At 12:34, Zelensky in the border area announces: "replenishment of the exchange fund"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky journeyed to the Sumy border region in the northeast of the nation, which saw Ukrainian troops pushing into Russian territory over two weeks prior. In Kursk, another area was taken over, Zelensky disclosed. He also brought up the "refund account," referring to capturing Russian soldiers for a future swap with Ukrainian prisoners held captive in Russia. Zelensky stated that since the Kursk offensive, assaults on Sumy and the civilian fatalities in the region have diminished. He shared a video showcasing him with Ukrainian troops' commander-in-chief, Olexander Syrskyj, who reported on the eastern Ukraine troop reinforcements. Russia continues to press on in this region.
As reported by "Bild," suspected Russian drones have surfaced over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. Recent days have witnessed numerous drones zooming at high speeds over the retired nuclear power plant and LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel. The Flensburg public prosecutor's office is investigating due to potential espionage with the objective of sabotage. The police internally reported that the flight ban zone was repeatedly violated by the aerial drone's overflight of the nuclear power plant. A suspected military drone, deemed a hostile object, was identified. "Bild" attributes the drones to Russian agents, suggesting they may have been launched from civilian vessels in the North Sea.
The American Embassy in Kyiv issues a warning of heightened air attack risks in the coming days as Ukraine prepares to celebrate its Independence Day on August 24. The website warns of a potential Russian attack with drones and missiles during this period. Ukrainians celebrate August 24 as their national independence day from the Soviet Union. Since the invasion of Ukraine began two and a half years ago, this holiday holds even more significance for the Ukrainian people. In the border region of Kursk, Russian soldiers unexpectedly penetrated Ukrainian territory, which Putin described as a provocation and threatened a "suitable retaliation."
A fire breaks out at a Russian military support facility in Marinovka in the southern Russian region of Volgograd, causing residents to hear explosions. According to local authorities, the fire was triggered by a Ukrainian drone assault, with no reported casualties.
In the Kursk border region, Russian authorities are setting up concrete shelters for civilians. "Upon my orders, the Kursk city administration has designated central locations for the establishment of modular prefabricated bunkers," explained regional governor Alexey Smirnov on Telegram. As a result, bunkers are erected at busy locations such as 60 bus stations. Smirnov shares a photo of a truck transporting one of the blocks. The bunkers are also being installed in two other locations, including Kursk, where the nuclear power plant is located. Russia accuses Ukraine of intending to target the facility, which Ukraine refutes.
Ukraine reports over 40 assaults by Russian troops on the front near the city of Pokrovsk, with almost all of them repelled. President Zelensky promises to bolster troop numbers in the area. Meanwhile, the advance in the Kursk region continues.
The Russian army allegedly repels several Ukrainian air assaults in the western part of the nation, as per government reports. In the Kursk border region, governor Alexey Smirnov discloses that "two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were shot down by the Russian air defense." In the Rostov region further south, governor Vasily Golubev states that five drones were countered. Drones were also reportedly downed in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
Ukraine seeks the U.S.'s approval to use long-range weapons against targets in Russia. Ukraine's defense minister Rustem Umerov meets with a bipartisan delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives in Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian ministry, Republican representative Rob Wittman and Democratic representative David Trone discuss the front situation and Washington's stance on using 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," Umerov stated. "It's about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 'Star Wars' Actor Crusades for Mine-Clearing MachinesAmerican actor Mark Hamill, renowned for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is advocating for the acquisition of mine-disabling robots for Ukraine. In tandem with East Europe specialist Timothy Snyder, they aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can deactivate mines even in inaccessible regions, ensuring operator safety. "Among the grave sins Russia has perpetrated in Ukraine is the scattering of countless mines," Snyder expressed. "Visiting unpopulated regions close to the frontier, I've witnessed individuals taking perilous risks to aid others in reclaiming their gardens and homes. With these robots, mines can be obliterated, and lives salvaged." Ukraine hosts an abundance of mines, and their removal could take decades.
08:01 The Kremlin appears to be priming Russians for a "New Normality"
The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk presents a test for Moscow's propaganda machinery. Although distant, a Kremlin source whispered to the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "Intrusion into Russian territory and the acquisition of control over villages is a new and deeply unpleasant occurrence." To alleviate the heightened unease prompted by the Kursk invasion, the Kremlin is endeavoring to prepare the Russians for an altered reality and normalcy. The message is: The enemy has invaded Russian territory, they will ultimately be vanquished - yet the recovery of the territory will take time, and the Russians have to be patient. In the interim, the populace is encouraged to "transform negativity and shock into a constructive force" - primarily through contributing aid for the Kursk region. Generally, all interlocutors contacted by Meduza concur that the struggle in the Kursk region may endure months. An official source from the Kremlin estimates that this forecast is "remarkably optimistic - if all goes smoothly."
07:30 Volgograd Governor Verifies Incineration of Military Facility
Russian authorities acknowledge reports that a military facility in Southern Russia's Volgograd region was torched following a Ukrainian drone assault. Volgograd Governor Andrey Bocharov disclosed on Telegram that the drone crashed into the facility. No casualties were reported. Mr. Bocharov did not specify which military base was under attack. However, he confirmed that the town of Marinovka, which hosts an airbase, was the target of the assault.
