Around 18:22, a Ukrainian military leader declared that approximately 37,000 Russian troops had sustained casualties in August.
Russian Military Casualties in Ukraine Reach Nearly 36,810 in August, According to Ukrainian Ground Force Commander
The casualties suffered by the Russian military in Ukraine during August amounted to approximately 36,810 soldiers, as stated by Ukrainian ground forces commander Oleksandr Pavliuk, as reported by Ukrinform. According to his account, Ukrainian forces also inflicted significant damage on the enemy's weapons and military equipment last month, with the Russian army losing 193 tanks, 557 armored combat vehicles, 1,517 artillery systems, 44 multiple rocket launchers, 33 air defense systems, over 2,000 vehicles, and 278 special units. These figures, however, have not been independently verified. The Kremlin remains tight-lipped regarding its own losses in Ukraine.
Russian Ground Forces Speed Up Attack on Contested City of Pokrovsk in Eastern Ukraine
According to a situation report compiled by British intelligence experts, Russian ground forces are gaining momentum in their advance towards Pokrovsk, a heavily contested city in eastern Ukraine. The report suggests that the Russian troops are lurking within ten kilometers of the city's border. The experts expect the pace to slow once the troops reach built-up areas surrounding the city. Pokrovsk serves as a crucial logistical hub for Ukrainian forces, and its capture would likely extend existing supply routes and complicate the situation for Ukrainian forces. The UK Ministry of Defense has been releasing daily updates on the war based on intelligence information since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Three Dead and Nine Injured in Kurachove as a Result of Russian Missile Strike
The Russian military bombarded the town of Kurachove in the Donetsk Oblast with multiple rocket launchers, according to the head of the Donetsk region's military administration, Vadym Fillaschkin. As a result, at least three people were killed, and nine others were wounded. The attacks have not been verified independently.
Russian Forces Report Further Advance in Donetsk Region of Eastern Ukraine
Russian forces claim to have made progress in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, as announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense. They reported capturing the village of Wyjimka in the north of Donbass, near the Ukrainian-controlled city of Siwersk. However, the Ukrainian General Staff reported nine Russian assaults in this sector within the past 24 hours, all of which were unsuccessful. The situation has not yet been independently verified.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Proposes Revision to Nuclear Doctrine in Response to Western "Aggression"
Russia is reportedly moving forward with the revision of its nuclear weapons doctrine, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. The ongoing work is in response to the "escalation course of our western adversaries" in connection with the Ukraine conflict, he stated. This decision is part of Russia's efforts to safeguard its interests in the face of Western actions, which the Kremlin views as going too far.
Forty-One Injured in Kharkiv Air Strike, including Five Children
The number of injured in a Russian air strike on Kharkiv has risen to 41, including five children, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, quoting regional military leaders. The attack resulted in approximately ten explosions, damaging several civilian buildings, including a shopping center.
President Zelenskyy Appeals for Western Approval to Launch Attacks Deeper into Russian Territory
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called upon the West to authorize attacks on Russian targets beyond the country's borders, following recent Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities. Zelenskyy highlighted the need for Western support to fully defend and protect Ukrainian cities, including decisions on long-range attacks on Russian rocket launch sites, the destruction of Russian military logistics, and joint launches of rockets and drones. According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched 160 rockets, 780 guided or aerial bombs, and 400 combat drones against Ukraine within the past week.
Ukrainian Air Force Successfully Downs Eight of Eleven Shahed Drones
The Ukrainian air force reportedly downed eight of the eleven Shahed drones launched by Russian forces. The attack involved the use of a ballistic missile of the type Iskander-M from the Kursk region and 11 Shahed-131/136 drones from the Crimea's Cape Chauda, targeting Ukrainian territories in Mykolaiv and Sumy. The main objectives of the attack remain under investigation.
