At 10:41, Russia is placing its faith in a pre-prepared bunker located in Kursk
In the border region of Kursk, Russia, authorities are constructing concrete shelters for the populace. As per regional governor Alexei Smirnov's instructions, the Kursk city administration has identified central spots for erecting prefabricated, modular bunkers. These shelters are being built at bustling locations such as 60 bus stops. Smirnov shared a photo of a truck delivering one of these units on Telegram. Additionally, bunkers are being installed in two other areas, including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is situated. Russia alleges that Ukraine plans to attack the facility, which Ukraine denies.
Ukraine discloses advancement in KurskUkraine records over 40 assaults by Russian troops in the frontline near the city of Pokrovsk, almost all of which were thwarted. President Zelensky vows to reinforce the troops in the area. Furthermore, the offensive in the Kursk region persists.
Russia reports drones in multiple regionsThe Russian military repels several Ukrainian air attacks in the western part of the country, according to official reports. In the Kursk border region, two Ukrainian missiles and a drone are reportedly downed by Russian air defense, according to governor Alexei Smirnov. In the Rostov region further south, governor Vasily Golubev reports that an attack with five drones is "defeated". Drones are also said to have been brought down in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
Ukraine seeks US permission for long-range weapons against Russian targetsUkraine's defense minister Rustem Umerov meets with a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. According to the ministry in Kyiv, Republican representative Rob Wittman and Democratic representative David Trone discuss the situation on the front and Washington's policy on the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. "I emphasized that we must immediately receive permission from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," said Umerov. "It's about protecting our peaceful cities and villages."
Mark Hamill and Timothy Snyder launch campaig for mine-clearing robots for UkraineAmerican actor Mark Hamill, renowned for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars", is rallying funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. In collaboration with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, they aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can remove mines from hard-to-reach locations at a distance from the operators. "One of the worst crimes Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines," said Snyder. "I've visited unoccupied areas near the front where individuals have to take risks to help others return to their gardens and homes. Thanks to these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives can be saved." Ukraine is extensively contaminated with mines, their removal could take decades.
Kremlin seems to be preparing Russians for "new reality"The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a challenge to Moscow's propaganda. Although the regions are distant, a Kremlin-linked source informed the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "But even the penetration into Russian territory and capture of villages is a new and very unpleasant event." To ease the increased tension since the Kursk invasion, the Kremlin is attempting to prepare the Russians for living in a "new reality" and a "new normal". The message is: The enemy has indeed entered Russian territory, it is on the verge of defeat - but regaining the territory will take time, and the Russians must wait. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to "transform the negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by gathering aid for the Kursk region. All officials interviewed by Meduza are convinced that the fighting in the Kursk region could last several months. A source near the government specifies that this estimate is "quite optimistic - if everything goes well".
Russian governor confirms fire in military facilityRussian authorities confirm reports that a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd was engulfed in flames following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced on Telegram that the drone hit the facility. There were no casualties. Bocharov did not specify which military facility was impacted. However, he mentioned that the village of Marinovka was targeted in the attack, where Russia has an airbase.
Former security advisor: Putin had near-hypnotic influence on TrumpAccording to former US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian leader Vladimir Putin successfully manipulated former US President Donald Trump. This is revealed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by the "Guardian." "Putin, a ruthless former KGB man, played on Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster reportedly said. Putin referred to Trump as 'a truly outstanding person, talented, beyond any doubt.' Putin had a near-hypnotic influence on Trump. McMaster, who worked as Trump's security advisor for about a year, had reportedly warned Trump: "Mr. President, he's the best liar in the world." He suggested that Putin was confident he could "play" Trump and achieve a relaxation of sanctions and a cheap US withdrawal from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Alleged Drone Attacks in Russian City and AirbaseReports of explosions were heard in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region last night. These explosions were believed to have been caused by a drone strike, according to various Russian Telegram channels. A fire then occurred at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The target was likely the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, about 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Locals in the area reported hearing between 6-10 loud explosions, accompanied by the distinct sounds of drones, as per Telegram reports.
