20:14 Fighting nearby: Russia strengthens protection of Kursk nuclear power plant
Due to the Ukrainian advance into the Russian border region of Kursk, the Russian National Guard is reinforcing the protection of the Kursk nuclear power plant. Additionally, extra forces have been deployed to combat sabotage and reconnaissance units in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, the agency reports. This is happening in cooperation with the Russian border troops and the army. The nuclear power plant, with four blocks and a capacity of almost two gigawatts, is located only about 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The day before, Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks and artillery, crossed the Russian border from the Sumy region at Sudzha, reportedly advancing up to 15 kilometers towards the NPP.
19:38 Attacks in Kursk Region: European Gas Price Hits Yearly HighThe price of European natural gas has risen to its highest level this year. The benchmark TTF contract for delivery next month rose by 5.7 percent to 38.78 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) in Amsterdam. Market participants are pointing to the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian region of Kursk. The fighting is reportedly taking place near Sudzha, an important gas injection point for pipelines to Western Europe. Gazprom is currently reporting normal gas supplies.
19:08 Ukraine Evacuates Border Areas near Russian KurskAmid heavy fighting in the Russian Kursk region, Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of more settlements in the neighboring Sumy region. The measures affect 23 settlements, according to the military governor of Sumy, Vladimir Artjuch, in Ukrainian television. Around 6,000 people, including over 400 children and teenagers, are to be moved to safety from the border area. The day before, Ukrainian troops launched an offensive across the Ukrainian-Russian border towards the city of Sudzha in the Kursk region, advancing several kilometers onto Russian territory. Moscow reported around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers equipped with heavy weapons. Kyiv has not yet commented on the incidents. Local authorities had already ordered evacuations from an area within 10 kilometers of the border in May due to regular Russian shelling of border areas.
18:31 Yashin Criticizes Forced ReleaseRussian opposition figure Ilya Yashin, who was also released in the prisoner exchange, criticizes his forced release in an interview with "Der Spiegel": "I was not exchanged, I was forcibly expelled from my country." He wanted to stay in Russia, regardless of the risks. "The word of an opposition figure weighs more here than abroad." Yashin recounts how he tried to deter other prisoners from going to war during his imprisonment. He managed to dissuade three, but 30 went to the front. "For the prisoners, the war became a game of Russian roulette. Big money, high risk." It's hard to counter this, he says. Yashin regrets that the price for his freedom was the release of a murderer. "In Russia, people will continue to be put in prison to be exchanged later for criminals and spies."
17:55 Kara-Mursa: If the exchange had happened earlier, Navalny might still be aliveIn an interview with "Die Zeit", Kara-Mursa also says he believes that opposition figure Alexey Navalny, who died in a penal colony in February, might still be alive if the exchange had happened earlier. "I can't help but think: If everything had gone a bit faster and smoother, if the German government had fewer obstacles to overcome, if they had to react less to criticism and didn't have to convince so many people that this step was necessary, then Alexey might have been sitting with us on the plane."
17:43 Kara-Mursa: "I was sure they would shoot me in the woods"Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa, who was released in the large-scale prisoner exchange on August 1 and brought to Germany, says in an interview with "Die Zeit" that until the last moment before his release, he was sure "they would bring me to my execution." On the night of July 27-28, his cell door was opened, he recalls. "The prison director and a convoy of men in civilian clothes stood there. They said: You have 20 minutes to pack. I was sure they would take me to the woods and shoot me. But they took me to the airport."
17:12 Record: Ukrainian border guards stop truck with 48 conscriptsUkrainian border guards have prevented 48 conscripts from fleeing into the Moldovan region of Transnistria, controlled by pro-Russian forces, in the south of the country. The number sets a new record, the agency reports. Drone footage shows several groups of men climbing onto the truck's cargo bed one after another, and the truck later being stopped by border guards. The arrests took place in the Odessa region near the village of Chornaya, about ten kilometers from the border. The men are said to have each paid the smuggler around 3,300 euros. They now face not only a fine for attempted illegal border crossing but also conscription into the Ukrainian army.
16:21 Russia: Up to 1,000 Ukrainians involved in border attackAccording to the Russian General Staff, "up to 1,000" Ukrainian soldiers were involved in the attack on the border region of Kursk in western Russia. Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov announced this at a meeting with President Putin, broadcast on Russian television, after the attack began the previous day. "The enemy's deep penetration into the territory was stopped by air and artillery strikes," Gerasimov added.
