21:43 Initial Gathering at the Swiss Peace Negotiation Session
Following the peace summit in June, hosted in Switzerland, there has been a first follow-up meeting, as per Ukraine's account. Over 40 states and organizations participated in this virtual session. Subsequent meetings of working groups are expected to take place, according to the information released.
At 21:08, Economy Minister Robert Habeck voiced his opinion that more Ukrainian refugees in Germany should find employment. Potential obstacles such as family obligations, health issues, war trauma, or caregiving duties may prevent some refugees from working. However, Habeck believes that overall, working is advantageous for the individuals, their integration, and the social system. He expressed skepticism towards comments made by Brandenburg's Minister President and SPD politician Dietmar Woidke, who questioned the financial aid provided to Ukrainian refugees. Habeck believes these remarks may stem from the competitive nature of eastern German election campaigns.
At 20:28, the Ukrainian military claimed an advance in the Charkiv region, having pushed back nearly two kilometers closer to the frontline area. The primary objective of the operation was to weaken the offensive capabilities of the 20th Army of the Russian Federation, a goal that was reportedly achieved, according to the Ukrainian military. Independent verification of the advance was not possible. In addition, the Ukrainian military claimed that the Russian side had lost around 300 soldiers and significantly damaged or destroyed their equipment and weapons during the past four days. However, the extent of the counterattack remains unclear.
At 20:00, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) allegedly disrupted the broadcast of several Russian TV channels to show the true realities of the war in Ukraine instead. According to a source at the intelligence service, the video was played three times during prime-time on the previous evening, affecting channels like Pervouralsk, Evraziya 360, and Pervyj Kanal TV. As a result, nine channels temporarily halted their programming.
At 19:16, Lithuania reported a decrease in the number of Russian ground troops stationed in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave located between Poland and Lithuania. The commander of the Lithuanian armed forces, Raimundas Vaikshnoras, reported this information to the news portal "Delfi." He attributed the decrease to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. The commander noted that equipment and personnel were relocated from Kaliningrad at the start of the Ukrainian war and that soldiers have since returned but are now in fewer numbers.
At 18:40, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's remarks on Armenia sparked protests. Demonstrators threw eggs at the Belarusian embassy in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, demanding the expulsion of the ambassador. Lukashenko expressed his disappointment with Armenia's pro-Western stance in Russian state TV, saying, "Who needs Armenians? No one. Let them develop their economy and rely on their own resources. What is France? Who is Macron? Tomorrow, when Macron is gone, everyone will forget the Armenians." Relations between Armenia and Russia, its long-time ally, have been becoming increasingly strained since Azerbaijan gained control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, ending three decades of Armenian separatist rule.
At 18:03, two people were killed in the Sumy region near the Russian border in an attack using two glide bombs, as reported by Ukraine's prosecutor's office. Russian bombs targeted infrastructure components in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had visited the Sumy region on Thursday and spoke about a decrease in attacks on Sumy since parts of Kursk were captured.
At 17:28, a fuel tanker was on fire in the Russian port of Kavkaz in the Krasnodar region east of Crimea. Russian authorities claimed an attack by Ukraine preceded the incident. Several Russian media outlets shared pictures and videos of the blaze and smoke plumes, as did Ukrainian forces on social media. Unconfirmed reports from Russian Telegram channels suggested the ship was hit by a Neptune anti-ship missile, though its reported range exceeds the distance from the frontline. The port serves as a significant supply route for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.
Update at 18:39: According to the Krasnodar region's crisis center, the ship had sunk following the fire. Reportedly, the tanker carried 30 fuel tanks.
16:41 Russia alleges progress in Pokrovsk, Ukraine touts victories in KurskThe Russian military declares victory over a village near Pokrovsk city in eastern Ukraine, putting their forces less than 10 kilometers away from a crucial logistics hub. Previously, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had announced plans to strengthen troops in the Pokrovsk area. Now, Zelenskyy celebrates victories in the Russian region of Kursk. Troops have seized another village and captured a substantial number of Russian soldiers, Bolstering their control over 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, these accomplishments remain unvalidated.
16:12 Ukraine dismisses suspected nuclear power plant assault: Russia may stage "nuclear hoax"Ukraine refutes Russian President Vladimir Putin's allegation that Ukrainian forces attempted to assault the Kursk nuclear power plant the previous night. Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council's disinformation countering department, termed it a "brazen lie." Lies similar to this preceded false accusations by the Russians about Ukraine planning a "nuclear provocation" at both Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Instead, all indications point towards Russia potentially orchestrating this provocation itself, Kovalenko concludes. He perceives the "risk of a nuclear provocation by Russia" as a genuine threat, considering Putin's direct involvement.
