19:27 Peace negotiations hold little promise for Baerbock
18:43 Moscow feels more justified in its war efforts after Kyiv's drone assaultAfter Kyiv launched drone attacks towards Moscow, the Kremlin feels even more justified in its war strategy, as stated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow. "We need to carry on with the military special operation to protect ourselves from such incidents," he said, as reported by Russian news agencies. A woman was tragically killed in the attacks during the night in an apartment building. Despite daily civilian casualties in Ukraine due to Russian drone or rocket attacks, Peskow labeled the deadly Ukrainian strikes as "the essence of the Kyiv regime."
18:07 First civilian death in Moscow region due to Ukrainian drone attacksUkrainian drone strikes resulted in the first civilian death since the war against Russia began. Telegram reports from regional governor Andrei Vorobyov indicate that a 46-year-old woman passed away after a drone hit an apartment building in Ramenskoye, located on the southeastern outskirts of the capital.
17:23 Putin emphasizes Russia's readiness to counter military aggression from any frontIn his speech to participants of the strategic command exercise "Ocean-2024," Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of preparing to repel any potential military aggression from all sides. "Russia must be ready for all developments. Our armed forces must effectively protect the sovereignty and national interests of Russia and repel any military aggression from all directions, including in the ocean and maritime areas," the president stated, as quoted by the Russian news agency TASS. He underlined that the navy plays a vital role in addressing this challenge.
16:51 Berlin, Paris, and London prepare sanctions against IranGermany, France, and the UK criticize Iran's provision of ballistic missiles to Russia. "This marks another escalation of Iran's military support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the three governments said in a joint statement. Iranian missiles pose a threat to European territory, intensifying the suffering of the Ukrainian population. "This move is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and poses a direct threat to European security," they warned. Consequently, they will impose sanctions on Iran, including halting bilateral air transport agreements. Iran Air is also included. Additional sanctions will be imposed on individuals and institutions involved in the incident. Previously, the US had accused Iran of supplying Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine and announced new sanctions against Tehran.
16:32 Shoigu denies peace talks with Ukraine unless troops retreat from Russian territorySergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council and former Defense Minister, has ruled out negotiations with Ukraine unless Ukrainian troops withdraw from Russian territory. "We will not engage in talks with them unless they have left our territory," he told Russian state television. Since early August, Ukraine has launched an offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, with Ukrainian ground troops advancing onto Russian soil for the first time since the war began. This operation is part of Ukraine's defensive campaign against Russian aggression, which has continued for over two and a half years. Shoigu views the attack on the Kursk region as an attempt by Ukraine to force Russia into negotiations on its terms and to withdraw Russian forces from the Donbass.
16:04 Imprisoned Soldiers Deployed to the Frontlines
Both Russia and Ukraine are enlisting prisoners for the frontlines to maintain a steady supply of troops. Former prison warden Oleksandr is now the commander of the 59th Brigade. "They'll do whatever it takes to survive," he says, as they describe their dangerous deployment in a video.
15:38 Kremlin: Russian Military has a Plan to Push out Ukrainian Troops from Kursk Region
The Russian military has a plan to expel Ukrainian troops from the Kursk border region, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov. The TASS news agency reports that Peskov said, "Of course, the military has all the necessary plans, but I don't think these plans should be discussed publicly," when asked about the removal of Ukrainian troops from Russian territory. Ukrainian soldiers launched a massive attack on Kursk on August 6, with large parts now under Ukrainian control.
15:13 Riga Extends Security Measures at its Border
Lithuania will extend its reinforced border protection with neighboring Belarus until the end of the year due to security concerns, the government of the Baltic EU and NATO country decided in Riga. The initial special regulation, scheduled to expire in September, has been extended due to the high number of continued attempts to illegally cross the border. The ongoing war in Ukraine, backed by the authoritarian ruling in Minsk, presented an additional risk factor. The regulation grants additional powers to the border guard in six areas in the eastern region of the Baltic EU and NATO country.
