeted the Hotel Sapphire in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, as reported by Ukrainian officials. A Reuters journalist is now missing, and two others were injured in the attack. A statement from Reuters confirmed that a six-member team residing at the hotel was affected by the attack, which resulted in the building's destruction. "One of our colleagues remains missing, and two others were rushed to the hospital," according to the statement. Authorities and emergency services are currently collaborating on the site to rescue the missing journalist and clear debris.
Update at 13:30: The number of injured Reuters journalists has been revised to four, according to a notification from the regional military administration of Donetsk.
10:20 Several Western Journalists Injured in Kramatorsk ShellingOfficial reports indicate that several Western journalists have been injured during Russian shelling of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk overnight. The Governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, reported two rescued injured individuals and one person trapped under rubble on Telegram. All three are journalists, one from Ukraine, another from the United States, and the third from the U.K. The attack was also reportedly confirmed in pro-Russian blogs, where Kramatorsk was targeted with heavy FAB-1500 gliding bombs.
09:54 US Export Restrictions for China and Other Countries CriticizedIn response to the recent restrictions by the US on exporters from various countries, including 105 companies, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has criticized the disruption of international trade order and the hindrance of normal trade exchanges. The ministry has pledged to protect the rights of Chinese companies and will take necessary measures. The new restrictions target 42 Chinese, 63 Russian, and 18 international companies for activities involving the transfer of US electronics to the Russian military or production of drones for Russian usage in Ukraine. These companies will now need to obtain specialized licenses for exports.
09:29 ISW Urges Unlimited Use of Long-Range Missiles by UkraineThe US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has called for the approval of the broader use of long-range weapons on Russian territory by Ukraine. According to the ISW, despite the redeployment of air forces to the rear, many military targets in Russia remain within the range of US ATACMS missiles that Ukraine currently has but is restricted from using to attack Russian territory due to international sanctions. The ISW estimates that approximately 250 military and paramilitary targets in Russia are within the reach of these missiles. However, only attacks by HIMARS multiple rocket launchers or GLMRS rockets are currently allowed and can target maximally 20 objectives out of the 250 available targets, leaving the remaining 230 unattainable.
09:06 Kyiv: 1,190 Russian troops wiped out in a dayThe casualties on the Russian side continue to climb, as per figures released by Kyiv. Over a day, around 1,190 Russian soldiers have either been killed or incapacitated in the ongoing conflict. Since the commencement of the war in February 2022, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense claims that a total of 607,680 Russian soldiers have met their end. According to their daily report on Russian casualties, five more tanks (8,547 in total) have been lost. Since the Russian invasion, Ukraine has recorded more than 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones that are no longer in the possession of the Russian military or have been destroyed. These figures, however, are unverified. Moscow, on the other hand, remains silent about its own losses in Ukraine.
08:39 Ukrainian Air Defense: Majority of Russian Missiles and Drones Diverted Overnight
Russian missiles and drones were launched towards the north and east of Ukraine during the night, as per Ukrainian reports. The Ukrainian Air Force affirmed that the majority of the missiles missed their targets. Russia deployed a ballistic missile of the Iskander-M type, a cruise missile of the Iskander-K type, and six guided missiles. The exact number of destroyed missiles and drones was not disclosed. Meanwhile, eight out of nine Russian attack drones were brought down.
08:08 Six Wounded in Overnight Russian Rocket Attack on Kharkiv
The number of injuries has risen to six following an overnight Russian rocket attack on the Slobidsky district in the Kharkiv region, as reported by Kharkiv's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, via the state news agency Ukrinform.
07:32 Zelensky Commends Newly Produced Ukrainian Palianytsia Rocket Drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the new Palyanytsia rockets manufactured in Ukraine. Zelensky stated that these rocket drones and other military innovations by Ukraine are crucial for the nation, given the delays in decision-making by some of its international partners. "Today, the first successful deployment of our new weapon took place," he said, as reported by "Kyiv Independent". "A completely new class of Ukrainian rocket drone, Palianytsia."
06:55 Azov Commander Slams Prisoner Exchange: No Azov Fighters Among Released Troops
No Azov soldiers were part of the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine yesterday, as per Ukrainian reports, citing Brigade Commander Denys Prokopenko. The commander of the Azov Regiment criticized the latest prisoner exchange and expressed his disappointment that none of the Azov fighters, who have been in Russian captivity for over two years, were included.
