19:12 Another scheduled gathering backing Ukraine at Ramstein declared
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin invites Ukraine Contact Group for another meeting at Ramstein Air BaseThe United States Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, has extended an invitation to the Ukraine Contact Group for another gathering at the Ramstein Air Base situated in Rhineland-Palatinate. The scheduled meeting is set for September 6, as announced by the US's largest airbase outside the US territory. During this conference, defense ministers and military officials will deliberate upon strengthening support for Ukraine. The contact group comprises approximately 50 nations, including Germany. Similarly to previous meetings, non-NATO countries were also extended an invitation.
18:36 Russia creates new military units along Ukrainian borderRecently, the Russian military has formed three new formations with the goal of securing their border with Ukraine. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov confirmed this information. The named units are referred to as the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk formations. Around two weeks ago, Ukraine deployed thousands of troops in the Russian region of Kursk and has since taken control of the captured territories.
18:10 Fire spreads out of control at Russian oil depot in ProletarskA major fire broke out in an oil depot in Proletarsk, Russia, following a Ukrainian drone attack. The flames have not been contained, even two days later. Satellite images depict the severity of the fire.
17:36 Russia constructing second bridge parallel to Kerch BridgeSatellite imagery suggests that Russia may be constructing a second bridge parallel to the 19-kilometer-long Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian mainland and the Crimea. Reports by "Ukrajinska Prawda" claim that a "parallel construction" is underway, which is likely to be a bridge. ntv.de verified this through satellite images from June, July, and August, which show that construction is in progress. Russian authorities have taken measures to protect both the new construction and the previously attacked Kerch Bridge from potential attacks.
16:58 Zelensky admits challenging conditions on Eastern FrontAccording to the British newspaper "Guardian," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the situation on the Eastern Front is challenging, particularly near strategic locations like Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Since the beginning of the day, the Ukrainian General Staff reported 14 conflicts in the Toretsk area and 34 in the Pokrovsk sector.
16:36 Moscow encourages disabling dating apps and surveillance cameras in Kursk regionThe Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has advised residents in three border regions with Ukraine to disable dating apps and online surveillance cameras. The ministry claims that Ukrainian authorities are identifying numerous IP addresses on Russian soil, and remote connections are being made to exposed cameras monitoring various areas, such as private farms and strategically important roads and highways. Russian officials also recommend avoiding online dating services due to the possibility of information collection.
16:20 Russia reports 17 civilians killed, 235 injured in past weekRussian news agency TASS reported that the Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians alone over the past week. Another 235 civilians sustained injuries.
15:54 Reporter highlights continuous Russian attacks on Pokrovsk frontntv reporter Nadja Kriewald reported from eastern Ukraine that there were 63 Russian military attacks on the Pokrovsk front the previous day. Due to Russian forces taking control of a Ukrainian village, evacuation attempts were aborted.
15:33 Russia protest against American journalists covering events in KurskRussia formally protested against the actions of American journalists in the Russian region of Kursk, a move reported by the Russian news agency Tass. Ukrainian forces reportedly invaded Kursk two weeks ago, with American journalists entering the region to cover the events. Russia threatened to bring the journalists to court due to their alleged illegal entry.
15:10 German official expresses concerns over Russian propaganda in East GermanyThe German government's commissioner for eastern Germany, Carsten Schneider of the SPD, expressed shock at the Russian propaganda impact on certain sections of the German population. Schneider highlighted that pro-Russian sentiments were being expressed by some Germans, implying that Russian propaganda had successfully infiltrated both East and West Germany. Schneider emphasized the gravity of Ukraine's defense struggle and accused AfD and BSW politicians of ignoring this fact.
14:48 Shortage of ammunition attributed to Ukrainian advance in Kursk regionA Ukrainian commander told "Financial Times" that Russian advances in eastern Ukraine were potentially due to resources being redirected to the north, resulting in ammunition scarcity for troops in other areas. This ammunition reallocation was reportedly to support the troops stationed in the Kursk region.
14:26 Russian expert identifies power dynamics shift following Kursk advanceRussian expert Rainer Munz suggested that the Ukrainian advance in Kursk could potentially accelerate or reveal changes within the Russian power structure. Although Russian President's power was not jeopardized, Munz believed that younger generations might gain more influence in the Moscow power apparatus due to the Kursk event.
