20:41 Kursk region declares state of emergency
In the Russian region of Kursk, a state of emergency has been declared amidst a Ukrainian ground offensive. Governor Alexei Smirnov announced this in a Telegram post. The Ukraine has advanced deep into Russian territory near Kursk in a counterattack. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the offensive began on Tuesday and reached the northwest of the city of Sudzha on Wednesday.
20:14 Fighting nearby: Russia reinforces protection of Kursk NPPDue to the Ukrainian advance into the Russian border area of Kursk, the Russian National Guard is reinforcing the protection of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Additionally, extra forces are being deployed to combat sabotage and reconnaissance units in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, the agency said, in cooperation with the Russian border troops and the army. The nuclear power plant, with four units 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 leading TTF futures contract for delivery next month rose by 5.7 percent to 38.78 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh) in Amsterdam. Market participants are referring to the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian region of Kursk. The fighting is reportedly taking place near Sudzha, an important gas injection point that supplies Western Europe through Ukrainian pipelines. Energy giant Gazprom currently reports normal gas supplies.**
19:08 Ukraine evacuates border areas near Russian KurskGiven the 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, said Sumy military governor Vladimir Artjuch on Ukrainian television. Around 6,000 people, including over 400 children and adolescents, are to be moved to safety from the border area. The day before, Ukrainian troops launched an incursion 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 machinery. Kyiv has not yet commented on the events. In May, local authorities had already ordered evacuations from a 10-kilometer-wide border area due to regular Russian shelling of border settlements.**
18:31 Jachin Criticizes Forced Release
Russian opposition figure Ilya Yashin, who was also freed in the prisoner exchange, criticizes his forced release in an interview with Der Spiegel: "I wasn't exchanged, I was violently expelled from my country." He wanted to stay in Russia, regardless of the risks. "The word of an opposition figure weighs more in Russia 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. 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: Earlier Exchange Could Have Saved Navalny
In an interview with Die Zeit, Vladimir Kara-Mursa also says he believes that opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who died in a labor camp 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 Alexei 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 freed and brought to Germany as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange on August 1, says in an interview with Die Zeit that until the very 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 were 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 Conscripts
Ukrainian border guards have prevented 48 conscript men from fleeing into the Moldovan region of Transnistria, controlled by pro-Russian forces, in the south of the country. This number sets a new record, the agency reports. Drone footage shows several groups of men boarding 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 Chornobai, about 10 kilometers from the border. The men are said to have paid the smuggler around 3,300 euros each. They now face not only a fine for attempted illegal border crossing but also conscription into the Ukrainian army.
16:21 Russia: Up to 1000 Ukrainian Troops Involved in Border AttackAccording to the Russian General Staff, "up to 1000" Ukrainian soldiers were involved in the attack on the border region of Kursk in western Russia. Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov announced this at a meeting with President Putin, broadcast on Russian television, following the start of the attack the previous day. "The enemy's deep penetration into our territory was stopped by strikes from the air force and artillery," Gerasimov added.
16:02 Von der Leyen: EU Provided 108 Billion Euros in Aid Since War BeganEU President Ursula von der Leyen announced that 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 invasion," she wrote on X. "Ukraine will prevail in this survival struggle. And the EU will stand by Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary," she added.
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian CaptivityOleksandr Ischchenko, a soldier from the Azov Brigade who died in Russian captivity nine days ago, was likely killed. The 55-year-old Ukrainian died from blunt force trauma to the chest, according to a forensic report published by the deputy commander of the Azov Brigade, Sviatoslav Palamar. Palamar described Ischchenko's death as "another brutal murder of a Ukrainian POW." The report revealed that Ischchenko'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 and was one of the 24 Ukrainians put on trial in 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 western Russian border region of Kursk, Putin accused Kyiv of a "large-scale provocation." "As you know, the Kyiv regime has carried out another large-scale provocation," Putin said at a meeting with government officials broadcast on television. "Ukraine is firing indiscriminately, using various weapons, at civilian buildings, homes, and ambulances."
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Ongoing Fighting in KurskThe Russian Defense Ministry confirmed reports of ongoing fighting in Kursk. "The operation to destroy the groups of Ukrainian forces is continuing," the ministry said in a statement. Clashes took place in border towns against Ukrainian infiltrators. The previous day, the ministry claimed that an attempt to break through the border had failed. Now, it says that deep penetration into Russian territory has been prevented. According to the ministry, soldiers are fighting alongside border guards against the infiltrators.
13:35 Russia: Thousands Flee Kursk - Putin Takes Charge
Thousands of people have fled the border towns in the Russian region of Kursk, which have been attacked by Ukrainian forces, according to official reports. Citizens have left their homes in private vehicles, said Alexei Smirnov, the acting governor, in a video message. Additionally, 200 people have been evacuated from the shelled villages in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he had spoken with President Vladimir Putin about the situation overnight, and that the president had taken personal control. Emergency shelters with around 2,500 places have been set up, and psychologists are on duty.
12:57 "Hidden by Occupiers" - Partisan Group Reports Discovery of Legendary Ship in Crimea
The 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 have been sunk or damaged by Ukraine. "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", captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a colorful history on both sides of the conflict and was reportedly damaged in an attack a few months ago. Before that, it served as a parts warehouse. The partisan group says it has 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 Term
In 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, the investigative authority reports. Kurshin ran the Telegram channel "Moscow Calling", which supported the goals of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, he criticized the way the military leadership was conducting the campaign. Analysts from the Institute for War Research described Kurshin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultranationalist on the extreme fringe" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russian war efforts.