14:29 EU Countries Buy More Gas from Russia than US for the First Time in Nearly Two YearsFor the first time in nearly two years, EU countries purchased more gas from Russia than from the US during a quarter. Data from Bruegel indicates that EU countries bought around 12.7 billion cubic meters from Russia and 12.3 billion from the United States between April and June. Although imports from Russia slightly decreased compared to the first quarter of 2024, imports from the US decreased more significantly. The Welt newspaper reports on these statistics. Norway remains the leading gas supplier to the EU, providing 23.9 cubic meters in the second quarter. Before invading Ukraine in early 2022, Russia held this position, but numerous EU countries decreased their imports from the nation following the invasion. According to the German Statistical Office, Germany no longer imports any gas from Russia. Russia has moved into second place on the supplier list, just ahead of the US. The specific destinations of the gas imports are not disclosed in the data.
14:10 TASS: Fire in Moscow Oil Refinery Put OutThe fire that broke out at the Moscow oil refinery following a Ukrainian drone attack (see entry at 08:01) has been extinguished, according to information cited by the Russian state-run news agency TASS. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that several drone fragments impacted the facility, causing a fire in a "separate technical room." The Ukrainian military has targeted power plants in Russia with numerous drones, according to Russian reports.
13:36 Moscow Sees US as a Combatant in the WarThe US has become involved in the conflict through its supply of weapons to Ukraine, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Russian television. The relationship between Moscow and Washington is at its worst in decades, he added. Officially, Peskov maintained the stance that Russia has no preference in the US presidential election between Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Ukraine is receiving military aid from various Western countries, but it is not enough to significantly impact the military situation. All of Moscow's demands for an end to the war essentially amount to Ukraine's surrender.
13:19 Russia: Progress in Eastern Ukraine – Two Towns CapturedRussian forces have captured two towns in eastern Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Ptytsche and Vuhledar are now under Russian control, state-run Russian news agencies report, citing the ministry. Such claims regarding the fighting cannot be independently verified. Russian troops have been advancing on the eastern front for some time, reporting regular territorial gains.
12:48 Ukraine: Russian Troops Attack Grain ConvoyRussian troops attacked a convoy of trucks carrying grain during their attack on Sumy (see entry at 11:04), according to Ukrainian reports. The trucks were traveling between Sumy and Kharkiv when they were struck by rockets, the local prosecutor's office stated. A 23-year-old truck driver was killed. One truck caught fire, and 20 others were damaged. The Ukrainian air force initially suggested a strike against the logistics of the agricultural sector.
12:15 Governor of Tver: Power and Gas Supply Unchanged After AttackDespite a Ukrainian drone attack, the power and gas supply in the Tver region remains unchanged, according to the governor of Tver region, Igor Rudenya. Targets in the oblast located northwest of Moscow were hit by Ukrainian forces.
11:50 Adventure and Risk: War Tourism Growing in UkraineIn Ukraine, rockets can strike at any time of the day or night, anywhere. Nevertheless, Dmytro Nikiforov offers guided tours through former combat zones in Ukraine. Previously, he worked as a lawyer. Now, he organizes "War Tours" in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, including Bucha and Irpin. However, Nikiforov sees his work as more than just a commercial venture, aiming to "draw the world's attention to the war," as he told ntv.de author Thomas Schmoll in an interview. Participants are driven by a sense of adventure, desiring to see the harsh reality of war and understand what's happening, Nikiforov explains.
11:22 Zelenskyy: Russia Fired 780 Guided Bombs in Ukraine in a WeekIt is fully justified for Ukrainians to respond to Russian terror with all necessary means to put an end to it, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X. In the past week, Russia fired more than 160 rockets, approximately 780 guided bombs, and around 400 unmanned aerial vehicles of various types in Ukraine.
11:04 Ukraine: One Killed and Four Injured in Sumy AttackRussian artillery fire in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine claimed the life of one civilian and injured four others, according to Ukrainian authorities. "The Russians carried out 18 attacks on border areas and settlements in the Sumy region overnight and this morning, resulting in 47 explosions," local authorities reported on Telegram. Sumy borders the Russian Kursk Oblast, where thousands of Ukrainian soldiers entered on August 6.