14:01 Following Russian Assault on Ternopil: Authorities Warn of Elevated Chlorine Levels in the AtmosphereFollowing a Russian assault on an industrial facility in Ternopil, a city in western Ukraine, local authorities are cautioning residents about increased chlorine levels in the air. The Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reports that Oksana Chaichuk, head of the regional health department, has advised individuals to limit their outdoor activities and keep their windows closed. The chlorine levels in the air are reportedly four to ten times higher than normal, Chaichuk stated at a press conference, as per the report. During the nighttime attack, a fuel and lubricant depot was allegedly targeted, resulting in a fire at an unidentified plant. There have been no reported injuries or fatalities due to the attack.
13:39 Donetsk: Russian Forces Capture Town of New YorkThe Russian army has reportedly seized control of the town of New York in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, as per the Russian Ministry of Defense. Troops have taken over "one of the largest settlements in the vicinity of Torez, the strategically important logistics center of Novogorodskoe," the ministry said, using the Soviet-era name. The name New York, which was originally derived from German settlers, was replaced by Novogorodskoe in 1951 but was reinstated in 2021 at the request of Ukrainian activists. The town is approximately 6 kilometers south of Torez, which has been subjected to Russian attacks for several weeks now.
13:01 Ukrainian Intelligence: Defected Russian Soldier Spied for UkraineA Russian soldier who defected to Ukraine was discovered to have been spying and even injured his commander, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR). The Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reported that the soldier, codenamed "Silver," defected as part of a joint operation by the "Freedom of Russia" legion and HUR's "I Want to Live" project. Before fleeing, the soldier purportedly injured his commander with a grenade in the town of Ocheretyne in the Donetsk Oblast. The soldier made contact with the legion in early 2024 following witnessing numerous criminal activities by his unit and commanders, as claimed by the military intelligence.
12:23 Ukrainian Parliament Votes to Prohibit Russia-Aligned ChurchUkraine is seeking to ban the Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Ukrainian lawmakers in Kyiv approved a bill prohibiting the Russian Orthodox Church from operating in Ukraine and aiming to ban religious organizations associated with it, although final approval is still required from the judiciary. The Ukrainian government has criticized the Ukrainian minority church as a platform for Russian influence in the country and a supporter of the invasion of Ukraine.
11:51 Over 500 Firefighters Battle Oil Depot Fire in Russian RostovMore than 500 firefighters are battling a major fire at an oil depot in the southern Russian region of Rostov, which was sparked by a Ukrainian drone strike. The fire has engulfed an area of 10,000 square meters, with several diesel tanks ablaze, according to the mayor of Proletarsk, Valery Gornitsky, as reported by TASS news agency. "There is no risk of explosion, no danger to the public, and no evacuations required," the mayor stated. Four firefighting aircraft and over 520 firefighters are participating in the effort, as vehicles cannot reach the fire due to the intense heat. At present, at least 41 firefighters have been injured, with 18 requiring hospitalization.
11:08 Industrial facility in Ukrainian Ternopil hit during airstrikesThe latest in a series of Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has resulted in the damage of an industrial facility and a fuel tank in the Ternopil region, authorities reported. Ukrainian TV broadcast footage showing large plumes of smoke rising above Ternopil, with local authorities urging residents to stay indoors. Nearly 90 firefighters are mobilized to manage the blaze, and the situation is reportedly under control, according to the Ternopil Regional Administration.
10:41 Former Russian Diplomat Bondarev: Putin Acting Like a "Cowardly Imposter"Russian President Vladimir Putin is behaving like a "cowardly imposter," Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat, wrote in a guest commentary for ntv.de. Putin's image of being invincible against any opponent has been compromised since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. The swift takeover within days never materialized. Russia also appeared to be caught off guard and unprepared by the Ukrainian attack on the Russian oblast of Kursk. "Putin displays fear when confronted with a serious threat and doesn't know how to react. He's not even acting like a cornered rat, ready to fight with all its might, but like a cowardly imposter," Bondarev stated. The former diplomat, who broke ranks with the Putin regime in protest against the war, also harshly criticized Western leaders for their approach of prohibiting the use of supplied weapons on Russian territory. "One must confront Putin with forceful language," he argued. He dismissed Western concerns about "escalation" as unfounded. "The 'escalation' has already occurred - Putin's adversary has invaded Russian territory! Yet, Putin is not responding to it at all," Bondarev wrote.
09:37 Russian Fuel Depot in Turmoil: Satellite Image Reveals Intensity of FireIn an early morning attack on Sunday, Ukraine utilized drones to strike a substantial fuel depot located in Proletarsk, southern Russia. Despite efforts made to extinguish the blaze, it persists, resulting in the injury of over 40 firefighters, according to regional authorities. Satellite images further showcase the extent of the inferno.
