A militant abruptly shows up, prisoners supply information about the battlefront.
To maintain a consistent troop count, both Russia and Ukraine are enlisting prisoners for combat duties. Oleksandr, previously a prison guard, now leads the 59th Brigade. "They'll do whatever necessary to survive," he mentions. In the video, the soldiers discuss their risky operation.
15:38 Kremlin: Russian strategy for driving out Ukrainian troops from KurskThe Russian military has an intention to push back Ukrainian forces from the Russian border region of Kursk, as per the Kremlin. The TASS news agency discloses, referencing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov: "Certainly, the military has all the necessary strategies, but I don't think we can publicly disclose these strategies," he said when asked about the expulsion of Ukrainian troops from Russian territory. Ukrainian forces had initiated a large-scale attack on Kursk on August 6, now vast areas are under Ukrainian control.**
15:13 Riga increases border security measures until year-endLithuania will prolong the enhanced security at its border with neighboring Belarus up until the end of the year due to security concerns. The governing body of the Baltic EU and NATO nation made this decision in Riga. The justification for this extension is the persistently high number of unlawful border crossings. The extension of the special directive, initially set to expire in September, also takes into account the escalating danger posed by Russia's conflict against Ukraine, led by the authoritarian regime in Minsk.**
14:47 Ukraine boosts weapon production dramaticallyUkraine has significantly increased its weapon production this year, as per official statistics. "In the first eight months of 2024, we've doubled our weapon production compared to 2023," claimed Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv. Ukraine aims to develop more than a million drones by the end of the year. "We're making progress. The drone production is increasing," said Shmyhal.**
14:23 Military analyst praises "shrewd move" by German Chancellor ScholzGerman Chancellor Scholz proposes negotiating peace with Russia. This proposal meets with substantial criticism from some political circles. However, military analyst Ralph Thiele agrees with the Chancellor's proposition and urges swift action. Following the Kursk offensive, Ukraine faces a possible breach of its defenses.**
13:52 Kiel Institute for the World Economy issues warning: Defense budget "hopelessly insufficient"Germany's defense budget is "hopelessly insufficient" in the face of the threat posed by Russia, according to researchers at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. "Despite the Zeitgeist shift in rhetoric, the gap between Germany's and Russia's military capabilities is widening further," explains the institute. The researchers advocate for a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. "Russia is developing into an increasingly significant security concern for NATO. At the same time, we're moving at a glacial pace with the necessary build-up for deterrence," says study author Guntram Wolff.**
12:25 "Striking Diversity" between Putin and LavrovUkraine requests that the EU and the US permit the use of weapons on Russian territory. Now, the Netherlands grants approval, including promised fighter jets.**
12:59 Russia alleges capture of additional four towns in DonetskRussia's military claims to have seized four more towns in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Southern Group of Forces has acquired Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group Wodiane, and the Central Group Halyzynivka, the Russian Defense Ministry reports. These claims cannot be independently confirmed. Ukrainian military observers have identified three of the impacted towns, excluding Hryhoriwka, as occupied. Ukraine faces significant pressure on the eastern front.**
12:20 Moscow acknowledges only one negotiating counterpartA peace conference without Russia took place in Switzerland in June. Now, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses readiness for dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, what's the Kremlin's response? Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov displays diplomatic initiatives, but not with Europe, reports ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.**
11:50 Kyiv: Russia increasingly uses chemical weaponsUkrainian officials alarm that Russian troops in Ukraine are increasingly utilizing chemical weapons. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command writes on Facebook that Russian forces employed ammunition with hazardous chemicals and chemical agents 447 times in August alone, and 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command also states that Kremlin troops are delivering ammunition with prohibited chemical agents and employing unidentified chemical compounds. It further states: "Russia is breaking the rules of warfare and disregarding the norms and commitments of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction."
