22:38 Human rights activist Orlov wants to fight for Russian prisoners
Freed Moscow Human Rights Activist Oleg Orlov Vows to Continue Work Abroad
Oleg Orlov, the Moscow human rights activist freed in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Western states, has stated that he will continue his work on civil rights even in exile. "Memorial cannot be destroyed," said the 71-year-old at a press conference in Berlin's Center for Liberal Modernity. 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 are still incarcerated in Russia - a conservative estimate. He finds his new role in exile in Germany challenging, as he told reporters, but he would prefer to be in his homeland, 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 that these people were not on the list - we 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 state television company VGTRK has reported that well-known Russian propagandist Yevgeny Poddubny has been injured in the Kursk region. They stated on Telegram that Poddubny was injured in an attack by a Ukrainian drone and was hospitalized. Earlier, numerous Russian media outlets had reported Poddubny's death. Yevgeny Poddubny is one of Russia's most famous "war correspondents," with around 734,000 followers on Telegram. Preliminary information suggests he was filming a report about the 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, according to Governor Alexei Smirnov's Telegram post. Ukraine has advanced deep into Russian territory near Kursk in a counterattack. The offensive began on Tuesday, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, and reached the northwest of the city of Sudzha on Wednesday.
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 the 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, 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 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. 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 reached 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 citing attacks by Ukraine on the Russian region of Kursk. The fighting is reportedly taking place near Sudzha, an important gas injection point for Europe. This gas reaches Western Europe through Ukrainian pipelines. According to news agency Bloomberg, the Gazprom company is currently reporting normal gas supplies.
19:08 Ukraine Evacuates Border Areas Near Russian KurskFacing heavy fighting in the Russian region of Kursk, Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuations from more locations in the neighboring region of Sumy. The measures affect 23 settlements, according to the military governor of Sumy, Volodymyr Artjuch, in 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 had launched an incursion 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 zone 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, 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 joining the 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 Alexey Navalny, who died in prison 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 is 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 and brought to Germany as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange on August 1, says in an interview with "Die Zeit" that he was sure until the last moment before his release that he was being taken to his execution. In the night from July 27 to 28, his cell door was opened, he remembers. "There stood the prison director and a convoy of men in civilian clothes. 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 ConscriptsThe Ukrainian border guard has prevented 48 conscript men from fleeing into the Moldovan region of Transnistria, which is controlled by pro-Russian forces, in the south of the country. This number sets a new record, the authority 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 were made in the Odessa region near the village of Chornaya, about ten kilometers from the border. The men are said to have paid the smuggler the equivalent of over 3300 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 Ukrainians Involved in Border AttackAccording to the Russian General Staff, "up to 1000" soldiers were involved in the Ukrainian military's attack on the border region of Kursk in western Russia. Russian Chief of the General 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 said further.
16:02 Von der Leyen: EU Provided 108 Billion Euros in Aid Since War BeganThe EU has provided 108 billion euros in aid to Ukraine since the start of the large-scale war, according to the President of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen. "The EU has been standing by Ukraine since the first day of the Russian invasion," she writes on X. "Ukraine will prevail in this survival struggle. And the EU will stand by Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary," it continues.
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian CaptivityOleksandr Ischchenko, a soldier of the Asov 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 Asov Brigade, Sviatoslav Palamar. Palamar described Ischchenko's death as "yet 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 Asov Brigade shortly after the invasion began. He was captured in 2022 during the fighting in Mariupol. Ischchenko was one of the 24 Ukrainians who were put on trial last year by Russia in a sham trial. He was being held in a detention center in Rostov-on-Don.
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry confirms ongoing combat operations in Kursk
The Defense Ministry in Moscow has confirmed reports of ongoing combat operations in Kursk. "The operation to eliminate Ukrainian military formations continues," the ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, there have been skirmishes in border towns on Russian territory against Ukrainian infiltrators. Just the day before, the Defense Ministry had claimed that an attempt to breach the border had failed. Now, it is reported that a deep incursion into Russian territory has been prevented. According to the Defense Ministry, soldiers are fighting alongside border guards in the area against the infiltrators.
13:35 Russia: Thousands flee Kursk as Putin takes control of situation
Thousands of people have fled border towns in the Russian region of Kursk that have been attacked by Ukrainian forces, according to officials. The citizens have left their homes in private vehicles, said Alexei Smirnov, the governor, in a video message. Additionally, 200 people have been evacuated from the shelled towns in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he spoke 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 been set up, and psychologists are on duty there.