Ukraine has launched a series of drone attacks on Russian refineries and oil facilities over recent months. The primary objective is to hinder enemy troops' ability to secure fuel supplies and to dull Russia's oil industry earnings.
09:16 Kyiv: Over 1300 Russian Forces Neutralized in a Single DayAccording to figures released from Kyiv, sizable losses have been reported on the Russian side. Over 1300 Russian personnel have either been killed or incapacitated in a single day. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense states that a total of 601,800 Russian forces have been eliminated since the war commenced in February 2022. The ministry's daily update on Russian casualties cites a further loss of 5 tanks (8518 in total). Since the initiation of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has documented over 16,500 armored vehicles and over 13,800 drones either captured or destroyed by the Russian military. These claims cannot be independently corroborated. Moscow continues to maintain a strict silence regarding its own losses in Ukraine.
08:47 Biden Defends Ukraine's Resilience: No President Should Condone Dictators"No president should condone dictators," asserts Joe Biden. During the inaugural night of the Democratic Party convention, the U.S. president shared his sentiments, as reported by the "Kyiv Independent". "Putin had anticipated seizing Kyiv in three days. Three years later, Ukraine remains independent," Brian said. The Democrat contrasted his unwavering support for a strong NATO and a free Ukraine, with that of former President Donald Trump, who expressed favorable views towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. "No president should ever condone dictators," Biden continued.
08:31 Russia Conducts Overnight Air Assaults on UkraineRussia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine with overnight aerial assaults, according to the Ukrainian military. Nine different regions in the center, north, and south of the country were struck, resulting in three missiles and 25 drones being shot down. This was the fifth missile attack on Kyiv this month, the military reported on Telegram. Air alerts in the capital were activated 41 times in August. Yesterday, the military thwarted a drone attack on Kyiv.
07:52 Military Administration: Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv repelled - Absence of Damages ReportedRussian forces attacked Kyiv from the north this morning, according to the city's military administration on Telegram. Preliminary intelligence suggests that the enemy launched missiles from the nocturnal skies, likely employing missiles like the Iskander. This was the fifth missile assault on Kyiv this month! The missiles were reportedly eradicated by air defenses on the city outskirts. There has been no reported damage or casualties in Kyiv as of yet.
07:38 Belarus: Lukashenko Dispatches Extra Troops and Aircraft to Ukraine's BorderBelarus has mobilized additional air defense troops and airplanes to its border with Ukraine, according to Major General Andrei Lukyanovich, commander of Belarus' air defense forces. This announcement was made shortly after Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he had sent a third of the country's army to the border during the summer months. Lukashenko asserted that the troop buildup along the border was merely a miscommunication between Belarus and Ukraine. During a national television appearance, Lukyanovich disclosed that Belarusian military aircraft, anti-aircraft missiles, and radio-technical units had been deployed to the border. Kyiv has yet to confirm Lukyanovich's claims regarding additional Belarussian troops and weapons on the border. The Ukrainian State Border Service reported over a week ago that they detected no signs of troop mobilization along the Belarussian border, despite Lukashenko's declaration.
07:24 ISW: Russia Shifts 5,000 Troops to Kursk OblastDue to Ukrainian forces' operational activities in the Kursk region, Russia is forced to reposition troops from other conflict lines to that area, as per a report from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts estimate that Russian forces have transferred over 5,000 soldiers to the Kursk Oblast since the initial Ukrainian advance.
06:54 Zelensky: Second Peace Summit in Ukraine Should Occur Before Year's EndUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has encouraged his diplomatic team to ensure that the second peace summit in Ukraine takes place before the year's end. Addressing a gathering of heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Ukraine on the theme of "War Diplomacy: Endurance, Weapons, Triumph," Zelensky stated, "I consider the inaugural summit a triumph for Ukraine. I am grateful to all those who facilitated our summit. We are now planning for the second peace summit and must work to ensure its occurrence before the year's end. Our goal is to expand the circle of support for the communique of the initial summit."
06:22 Ukraine: Russian Nightly Air Raid on KyivRussia continues to assault the capital Kyiv with nightly aerial assaults, according to Ukrainian sources. Air defense forces were active in the early morning hours to repel another Russian nighttime air raid on Kyiv, the military administration of the Ukrainian capital reported on Telegram. Witnesses reported hearing explosions akin to air defense system deployment.
