artillery assault on Kharkiv escalates, injury count climbs to 47
Following a substantial Russian aerial assault on Kharkiv, the number of wounded continues to escalate. As per the Ukrainian state emergency service on Telegram, 47 individuals have been injured, which includes 7 children. Various civilian structures, including a shopping center, were impacted, as confirmed by photographs from news agencies.
21:52 Helicopter Crash at Ukrainian University Claims Two LivesTwo lives have been claimed in a helicopter crash at the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University in Ukraine. The state news agency Ukrinform reveals that the Mi-2 helicopter was undergoing a training exercise. The university's official Facebook page indicates this, as revealed by Ukrinform. "Our university endures an irreparable loss - the two-member crew has perished," the Facebook post reads. Investigators, experts, and Ministry of Defense officials are presently examining the crash site. The reasons behind the crash remain unclear.
21:06 Power Outages in Ukraine Due to Russian Attacks on Energy GridUkraine will experience multiple power outages on Monday as a result of Russia's large-scale assaults on the nation's energy infrastructure, Ukrenergo reports, as reported by Ukrinform. The provision of essential infrastructure will not be affected. However, Ukrenergo cautions that the range of restrictions may be subject to change.
20:24 Zelensky on Russian Territory Attacks: "A Terrorist State Must Feel the Brunt of War"In his evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discusses the recent attacks on Russian territory. "A terrorist state must feel the reality of war," he writes. He believes that long-range capabilities are "the key to ending the war," thereby his country continues to work towards ensuring that "as many Russian military facilities, logistics facilities, and critical facilities of their military-industrial complex as possible" fall within the range of Ukrainian weapons. Zelensky expressed gratitude to all individuals involved in the development and manufacturing of Ukrainian drones.
20:01 Majority of Poles in Survey Support Shooting Down Russian Drones in Polish AirspaceAccording to a survey published by the Polish newspaper "Rzeczpospolita," a significant majority of Poles advocate for the Polish military to shoot down Russian drones that invade Polish airspace during air strikes on Ukraine, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." The survey was conducted following an unknown aerial object, suspected to be a Shahed kamikaze drone, which flew over Poland for over 30 minutes before disappearing on August 26. The next day, Polish Brigadier General Tomasz Drewniak informed Radio RMF24 that Russia was likely testing Poland's air defense system by sending drones into Polish airspace.
19:34 Swiss Security Experts Suggest Revision of Neutrality Policy
A group of Swiss government experts recommends revising the country's long-held neutrality to enhance military cooperation with NATO and the European Union. The report, obtained by "Politico," proposes this step in response to escalating security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The working group of the Swiss Defense Ministry also identifies that Switzerland is facing increasing pressure to clarify its neutral stance, both domestically and internationally. The neutrality policy goes back to 1515. The panel is chaired by Wolfgang Ischinger, former head of the Munich Security Conference.
18:58 Over 90 Encounters with Russian Forces by Ukrainian TroopsSince dawn, there have been 91 confrontations between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The Ukrainian General Staff reports this and describes the situation as challenging. "Our defense forces are making every effort to thwart the offensive plans of the Russian aggressor and destroy its personnel and military equipment," the report states.
18:22 Ukrainian Commander: Russia's Losses in August Approximately 36,810 SoldiersThe Russian army's losses in Ukraine during August amounted to nearly 36,810 soldiers, according to the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces, Oleksandr Pavliuk, as reported by Ukrinform. According to him, Ukrainian forces also destroyed a significant amount of enemy weapons and military equipment last month: Russia lost 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 cannot be independently verified. Moscow itself remains silent about its own losses in Ukraine.
17:44 Russian Ground Troops Intensify Advance on PokrovskRussian ground troops are progressively advancing on Pokrovsk, a heavily contested city in eastern Ukraine, according to a report from British intelligence experts. "Russian ground troops are likely within 10 kilometers of the city's outskirts," it states. The experts predict that the advance will slow down once ground troops encounter urban areas surrounding the city. Pokrovsk serves as a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian troops. "If it is captured, it would likely extend existing supply routes and further complicate the situation for Ukrainian forces," the report concludes. The UK's Ministry of Defense has been reporting daily information on the war's progress based on intelligence since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
16:43 Russian Military Makes Gains in DonbassRussian forces assert they've progressed farther in the eastern Ukrainian district of Donetsk. Russia's Ministry of Defense announced the seizure of the town of Vyhynka in Donbass' northern region, near the Ukrainian-controlled city of Sieversk. Ukrainian military officials have reported nine Russian assault attempts on this front line since yesterday, including at Vyhynka, but claim they were repelled. Neither claim has been independently confirmed at this point. Russia also claims to have made headway in its primary offensive direction on the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.
