At 10:10, Ukraine shares visuals highlighting their progress in Kursk
09:42 Multiple Drone Attacks Thwarted by Russian Forces in Various RegionsAccording to local authorities, Russian forces are reportedly putting up a fight against several Ukrainian air assaults in the western part of the country. In the Volgograd region, Governor Andrei Bocharov asserts that the majority of the drones were obliterated near the village of Marinovka (as mentioned in a previous entry at 07:30). In the border region of Kursk, Governor Alexei Smirnov reports that two Ukrainian rockets and a drone were taken down by Russian air defense. In the Rostov region, situated further south, Governor Vasily Golubev claims that an attack involving five drones was successfully warded off. Drones are also said to have been decimated in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Seeking Approval for Long-Range Weapons Against Russian Targets from USUkraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has convened with a bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. The ministry in Kyiv records that Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone discussed the current situation at the frontline and Washington's policy on utilizing long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. Umerov disclosed, "It's crucial that we swiftly secure permission from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia. This is all about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Campaign Launched for Mine-Clearing Robots by Star Wars Actor and ExpertUS actor Mark Hamill, famous for his "Star Wars" role as Luke Skywalker, is leading an initiative to raise funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. Alongside Eastern Europe specialist Timothy Snyder, they aim to secure $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can remove mines even in challenging areas, ensuring a safe distance between operators and potential danger spots. "Russia has committed one of its gravest offenses in Ukraine by scattering mines indiscriminately," Snyder stated. "In unoccupied zones near the front, there's a substantial risk for people who are helping others return to their farms and residences. Fortunately, these robots can clear mines and save lives." Mines are commonplace in Ukraine, and their removal could take several decades.
08:01 Kremlin Encourages Russians to Adapt to "New Reality"
The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a challenge for Moscow's propaganda machine. While the affected regions are distant, a source associated with the Kremlin informed the independent Russian online portal Meduza, based in Riga, "However, the incursion into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a novel and unsettling occurrence." To soothe the growing apprehension among the Russians in the wake of the Kursk invasion, the Kremlin is aiming to prepare the public for a "new reality" and a "new normal." The message is clear - the enemy has indeed entered Russian territory, and although they are nearing defeat, the restoration of the territory will take time, and Russians must remain patient. In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to transform their negative feelings and shock into constructive energy - such as by extending aid to the Kursk region. Officials interviewed by Meduza are confident that the conflict in Kursk could extend over several months. A high-ranking government source added that this forecast is "quite optimistic - assuming everything goes well."
07:30 Confirmation of Fire in Russian Military Facility by Governor
Russian authorities have acknowledged that a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd has suffered damage due to a Ukrainian drone attack. Governor Andrei Bocharov announced through Telegram that the drone had struck the facility. No casualties were reported. Bocharov did not specify which military facility was targeted, but he mentioned that the village of Marinovka was targeted as well, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Former Security Advisor: Putin's Influence over Trump Near-Hypnotic
According to former US National Security Advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin was successful in controlling former US President Donald Trump. This is detailed in McMaster's book "Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World," as reported by the "Guardian." McMaster disclosed, "Putin, a seasoned former KGB agent, played upon Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery." Putin labeled Trump as "an exceptionally gifted person, beyond a shadow of a doubt." McMaster served as Trump's national security advisor for approximately a year and had reportedly cautioned Trump, stating, "Mr. President, he is an outstanding liar." McMaster warned that Putin was confident that he could "manipulate" Trump and facilitate a relaxation of sanctions as well as a low-cost withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of Fire at Russian Airbase in Volgograd
Explosions were reportedly heard in Russian Kalach-on-Don city, located in the Volgograd region, overnight. Various Russian Telegram channels attribute these explosions to a drone attack. A fire is said to have occurred at a nearby airbase. The region of Volgograd is approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The target is believed to be the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, around 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing at least six to ten loud explosions accompanied by drone noises, as per Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany Might Provide Extra Aid to Ukraine if NecessarySPD leader Lars Klingbeil has expressed his readiness to provide additional support for Ukraine. If it proves impossible to release the planned billions from Russia's frozen assets to Ukraine, Germany might step in with additional funds, Klingbeil stated in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We shouldn't reach a point where we say, 'Now there's no more money for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil emphasized. "In that case, we're obviously obligated to look for funds within Germany. We have a responsibility towards Ukraine. We'll find solutions, and we'll make them happen."