14:47 Ukraine Increases Weapon Production by Double Digits
Ukraine has significantly boosted its weapon production this year, as reported by government figures. "We have doubled our weapon production compared to 2023 in the first eight months of 2024," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv. Ukraine aims to produce over a million drones by the end of the year. "We're making progress. The drone production is rising," Shmyhal stated.
14:23 Military Expert Supports Chancellor Scholz's Peace Talk Proposal
Chancellor Scholz's idea for peace talks with Russia has drawn fierce criticism from certain political circles. However, military expert Ralph Thiele backs Chancellor Scholz's proposal and encourages swift action. Following the Kursk offensive, Ukraine faces the possibility of a potential breakthrough of its defensive lines.
13:52 Warning sounded at Kiel Institute: Germany's defense spending "totally inadequate"According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Germany's defense budget is way below par, considering the threat posed by Russia. Despite the talk of a turning point, the chasm between Germany and Russia's military power continues to widen, the institute says. They advocate for a perpetual defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. "Russia is increasingly becoming a significant security threat to NATO, while Germany is moving at a snail's pace in fortifying for deterrence," says researcher Guntram Wolff, the study's author. At the moment, the German government is barely managing to replace the weapons going to Ukraine. Furthermore, the reserves of air defense systems and artillery howitzers are notably diminished.
12:25 Striking difference viewed between Putin and LavrovUkraine has repeatedly beseeched EU and US authorities to authorize the deployment of arms on Russian territory. Recently, the Netherlands has given its nod, promising fighter jets.
12:59 Four more villages in Donetsk allegedly captured by RussiaRussia's military declares it has seized control of four more villages in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. The Southern Group of Forces has conquered Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group Wodiane, and the Central Group Halyzynivka, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. However, these claims remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian military observers have marked three of these villages as occupied, except for Hryhoriwka. Ukraine is grappling with intense pressure on its eastern front.
12:20 Moscow recognizes only one negotiating partnerA conference focused on peace was held in Switzerland sans Russia in June. Now, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has signaled openness to dialogues with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin's response? Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shows diplomatic flair, but not towards Europe, as per ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Kyiv: Russia increasingly employs chemical weaponsUkrainian officials serve notice that Russian forces in Ukraine are progressively using chemical weapons. The Ukrainian military command claims on Facebook that Russian troops utilized ammunition containing harmful chemicals and chemical agents 447 times in August alone, and a staggering 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. Furthermore, Russia apparently supplies its troops with forbidden chemical agents and employs unidentified chemical compounds.
11:19 Presidential Office in Kyiv: Attacks on Russian Weapon Depots Permitted
The leader of the Ukrainian Presidential Office reaffirms his nation's plea to its foreign allies to allow the use of their weapons against targets deep in Russian territory. Andrij Jermak asserts that the ability to strike missile depots in Russia is essential. "Defense is not heightening the intensity." It's about utilizing Western weapons to deter terror, Jermak writes on Telegram. Western nations, however, are apprehensive of permitting the Ukraine to use the weapons they've given on Russian territory, citing reservations about venturing into the war.
10:53 Flames and Injuries - Russia Strikes with Over 40 Drones and Two Missiles
At least three people have been injured and buildings damaged as a result of Russian drone and missile strikes in Ukraine, according to local authorities. Air defense has reportedly shot down 38 of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions during the nocturnal attack, the air force reports on Telegram. Russia also employed two missiles in the attack, targeting energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions, the energy ministry in Kyiv reports. This led to power disruptions in high-voltage lines and power substations.
10:27 End of Model Role Status: Putin's Children's Rights Ombudsman Marries Oligarch
Maria Lwowa-Belowa, Russia's children's rights commissioner, who once symbolized the ideal Russian woman, has had a surprising change of heart. Since 2003, she was married to an Orthodox priest, advocating for conservative values, Christian faith, and their parenting experiences through propaganda media. She was even indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2023 alongside Kremlin head Vladimir Putin for the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. However, it appears her love for tradition and her priest-husband may not have been as steadfast as previously perceived. Over the weekend, she married oligarch Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she had been in a relationship for some time, the independent portal Verstka reports. However, this relationship remains somewhat traditional, as Malofeew is the founder of the Kremlin-backed Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and an advocate for monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Russia Reports Ukrainian Attack Wave
A woman was reportedly killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in Moscow, according to the region's governor. Videos depict explosions in residential areas. Russian reports also assert that 144 drones were fought off.