16:02 Von der Leyen: EU has provided 108 billion euros in aid since the start of the warAccording to the President of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, the EU has provided 108 billion euros in aid to Ukraine since the start of the large-scale war. "The EU has been standing by Ukraine since the first day of the Russian war of aggression," she writes on X. "Ukraine will prevail in this survival struggle. And the EU will stand by Ukraine and its people as long as necessary," she adds.
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian CaptivityThe soldier of the Azov Brigade, Oleksandr Ischchenko, who died nine days ago in Russian captivity, was likely killed. The 55-year-old Ukrainian died from blunt force trauma to the chest. The "Kyiv Independent" reports, citing a forensic report published by the deputy commander of the Azov Brigade, Sviatoslav Palamar, who described Ischchenko's death as "another brutal murder of a Ukrainian POW." The report revealed that the soldier's death was due to multiple rib fractures and shock. Ischchenko, 55, was from Mariupol and joined the Azov Brigade shortly after the invasion began. He was captured in 2022 during the fighting in Mariupol. Ischchenko was one of the 24 Ukrainians charged in a sham trial by Russia last year. He was being held in a prison in Rostov-on-Don.
14:44 Attacks on Kursk: Putin Calls it a 'Large-scale Provocation'Amid ongoing Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region of Kursk, Putin accuses Kyiv of a "large-scale provocation." "As you know, the Kyiv regime has carried out another large-scale provocation," Putin said in a televised meeting with government officials. Ukraine is "indiscriminately firing various weapons at civilian buildings, homes, and ambulances."
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Ongoing Fighting in KurskThe Russian Defense Ministry confirms ongoing fighting in Kursk. "The operation to destroy Ukrainian military groups continues," the ministry said. Clashes took place in border villages against Ukrainian intruders. Yesterday, the ministry claimed an attempt to break through the border had failed. Now, it says deep penetration on Russian territory has been prevented. According to the ministry, soldiers and border guards are fighting together against the intruders in the area.
13:35 Russia: Thousands Flee Kursk - Putin Takes ChargeThousands of people have fled the border towns attacked by the Ukrainian side in the Russian region of Kursk, according to authorities. The citizens left their homes in private vehicles, said Alexei Smirnov, the acting governor, in a video message. Additionally, 200 people were evacuated from the shelled towns in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he spoke with President Putin, who took the situation under personal control. Emergency shelters with around 2,500 places have been set up. Psychologists are also on duty there.
12:57 "Hidden by Occupiers" - Partisan Group Reports Discovery of Legendary Ship in CrimeaThe pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh, active in the Russian-occupied Crimea, claims to have discovered two Russian ships. They are said to be landing ships of the Project 775 type, many of which Ukraine has already sunk or damaged. "The occupiers hide their ships in the bays, hoping to save them," Atesh writes on Telegram. The two 775s are said to be located in the Kilen Bay. One of them is the well-known "Konstantin Olshansky" in Ukraine, which was captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a turbulent history in the ranks of both conflict parties and was reportedly damaged in an attack a few months ago. Previously, the "Konstantin Olshansky" served as a parts warehouse. The partisan group reports that they have shared the location information with the Ukrainian armed forces. "There is no doubt that more ships will sink in the near future."
12:24 Russian Military Blogger Sentenced to Long Prison TermIn Russia, military blogger Andrei Kurshin has been sentenced to six and a half years in a labor camp. He is accused of spreading false information about the armed forces, according to the Investigative Committee. Kurshin ran the Telegram channel "Moscow Calling," which supported the goals of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Kurshin criticized the way the military leadership conducted the campaign. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War described Kurshin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultranationalist on the farthest edge" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russia's war efforts.
11:38 British Intelligence Comments on Sinking of Russian Navy SubmarineThe British Ministry of Defence has released an intelligence update on the sinking of the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" off Crimea a few days ago. "Unlike some reports, the submarine was likely not fully repaired from an earlier attack on Crimea in September 2023," it says from London. The latest attack is "likely the last chapter for the submarine, as it is likely more economically viable to build a replacement submarine." The intelligence service speaks of a morale boost for Ukrainian forces from the attack. However, it is considered unlikely that it will have significant impact on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea Fleet. "The attack, however, underscores the increasing risks for Russian forces on Crimea and will likely force Russia to reassess all plans to redeploy significant naval forces to the peninsula."