04:27 Ukraine Discusses Targets of Overnight Drone Strikes in RussiaThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has shared information about the targets of the overnight drone strikes in Russia. These strikes were aimed at Moscow's Ostafyevo airport, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, as stated by HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow to the military news outlet "The War Zone". Around 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being evaluated. Russian authorities reported downing 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
03:09 Bulletproof Vests and Helmets for Poll Workers in Kursk ElectionsFor the early regional elections in the contested Russian border region of Kursk, Russia plans to provide poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets. Moreover, extra polling stations will be set up in other parts of the country for people who have fled the region, mentioned 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 regions of Russia from September 6 to 8. Citizens in border regions, including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk, are allowed to vote early.
01:34 Fico Feels Pressured in Foreign Policy OpinionsSlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico denounces feeling under pressure in the opinions of Western democracies. He explains that those who deviate from the consensus on important foreign policy issues are "arbitrarily subjected to pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. In a statement released on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico refers to the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" by Warsaw Pact troops and compares it to the pressure he perceives in modern Europe. Fico is against the EU's military aid to Ukraine and faces accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country over the course of a day. Of these, 44 were repelled, the General Staff reports. At 9 PM CET, fighting is still ongoing at the other two sections. 238 Russian soldiers were reportedly killed or wounded in the clashes. Information about Ukrainian losses is not provided. Russia has yet to comment.
23:09 Alleged Ukrainian Incursion into Bryansk Prevented by RussiaRussia asserts that it has thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, adjacent to Kursk. According to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, the incursion of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was prevented by the Russian FSB security service and units of the Russian army. "The enemy was hit by fire," Bogomaz stated. The situation is now "under control."
22:15 Zelensky Hopes for Promised Aid to Ukraine from the WestUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses his hope for the quick allocation of the billions in aid promised by the West, including funds from Russia's frozen state assets. While there have been numerous political promises, more concrete actions are expected, Zelensky says in his daily video address. "But we need a practical mechanism." Ukraine relies on the earnings from Russia's frozen assets to counter Russian aggression. "The relevant negotiations have been ongoing for too long, and we need solutions now." The G7 countries agreed on new financial aid for Kyiv at their summit in June, with a generous loan of $50 billion to be secured by interest earnings from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Praise Trade Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin applauds the strengthening cooperation with China, stating that "our trade relations are advancing well" and that "both governments pay close attention to trade and economic relations, which is bearing fruit." Putin highlights that China and Russia have "large-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian spheres." Li Qiang, the Chinese premier, claims that China-Russia relations are at an "unprecedented high level," according to the Kremlin. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has deepened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with China serving as a major trading partner for Russia amid Western sanctions.
21:20 Declined: Ex-Russian Deputy Defense Minister continues incarcerationThe former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov, under investigation for alleged corruption, will continue to stay behind bars. His petition for conditional release and his challenge to his apprehension have been turned down, as reported by the state agency TASS. Bulgakov, who was in charge of procuring supplies for the Russian military prior to his ousting, is the subject of these accusations. The Moscow court also ordered the incarceration of two suspected associates of Bulgakov. Their company, it's been claimed, secured nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, resulting in approximately 50 million rubles (equivalent to 500,000 euros) in damages.
21:00 Ukraine bolsters units in PokrovskAs per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is strengthening its forces in the highly contentious region of Pokrovsk situated in the east of the country. He made this announcement during a televised address, stating their awareness of Russian troop movements in the area. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian advance in the Russian oblast of Kursk appears to be ongoing, Zelensky mentioned. While some territories have fallen under Ukrainian control, he declined to provide more specifics.
20:41 Post-decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary forced out of refugee sheltersFollowing the implementation of a decree in Hungary that rejects general protection status for Ukrainian refugees, many are now facing the risk of losing their shelters. Already, private refugee shelters have started kicking out Ukrainians, according to Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, predominantly Roma women and children hailing from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, where there's a significant Hungarian minority, were escorted out of a guesthouse under police supervision.
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The President of the Council may need to address the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine due to the multiple drone attacks thwarted by Russian forces in various regions. In the ongoing talks between Ukraine's Defense Minister and a bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives, the need for approvals for long-range weapons against Russian targets was discussed. The President of the Council could potentially play a role in facilitating these approvals or advocating for a stronger response from the international community.
Following the confirmation of a fire at a Russian military facility in the Volgograd region due to a Ukrainian drone attack, the President of the Council could lead international investigations to establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable. This could help deter future attacks and restore confidence in regional security mechanisms.