16:20 Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: Nuclear Policy to be Revised Due to "Aggressive Behavior" of Western AlliesSources suggest the Russian government is further advancing its previously announced revision of its nuclear policy. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state news agency TASS that the process is well underway and there is a clear intention to make alterations. This decision is linked to "the aggressive behavior" of their Western opponents in connection with the Ukraine conflict, Ryabkov stated. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned in an interview that the West is "overstepping its boundaries" and Russia will take measures to protect its interests. The US and its allies label this move as an act of aggression by Russia, while supporting Ukraine in its defense efforts. The current Russian nuclear policy allows for the use of nuclear weapons if Russia's sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened.
15:54 Casualties Rise in Kharkiv After Russian AttackThe casualty count in Kharkiv has reached 41 following a Russian airstrike. Five children are among the injured, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, citing the regional military administration. Russian military forces reportedly struck Kharkiv with missiles, resulting in about ten explosions. Several civilian structures, including a shopping center, have been impacted.
15:21 Zelenskyy Urges Western Backing for Strikes Deeper within Russian TerritoryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his request for Western approval to utilize weapons from the West for strikes deep into Russian territory following recent Russian airstrikes. In a post on Telegram, he explains that additional support is needed to fully defend and protect Ukrainian cities. This includes authorization for long-range strikes on Russian rocket launch sites, the destruction of Russian military logistics, and joint launches of rockets and drones. Zelenskyy highlights that Russia deployed 160 missiles, 780 guided or aerial bombs, and 400 combat drones against Ukraine over the past week alone.
15:03 Ukrainian Air Force Intercepts Eight of Eleven Shahed DronesThe Ukrainian air force claims to have shot down 24 Russian drones. Russian forces launched a ballistic missile of the type Iskander-M from the Kursk region and 11 Shahed-131/136 drones from the Crimea towards Ukrainian targets. According to the Ukrainian air force, eight of the drones were successfully downed. The primary targets were the Ukrainian regions of Mykolaiv and Sumy.
14:45 Kharkiv Suffers Another Russian Airstrike, Leaving 28 InjuredFollowing the attacks of Russian air forces, the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine has sustained further harm. According to local authorities, a rocket attack has resulted in 28 injuries. The six-year-old child is among those affected, as reported by Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terechow. Governor of the Kharkiv Oblast, Oleh Sinehubov, also confirmed the incident. After recent attacks, Kharkiv has seen numerous casualties.
14:29 EU Countries Import More Gas from Russia than the USFor the first time in almost two years, EU nations have imported more gas from Russia than from the US in a quarter. Data from the Brussels-based consultancy Bruegel reveals that EU countries imported approximately 12.7 billion cubic meters from Russia and 12.3 billion from the US between April and June. Although Russian deliveries have marginally decreased compared to the first quarter of 2024, American imports plummeted more dramatically. The World covers this development. Norway remains the largest gas provider to the EU, with 23.9 billion cubic meters in the second quarter. Before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia held this position, but many EU nations reduced their imports from the country afterwards. Germany no longer imports any gas from Russia, according to data from the German Statistical Office. Russia has now taken second place in the list of suppliers, barely surpassing the US. The destination countries are not specified in the data.
13:36 Moscow Views US as a Combatant in the ConflictThe United States has transitioned into a combatant role in the dispute due to their weapon deliveries to Ukraine, as stated by Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov on Russian television. As a result, relations between Moscow and Washington have reached a level of deterioration not seen in decades. Despite his statement, Peskov claims Russia holds no preference toward the US presidential election between Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Ukraine receives military aid from numerous Western nations, but the assistance fails to significantly shift the war's outcome in its favor. All Russian requests for a ceasefire ultimately amount to Ukraine surrendering.
13:19 East Ukraine: Two Villages Seized by Russian ForcesRussian troops have reportedly taken control of two villages in eastern Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. State-run Russian news outlets report Ptytsche and Vuhledar to be under Russian control, citing the ministry. Confirmation of these accounts on the battlefield is impossible. Russian troops have been advancing in the eastern sector for some time, routinely announcing territorial advances.
12:48 Ukraine: Russian Troops Assault Grain Convoy
Russian soldiers have reportedly attacked a grain transport convoy en route from Sumy to Kharkiv as part of their assault on the region, according to Ukrainian sources. The driver of one truck was killed, while another truck caught fire, and 20 others were damaged. Initially, the Ukrainian air force suggested logistics in the agricultural sector were targeted.
12:15 Tver Region Power Supply Secure Despite Ukrainian StrikesThe governor of Tver, Igor Rudenya, claims that the region's power and gas supply remain uninterrupted despite Ukrainian attacks using drones. Damages occurred in the Tver Oblast, situated northwest of Moscow, but the infrastructure was not seriously harmed.
