At 10:10, Russia has placed its bets on an already constructed shelter in Kursk.
In the border area of Kursk, Russia, authorities are establishing concrete shelters for the populace. As per regional governor Alexei Smirnov's statement on Telegram, "Under my command, the Kursk city administration has specified central sites for setting up modular prefabricated bunkers." These bunkers are being constructed in bustling areas such as 60 bus stops. Smirnov shares a photo of a truck delivering one of the modules. Moreover, bunkers are also being installed in two other locations including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is situated. Russia alleges Ukraine of planning an attack on the facility, which Ukraine refutes.
10:10 Ukraine releases footage of progress in KurskUkraine reports over 40 assaults by Russian troops near the city of Pokrovsk. The majority of these attacks have been repelled. President Zelensky guarantees reinforcement of troops in the area. Furthermore, the advance in the Kursk region persists.
09:42 Russia reports drones in numerous regionsThe Russian military is supposedly warding off multiple Ukrainian air attacks in the western part of the country. Volgograd regional governor Andrei Bocharov, as per Telegram statements, states "most drones were destroyed" in an attack near the village of Marinovka (refer to 07:30 entry). In the Kursk border region, regional governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were destroyed by Russian air defense." In the Rostov region further south, governor Vasily Golubev reports that an attack involving five drones was "thwarted." Drones are also said to have been destroyed in Russia's Voronezh and Bryansk regions.
09:09 Long-range weapons against Russian targets: Kyiv seeks US approvalUkraine's defense minister Rustem Umerov meets with a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. According to a statement released by the Ukrainian ministry, Republican representative Rob Wittman and Democratic representative David Trone discuss the situation at the frontline and US policy regarding the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. "I emphasized that we need immediate approval from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets," Umerov mentioned. "It's about protecting our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars actor initiates fundraisingUS actor Mark Hamill, renowned for his role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, is collecting funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. Together with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, they aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can clear mines even in remote locations, away from the operators. "One of the worst atrocities that Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines," Snyder revealed. "I have visited unoccupied regions near the frontline where people take risks to aid others in returning to their yards and homes. With these robots, mines can be cleared, saving lives." Ukraine is extensively contaminated with mines, their removal could take several decades.
08:01 Kremlin seems to be preparing Russians for "new reality"
The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a challenge for Moscow's propaganda. Although the regions are far away, a Kremlin-linked source informs the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "However, even the penetration into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and very unpleasant event." To soothe the now palpably more anxious mood, the Kremlin is attempting to prepare the Russians for life in a "new reality" and "new normality." The message is: The adversary has indeed entered Russian territory, it is on the brink of defeat - but the retrieval of the territory will take time, and the Russians must endure. In the interim, residents are encouraged to "direct negativity and shock in a positive direction" - namely by donating aid supplies for the Kursk region. In general, all officials interviewed by Meduza anticipate that the fighting in the Kursk region could continue for several months. A government-linked source specifies that this estimate is "quite optimistic - if everything proceeds smoothly."
07:30 Russian governor confirms fire at military facilityRussian authorities have verified news that a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd was set ablaze following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov posted on Telegram that the drone crashed into the facility. Casualties were not reported. Bocharov did not specify which facility was involved. He declared, however, that the village of Marinovka was targeted in the attack, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Former security advisor: Putin had profound influence on TrumpFormer US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, contends that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin successfully manipulated former US President Donald Trump. This is reported in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as shared by the "Guardian." "Putin, a cunning ex-KGB man, played on Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster is cited as stating. Putin regarded Trump as 'a truly exceptional person, gifted beyond doubt.' Putin had an almost hypnotic influence on Trump, according to McMaster, who served as Trump's security advisor for around a year. McMaster had reportedly warned Trump: "Mr. President, he's the world's best liar." He suggested that Putin was confident he could "play" with Trump and achieve easing of sanctions and a low-cost withdrawal of US forces from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Fire at Russian Airbase in Volgograd ReportedReports of explosions were heard during the night in Kalach-on-Don, a city located in the Volgograd region of Russia. These explosions are believed to be the result of a drone attack, as suggested by various Russian news sources via Telegram. It is mentioned that a fire had occurred at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is situated approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. It's suggested that the intended target might have been the Marinovka airbase located in the village of Oktyabrsky, around 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing between 6 to 10 loud explosions, accompanied by distinctive drone sounds, as reported by Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany Will Provide Additional Ukraine Aid if NeededLars Klingbeil, leader of the SPD, has pledged additional support to Ukraine. If it is not possible to provide the planned billions from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany will provide additional funds, as stated in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. Klingbeil emphasizes that it wouldn't be acceptable if a point were reached where funding for Ukraine was exhausted, and then it was said that "there's no more money for Ukraine." In such a scenario, "we, of course, would be obligated to look for funding sources within Germany," he added. "We have a responsibility towards Ukraine, and solutions will be found. We will find them."