10:28 Ukrainian Military Commander: Eastern Front Challenges IntenseUkrainian military commander Olexander Syrsky describes the situation at the eastern front as challenging. He mentioned that the situation is tough in the enemy's main attack area. Nevertheless, swift decisions are being made at all levels without delay, Syrsky reported on Telegram. During this week, he spent time at the eastern front near Pokrovsk, where fighting is particularly intense. The precise location of the Russian assault was not disclosed, but both Syrsky and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Russian forces targeted the strategically vital city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.
09:59 ISW: Russian Troops Struggle with Personnel and Equipment Shortages in UkraineAccording to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces are unable to fight at full strength in Ukraine due to shortages of personnel and equipment. ISW ascribes this problem to the Kremlin's inefficient war strategy, citing a report by a mobilized Russian soldier and military blogger who stated on Telegram in August that the Russian government failed to establish an efficient system for replacing losses and increasing reserves.
09:21 Ukraine Releases New Russian Troop Casualty FiguresThe Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures for Russian troop casualties in Ukraine. Since February 24, 2022, Russia has reportedly lost around 616,300 soldiers in Ukraine, with a daily loss of 1,340. According to the Kyiv report, ten tanks, 22 artillery systems, and 36 drones have been destroyed. Since the large-scale attack initiated, Russia has allegedly lost a total of 8,592 tanks, 17,636 artillery systems, 368 aircraft, 328 helicopters, 14,507 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates suggest lower casualty figures, but these are likely minimum values.
09:00 Russia: 158 Ukrainian Drone InterceptionsThe Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow reported that 158 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted and destroyed. Ukrainian troops launched a widespread drone attack on power plants and refineries, primarily impacting the Moscow region and Tver, which borders it to the north.
08:32 DeepState: Russians Progress in Eastern Donetsk RegionRussian forces reportedly advanced in the eastern Ukrainian area of Donetsk, according to analysts from the DeepState channel, which is close to the Ukrainian military. The Russians seized Paraskowijiwka in Donetsk and made further headway into three settlements: Kostyantynivka, Grodivka, and Halytsynivka.
08:01 Moscow Mayor: Oil Refinery Fire Post-AttackA fire erupted at the oil refinery in Moscow, as reported by the mayor of the Russian capital, Sergei Sobyanin, following a Ukrainian drone attack. Details are currently unavailable.
07:28 Deserted Ukrainian Border RegionIn almost every corner of the Russian-Ukrainian border region, the conflict has made its impact in recent years. Although the Ukrainian military has managed to retake territory beyond the Russian border, there are scarcely any inhabited villages remaining on the Ukrainian side.
07:03 Russia: Thwarting 'Widespread' Drone AttacksRussian authorities claimed to have repelled 'widespread' drone attacks on western Russia and an attack on Moscow, according to its own reports. The governor of the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, Alexander Bogomaz, stated that 26 drones (see entry 03:45) had been "tracked and destroyed" by Russian forces on Telegram.
06:23 Russia: Power Plant Drone Attack in Moscow RegionA power plant in Kaschirskaja, a district in the Moscow region, was attacked by Ukrainian drones, as reported by the head of the district, Mikhail Shvyalov, on Telegram. No one was harmed, and nothing was destroyed. There was no fire. Earlier, attacks on a power plant in Konakovo in the Tver region northwest of Moscow were reported.
05:40 Explosions Near Russian Konakovo Power PlantReports from various Russian Telegram channels suggest that loud explosions were heard near the Konakovo power plant in the Tver region northwest of Moscow. The power plant is one of the largest electricity producers in central Russia. The governor of the region confirmed five drones launched from Ukraine had been destroyed earlier, with no injuries or fires reported. Emergency services were on the scene.
04:54 Ziemiak: Federal Government Should Listen to Poland MoreCDU politician Paul Ziemiak urged the German federal government to show more engagement to strengthen relationships with Poland. In his opinion, "a weak Germany" is causing fear and apprehension among Poles today, rather than a strong one. Poland feels underserved by Germany in defense policy, he stated. The German government only bolstered support for Ukraine under pressure from neighboring nations, Ziemiak pointed out.
