At 11:58, Ukrainian females successfully disarm landmines in open fields.
Numerous combatants engage in conflict in Ukraine, confronting Russian forces. This scenario is causing vacancies in the workforce, specifically within sectors traditionally dominated by men. In response, women are being sought after more frequently, with an increasing number of them opting to retrain. The ntv international report investigates some of these women in the southeast of the country and close to Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger suggests lessening arms constraints for UkrainePrevious head of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, advocates for significantly easing restrictions on Ukraine's deployment of Western weaponry. "It would be simpler and clearer for all parties involved if we just affirm: We pledge Ukraine to utilize the weapon systems we provide solely within the boundaries of international law," Ischinger stated to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". This would mean that medical facilities could not be targeted, an action perpetrated by the Russians consistently. Only military targets, such as airports or missile facilities, could be attacked – even on foreign soil, for instance, to deter attacks utilizing guided munitions.
10:53 Rise in prisoner exchanges following Kursk offensiveAccording to experts, the surge in prisoner swaps between Ukraine and Russia could be attributed to Ukraine's offensive in Kursk, which commenced on August 6. Since then, three exchange events involving a total of 267 detainees on each side have taken place, as reported by the Institute for the Study (ISW) in its analysis. In contrast, prisoner exchanges occurred only thrice between January 1 and August 6, with a combined number of approximately 800 Ukrainians and 800 Russians swapped. Ukrainian officials allegedly stated that the operation into Kursk strengthened Ukraine's bargaining power in prisoner exchange negotiations with Russia, which had repeatedly rejected Ukraine's attempts to negotiate an exchange.
10:16 British forces observe Russian advancement on eastern frontThe Russian military continues its push on the eastern front, making incremental progress near Wuhledar and southeast of the logistics hub Pokrovsk, according to the British Ministry of Defense. Although the Russians have not made substantial headway towards Pokrovsk in the past week, they have persistently advanced in the area.
09:46 Ukraine reports drone and missile attacksUkraine's air force reports that it was assailed by Russia with 14 drones overnight. Ten of them were dismantled by air defense. Additionally, a guided missile was obliterated. It has also been reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles. The air force fails to provide information regarding the fate of these missiles or the casualties and damage that may have ensued from these attacks. The authorities of the Charkiv region allegedly reported blazes due to Russian artillery shelling, as well as damage to various buildings in the city of Charkiv.
09:10 Facial recognition payment expansion to more Russian subway stations causing concern for human rights activistsHuman rights activists are expressing unease regarding Russia's expansion of a subway payment system utilizing facial recognition. Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, funded by the U.S., reports that the "Face Pay" system, available in Moscow for three years, is being implemented in six additional cities, including Kazan, where passengers can now enroll for the system. To pay, passengers simply stare into a camera-equipped device at the turnstile, as reported by Russian media. Plans are also in motion to offer the system in all Russian subways by next year. The report notes that in Moscow, street cameras have been employed to apprehend suspected participants in anti-government protests and journalists covering them. Lawyer Andrei Fedorkov, who collaborates with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial to uphold political prisoners, expresses concern that "Face Pay" could also be utilized for this purpose. He sees "significant" risks in the payment system, believing it "could become another powerful tool for surveillance and control of citizens."
08:02 Russian air defense intercepts 29 drones over various territoriesRussia's air defense has reportedly downed 29 drones over numerous regions, as stated by the Ministry of Defense in Moscow. The drones were launched from Ukraine, with most being thwarted over the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine.
07:31 Stegner defends scheduled appearance at anti-weapons delivery protestSPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner defends his intended participation in a protest organized by an initiative demanding discussions for the immediate cessation of wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and an end to weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Israel, and the world. Stegner explains that he will not be aligning with anyone and will express his views as a Social Democrat in his speech. He acknowledges that other speakers hold opinions at odds with his own, and various appeals may contain content he does not endorse. "As long as fascists, anti-Semites, and racists are excluded, I support freedom of expression." The protest, titled "No More War – Lay Down Your Weapons," called for negotiations for peace and discouraged the delivery of weapons to Ukraine, Israel, and other regions. Criticism of the event surfaced from SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, who stated, "It's appalling how Russia and Hamas are omitted from being classified as instigators of conflict." FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann voiced her dissent, expressing her belief that Stegner's participation would harm his party and government.