04:27 Ukraine's Military Comments on Overnight Drone Strikes in RussiaThe Ukrainian military intelligence service, HUR, has responded to the overnight drone strikes in Russia. They believe the targets were Moscow's Ostafyevo airport, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center. Chiwi Rylo Budanow, head of HUR, shared this information with military news site "The War Zone." It is estimated that about 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is still being assessed. Russian authorities reported shooting down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
03:09 Bulletproof Vests and Helmets for Poll Workers in KurskIn the disputed Russian border region of Kursk, Russia has announced plans to equip poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets for upcoming regional elections. Additionally, extra polling stations will be set up in other parts of the country for people who have fled the region, according to Tatiana Malakhova, head of the regional election commission, as reported by Russian news agencies. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled in numerous Russian regions from September 6 to 8.
01:34 Fico Under Pressure from Western DemocraciesSlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico protests against the perceived political pressure exerted on him by Western democracies. He accuses those who deviate from the consensus on major foreign policy issues of being subjected to arbitrary pressure and threats of isolation by Western democracies. In a statement marking the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico draws parallels between the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" by Warsaw Pact troops and what he perceives as current political pressure in Europe. Fico is criticized for opposing EU arms aid for Ukraine and is labeled as pro-Russian.
00:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks near PokrovskUkraine reports a series of 46 Russian attacks in the vicinity of the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country within a 24-hour period. Out of these attacks, 44 were repelled, while fighting continued at the remaining two sectors as of 21:00 CET. No details on Ukrainian losses were provided.
23:09 Alleged Ukrainian Incursion into Bryansk Thwarted by RussiaRussia claims to have successfully thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk region, which borders Kursk. The alleged incursion by the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was repelled by Russian FSB security service forces and army units, as reported by Bryansk governor Alexander Bogomaz. He mentioned that the enemy was met with fire, and the situation is currently under control.
22:15 Zelensky Hopes for Swift Aid Promise DisbursementUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hope for the prompt delivery of promised aid from the West, including funds from frozen Russian state assets. While there have been numerous political announcements regarding Ukraine's assistance from partner nations, there is a need for swift implementation, as stated by Zelensky in his daily video address. He emphasizes the need for a practical mechanism for disbursing the funds. Ukraine requires these funds to combat Russian aggression, as the conversations to obtain them have been ongoing for an excessive amount of time.
21:52 Putin Appreciates Deepened Cooperation with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin expresses appreciation for the strengthened cooperation between Russia and China. "Our trade relations are thriving (...). The attention that both governments pay to trade and economic relations is bearing fruit," Putin says during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. Putin further highlights the extensive joint plans and projects between Russia and China in the economic and humanitarian sectors. Li asserts that China-Russia relations are at an "unprecedented high level," according to Kremlin reports. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a significant trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Request declined: Russia's ex-deputy defense minister continues in custodyThe ex-Russian deputy defense minister, Dmitri Bulgakov, alleged for corruption, will keep staying in detention. His petition for release under close supervision at home and his protest against imprisonment have been turned down, as reported by the state news agency TASS. Bulgakov was previously in charge of acquiring military equipment prior to his dismissal. Furthermore, the Moscow court also ordered the detention of two suspected associates of Bulgakov. It's claimed that their company received nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, causing financial losses of approximately 50 million rubles (around 500,000 euros).
21:00 Ukraine beefs up forces in PokrovskAs per President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is strengthening its forces in the intensely disputed region of Pokrovsk in the country's east. In a televised address, he confirmed their knowledge of the intentions of the Russian troops in the area. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian progress in the Russian region of Kursk carries on, Zelensky mentioned. Certain regions are now under Ukrainian control, but he neglected to supply specifics.
20:41 Post-decree: Several Ukrainians in Hungary face expulsion from refugee sheltersFollowing the activation of a decree in Hungary that denies general refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians there now face the risk of losing their lodgings. Private refugee shelters have already commenced evicting Ukrainians, according to Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, roughly 120 refugees, primarily Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, where there's a significant Hungarian minority, were forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision.
Recap all earlier events here.
Sentence 1: The European Union has been closely monitoring the situation in Kursk, with concerns over Russia's allegations of Ukrainian attacks on their nuclear power plant.
Sentence 2: In a joint statement, EU leaders expressed their support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and warned against any escalation of conflict, urging both sides to resolve their differences peacefully within the framework of international law.