15:46 EU gas storage facilities nearly fullGas storage facilities in the European Union have achieved a fill level of 90%, two months ahead of the designated date. The EU congratulates itself for being "prepared for the upcoming winter." Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, member states agreed in summer 2022 that faculties should maintain an average of 90% fill level by November 1. According to data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, countries exhibit varying fill levels: Spain has reached 100%, while Latvia lingers around 70%. Germany's storage facilities are 93.6% full. The EU aims to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas, replacing it with LNG imports from the USA and Norway.
15:21 Putin claims Ukraine targeted Russian nuclear power plantRussian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of trying to breach the nuclear power plant in Kursk. Evidence supporting this allegation remains elusive. "The adversary attempted to assault the nuclear facility last night," Putin declares during a televised cabinet meeting. "The International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed," Putin adds. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had previously encouraged "utmost caution" in relation to the power plant, emphasizing the potential danger posed by conflict around it.
14:50 IAEA chief to inspect Kursk nuclear power plantInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head, Rafael Grossi, schedules a visit to the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk for the upcoming week. An IAEA spokesperson confirms that the planned visit can occur "next week." In early August, Ukrainian forces launched a sudden large-scale offensive against the Russian region of Kursk. Consequently, Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, voiced concerns about the nuclear power plant's vulnerability to Ukrainian attacks, situated around 100 kilometers from Ukraine's border.
14:21 Over 115,000 evacuated from border regions in RussiaAccording to Russia's deputy prime minister, Denis Manturov, 115,000 people have been evacuated from endangered areas near the Ukrainian border. Assessments regarding the extent of agriculture and industry damage due to the Ukrainian offensive are underway during meetings with President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian administration officials. Putin commences the meeting by addressing the current developments in Russia's border regions.
14:00 Tusk welcomes Indian mediation in Ukrainian conflictPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk applauds Indian PM Narendra Modi's potential role in mediating the Ukrainian conflict. "I'm thrilled to hear that Prime Minister Modi has agreed to personally collaborate in achieving a peaceful, fair, and swift conclusion to the conflict," Tusk states in Warsaw after meeting with Modi. Modi's mediation offer assumes significant importance as he is set to meet with Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv. India maintains a neutral stance towards Russia's aggression against Ukraine, refusing to back Western sanctions against Moscow. Read more here.
13:40 "Indication of a 'limited' Kursk incursion not apparent"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assumes that Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory will be "spatially and temporally limited operation." However, according to ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald's report from Sumy, eastern Ukraine, there is currently no indication of this. Instead, "the contrary is true," she states.
13:20 Aircraft losses reported in Ukrainian strikes on SawaslejkaReports indicate that several Russian aircraft were allegedly destroyed in Ukrainian assaults on Sawaslejka airbase. Public broadcaster Suspilne attributes this information to intelligence agency sources. During the 16th of August, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were claimed to have been destroyed, with at least five additional MiG-31K/I aircraft reportedly sustaining damage. On August 13, a fuel and lubricant depot was reportedly hit, resulting in further damage to a MiG-31K/I aircraft.
13:06 Russian Security Service Targets Foreign JournalistsThe Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has initiated criminal proceedings against several foreign journalists, including a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists, for reporting in the Russian-controlled Kursk region, which is under Ukrainian control. The journalists are accused of illegally crossing the state border after filming in the town of Sudja, which is under Ukrainian control. The FSB has announced that it will soon issue international arrest warrants. The journalists could face up to five years in prison if convicted in Russia. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was released from his 16-year sentence in a labor camp after being charged with espionage. Read more here.
12:34 Zelenskyy Visits Border Region, Reports AdvanceUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops entered Russian territory more than two weeks ago. He announced that another town had been taken in the Kursk region and that the "exchange fund" had been replenished, referring to the capture of Russian soldiers for a future exchange of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian captivity. Zelenskyy stressed that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and the number of civilian deaths there had decreased. He published a video showing him with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who informed him about the reinforcement of troops in the east of Ukraine, where Russia is continuing its advance.
12:06 Possible Russian Spy Drones Over Critical InfrastructureRussian drones may have been spotted over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein, according to the "Bild" newspaper. In recent days, drones have been seen flying at high speeds over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel. The public prosecutor's office in Flensburg is investigating on suspicion of espionage with the aim of sabotage. Internal police reports state that the no-fly zone over the nuclear power plant was repeatedly violated. A hostile object, suspected to be a military drone, was detected. It is believed that the drones are attributed to Russian agents and may have been launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Air AttacksThe American embassy in Kyiv has issued a warning of an increased risk of air attacks ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 24. In the coming days and over the weekend, there is an increased threat that Russia will attack Ukraine with drones and missiles, according to the embassy's website. Ukraine's Independence Day has taken on greater significance for Ukrainians since the start of the war two and a half years ago, and Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly entered Russian territory in the border region of Kursk two weeks ago. Russian President Vladimir Putin called this a provocation and threatened an "appropriate response".
