22:38 Human rights activist Orlov wants to fight for Russian prisoners
Freed Moscow Human Rights Activist Oleg Orlov Vows to Continue Work in Exile
Oleg Orlov, the Moscow human rights activist released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Western states, plans to continue his civil rights work in exile. "You can't destroy Memorial," the 71-year-old said at a press conference at the Center for Liberal Modernity in Berlin. Memorial, the human rights organization he co-founded and which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, advocates for political prisoners in Russia. Orlov estimates that at least 800 political prisoners remain in Russia - a conservative estimate. He finds his new role in exile in Germany challenging, as he told reporters, preferring to be in his homeland but fearing prosecution. Orlov hopes to use his exile to advocate for the release of more political prisoners, including eight who are critically ill. "We were very disappointed when it turned out these people weren't on the list - those of us who were exchanged," he said. Memorial continues to operate in Russia despite repression, and also from abroad.
21:30 Not Dead After All? Known Russian Propagandist Injured
Russian propagandist Eugenio Poddubnyj was injured in the Kursk region, state television company VGTRK reported on Telegram. Poddubnyj was injured in an attack by a Ukrainian drone and hospitalized. Earlier, numerous Russian media outlets had reported his death. Poddubnyj is one of Russia's most famous "war correspondents," with around 734,000 followers on Telegram. Preliminary reports suggest he was filming a report on fighting in the Kursk region today.
20:41 Emergency Declared in Region Kursk
An emergency has been declared in the Russian region of Kursk amid a Ukrainian ground offensive, Governor Alexei Smirnov announced on Telegram. Ukraine has advanced deep into Russian territory near Kursk in a counterattack that began on Tuesday and reached the northwest of the city of Sudja on Wednesday, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
20:14 Fighting Nearby: Russia Reinforces Protection of Kursk NPP
Due to Ukraine's advance into the Russian border region of Kursk, Russia's National Guard has reinforced protection of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Additional forces have also been deployed to combat sabotage and reconnaissance units in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, the agency said. This is being done in cooperation with Russian border troops and the army. The nuclear power plant, which has four units and a capacity of nearly two gigawatts, is located 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 Sudja. Unconfirmed reports suggest they advanced up to 15 kilometers towards the NPP.
19:38 Attacks in Region Kursk: European Gas Price Hits Yearly High
The price of European natural gas has risen to its highest level this year. The 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 pointing to Ukraine's attacks on the Russian region of Kursk. The fighting is reportedly taking place near Sudja, an important gas injection point for Europe. This gas is transported through Ukrainian pipelines to Western Europe. News agency Bloomberg reports that Gazprom is currently maintaining normal gas supplies.
19:08 Ukraine evacuates areas near Russian border with KurskFacing heavy fighting in the Russian region of Kursk, Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuations from more areas in the neighboring region of Sumy. The measures affect 23 settlements, according to the military governor of Sumy, Volodymyr Artjuch, on Ukrainian television. Around 6,000 people, including over 400 children and adolescents, are to be moved to safety from the border region. The day before, Ukrainian troops had made a push across the Ukrainian-Russian border towards the city of Sudja in the Kursk region, advancing several kilometers into Russian territory. Moscow spoke of around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers equipped with heavy machinery. Kyiv has not yet commented on the events. Due to regular Russian shelling of border areas, local authorities had already ordered evacuations from a 10-kilometer-wide area near the border in May.
18:31 Jachin 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 violently expelled from my country." He wanted to stay in Russia, despite the risks. "The word of an opposition figure weighs more in Russia than abroad." He tells of 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 NavalnyIn an interview with "Die Zeit", Vladimir Kara-Mursa also says he believes that opposition figure Alexei 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 happened a bit faster and more smoothly, if the German government had fewer obstacles to overcome, if it had to react less to criticism and didn't have to convince so many people that this step is 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 released 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 standing there. They said: You have 20 minutes to pack. I was sure they would bring me to the woods and shoot me. But they brought me to the airport."