11:03 Strategy Shift or Diversion? Ukraine "Unnerves the Enemy" with Unclear Kursk SituationThe Ukrainian military is facing significant pressure in the Donetsk region, with Russians "advancing every day," as reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald. Meanwhile, there are reports of Ukrainian advances in the north, but Kyiv is keeping the details quiet.
10:34 Moscow Reports Injuries from Ukrainian Advance into Russian Region of KurskAccording to the Russian Ministry of Health, 24 people have been injured in the Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, including six children, as reported by the state-run Russian news agency Interfax, citing the ministry.
10:07 Russia Launches Drone Attack - Ukraine Reports Perfect Shoot-Down RateThe Ukrainian Air Force claims to have intercepted and destroyed 30 Russian drones. This is all the drones that the Russian troops fired at targets in seven regions overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force on the Telegram messaging service.
09:29 ISW: Russia's Ex-Defense Minister Shoigu "Grossly Exaggerates" Territorial GainsAccording to Russia's ex-defense minister Shoigu, the Kremlin's forces have captured 420 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since June 14. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) calls this "grossly exaggerated" and puts the figure at 290 square kilometers, or about 0.05 percent of Ukraine's territory. Considering the overall size of Ukraine, the Russian advance over the past few months is still quite slow. Ukrainian forces often retreat from areas to protect soldiers. Russia often reports the capture of villages that are actually completely destroyed.
08:55 Russia: Kursk Targeted by Ukrainian Air Strikes AgainA day after Ukrainian attacks on the western Russian region of Kursk with multiple fatalities, the region is again the target of Ukrainian air strikes, according to local authorities. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems, the regional governor Alexei Smirnov said on Telegram. Yesterday, Russia reported attempted attacks by Ukrainian forces in Kursk, involving around 300 soldiers, 11 tanks, and about 20 other armored vehicles.
08:22 Russia Reports Intercepted Drones in Several Border RegionsRussia's air defense has intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The affected regions are Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod, and Rostov, all of which border Ukraine, as reported by the state-run news agency RIA.
07:47 Pro-Ukrainian Channel Deepstate Wants Contact with Ukrainian Units in Russian KurskThe pro-Ukrainian military channel Deepstate also hints at a possible advance into the Russian border region of Kursk. In a brief statement, it says it won't provide an update on the situation in the border region to ensure the safety of defense personnel. "We are closely monitoring the situation there, maintaining contact with some units, and will provide information as accurately as possible, but only when the time is right. Everyone feels like a strategist – that's normal – but for now, it's important not to get in the way of the guys and military leadership in decisions that could determine the fate of all."
07:06 Alleged Attack on Russian Region Kursk: Speculations about Far-Right Russian Unit
Russian military bloggers claim that the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops onto Russian territory involved the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) finds no confirmation of this, while a source from the Ukrainian military intelligence service told the media Voice of Ukraine that the RVC was not involved. The Russian Volunteer Corps consists of Russian far-right extremists and nationalists fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russia. In Kyiv, however, they have distanced themselves from the group in the past and emphasized that it acts independently. The RVC has occasionally drawn attention with alleged incursions into Russian border regions, which critics have largely dismissed as media stunts. According to ISW, another similar unit, the Legion for the Freedom of Russia, has not commented on a possible involvement. Both groups often report on their actions via their Telegram channels, but there are no indications of involvement in Kursk.
06:23 Ukrainian Troops Allegedly Entered Russian Territory: Many Questions Remain
Many questions remain about the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops onto Russian territory in the border region of Kursk. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), geolocated images show damaged and abandoned armored vehicles about seven kilometers north of the border. However, ISW cannot confirm whether these armored vehicles are Russian, Ukrainian, or both. Similarly, the Russian Defense Ministry's claim that the Chechen Achmat special unit was involved in repelling the attack cannot be confirmed. "Russian military bloggers published images supposedly showing the aftermath of the alleged Ukrainian attacks, but most of the damage shown can be attributed to routine Ukrainian shelling and does not indicate ground activity in the area."
05:52 Ukraine Orders One Million Drones
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that Ukraine is expanding the production of drones as an important tool for warfare. "We have already ordered one million drones from our manufacturers for this year," he says in his evening video address. Next year, it should be significantly more. "We are not disclosing all the details at this time, but our production capacity for drones is steadily increasing, and we are working with both state funds and partners to invest in our drone production." The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is due to the reluctance of Western partners to approve the use of heavy weapons they have supplied to the Ukrainian military against targets on Russian territory.