11:13 Military Base in Volgograd on FireA fire broke out at a military base near Marinovka in the southern Russian region of Volgograd. Residents reported explosions. Local authorities blamed a Ukrainian drone strike for the fire, but there were no reported casualties.
10:41 Russia Building Prefab Bunkers in KurskAccording to local authorities, prefabricated concrete shelters are being set up for the population in the Russian border region of Kursk. The Kursk city administration has designated central locations for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers, the governor, Alexei Smirnov, explained on Telegram. Bunkers are being built at busy places like 60 bus stops and in two other locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is located. Russia accuses Ukraine of planning to attack the facility, a claim Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Reports Advance in KurskUkrainian troops reported over 40 attacks by Russian troops near the city of Pokrovsk, almost all of which were repelled. President Zelensky promised to reinforce troops in the area. Meanwhile, the advance in the Kursk region continues.
09:09 Long-range Weapons against Russian Targets: Kyiv Seeks Approval Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov chats in Kyiv with a bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives. Based on a statement from the ministry in Kyiv, Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone discuss the situation at the front and America's policy on using long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. "I stressed the need for us to receive permission from our allies immediately to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," said Umerov. "It's about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Legend Fundraising for Mine-Clearing Robots US actor Mark Hamill, famed for his Role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is raising funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. He joins forces with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder in the "Safe Terrain" campaign, aiming to raise $441,000. These devices can eliminate mines in hard-to-reach areas safely from a distance. "One of the most horrific actions Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of countless mines," said Snyder. "I visited unoccupied areas close to the front line where people risk their lives to assist others in returning to their farms and homes. Thanks to these robots, mines can be eliminated, and lives can be spared." Ukraine is heavily mined, and its demining could take decades.
08:01 Kremlin Braces Russians for "New Reality" The Ukrainian assault on Kursk poses a challenge for Moscow's propaganda. A Kremlin-linked source shared with Riga-based independent Russian portal Meduza that while the regions are far off, "the penetration into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and distressing event." To soothe the growing anxiety, the Kremlin is attempting to prepare Russians for a "new reality" and a "new normal." The Kremlin conveys the message: The enemy has indeed invaded Russian territory, they're on the brink of defeat, but its recovery will take time, and Russians must be patient. In the interim, citizens are encouraged to "convert the negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by contributing aid to the Kursk region. Officials interviewed by Meduza expect the battle in the Kursk area to last several months. A government source indicates that this estimate is "surprisingly optimistic - if everything goes well."
07:30 Russian Official Confirms Fire in Military Facility Russian authorities authenticate reports of a fire in a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd after a Ukrainian drone attack. Volgograd governor Andrei Bocharov confirmed on Telegram that the drone collided on the facility. There were no casualties. Bocharov failed to specify which military facility encountered the attack. However, he clarified that the villagemarinovka was targeted, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Ex-security Advisor: Putin Charmed Trump Former US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, alleges that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin successfully swayed former US President Donald Trump. This is divulged in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by the "Guardian." "Putin, a ruthless ex-KGB agent, played on Trump's ego and insecurities with praise," McMaster is quoted as saying. Putin labeled Trump 'an unparalleled individual, brilliant, without a doubt.' Putin had almost a spellbinding influence on Trump. McMaster, who worked for roughly a year as Trump's security advisor, had reportedly warned Trump: "Mr. President, he's the world's best liar." He suggested that Putin was self-assured that he could "mess with" Trump and secure a relaxation of sanctions and a cheap withdrawal of US forces from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Alleged Drone Attack at Russian Airbase in Volgograd Explosions were reportedly heard throughout the night in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region. Numerous Russian Telegram channels attribute these to a drone attack. A fire supposedly erupted near an airbase. The Volgograd region lies about 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The suspected target was most likely the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, roughly 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reportedly heard six to ten loud explosions accompanied by distinctive drone sounds, according to Telegram.
04:27 Ukrainian Military Intelligence Comments on Nighttime Drone Attacks in RussiaThe Ukrainian Military Intelligence service, HUR, has offered its insights on the objectives of the nighttime drone attacks in Russia. These attacks targeted Moscow's Ostafyevo airport, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, as revealed by HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow to military news site "The War Zone". Around 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being evaluated. Russian authorities reported shooting down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning hours.