05:11 Kyiv Reports Numerous Drone Attacks Outside the Front Line
Overnight, multiple drone assaults occurred in various Ukrainian regions away from the frontline, as reported by air defense. The regions of Sumy, Poltava, Kherson, and Mykolaiv were among the targeted areas. Air defense was also active around Kyiv's capital. The local administration urged residents to seek shelter, fortunately, no damages have been reported as of yet.
02:23 USA Affirms Solidarity with Kyiv - Kursk Offensive Discussion Despite the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk, the USA continues to support Kyiv. A Department of Defense spokesperson affirmed that President Joe Biden had emphasized that they will keep backing Ukraine and stand by their side as long as required. US military aid to Kyiv will remain a priority. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reassured his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerow, of the US's continued support during their conversation. Austin also gleaned insights into Ukraine's objectives with its counteroffensive.
01:07 Germany Delivers Another Iris-T System Germany has compiled another military kit for Ukraine. As per the Ministry of Defense's overview page, the recent deliveries consist of various components, such as a third Iris-T SLS air defense system. There are also thousands of artillery rounds, drones, a Bergepanzer 2, and several hundred rifles with the corresponding ammunition.
00:20 Zelensky: Major Advancement in Capturing Russian Soldiers Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the capture of Russian soldiers in the Kursk region represented a significant achievement since the commencement of the war. He mentioned that these prisoners would eventually be swapped for detained Ukrainians. Observers believe that Russia has taken a higher number of Ukrainian prisoners than Ukraine has of Russian troops.
22:21 Chechen Commander: Fallen Kursk Fighters 'Ascend to Heaven' Apti Alaudinov, leader of the Russian-fighting Chechen Achmat regiment, reportedly urged Russian conscripts to partake in the battlefront in a video, stating that those who perish in Kursk "will make their way to heaven."
21:58 Zelensky: Incursion Has Weakened Russia's Red Line Concept Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that due to the Ukrainian intrusion being considered implausible, it was concealed. In the past, several nations cautioned that the move would "transgress Russia's most crucial red line." However, Zelensky declared, "the concept of Russia's red lines has crumbled somewhere near Sushcha recently."
21:38 Lithuania Initiates Construction of German Army Support Base Lithuania has started constructing a military base to house German soldiers. By the end of 2027, the site will accompany up to 4,000 German troops. This will be the first permanent deployment of the German army outside of World War II in a foreign country that is both a NATO and EU member state, bordering Russia. Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis estimated the construction budget to surpass one billion euros.
21:15 Czech President: NATO Membership Potential for Partially Occupied Ukraine Czech President Petr Pavel is amenable to the concept of Ukraine's NATO membership despite its territorial occupation. He believes that Ukraine may negotiate peace with Russia in the foreseeable future, Pavel told "Novinky." Under such circumstances, Russia could maintain control of a portion of Ukrainian territory for an extended time without challenging the borders accepted by democratic nations. This temporary border could enable Ukraine to join NATO in the territories it governs at that time, Pavel suggested. Germany also became a NATO member in 1955 while still under Soviet occupation.
20:57 Ukrainian Forces Approach Russian Ponton Bridge by 12 km According to Ukrainian reports, Ukrainian forces have captured the town of Wyschnewka in the Russian region of Kursk, bringing them within approximately 12 kilometers of the floating bridge over the Seym River. This bridge serves as the Russian army's main avenue for resupplying or retreating.
20:36 Pokrovsk Administration Remains Hopeful The Pokrovsk military administration faces an unclear future as Russian forces close in: "They are advancing towards Pokrovsk's outskirts. It's not a secret," the head of the information department stated to The Washington Post. She expressed her hope that the enemy could halt their advance at the outskirts of Pokrovsk, and Ukrainian forces could push them back. The fall of Pokrovsk would represent the largest urban center captured by the Russians since Bachmut in May 2023.
You can access all previous developments here.
- During the upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, military officials and defense ministers from various nations will discuss strategies to further support Ukraine.
- The recent formation of the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk units by the Russian military along their border with Ukraine is a concern for military analysts and defense strategists worldwide.
![Dark plumes of smoky darkness ascended from the fuel storage facility, distinguishing themselves even in the vast expanse of space. Dark, dense plumes of smoky black hue ascended from the fuel storage facility, evident even from the vantage point of orbit.](https://cdn.aussiedlerbote.de/content/images/2024/08/20/446331/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/deep-black-smoke-clouds-rose-over-the-fuel-depot-visible-even-from-space.webp)