17:12 Record: Ukrainian Border Guards Stop Truck with 48 Conscripts
The Ukrainian border guard has prevented 48 conscript men from fleeing into the Moldovan region of Transnistria, which is controlled by pro-Russian forces. This number sets a new record, the agency reports. Drone footage shows several groups of men boarding the truck in succession, which is later stopped by border guards. The arrests took place in the Odessa region near the village of Chornaya, 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 1,000 Ukrainians Involved in Border Attack
According to the Russian General Staff, "up to 1,000" soldiers were involved in the Ukrainian military's 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 our territory was stopped by strikes from the air force and artillery," Gerasimov added.
16:02 Von der Leyen: EU Has Provided 108 Billion Euros in Aid Since War Began
According 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 added.
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian Captivity
Oleksandr Ischchenko, a soldier of the Azov Brigade who died in Russian captivity nine days ago, was apparently killed. The 55-year-old Ukrainian died from blunt force trauma to the chest. The "Kyiv Independent" reports this, citing 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 prisoner of war." The published report showed that the soldier's death was due to multiple rib fractures and shock. Ischchenko was 55 years old and came from Mariupol. He joined the Azov Brigade shortly after the invasion. He was captured in 2022 during the fighting in Mariupol. Ischchenko was one of the 24 Ukrainians who were put on trial in Russia last year. He was imprisoned in a detention center in Rostov-on-Don.
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry confirms ongoing combat operations in KurskThe Defense Ministry in Moscow has confirmed reports of ongoing combat operations in Kursk. "The operation to eliminate groups of Ukrainian forces continues," the ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, there have been skirmishes in border towns on Russian territory against Ukrainian intruders. Just the day before, the Defense Ministry had claimed that an attempt to break through the border had failed. Now it is reported that a deep incursion onto Russian territory has been prevented. According to the Defense Ministry, soldiers are fighting alongside border guards in the area against the intruders.
13:35 Russia: Thousands flee Kursk - Putin takes control of situationThousands of people have already fled from the border towns attacked by Ukrainian forces in the Russian region of Kursk, according to official statements. The 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 towns in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he had spoken with President Vladimir Putin about the situation overnight. The president has taken the situation under personal control. Emergency shelters with around 2,500 places have also been set up, with psychologists on site.
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 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 bay of Kilen. One of them is the well-known "Konstantin Olshansky," which was captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a history of serving in the ranks of both conflict parties and was reportedly damaged in an attack by Ukraine a few months ago. Before that, the "Konstantin Olshansky" is said to have served as a parts warehouse. The partisan group reports that they have shared the information about the locations 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 Kuchrin has been sentenced to six and a half years in a labor camp. He is said to have spread false information about the armed forces, according to the investigative authorities. Kuchrin ran the Telegram channel "Moscow Calling," which supported the goals of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Kuchrin criticized the way the military leadership was conducting the campaign. Analysts at the Institute for War Research described Kuchrin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultra-nationalist on the farthest edge" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russia's war efforts.
11:38 British 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," the update states. The latest attack is "likely the final chapter for the submarine, as it would be more economically viable to build a replacement," the intelligence service suggests. The attack is said to boost morale for Ukrainian forces, but it's unlikely to have significant impact on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea fleet. "However, the attack highlights the increasing risks to Russian forces on Crimea and will likely force Russia to reconsider all plans to redeploy significant naval forces to the peninsula."
11:03 Strategy Shift or Diversion? Ukraine "uncertainty" with unclear Kursk situation
The Ukrainian military is facing significant pressure in the Donetsk region, with Russians "advancing every day," reports ntv reporter 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
Russia's health ministry reports that 24 people, including six children, were injured in a Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, according to state news agency Interfax.
10:07 Russia Attacks with Drones - Ukraine Reports Perfect Shoot-Down Rate
Ukraine's air force claims to have shot down all 30 Russian drones that were launched overnight towards targets in seven regions, according to a Telegram post from the Ukrainian air force.
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," stating that the actual figure is 290 square kilometers, or about 0.05% of Ukraine's total territory of around 600,000 square kilometers. The Russian military has repeatedly inflated its territorial gains in Ukraine, often claiming to capture villages that are largely destroyed. Despite recent advances, Russia's overall progress remains slow, as Ukrainian forces often retreat from areas to protect soldiers.