06:29 Estimated Russian Troop Count in Kursk Surges Post OffensiveThe Ukrainian counteroffensive appears to be tying down Russian forces significantly, as per the Institute for the Study of War. The offensive has compelled the Russian military leadership to relocate troops from Ukraine to Kursk and deploy fresh units from Russia to Kursk, instead of the Ukrainian front. Initially, approximately 11,000 Russian soldiers were stationed in Kursk, with estimates suggesting a current force ranging between 30,000 and 45,000 troops.
05:11 Zelensky Advisor: Ukraine Commences 155-mm Artillery Shell ProductionUkraine has commenced the production of 155-mm artillery shells, according to a Ukrainian official speaking with the Kyiv Independent. Oleksandr Kamyshin, a former Minister of Strategic Industries and current advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, mentioned that under his leadership, defense material production has doubled and is set to triple by year's end.
03:04 Zelensky Advisor: Biden to Enhance Ukraine's Position for Rest of TermAs per Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan, Biden intends to employ the remainder of his term in strengthening Ukraine's position in its conflict with Russia. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Sullivan declared Biden's ambition to put Ukraine in a favorable position over the following four months.
01:43 Former British Politicians Advocate for Long-Range Missile Use Against RussiaFive former British defense ministers and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to authorize Ukraine to employ long-range missiles on Russian territory without United States support. The Sunday Times revealed that they cautioned the current prime minister, warning that "any further delay would embolden President Putin."
00:52 Ukraine Intel Chief Identifies North Korea as Key Threat from Russia's AlliesAccording to the Ukrainian intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea is the leading threat among Russia's allies. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Budanov revealed that North Korea's military assistance to Russia, including substantial ammunition supplies, was "significantly impacting the intensity of the battles." He also disclosed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had recently expressed interest in strengthening ties with Russia. Kyiv is actively monitoring Pyongyang's weapons shipments to Moscow and has noted their impact on the battlefield. "There's a direct connection. They're delivering large quantities of artillery, which is concerning," Budanov added. Read more here.
23:21 Russia Faces Potential Recruitment Challenges by Mid-2025 (as Per Ukraine)According to Ukraine, Russia may encounter recruitment obstacles by mid-2025, as per Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov during a conference in Kyiv. He projected that by summer 2025, the Moscow government would find itself in either a predicament to declare mobilization or find ways to scale back hostilities.
22:20 Scholz: Russian Invasion of Ukraine is 'Utterly Foolish'German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin for jeopardizing Russia's future by attacking Ukraine. "The war is also utterly foolish from Russia's standpoint," Scholz stated during a citizen dialogue as a member of the German parliament in Brandenburg's Prenzlau. Putin's imperialistic aspirations reportedly see him dispatching tens of thousands of Russian troops to heavy injuries and deaths, while damaging Russia's economic relations with multiple nations worldwide. "And Ukraine will emerge with a stronger army than before," Scholz added. Germany remains committed to militarily supporting Ukraine to prevent the occupied country from collapsing and to discourage a flagrant violation of European rules from succeeding. "Putin is ruining his country's future." A peaceful resolution can only be achieved if Russia acknowledges that Ukraine is not a vassal state.
22:01 Mixed Outcomes Reported in Kursk BattlesUkrainian forces record fresh territorial advancements in their advance into the western Russian region of Kursk, but also experience setbacks due to Russian counterattacks. According to the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State, Ukrainian troops capture three additional settlements. However, Russian counterattacks push back Ukrainian troops in the proximity of the village of Snagost, resulting in a significant incursion into Ukrainian defense lines on a map provided by Deep State. These claims remain to be independently verified. In early August, Ukrainian troops penetrated the Russian border area near Kursk, as per their own reports, and claimed control of around 1,300 square kilometers and nearly 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha. Observers have noted relatively moderate territorial gains. This week, Russian forces launched their first serious attempt to repel Ukrainian troops.