03:45 Russia: Drones Intercepted and DestroyedAs per Russian authorities' reports, their air defense has successfully intercepted and destroyed at least five drones over the Moscow area. In the border region of Bryansk, southwestern Russia, 26 drones were annihilated. More than ten drones were obliterated over the Voronezh region, and drones were also taken down in Kursk, Lipetsk, Ryazan, and Tula regions. The news was shared on Telegram by the governors of the affected regions. No reported damages or injuries were mentioned initially.
02:39 Russia: Unsuccessful Drone Attack on MoscowRussian air defense managed to destroy a drone making its approach towards Moscow, reported Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram. Preliminary findings suggest there were no injuries or damages from the drone attack.
01:39 Netherlands to Send Amphibious Armored Vehicles to KyivThe Netherlands will dispatch 28 amphibious armored vehicles of the Viking Bandvagn S10 type to Ukraine, announced Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the X platform. According to Brekelmans, the Dutch Marine Corps has trained Ukrainian soldiers to operate these vehicles. The Viking Bandvagn S10, featuring rubber tracks, is around 11 tons and can traverse all terrains, including water. "Ukraine urgently needs our help in its fight against the Russian aggressor. Our assistance to Ukraine continues to impede Russia," the minister wrote, without specifying the delivery date.
00:35 US General Criticizes Biden's Ukraine PolicyFormer US General Ben Hodges criticized the West's policy of forbidding Ukraine from attacking Russia. Hodges claimed at the Globsec Forum in Prague that the West lacked a "well-defined objective." Kiev recently intensified demands to lift the ban by invading the Russian region of Kursk. However, the White House has maintained its stance, despite some US politicians supporting Kiev's pleas. "This detrimental policy, which fortifies Russian airfields better than Ukrainian civilians, is a consequence of the absence of a clear objective," Hodges stated. According to the former US commander, the Biden administration is "falling short" in its primary task - establishing objectives.
23:25 Zelensky Requests Approval for Strikes on RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pressuring his allies to permit strikes on Russia. "Clearing the Ukrainian sky of Russian cruise missiles is essential to force Russia to seek an end to the war and a just peace," Zelensky said in his nightly address. "We require the authorization to fully protect Ukraine and Ukrainians. We need both the permission for long-range capabilities and long-range missiles and rockets." Without providing specifics, he mentioned that his emissaries conveyed relevant details to Ukraine's partners. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov informed US network CNN that Ukrainian cities attacked from Russian airfields were within reach of long-range weapons.
22:15 Estonia and Latvia Celebrate Russian Troop Withdrawal AnniversaryEstonia and Latvia honored the 30th anniversary of Russian troop withdrawal from the two Baltic states with commemorative events. More than 50 years after the Soviet Red Army's occupation, the last Russian troops exited the current EU and NATO member states on the evening of August 31, 1994. Presidents Alar Karis (Estonia) and Edgars Rinkēvičs (Latvia) honored the symbolic, political, and legal significance of the events three decades ago in Tallinn and Riga. They met with those involved in the withdrawal negotiations at the time, emphasizing that without the withdrawal, genuine independence or the path to EU and NATO membership in 2004 would not have been possible. Today, the Baltic states are among Ukraine's strongest allies in its defensive struggle against Russia. Concerns about becoming the next target of the Kremlin army increase as the conflict continues.
21:03 Ukrainian Kickboxing World Champion Killed in ActionRoman Holovatiuk, a 28-year-old kickboxing world champion, has been reportedly killed in action in Ukraine. The Committee for Youth and Sports of the Ukrainian Parliament confirmed this. Holovatiuk, hailing from Kamjanez-Podilskyj in western Ukraine, gained national and international recognition at 22 when he won a medal at the World Games in Poland in 2017. Following this, he continued his victorious career, becoming a Master of Sports in WAKO kickboxing, a World Games finalist, world champion, multiple winner of the World and European Cup, and multiple Ukrainian champion. After the Russian invasion in February 2022, he voluntarily joined the army.
- Following the recent increase in gas imports, the European Union bought more gas from Russia than from the US for the first time in nearly two years.
- Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, EU countries continue to import more gas from Russia than from any other nation, including the United States.