11:38 UK Intelligence Comments on Sunk Russian Submarine
The UK's Ministry of Defence has released an intelligence update on the sinking of the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" off the coast of Crimea a few days ago. "Unlike some reports, the submarine was likely not fully repaired from a previous attack on Crimea in September 2023," it states from London. The latest attack is "almost certainly the final chapter for the submarine, as it would likely be more cost-effective to build a replacement." The intelligence service speaks of a morale boost for Ukrainian forces due to the attack. However, it is unlikely that it will have significant impacts on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea fleet. "The attack, however, highlights the increasing risks to 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 Situation
The 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 under wraps.
10:34 Moscow Reports Injuries from Ukrainian Incursion into Russian Region Kursk
According to Russia's health ministry, 24 people, including six children, were injured in a Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, Russian state news agency Interfax reports, citing the ministry.
10:07 Russia Attacks with Drones - Ukraine Reports Perfect Shoot-Down Rate
Ukraine's air force claims to have intercepted and destroyed 30 Russian drones, all of which were fired by Russian troops overnight towards targets in seven regions, according to the Ukrainian air force's Telegram channel.
09:29 ISW: Russia's Ex-Defense Minister Shoigu "Grossly Exaggerates" Territorial Gains
According to Russia's former defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, Russian forces have captured 420 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since June 14. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) calls this "grossly exaggerated" and puts the figure at 290 square kilometers, or roughly 0.05% of Ukraine's territory. Considering the overall size of Ukraine, Russia's advance over the past months remains slow. Ukrainian forces often retreat from areas to protect soldiers.
08:55 Russia: Kursk Targeted by Ukrainian Air Strikes AgainOne day after Ukrainian attacks on the western Russian region of Kursk left several dead, the area has again been targeted by Ukrainian air strikes, according to regional authorities. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems, 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, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
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 Defense Ministry in Moscow. The affected regions are Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod, and Rostov, all of which border Ukraine, state news agency RIA reported, citing the ministry.
07:47 Pro-Ukrainian Channel Deepstate Wants Contact with Ukrainian Units in Russian KurskThe pro-Ukrainian military channel Deepstate also hints at a possible incursion into the Russian border region of Kursk. In a brief statement, it said it would not provide an update on the situation in the border area for the "safety of defense personnel." It added, "We are closely monitoring the events 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 their decisions that could determine the fate of all."
07:06 Alleged Attack on Russian Region Kursk: Speculations about Far-Right Russian UnitRussian 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) found no confirmation of this, and a source from the Ukrainian military intelligence service told the media outlet 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, they have distanced themselves from the group in the past, stressing 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 through their Telegram channels, but there are no indications of involvement in Kursk.
06:23 Ukrainian Troops Infiltrated Russian Territory? Possible Attack Raises Many Questions
The alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russian territory near the Kursk border remains shrouded in mystery. 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, the ISW cannot confirm whether these armored vehicles are Russian, Ukrainian, or both. Similarly, the Russian Ministry of Defense's claim that the Achmat special unit of Chechnya was involved in repelling the attack cannot be confirmed. "Russian military bloggers published images allegedly showing the aftermath of the supposed Ukrainian raids, although the majority 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 Zelensky has stated that Ukraine is expanding its production of drones as a crucial tool in its war effort. "We have already ordered one million drones from our manufacturers for this year," Zelensky said in his evening video address. Next year, the number is expected to be significantly higher. "We are not disclosing all the details at this time, but our drone production capacity is steadily increasing, and we are working with both state and partner funds 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 Kursk Clashes
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 shot down over the region early in the morning.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine
Following Mali, Niger has also severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, citing 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 that this was a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently traveling in southern African states and Mauritius to rally support for Kiev'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. "After suffering significant losses, the remnants of the sabotage group retreated to Ukrainian territory," the Moscow Defense Ministry reports. 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 region of Kursk, claim 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 Ends Protest for Return of Russian SoldiersAmid 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 Andreyeva, one of the leaders of the group "Put' Domoy" (Return Home), told the AFP news agency that she would stop her public appearances and "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 have their livelihoods taken away." The group "Put' Domoy" consists of wives and mothers who repeatedly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring back their men and sons fighting in Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin has increasingly targeted them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Invests More in Domestic Missile ProgramAccording to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is allocating additional funds for its domestic missile program. The move aims to reduce the gap with Russia, which possesses a range of long-range weapons, Zelensky wrote on Telegram. "Additional funds have been allocated for our missile program. More domestically produced missiles are coming." He did not provide further details. In July, the Ukrainian president stated that Kyiv was working to reduce its dependence on missiles supplied by its allies, including those for air defense.
20:54 Russian Spy Couple Gives Interview After ReleaseFollowing their return to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange, a Russian spy couple have spoken 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. Anna and her husband Artiom Dulzew lived as Russian spies in Slovenia for five years before being arrested in 2022. "We told the children that we are Russians, that they are Russians, and that we are the Dulzews," Anna Dulzewa said, claiming that she and her children only spoke Spanish. 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 has declared a Moldovan diplomat "persona non grata," according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. It said it had summoned the Moldovan ambassador to protest against "persistent unfriendly steps" by Chisinau towards Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia has been declared "persona non grata." Last week, Chisinau accused a staff member of an unnamed embassy of communicating with two officials suspected of conspiring against the Moldovan government and passing information abroad. Shortly after, the Russian diplomat was expelled.
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 closing," he says on state TV. The longer Ukraine hesitates, the more territory it will lose, he adds. Moscow has insisted that talks can only take place if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and drops plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects this.
- Due to the tensions in the Russian region of Kursk, the European Union is closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact on European energy supplies, particularly natural gas, as fighting nearby has disrupted gas supplies to Western Europe.
- The European Union is expressing its concern over the Ukrainian advancement into the Russian border region of Kursk, as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia could have serious implications for EU energy security and stability in the region.