08:55 Russia: Kursk Targeted by Ukrainian Air Strikes Again
A 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 rockets were shot down by air defense systems in the border area, 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 Intercepts Drones in Several Border Regions
Russia's air defense has intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, 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 Kursk
The 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 to ensure the safety of defense personnel. "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 hinder the guys and the military leadership in their decisions, which could determine the fate of all," it said.
07:06 Alleged Attack on Russian Region Kursk: Speculations about Right-Wing Russian Unit
Russian military bloggers claim that the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops into 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 Voice of Ukraine that the RVC was not involved. The Russian Volunteer Corps consists of Russian right-wing extremists and nationalists fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russia. In Kyiv, however, the group has been distanced from in the past, and it has been emphasized that it acts independently. The RVC has occasionally drawn attention with alleged incursions into Russian border regions, which critics have often seen 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 Pushed Into Russian Territory? Possible Attack Raises Many Questions
Many questions remain about the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops into 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, 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 supposedly showing the aftermath of the alleged Ukrainian attacks, but most of the damage shown could be attributed to routine Ukrainian shelling and does not indicate ground activity in the area."
05:52 Ukraine Orders One Million Drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to boost drone production as a key tool in the 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 increasing steadily, 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 in part to the reluctance of Western partners to allow the Ukrainian military to use the heavy weapons they have supplied 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. The governor of the region, Alexei Smirnov, also reported at least 20 injured in a Telegram message. Two missiles were also launched over the region early in the morning.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine
Following Mali, Niger has now also cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine. The reason given is the alleged support from Kyiv 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 published a photo purporting to show them with the Ukrainian flag. However, investigations by the independent Russian investigative portal iStories suggest that this is a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently traveling in 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. "After suffering significant losses, the remnants of the sabotage group retreated to Ukrainian territory," the Moscow Defense Ministry said. 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 report does not mention any Ukrainian attacks in the border region.
22:22 Kremlin Pressure - Activist Ends Protest for Return of Russian SoldiersUnder increasing pressure from the Kremlin, a leading activist in the fight for the return of Russian soldiers from the front has withdrawn from public appearances. Maria Andreyeva, one of the leaders of the group "Put' Domoy" (Return Home), told the AFP news agency that she would "go underground" and stop her public appearances. She said she had been designated as a "foreign agent," which she said not only strips people of their rights but also deprives them of their livelihood. The "Put' Domoy" group consists of wives and mothers who have repeatedly publicly appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring their men and sons back from Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin is now increasingly taking action against them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Invests More in Missile ProgramUkraine is allocating additional funds for its domestic missile program, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. 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 said without providing further details. In July, the Ukrainian head of state had 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 ReleaseA Russian spy couple spoke publicly for the first time after their return to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange. "When I saw the honor guard from the window of the plane, I cried," Anna Dulzheva said in an interview on Russian state television, describing the moment of her return to Russia. Anna and her husband Artyom 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 Dulzhev family," Anna said, adding that she and her children only spoke Spanish. Anna 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 due to a spy scandal, Moscow has declared a Moldovan diplomat "persona non grata," according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The ministry stated that it had summoned the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to "strongly protest against the ongoing unfriendly steps" by Chisinau against Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia has been 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 afterward, the Russian diplomat was expelled from the country.
19:15 Shoigu: Window for Negotiations with Kyiv ClosingFormer Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urges Ukraine to start peace talks. "The window of opportunity for Ukraine is getting smaller," says the secretary of the Security Council on state television. The longer Ukraine hesitates, the more territory it will lose, he adds. Moscow has emphasized that talks can only take place if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and renounces any potential NATO membership. Ukraine rejects this.
You can read about all previous developments [here].
The European Union continues to support human rights organizations like Memorial, which was co-founded by Oleg Orlov and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Despite the many challenges, Memorial continues its advocacy work for political prisoners in Russia, including those still imprisoned, despite Orlov being in exile in Germany.