10:53 Conflagrations and Wounds - Russia Assaults with Multitudes of Drones and Two MissilesAt least three individuals sustained injuries, and structures were damaged along with fires ignited due to Ukrainian drone and missile assaults, as reported by local authorities. Air defense successfully thwarted 38 out of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions, as disclosed on Telegram by the air force. Russia also utilized two missiles in their offensive. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions were also targeted, the Kyiv-based energy ministry revealed, resulting in disruptions to high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 Transformation of Esteemed Icon: Putin's Children's Rights Commissioner Marries BillionaireMaria Lwowa-Belowa, long considered the embodiment of the Russian woman since 2003, was married to an Orthodox priest. Together, they advocated conservative values, Christian faith, and their experiences raising numerous children through propagandist media. She was also charged by the International Criminal Court in 2023 alongside Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine. However, according to independent portal Verstka, it seems her allegiance to tradition and particularly her priest husband wasn't as unwavering as previously believed. Over the weekend, she reportedly wed oligarch Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she had been romantically involved for some time. Malofeew, the founder of Kremlin-linked Christian TV station Tsargrad TV, is also a staunch advocate of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Russian Capital Suffers Ukrainian Volley of AttacksA woman perished from a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, as confirmed by the region's governor. Videos showed explosions in residential areas. Russian sources also reported that 144 drones were neutralized.
09:32 Russia Orchestrates 'Ocean-2024' Naval OperationsRussia's navy initiates strategic exercises, titled "Ocean-2024," involving more than 400 warships, including submarines, and over 90,000 personnel from various naval units in numerous waterways of the world's largest country by area. These maneuvers will occur in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, Caspian seas, and the Mediterranean, where Russia has a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Russian Area Experiences Oil Pipeline Blaze, Claims Two LivesA fire ravaged an oil pipeline in the Russian Orenburg region, resulting in the loss of two lives, as per TASS news agency reports. A probe into the incident's causes is underway. It is unknown when the incident began. Speculations about it had circulated on some Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Negotiations With Russia Rejected by ShoiguRussia will not engage in talks with Ukraine unless their troops retreat from Russian territories, according to TASS news agency, quoting Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Previously, Kremlin spokesman Peskov also opposed negotiations.
08:14 Moscow Airport Operations ResumeFlights at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports have been reinstated, according to Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya. Flights had been temporarily halted due to Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow region.
07:43 Requirements for Russian Participation in Peace Conference Demanded by ScholzGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz sets conditions for Russian participation in a potential Ukraine peace conference. He emphasized the importance of supplying necessary military aid to Ukraine against the Russian aggressor and exploring exit possibilities from the war situation at an SPD event on Monday evening. He urges Ukraine, like the Ukrainian leadership, to consider another peace conference with Russian involvement, but only if they cease their assaults. "Negotiations are impossible if the one supposed to participate continues to state 'I'm going to keep attacking'," Scholz mentioned, referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin (who even expressed desire for extra Ukrainian territory for a peaceful resolution). "I believe in what's always crucial in politics: clarity, consistency, and character. That's what's necessary to secure peace and security in Europe," Scholz asserted.
07:18 Stirring of Controversy: Fico Accuses Ukrainian Military of FascismUkraine finds the accusations of pro-Russian Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico puzzling. As reported by Reuters, he urged Kyiv to purge their military of "fascism." In response, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated, "Ukrainian soldiers are defending their families, homes, and land, as well as all of Europe and the free world against Russian invaders marked with the letter 'Z' – a symbol of modern Russia's fascist aesthetics." The ministry adds that the Ukrainian people have suffered "millions of losses" in the fight against Nazism throughout the 20th century. Fico's "fascism" allegation mirrors Russian propaganda labeling the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. While far-right parties only gained 2.4% in the 2019 Ukrainian elections, historian Timothy Snyder perceives clear fascist traits in the Putin system.
06:25 Greenpeace to Examine Environmental Wrongdoings by Russia in KyivGreenpeace establishes a new office in Kyiv. The aim is to expedite reconstruction projects in Ukraine and examine and record environmental transgressions stemming from the Russian invasion, the environmental advocacy group declares. The organization is already collaborating with local environmental groups for this purpose. "Our objective is to aid Ukraine in the eco-friendly redevelopment of social infrastructure using the clean power of sunlight and wind," says the new office head, Natalia Hosak. Greenpeace frequently brings attention to environmental harm in Ukraine brought about by the Russian invasion. Among other things, the organization scrutinizes the situation at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Report of Child's Death in Moscow Region Due to Ukrainian Drone AttackFollowing a Ukrainian drone assault in the Moscow region, Russian sources claim a child has perished. Regional governor Andrei Vorobyov announced on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region overnight. One of these drones triggered a fire, which firefighters are currently extinguishing. Vorobyov also reported, "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child has lost their life." The collision of another drone in the capital region allegedly injured someone when the debris fell onto an apartment building. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially reported 11 drones had been intercepted near the Russian capital.