03:09 Preparations for Secure Voting in Controversial Russian Border RegionIn the contentious Russian border region of Kursk, Russia is preparing poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets for the upcoming regional elections. Further, additional polling stations will be established in various parts of the country to accommodate individuals who have fled the area, as per Tatiana Malakhova, head of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The region is under a state of emergency. Governor elections and regional parliamentary elections are scheduled in numerous Russian regions from September 6 to 8.
01:34 Fico Criticizes Pressure in International Policy DecisionsSlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticizes the allegedly undue pressure exerted on those who deviate from the group consensus on significant foreign policy issues within Western democracies. He shares that diverging opinions are met with arbitrary pressure and threats of isolation by Western democracies. On the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico likens the violent suppression of the 'Prague Spring' by Warsaw Pact troops to the current perceived opinion pressure in Europe. Fico is opposed to the EU's military aid to Ukraine and has faced accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the frontlines near Pokrovsk, a city in the eastern part of the country, throughout the day. Of these, 44 were repelled, as reported by the General Staff. Fighting is ongoing in two specific areas as of 9 PM CET. 238 Russian soldiers were reportedly wounded or killed during the skirmishes. No information regarding Ukrainian casualties is provided. Russia has yet to release a statement.
23:09 Russia Claims to Have Thwarted Ukrainian Incursion in BryanskRussia asserts that it has successfully prevented an infiltration by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk region, a border area between Russia and Kursk. The alleged Ukrainian "reconnaissance-sabotage group" incursion was foiled by units of the Russian security service FSB and Russian military forces, as per Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz. Bogomaz stated that the intruders were promptly neutralized with fire. The situation is currently under control.
22:15 Ukraine Anticipates Promised Financial Aid from the WestUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj shares that Ukraine is keen on expediting the disbursement of the billion-dollar aid pledged by the West, which will be primarily funded through the proceeds from frozen Russian state assets. Although numerous political statements have been made, more commitments are required, Zelenskyj notes in his daily video address. "But we require a functional mechanism." Ukraine depends on the revenue from Russia's frozen assets to combat Russian aggression. "The relevant discussions have dragged on for far too long, and we need decision-making now," Zelenskyj says. The G7 nations had agreed at their June summit to provide new financial aid to Kyiv, with a substantial loan of $50 billion to be secured through interest earnings from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Praises Strong Economic Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the accelerated economic cooperation between Russia and China. "Our trade connection is developing prosperously (...). The concentration that both governments place on trade and economic relations is generating solid results," Putin says during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. Putin notes that China and Russia have "significant shared plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors." Li agrees that Russian-Chinese relations have reached an unparalleled high point, per the Kremlin. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a crucial trading partner amid Western sanctions.
21:20 Request for Release Denied: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister in CustodyThe former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov, who is being investigated for corruption, will remain in custody. His plea for conditional release under strict house arrest and his appeal against his detention have been denied, as reported by Russia's state news agency TASS. Prior to his dismissal, Bulgakov was responsible for procuring materials for the Russian armed forces. The Moscow court also ordered detention for two alleged accomplices of Bulgakov. Their firm is said to have secured nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. The estimated damage is approximately 50 million rubles (500,000 euros) based on intermediaries' estimates.
21:00 Ukraine Bolsters Troops in Tense Pokrovsk RegionAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is reinforcing its military presence in the heavily contested Pokrovsk region in the eastern part of the country. Zelensky stated during a televised address that they are aware of Russian troops' plans in the area. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian advance in the Russian region of Kursk continues, according to Zelensky. Some territories have reportedly come under Ukrainian control, but no further details were provided.
20:41 Post Decree: Several Ukrainians in Hungary Need to Vacate Their Refugee QuartersAfter Hungary enforced a decree stripping general refugee status from Ukrainian refugees, numerous individuals in this situation now face the prospect of losing their temporary homes. Private refugee lodgings have initiated the eviction process against Ukrainians, as reported by Migration Aid. In Kocs, situated north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, under the watchful eye of law enforcement, were required to depart from a guesthouse. Majority of these individuals were Roma women and children hailing from the Transcarpathian region of western Ukraine, which has a substantial Hungarian population.
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The European Union is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Ukraine and its surrounding areas, considering the recent advancements made by Ukrainian forces.
At the 15:46 EU summit, representatives discussed the near-full fill level of gas storage facilities in the European Union, leaving only 10% of capacity yet to be filled. This achievement is two months ahead of the scheduled date, allowing the EU to be well-prepared for the upcoming winter.
The European Union has expressed concerns over the Russian military's alleged actions in Ukraine, especially the claims of attempting to assault the Kursk nuclear power plant. European leaders urge a peaceful resolution to this crisis and prioritize enhancing the energy independence of EU member states.