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, has reported discovering 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 are hiding their ships in the bays, hoping to save them," Atesh wrote on Telegram. The two 775s are said to be located in the Kilen Bay. One of them is the well-known "Konstantin Olshansky," which was captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a rich history with both sides of the conflict and was reportedly damaged in an attack a few months ago. According to Ukrainian reports, it had previously served as a storage ship for spare parts. The partisan group said it has shared the location information with Ukrainian military 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 was found guilty of spreading false information about the military, the investigative authorities said. 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 the Study of War described Kurshin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultra-nationalist on the far edge" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russia's war efforts.
11:38 British Intelligence Comments on Sunk Russian Submarine
The British 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 from London states. The latest attack is "likely to be the last chapter for the submarine, as it would be more economically viable to build a replacement," the intelligence service suggests. The attack is said to have boosted morale among Ukrainian forces, but it is 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 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 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 of Kursk
According to the Russian Ministry of Health, 24 people were injured, including six children, in the Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, as reported by the state-run Russian news agency Interfax.
10:07 Russia Attacks with Drones - Ukraine Reports Perfect Shoot-Down Rate
The Ukrainian air force claims to have intercepted and destroyed 30 Russian drones, all of which were launched by Russian troops overnight towards targets in seven regions, according to the Ukrainian air force on the Telegram messaging service.
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, 2023. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) calls this figure "grossly exaggerated" and puts the actual figure at 290 square kilometers, or roughly 0.05% of Ukraine's territory. Considering the overall size of Ukraine, which is around 600,000 square kilometers, the Russian advance over the past months remains very slow. Ukrainian forces often withdraw from areas to protect their 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 local authorities. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems, 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, according to the Russian defense ministry.
08:22 Russia Intercepts Drones in Several Border RegionsRussia'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 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 wouldn't provide an update on the situation in the border area to ensure the safety of defense force 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 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 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 right-wing extremists and nationalists fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russia. In Kiev, 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 its 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 in the border region of Kursk 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 Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine is expanding the production of drones as a crucial tool in its war effort. "We have already ordered one million drones from our manufacturers for this year," Zelenskyy said in his evening video address. The number is set to increase significantly next year. "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 funds and partners to invest in our drone production." The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is due to the refusal 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. There are also at least 20 injured, the region's governor, Alexei Smirnov, reported on Telegram. Two missiles were also launched over the region early in the morning.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine
Following Mali, Niger has also cut 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 posted a photo claiming to show them with the Ukrainian flag. However, according to investigations by the independent Russian investigative portal iStories, this is likely a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently traveling in southern African states and Mauritius to rally support for Kyiv's stance against Russia. Russia, meanwhile, is expanding its influence in Sahel states through the Wagner Group.
23:23 Russia: Ukrainian Attack on Kursk Repelled
Russia 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 Soldiers
Under 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 stop her public appearances and "go underground." She said she had been labeled a "foreign agent," which she said not only strips people of their rights but also takes away their livelihood. The group "Put Domoy" consists of wives and mothers who repeatedly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring their men and sons back from Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin has increasingly taken action against them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Investing More in Domestic Rocket Program
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that additional funds have been allocated for the country's domestic rocket program. The move aims to reduce the gap with Russia, which possesses a range of long-range weapons, according to a post by Zelensky on Telegram. "Additional funds have been allocated for our rocket program. More domestically produced rockets are coming," he wrote, without providing further details. In July, the Ukrainian president said 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 Release
After returning to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange, a Russian spy couple spoke 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. Dulzewa lived in Slovenia for five years with her husband Artiom, posing as Russian spies. They 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 said she only spoke Spanish with her children. Dulzewa said she wants to "continue serving Russia."
20:04 Moscow Declares Moldovan Diplomat as "Persona Non Grata"In response to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat due to a spy scandal, Moscow has declared a Moldovan diplomat as "persona non grata." The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it had summoned the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to express strong protest against the continued unfriendly steps taken by Chisinau against Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia has been declared as "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 with Kyiv ClosingFormer Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urges Ukraine to start peace talks. "The window of opportunity for Ukraine is closing," 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 abandons any plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects this.
You can read all previous developments [here].
The Commission[(The Commission)] has supported Memorial, the human rights organization co-founded by Oleg Orlov, which advocates for political prisoners in Russia and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Despite facing repression in Russia, Memorial[(Memorial)] continues to operate both domestically and abroad.