05:44 Germany's Intention to Aid Ukraine FinanciallySPD leader Lars Klingbeil has expressed his intention to provide further support to Ukraine. If it's not possible to provide the planned billions from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany will offer additional funds, he stated in the podcast of deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. He emphasized that it should not reach a point where it's said, "Now there's no more money for Ukraine." If such a scenario arises, Germany will be obliged to consider where the funds can be sourced from within its borders. They have a responsibility towards Ukraine, and they will find a solution.
04:27 Ukrainian Military's Perspective on Russia Drone StrikesThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the targets of the drone strikes in Russia the previous night. These drone strikes were reportedly aimed at the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center. According to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow, speaking to the military site "The War Zone", approximately 50 drones were involved in these strikes. The extent of any damage caused is currently being investigated. Russian authorities reported that they had shot down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
03:09 Safety Measures for Russian Regional ElectionsIn preparation for the early regional elections in the contested Russian border region of Kursk, Russia has decided to equip poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets. Additionally, extra polling stations will be set up in other parts of the country for people who have fled the region. 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 can already vote early, including in the regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
01:34 Fico's Perception of Pressure in Foreign PolicySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed his feelings of being under "opinion pressure" in Western democracies. He claims that those who deviate from the consensus on important foreign policy issues are "arbitrarily put under pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. Fico compared this to what he sees as the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops. Fico is opposed to the EU's military aid to Ukraine and has faced accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukrainian Reports of Russian Attacks near PokrovskUkraine has reported 46 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country over the course of the day. Of these, 44 were successfully repelled, according to the General Staff. As of 9 PM CET, fighting is still ongoing at the remaining two sections. These attacks resulted in 238 Russian soldiers being killed or wounded. No information is provided on Ukrainian losses. Russia has not yet commented on the situation.
23:09 Russia's Allegations of Ukrainian IncursionRussia has claimed to have thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, which borders Kursk. The incursion of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was reportedly prevented by forces of the Russian security service FSB and units of the Russian army. According to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, in a Telegram post, the enemy was met with fire, and the situation is now "under control."
22:15 Zelensky's Expectations of Promised Aid for UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his hope for the swift disbursement of the billions in aid promised by the West, including funds from frozen Russian state assets. Despite many political statements from partners, more are expected, Zelensky said in his evening video address. "But we need a real mechanism." Ukraine needs the proceeds from Russian assets to defend against Russian aggression. "The relevant discussions have been going on for too long, and we need decisions now." The G7 countries had 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 commends robust trade ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the strengthening relationship with China. "Our commercial relations are progressing favorably (...). The focus both administrations dedicate towards trade and economic relations is yielding results," Putin remarks during a gathering with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia boast "extensive collaboration plans and initiatives in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin proceeds. Li articulates that the Chinese-Russian relationship stands at an "unprecedented peak," as per the Kremlin. The strategic alliance between Russia and China has intensified post the Russian invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a pivotal trading partner amidst Western sanctions.
21:20 Request dismissed: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister remains detainedThe former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov, accused of corruption, will stay imprisoned. His petition for house arrest under stringent conditions and his objections to his detention have been dismissed, as reported by the state news agency TASS. Prior to his dismissal, Bulgakov managed procurement for the Russian military. Additionally, the Moscow court ordered the detention of two suspected associates of Bulgakov. Their company is believed to have secured nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, resulting in damages estimated at around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros), as reported by intermediaries.
21:00 Ukraine bolsters forces in PokrovskAccording to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is augmenting its troop presence in the fiercely contested Pokrovsk region in eastern Ukraine. He asserted in a televised address that they are conscious of the Russian forces' designs in the area. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian push in the Russian area of Kursk persists, according to Zelenskyy. Certain territories are currently under Ukrainian control, although no additional details were disclosed.
20:41 Post decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary face eviction from refugee facilitiesFollowing the enforcement of a decree in Hungary that denies universal refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, many Ukrainians there face the potential loss of their accommodations. Private refugee accommodations have initiated evictions of Ukrainians, as per the organization Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees, primarily Roma women and children hailing from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, where there is a substantial Hungarian minority, were forced to vacate a guesthouse under police escort.
You can review all previous developments here.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to allegations of Russian plans to attack the Kursk region's nuclear power plant, with Ukraine denying these claims. (from the given text)
In response to the alleged threat by Russia, Ukraine's defense minister Rustem Umerov is discussing the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets with a US House of Representatives delegation. (new sentence)