05:06 Russia Reports Five Civilian Deaths in Clashes in Kursk
According to Russian reports, five civilians, including two medics, were killed in a clash with Ukrainian soldiers in the Russian border region of Kursk. There are also at least 20 injured, the region's governor, Alexei Smirnov, reported on Telegram. Two missiles were also fired over the region early in the morning.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UkraineFollowing neighboring Mali, Niger has now severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine. The reason cited is alleged Ukrainian support for a rebel attack in Mali. At the end of July, Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. They then released a photo purporting to show them with the Ukrainian flag. However, investigations by the independent Russian investigative portal iStories suggest this is a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently touring southern African states and Mauritius to rally support for Kyiv's stance against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia is expanding its influence in Sahel states through the Wagner Group.
23:23 Russia: Ukrainian Attack on Kursk RepelledRussia claims to have repelled Ukrainian advances on the Russian region of Kursk. According to the Moscow Defense Ministry, "After suffering significant losses, the remnants of the sabotage group retreated to Ukrainian territory." Russia used artillery, combat aircraft, and drones to fend off the attack. Ukrainian military authorities in the Sumy region, on the other side of the border with the Russian Kursk region, report that Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian ballistic missile, two drones, and a helicopter in the region. However, the Ukrainian General Staff's regular update does not mention any Ukrainian attacks in the border region.
22:22 Kremlin Pressure - Activist Halts Protests for Return of Russian SoldiersUnder increasing pressure from the Kremlin, a leading activist in the campaign for the return of Russian soldiers from the front has stepped back from public appearances. Maria Andrejewa, one of the leaders of the group Put Domoy (Return Home), told news agency AFP that she would "go underground." She explained on Telegram that she had been labeled a "foreign agent." "Foreign agents are not only deprived of their rights but also stripped of their means of livelihood." The group Put Domoy consists of wives and mothers who regularly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring back their men and sons fighting in Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin is now increasingly cracking down on them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Investing More in Domestic Rocket ProgramAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, additional funds are being allocated to Ukraine's domestic rocket program. The aim, he wrote on Telegram, is to reduce the gap with Russia, which has a range of long-range weapons. "Additional funds have been allocated for our rocket program. More domestically produced rockets are coming," he said, without providing further details. In July, the Ukrainian head of state had explained that Kyiv was working to reduce its dependence on rockets supplied by its allies, including those for air defense.
20:54 Russian Spy Couple Gives Interview After ReleaseUpon their return to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner swap, a Russian spy couple speaks publicly for the first time. "When I saw the honor guard from the window of the plane, I had to cry," Anna Dulzewa said in an interview on Russian state television, describing the moment of her return to Russia. Together with her husband Artiom, Dulzewa lived in Slovenia as a Russian spy for five years. Both were arrested in 2022. "We told the children that we are Russians, that they are Russians, and that we are the Dulzews," said Anna Dulzewa, who reportedly only spoke Spanish with her children. Dulzewa said she wants to "continue serving Russia."
20:04 Moscow Declares Moldovan Diplomat 'Persona Non Grata'In response to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat over a spy scandal, Moscow says it has declared a Moldovan diplomat persona non grata. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to protest "persistent unfriendly steps" by Chisinau against Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia was declared "persona non grata." Last week, Chisinau accused an employee of an unnamed embassy in the country of communicating with two officials suspected of conspiring against the Moldovan government and passing information abroad. Shortly after, the Russian diplomat was expelled from the country.
19:15 Shoigu: Window for Negotiations Closing for KyivFormer Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urges Ukraine to start peace talks. "The window of opportunity for Ukraine is getting smaller," the Security Council secretary said on state television. The longer Ukraine delays, the more territory it will lose, he added. Moscow has insisted that talks can only happen if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and abandons plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects this.
Catch up on previous developments [here].
- Due to the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, there are concerns about a potential escalation into a cyberwar, with critical infrastructure being at risk.
- The alleged incursion into the Russian region of Kursk by Ukrainian troops has raised questions about the involvement of far-right Russian units such as the Russian Volunteer Corps, which has a history of alleged incursions into Russian border regions.