06:56 McMaster: Putin Exerted Mesmerizing Influence on Trump
According to former US national security counselor, US Army General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Putin successfully manipulated former US President Donald Trump. This finding is unveiled in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as per the "Guardian." "Putin, a ruthless ex-KGB agent, capitalized on Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster attests. Putin reportedly lauded Trump as "an exceptional individual, exceptionally gifted," and exerted an almost hypnotic influence over him. McMaster, who served as Trump's national security counselor for around one year, had reportedly alarmed Trump: "Mr. President, he's the best liar on earth." He suggested that Putin was convinced he could "outmaneuver" Trump and stimulate a softening of sanctions and a cheap withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Drone Strikes Reported on Russian Airbase in Volgograd
Explosions were purportedly registered overnight within the Russian town of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd area. Assorted Russian Telegram channels attribute these to a drone strike. A blaze is said to have broken out at an adjacent airfield. The Volgograd area is around 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The likely intention was the Marinovka airbase in the Oktyabrsky village, approximately 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the vicinity disclosed hearing six to ten deafening explosions accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of drones, according to Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany May Provide Extra Ukraine Aid if Necessary
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has vowed additional assistance to Ukraine. In the event that the planned billions cannot be released from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, Germany will provide substitute funding, he claimed in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We cannot venture to a juncture where we maintain 'now there's no more funds for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil pronounced. "Under such circumstances, Germany is naturally obligated to explore funding options domestically. We have a duty toward Ukraine. Resolutions will be found, and they will be discovered."
03:09 Kursk Region Elections: protective gear for poll workers In the disputed Russian region of Kursk near the border, poll workers will be provided with body armor and helmets due to the upcoming regional elections. The region is experiencing a state of emergency and extra polling stations will be set up in other parts of the country for refugees, as announced by Tatiana Malakhova, the head of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The regional elections for governors and regional parliaments will take place from September 6 to 8 in numerous Russian regions. Early voting has already started in specific regions, including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
01:34 Fico criticizes Western pressure in foreign policy Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico expresses his feelings of being under pressure from the opinions of Western democracies when deviating from the consensus in major foreign policy issues. Fico states that those who do not conform to the consensus are "arbitrarily subjected to pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. On the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico draws a comparison between the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" by Warsaw Pact troops and the existing opinion pressure in today's Europe. Fico has expressed his opposition to EU military aid for Ukraine and has faced accusations of being pro-Russian.
00:12 Ukraine reports Russian attacks near Pokrovsk Ukraine reports that 46 attacks took place near the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country over the course of a day. 44 of these attacks were successfully repelled, according to the General Staff report. Fighting is still ongoing in two sections as of 21:00 CET. 238 Russian soldiers reportedly suffered casualties during these clashes, but there is no information on Ukrainian losses. Russia has yet to provide a comment.
23:09 Russia alleges thwarting of Ukrainian incursion into Bryansk Russia claims to have blocked an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk region, which shares a border with Kursk. According to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, the infiltration attempt by the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was halted by the Russian FSB security service and military units. Bogomaz stated, "The enemy was hit by fire" and the situation is now "under control."
22:15 Zelensky hopes for swift aid distribution Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses his hope for the prompt distribution of the billions in aid promised by the West, including the use of funds from seized Russian state assets. Zelensky stated that there have been numerous political statements from partners, but more are anticipated, and a "real mechanism" is required. Ukraine needs these assets to defend against Russian aggression. Zelensky emphasized that the relevant discussions have lasted too long, and immediate decisions are necessary.
21:52 Putin praises Sino-Russian trading ties Russian President Vladimir Putin praises the strengthening of cooperation between Russia and China. Putin notes that "our trade relations are progressing effectively (…). The attention that both governments pay to trade and economic relations is producing results." Putin also highlighted that Russia and China have "large-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian fields." Li Qiang, the Chinese Premier, stated that Chinese-Russian relations are at "an unprecedented level," as reported by the Kremlin. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has been deepening since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
21:20 Bulgakov's request for release denied The former Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Dmitri Bulgakov, who is facing corruption charges, will continue to remain in custody. Bulgakov's request for a more lenient sentence of house arrest and his appeal against his detention have been rejected, according to the state news agency TASS. Bulgakov was responsible for procuring materials for the Russian armed forces before being dismissed. The Moscow court also ordered the detention of two alleged accomplices of Bulgakov and their company, which allegedly colluded with Bulgakov to secure nine contracts, causing damages of around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros), as reported by intermediaries.
21:00 Ukraine strengthens positions in Pokrovsk According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is strengthening its presence in the heavily contested region of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country. Zelensky stated in his televised address that they are aware of Russian troops' plans in the area. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk continues, as reported by Zelensky, but he did not provide additional details.
20:41 Ukrainians face eviction from Hungarian refugee shelters Following the implementation of a decree in Hungary that denies general protection to Ukrainian refugees, many Ukrainians are facing the threat of losing their shelter accommodation. Private refugee shelters have already begun to evict Ukrainians, as reported by the organization Migration Aid. Around 120 refugees, mainly Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, where there is a large Hungarian minority, have been forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision in Kocs, north of Budapest.
In response to the Russian drone sightings over critical infrastructure in Germany, Germany's federal police are now conducting a nationwide search for any unauthorized drone activity. This action follows the alleged drone strike on a military facility in Volgograd, which has raised concerns about potential sabotage efforts by Ukraine or its supporters.
Amidst these tensions, Ukraine continues to seek international support, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meeting with a US House of Representatives delegation in Kyiv to discuss the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. The US has yet to issue a formal response to this request, but the meeting signals a growing international interest in helping Ukraine defend against Russian aggression.