11:50 War Tourism Surges in Ukraine
In the midst of war, guided tours through former battlefields are now available in Ukraine. Prior to the conflict, Dmytro Nikiforov served as a lawyer. However, he has since transitioned to organizing tours in Kyiv and its surroundings, including Bucha and Irpin. Despite the risks associated with the ongoing war, these tours are driven by the thrill of adventure and a desire for firsthand exposure to the harsh realities of the conflict.
11:22 Zelenskyy: Russia Launches Over 1,100 Guided Bombs in Ukraine Within a WeekVolodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, justified the Ukrainians' response to Russian terror with all necessary means to impede it. In the last week, Russia has launched over 160 rockets, approximately 780 guided bombs, and approximately 400 unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine.
11:04 Sumy Region: One Killed, Four Injured
A civilian was killed, and four others were injured due to Russian artillery shelling in the Sumy region of eastern Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports. Russian forces conducted 18 attacks on border areas and settlements in the Sumy region overnight and in the morning, resulting in 47 explosions.
10:28 Eastern Front Challenges for Ukrainian Forces
The Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledged the complex situation on the eastern front. He assured that immediate decisions are being made to address the ongoing conflict in the direction of the enemy's primary attack. He spent time this week near the city of Pokrovsk, where intense fighting is taking place. Syrskyi did not specify the exact location of the Russian offensive, but he and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Russian forces targeted the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk Oblast.
09:59 ISW: Russian Forces Struggle with Personnel and Equipment ShortagesAccording to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops lack the necessary personnel and equipment to operate at full strength in Ukraine. This is believed to be due to the inefficient policies of the Russian government. The ISW references a report by a mobilized Russian soldier and military blogger who stated that the Russian government had not established an effective mobilization system to replace lost personnel and add to reserves.
09:21 Ukrainian General Staff Reveals Russian Casualty FiguresThe Ukrainian General Staff has released new casualty statistics for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to their report, Russia has sustained approximately 616,300 soldier losses since February 24, 2022, with an average daily loss of 1,340. The report from Kyiv also indicates that ten tanks, 22 artillery systems, and 36 drones have been destroyed since the commencement of the large-scale assault. Since the start of the attack, Russia has reportedly lost 8,592 tanks, 17,636 artillery systems, 368 aircraft, 328 helicopters, 14,507 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, as per Ukraine's account. Western assessments suggest lower figures, but these are likely to be underestimates.
09:00 Russia: 158 Ukrainian Drones Blown Up
Russia's air defense systems have disintegrated a total of 158 Ukrainian drones, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow (see entries 07:03 and 03:45). The Ukrainian military launched a broad drone assault, primarily impacting the Moscow region and Tver, which borders it to the north.
08:32 Backroom Buzz: Russians Make Gains in Donetsk Region
Russian forces are reportedly making progress in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, according to experts from the Backroom Buzz group, which has connections to the Ukrainian military. The Russians have seized Paraskowijiwka in the Donetsk region and have entered three more settlements: Kostyantynivka, Grodivka, and Halytsynivka.
08:01 Mayor Speaks: Fire at Moscow Oil Refinery After Attack
A fire has started at the oil refinery in Moscow, as stated by the mayor of the Russian capital, Sergei Sobyanin. This came after a Ukrainian drone assault. At the moment, further details are not available.
07:28 Ghost Towns: Ukrainian Border Region Becoming More Empty
In nearly every part of the border region between Russia and Ukraine, the war has made its presence known over the past years. While the Ukrainian military can successfully advance just behind the Russian border, there are barely any inhabited villages left on the Ukrainian side.
07:03 Russia: Major Drone Attacks Repelled, Claims Own Reports
Russia claims to have fended off "major" drone attacks on western Russia and an attack on the capital, Moscow, according to its own reports. "Our forces are repelling a massive drone attack on the territory of the Bryansk region," explained the governor of the region bordering Ukraine, Alexander Bogomaz, on Telegram. More than 26 drones (see entry 03:45) have reportedly been "identified and destroyed" by the Russian military.
06:23 Russia: Another Drone Attack on a Power PlantA power plant in Kaschirskaya, a district in the Moscow region, is said to have been targeted by Ukrainian drones. This was reported by the head of the district, Mikhail Shuvalov, on Telegram. No one was harmed. According to Shuvalov, nothing was destroyed, and no fire broke out. Previously, attacks on the Konakovo power plant in the Tver region northwest of Moscow were reported.
05:40 Booms Heard Near Russian Power Plant in TverBased on reports from various Russian Telegram channels, loud booms were heard nearby the Konakovo power plant in the Tver region northwest of Moscow. The power plant is one of the largest electricity producers in central Russia. Earlier, the governor of the region reported the destruction of five drones launched from Ukraine. There were no casualties. Emergency services are on the scene.