09:32 Russian Navy Sets Sail: Over 400 Warships Start Exercises
Russia's navy begins its large-scale maneuvers "Okean-2024" in various water bodies across the world's largest country by area. Over 400 vessels, including submarines, and nearly 90,000 military personnel from various naval units will participate in these exercises until September 16, as reported by the defense ministry in Moscow. The exercises will be held in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian seas, as well as the Mediterranean, where Russia maintains a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Tragedy in Orenburg: Two Lives Lost in Oil Pipeline BlazeTwo souls have perished in a blaze at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, as reported by TASS news agency. The exact reason for the inferno remains undisclosed, while the hour of its initiation remains unspecified. Unverified reports regarding this incident had been circulating on some Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Diplomacy Off the Table for Russia and Ukraine, Says ShoiguRussia will not engage in talks with Ukraine until their troops vacate Russian territories, as claimed by TASS news agency, citing Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Peskov had also rejected negotiations.
08:14 Moscow Airports Up and Running Once MoreFlights have resumed at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports, as reported by Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsiya on Telegram. The flights had been momentarily suspended due to Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow area.
07:43 Scholz Stipulates Preconditions for Russia's Participation in Peace TalksGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has imposed conditions for Russia's involvement in a potential Ukraine peace conference. At an SPD event on Monday evening, he accentuated the need to explore a peaceful resolution, coupled with sufficient military backing for Ukraine against the aggressor, Russia. He expressed his desire for another peace conference, including Russian representation, similar to the Ukrainian leadership. However, he cautioned that Moscow's participation wouldn't be feasible if the individual invited perpetuated further attacks, alluding to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Scholz emphasized the necessity of transparency, firmness, and determination in establishing security and tranquility in Europe.
07:18 Fico Alleges Ukrainian Military's Fascist Tendencies - Kyiv Rejects the ClaimsUkraine has reacted with surprise to the accusations made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. According to Reuters, Fico urged Kyiv to take measures to rid their military of "fascism". The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issued a statement, refuting Fico's remarks, stating, "Ukrainian soldiers are safeguarding their families, homes, and lands, in addition to Europe and the free world, from Russian invaders marked by the 'Z' symbol - a testament to the fascist aesthetic of modern Russia." The statement further pointed out the immense losses suffered by the Ukrainian people in their fight against Nazism during the 20th century. Fico's accusations echo Russian propaganda that frequently labels the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. However, during Ukraine's 2019 elections, far-right parties garnered only 2.4% of the vote. Nevertheless, historian Timothy Snyder has identified distinct fascist traits in Putin's regime.
06:56 Revised Casualty Count following Moscow Drone Attack - One Death, Three InjuriesA Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow has resulted in the death of one woman and injured three civilians, as reported by Governor Andrei Vorobyov via Telegram. Initially, he declared the death of a child (see entry at 06:02), but he could not authenticate this information. Approximately forty-three people are reportedly in shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace Returns to Ukraine to Investigate Environmental Damages by RussiaGreenpeace is reestablishing its office in Kyiv. Its primary objectives include expediting reconstruction projects in Ukraine and uncovering and documenting environmental crimes stemming from the Russian invasion. It is already collaborating with local environmental organizations to accomplish this goal. According to the head of the new office, Natalia Hosak, their mission is to aid in the green renovation of Ukraine's social infrastructure by harnessing the clean energy of sun and wind. Greenpeace has often drawn attention to environmental damages in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, including the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Russia Confirms Death of a Child in Moscow Region following Drone AttackA Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region has resulted in the death of a child, as reported by Russian sources. Governor Andrei Vorobyov reported on Telegram that at least fourteen Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the Moscow region overnight. One of these drones sparked a fire currently being extinguished by firefighters. "Regrettably, a nine-year-old child perished," Vorobyov added. The collision with another drone in the Moscow region left at least one individual injured after the projectile struck a residential structure. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had initially cited the interception of eleven drones in the vicinity of Moscow.