06:14 Governor: Five Killed, Twelve Wounded in Ukrainian Strike on Russian Border Region Belgorod
Five civilians were killed and 12 others were wounded, four severely, in a Ukrainian air strike on the Russian border region of Belgorod overnight, as reported by local authorities. Three minors were also injured, two of whom were hospitalized. Ukraine has been stepping up its attacks on Russian territory and advancing into the Kursk region bordering Belgorod since early August. Belgorod is regularly targeted by Ukrainian air and drone strikes in retaliation for attacks from the Russian side.
05:47 Russia: Civilians Killed in Ukrainian Shelling
Five civilians were killed and 12 others were injured in artillery shelling in the city of Rakitnoye in southwestern Russia, as reported by the region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, on Telegram. The reports could not be independently verified, and Ukraine has yet to comment.
04:26 City of Sumy Under Rocket Attack, Seven InjuredThe city of Sumy is under attack by rockets, as reported by the regional military administration. Two rocket attacks are mentioned, injuring seven people, two of whom are in critical condition, according to the authority. Russia targeted the civilian infrastructure in Sumy on Saturday evening.
03:35 Kharkiv: Rocket Attacks Launched on Two CitiesThe governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Synyehubov, warns: The Russian military has launched rocket attacks on the cities of Kharkiv and Chuhuiv. As of now, one person has been injured. A larger explosion is reported in Kharkiv. The mayor of the city, Ihor Terechow, writes on Telegram that a massive explosion could be heard. He urges caution among the population. The cause of the explosion is currently unknown.
03:06 Ukrainian Air Defense Alerts of Combat DronesAir raid sirens were activated in eastern and southern Ukraine during the night. The Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning, among others, of a group of Shahed combat drones moving over the Black Sea towards the southern Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv. Increased Russian attacks are expected around Ukrainian Independence Day, which was celebrated on Saturday. However, a larger wave of attacks has yet to materialize.
01:32 Hungary Accuses Brussels of Disrupting Oil SuppliesHungary suspects the EU Commission of being responsible for the disruption of Russian oil supplies. "The fact that the European Commission has stated that it is not ready to assist Hungary and Slovakia in securing their energy supply suggests that the order was sent from Brussels to Kyiv to (...) cause problems for Hungary and Slovakia's energy supply," says Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The EU Commission refuses to comment initially. In June, Ukraine added the Russian oil producer Lukoil to the sanctions list and blocked the Druzhba pipeline, which also passes through Ukrainian territory. This has largely cut off Hungary and Slovakia from their primary oil supplier.
22:12 Russian Forces Harm Four Villagers in Assault on Kupiansk CommunityRussian military personnel attacked the community of Novoosynove in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv Oblast, inflicting injuries on four females, as per Oleh Syniehubov, the chief of the Kharkiv region's military administration. At approximately 12:00, the Russians launched an attack on Novoosynove in the Kupiansk district. A private building subsequently caught fire due to the attack, Syniehubov stated. The injured were transported to a medical facility for treatment. Investigations into the attack's aftermath are currently ongoing.
21:03 UK Defense Chief: "Ukraine Has Constantly Faced Odds Against Russia's Larger Forces"
John Healey, the UK's Defense Minister, honors Ukraine's Independence Day on the online platform "European Pravda." "Thirty-three years ago today, Ukraine proclaimed its independence, vowing a brighter, more prosperous future as a self-governing democracy, liberated from Soviet Russia's grip," stated Healey. Ukrainians are celebrating their Independence Day amidst a war, engaging in an existential battle to maintain their freedom and independence in the face of Putin's brutal, unlawful invasion. "Ukraine has consistently battled against Russia's significantly superior military strength and resources. Today, we applaud the Ukrainian people," Healey wrote. They continue to display remarkable bravery, with both the military and civil populace participating in the fight. The British must pledge their unwavering support to their Ukrainian allies, ensuring they remain by their side as long as necessary. As a result, the UK will launch a campaign today, encouraging individuals from Britain and beyond to exhibit support for the Ukrainians by sharing relevant posts on social media. "On social media, we encourage you to 'Make Noise for Ukraine' and spread the appropriate content," said Healey. Alongside the military and economic assistance we provide Ukraine, we also offer our friendship and solidarity."
20:05 Zelensky Raises Syrsky to General StatusUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has advanced Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to the rank of General. This decision was made in a decree issued by Zelensky. Before this promotion, Syrsky held the rank of Colonel General. The promotion stems from the successful progress of Ukrainian troops in the Russian border area of Kursk.
View previous updates here.
In response to Zelensky's criticism, India may consider the potential impact of their interactions with Russia on the Ukrainian conflict.
Zelensky's concerns about funding for Russian aggression against Ukraine extend to financial support not only from China and Arab states but also from India.