04:54 Ziemiak: Germany Should Listen More to PolandCDU politician Paul Ziemiak is urging the German government to show more commitment to strengthening relations with Poland. "It's not a powerful Germany that makes the Poles fear today - it's a weak one," the chairman of the German-Polish Parliamentary Group told the portal web.de. Poland believes it is not being sufficiently heard by Germany, especially in defense policy. "Germany has erred in the past and only agreed to stronger support for Ukraine under pressure from neighboring states," he said.
03:45 Russia: More Drones DefeatedAccording to Russian officials, Russian air defense has taken down at least five drones over the Moscow area. 26 drones were reportedly defeated over the border region of Bryansk in southwestern Russia, more than ten over the Voronezh region, and others over the Kursk, Lipetsk, Ryazan, and Tula regions. This was announced by the governors of the affected regions on Telegram. Preliminary information suggests no damage or injuries.
02:39 Russia: Drone Attack on Moscow Turned BackAccording to the mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defense has eliminated a drone heading towards Moscow. Initial information indicates that there were no injuries or damage in the drone attack.
01:39 Netherlands to Provide 28 Amphibious Armored Vehicles to KyivThe Netherlands will deliver 28 amphibious armored vehicles of the Viking Bandvagn S10 type to Ukraine. This was announced by the Dutch Minister of Defense, Ruben Brekelmans, on the X platform. According to Brekelmans, the Dutch Marine Corps has trained Ukrainian soldiers in handling these vehicles. The Viking Bandvagn S10, with rubber tracks, weighs about 11 tons and can traverse all types of surfaces, including water. "Ukraine urgently needs our assistance in the fight against the Russian aggressor. Our support for Ukraine continues to keep Russia at bay," the minister wrote. He did not specify the delivery date.
00:35 Retired US General Slams Biden's Ukraine PolicyFormer US General Ben Hodges criticizes the West's policy of barring Ukraine from attacking Russia. The West has no "clear objective," Hodges said at the Globsec Forum in Prague, as reported by the "Kyiv Independent." Kyiv's recent incursion into the Russian region of Kursk increased pressure to lift the ban, but the White House has not changed its position, despite some US politicians supporting Kyiv's demands. "This terrible policy, which actually protects Russian airfields better than Ukrainian civilians, reflects the fact that we have no clear objective," Hodges said. According to the former US commander, the Biden administration is failing "in its most important task - namely, what we are aiming to achieve."
11:25 Zelensky Advocates for Authorization to Strike RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ramping up efforts to obtain approval for strikes on Russia. "Ridding the Ukrainian sky of Russian cruise missiles is a crucial action to persuade Russia into stopping the war and pursuing a fair peace agreement," Zelensky stated in his nightly video address. "We require the means to effectively and thoroughly safeguard Ukraine and its citizens. We necessitate both the approval for long-range capabilities and long-range missiles and rockets." Without providing specifics, he indicated that his delegates had conveyed all necessary details to Ukraine's allies. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov informed US broadcaster CNN that they had demonstrated to partners that the Russian airfields used to attack Ukrainian cities fall within the range of long-range weapons.
20:15 Estonia and Latvia Celebrate 30 Years of Russian Troop ExitEstonia and Latvia celebrated the 30th anniversary of Russian troop departure from the two Baltic nations with ceremonial events. More than half a century after occupation by the Soviet Red Army, the final Russian troops departed from the current EU and NATO members on August 31, 1994, at night. In Tallinn and Riga, Presidents Alar Karis (Estonia) and Edgars Rinkevics (Latvia) honored the symbolic, political, and legal implications of the events that transpired three decades ago. Without the troop withdrawal, neither true independence nor the path to EU and NATO membership in 2004 would have been achievable, the two leaders emphasized at meetings with those involved in the withdrawal negotiations with Russia. Today, the Baltic nations stand among Ukraine's most ardent supporters in its defensive battle against Russia. Fears have intensified in the region since the outbreak of the war that they could be the next target of the Kremlin army.
19:03 Ukrainian Kickboxing World Champion Perishes on BattlefieldUkrainian kickboxing world champion Roman Holovatiuk, aged 28, was killed in action in Ukraine. The Committee for Youth and Sports of the Ukrainian Parliament confirmed this information. Holovatiuk hails from Kamjanez-Podilskyj in western Ukraine. At the age of 22, he gained national and international acclaim when he won a medal at the World Games in Poland in 2017. He then continued his successful career and was awarded the Master of Sports title in WAKO kickboxing. He also became a finalist at the World Games, world champion, multiple winner of the World and European Cup, and multiple Ukrainian champion. Following the Russian invasion in February 2022, he voluntarily joined the army.
You can find earlier developments here.
The President of the Council expressed concern over the escalating power outages in Ukraine due to Russian attacks on the energy grid, urging immediate measures to mitigate the impacts.In the aftermath of the helicopter crash at the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, the President of the Council offered condolences and support to the grieving families of the two crew members.