05:31 Ukraine Defends Its Actions in the Face of Russian Drone Attack on KyivUkrainian air defense units repelled a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, according to Ukraine's military administration on the Telegram messaging service.
04:36 Drone Debris Causes No Harm or Casualties at Russian Fuel and Energy ComplexRemnants from a drone shot down by Russian air defense in the Tula region fell on a fuel and energy complex, as reported by Russian news agency TASS, citing local authorities. "No injuries or fatalities were reported," TASS cited the Tula authorities as saying. The operational process and distribution of resources to consumers remained uninterrupted, and the situation remained under control.
03:29 Moscow Under Attack by Ukrainian DronesFollowing the interception of two Ukrainian drones above the Domodedovo district of Moscow, emergency services have been dispatched to the crash site, as announced by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No information about any damage or casualties was provided. The Domodedovo district, approximately fifty kilometers south of the Kremlin, houses one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russian Air Defense Successfully Intercepts Incoming DroneRussian air defense units have managed to bring down a drone heading for Moscow, as reported by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. "No damages or casualties have been reported where the debris fell," Sobyanin said on Telegram. The Ukrainian side has yet to issue a statement.
00:12 Zelensky expresses gratitude to Sweden for latest assistance packageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude towards Sweden for a defense package valued at $445 million. "This significant aid, comprising air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions to address Ukraine's urgent requirements, will strengthen our defensive capabilities," Zelensky declared in a X post. According to Swedish sources, the package also includes spare parts for Gripen fighter jets, preparing for a potential delivery of the aircraft at a later stage.
22:17 Foreign Ministry: Russia poses supreme challenge to peace at NATO's eastern edgeFollowing Russian drones infiltrating Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Ministry characterized Russia under President Vladimir Putin as the most significant threat to peace and security directly at NATO's eastern border. "Unfortunately, Putin's Russia is currently the most potent threat to peace and security directly at the NATO eastern border," the ministry wrote in a X post. "This was further demonstrated, among other instances, by the recent drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." The Foreign Ministry announced that they collaborate with their alliance partners and stand firmly by their side.
21:42 U.S. cannot substantiate allegations of Iranian rocket provision to RussiaAs per John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Council's spokesperson, the U.S. administration cannot validate claims that Iran has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles.
21:28 Zelensky emphasizes expeditious execution of aid agreementsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the necessity of prompt implementation of aid agreements with the West. "The outcome of the war hinges directly on the quality of supply chain efficiency and honor commitments by our partners," Zelensky stated in his evening address via video. Time-sensitive weapons and gear must arrive on schedule to be effective. "What's required in September must be dispatched to our troops by September."
20:52 Russian opposition politician cautions against granting Putin an honorable retreatProminent Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa advised the West against permitting Russian President Vladimir Putin any honorable escape from the Ukraine conflict. "It's critical that Vladimir Putin does not triumph over Ukraine in this war," Kara-Mursa said. "It's essential that Vladimir Putin does not locate a face-saving exit from this conflict in Ukraine." Approximately a month after his release as part of a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa cautioned that there exists "fatigue" surrounding the conflict within Western societies. However, Putin must be defeated. He added, "If, God forbid, the Putin regime portrays the outcome of this war as a victory and remains in power, we will be discussing another conflict or catastrophe within a year or 18 months."
You can stay updated on all developments here.)
18:52 The President of the Council, Dmitri Peskow, speaks about Russia's war strategy After the Kyiv drone attacks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow, who serves as the President of the Council, stated that Russia needs to carry on with its military special operation to protect itself from such incidents.
16:04 The President of the Council, Oleksandr, is now commanding the 59th Brigade in Ukraine In a surprising role change, former prison warden Oleksandr, who now serves as the President of the Council for the 59th Brigade, said that his troops will do whatever it takes to survive in their dangerous deployment.