05:31 Ukrainian Air Defense Repels Attack on Kyiv by Russian DronesUkrainian air defense units have repelled a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, the capital's military administration reported via Telegram.
04:36 Debris from Russian-Downed Drone Hits Energy Complex in TulaDebris from a drone shot down by Russian air defense over the Tula region landed on an energy complex, according to Russian news agency TASS. "There were no casualties," TASS quoted Tula authorities as saying. The operational process and supply of resources to consumers were not disrupted, and the situation is under control.
03:29 Ukrainian Drone Strikes Moscow, Emergency Services RespondAfter two Ukrainian drones were intercepted over the Domodedovo district of Moscow, emergency services were dispatched to the crash site, as reported by Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No information on potential damage or casualties has been disclosed. The Domodedovo district, about 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, houses one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russian Air Defense Destroys Drone En route to MoscowRussian air defense units reportedly thwarted a drone headed for Moscow, as per Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. "Preliminary reports suggest no damage or injuries where the debris fell," Sobyanin announced on Telegram. No statement has been issued by Ukrainian authorities.
00:12 Zelensky Praise for New Swedish Aid PackageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Sweden for a defense aid package valued at $445 million. "This substantial assistance, which includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and monetary contributions to meet Ukraine's pressing needs, will bolster our defense capabilities," Zelensky stated on X. According to Swedish sources, the package also comprises spare parts for Gripen fighter jets to prepare for future possible deliveries of the aircraft.
22:17 Ministry Labels Russia as "Peace's Greatest Enemy" Near NATO's Eastern BorderFollowing Russian drone breaches into Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Ministry classifies Russia under President Vladimir Putin as "the greatest danger to peace and security." "Regrettably, Putin's Russia is currently the greatest threat to peace and security directly on NATO's eastern frontier," the ministry underscores on X. "This unfortunate situation has been highlighted once more, including in the recent drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." The ministry affirms its partnership with its alliance counterparts in light of the drones. Over the weekend, NATO and EU members Latvia and Romania each reported an incursion of a Russian drone into their territory.
21:42 US Uncertain of Reports of Iranian Missile Supplies to RussiaThe US government cannot corroborate allegations that Iran has furnished Russia with ballistic missiles, according to John Kirby, the US government's national security spokesperson.
21:28 Zelensky Urges Expedited Implementation of Aid AgreementsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has advocated for the prompt execution of aid agreements with the West. "The course of the war is directly contingent on the effectiveness of logistics in supply and the full implementation of partners' promises," Zelensky stated in his evening video address. Weapons and equipment must arrive in a timely manner to be effective. "What is required in September must be delivered to our troops in September."
20:52 Russian Opposition Politician Warns Against Offering Putin an Exit StrategyProminent Russian opponent politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa cautions the West against granting Russian President Vladimir Putin a "face-saving exit" from the Ukraine conflict. "It is critical that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious from the Ukraine conflict," Kara-Mursa asserts. "It is crucial that Vladimir Putin does not discover a face-saving exit from this conflict in Ukraine." Approximately a month after his release in a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa acknowledges that there is "fatigue" in Western societies concerning the war. However, Putin must be "defeated." He adds, "If, God forbid, the Putin regime portrays the outcome of this war as a victory for itself and remains in power, we will be discussing another conflict or disaster in a year or 18 months."
You can read all previous developments here.
The Ukrainian conflict continues to be a point of concern, with Russia pushing to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. In a different context, the Ukrainian government is boosting its weapon production significantly to counter Russia's aggression.
Regarding the Russian military's intentions in Kursk, the Kremlin stated, "Certainly, the military has all the necessary strategies, but I don't think we can publicly disclose these strategies," as stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