US military aid delays to Ukraine are attributed to "tricky logistics," as stated by the US. Jake Sullivan, White House national security advisor, declared this in Kyiv, stressing that it's not a matter of political will. Instead, it pertains to the intricate and intricate logistics required to transport the necessary supplies to the frontline. Sullivan made these comments during his speech at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, which he attended via video link. Given Ukraine's challenges, Sullivan acknowledged that the US needs to do more and perform better. Biden is determined to use his remaining time in office to position Ukraine optimally for victory. Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet at the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of September, Sullivan announced.
20:57 Scholz: Saboteurs of Nord Stream Pipeline should face German Justice
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline pipes in the Baltic Sea as a "terrorist act." He wants the perpetrators tried in Germany, stating his decision during a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau as an SPD MP in Brandenburg. He ordered all security authorities and the Federal Public Prosecutor to investigate the case without favoritism. "Nothing will be hidden," he emphasized. "We're determined to bring the perpetrators to justice in Germany if we can apprehend them." Scholz also referred to it as a "blatant lie" that the government had renounced Russian natural gas. He accused Russia of cutting off gas supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, leading to soaring prices, capped prices, and the hunt for alternative gas sources, costing Germany over 100 billion euros. The pipeline sabotage took place after Russia had already halted supply to Western Europe through the Baltic Sea. In August, the Federal Public Prosecutor issued a warrant for the arrest of a Ukrainian citizen for the act of sabotage.
20:24 G7 Condemns Iranian Rocket Supplies to Russia
Following news of Iranian rocket supplies to Russia, the G7 economies strongly condemned these weapons shipments. Despite international calls to halt these deliveries, Iran persisted in supplying Russia with weapons, escalating its military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's High Representative. Russia is using Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and attack critical infrastructure. Recently, Britain and the US reported that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran dismissed these accusations. "Iran must immediately halt all support for Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine and cease supplying ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that endanger the Ukrainian people and international and European security," the statement from the Italian G7 presidency states. "We remain committed to holding Iran accountable for its unacceptable support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which jeopardizes global security." Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed sanctions on Iran, and the EU is planning to impose stricter penalties. Read more here.
19:41 Kremlin Chief Putin Claims to Support Free Speech
Russia's President Vladimir Putin emphasizes the importance of free speech and information, a viewpoint critics might find ironic. "In a time when the complex process of multipolarity is developing, it is particularly important to safeguard the principles of information credibility," Putin said in a video message to the participants of the media summit of the BRICS countries in Moscow on the occasion of TASS agency's 120th anniversary. "True free speech allows airing diverse opinions, which leads to the discovery of compromises and joint solutions to the world's problems," Putin added. Media play a crucial role in fostering a fair worldwide order by providing people with an "unbiased and objective image" of the world, Putin stated. However, freedom of speech and media do not exist under the authoritarian regime of Russia. Media not aligned with the government have been banned and shut down. Opponents of the government are persecuted by the justice system. TASS, Russia's largest news agency, has existed since 1904, changing names and designations over the years.
19:20 Scholz Rules out Future Delivery of Taurus Cruise Missiles to Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ruled out the delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future, regardless of decisions made by alliance partners. During a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau, Scholz confirmed his refusal to deliver Taurus cruise missiles, which could strike targets up to 500 kilometers away, due to the risk of "significant escalation." Scholz maintained his stance, saying it also applied to other weapons capable of reaching those distances. The longest-range weapon Germany has provided to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, which can hit targets 84 kilometers away.
The escalation of military operations in Ukraine has led to a significant increase in the demand for skilled workers in the defense industry. This situation has highlighted the importance of military operations in filling vacancies in sectors that were traditionally male-dominated.
In response to the shifting workforce dynamics, more women are considering careers in the defense sector. Various initiatives are being launched to encourage and support women in these roles, recognizing their potential to contribute significantly to military operations.
