At 13:21, Polish President Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyte attended festivities in Kiev
Today, Ukraine celebrates its 33rd Independence Day celebration. The Ukrainian President is welcoming Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte to commemorate the event. The Ukrainian Presidential Office has shared images from the celebrations in Kyiv:
12:56 UkrainianNews: Latvia to militarily aid Ukraine with €112 million in 2024Latvia has agreed to provide €112 million (~$126 million) in military assistance to Ukraine this year. In addition, Latvia will contribute to expanding the Drone Coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov mentioned in a Facebook post that a particular focus will be on strengthening the Drone Coalition with Latvia taking a leading role. By the end of the year, Ukraine will receive thousands of drones from Latvia to defend against potential large-scale Russian aggression. According to Umerov, around 40 countries have already joined the Drone Coalition.
12:16 PresidentZelensky greenlights Ukraine's admission to International Criminal CourtUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally approved Ukraine's accession to the International Criminal Court by ratifying the Rome Statute. Full membership represents an important step towards Ukraine's integration with the EU. The parliament had previously approved the motions. ICC has already issued international arrest warrants for several individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
11:38 Zelensky signs law barring Kremlin-aligned Orthodox Church in UkraineOn Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill prohibiting the Kremlin-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The objective is to reinforce Ukraine's independence, Zelensky stated. The law is now live on the Ukrainian Parliament's website. Members of Parliament approved the bill on Tuesday, which restrains religious organizations with connections to Moscow. Moscow strongly critiques the decree. The law mandates deadlines for religious organizations to sever ties with Russia. Implementing the law could take several years. "Today, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church moves a step closer to liberation from Moscow's demons," Zelensky declared in a statement.
11:02 Reports: Russian ammunition depot in flames after drone strike in Voronezh regionIt seems that Ukraine has carried out successful attacks on Russian military targets. A Russian ammunition depot in the Voronezh region was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drones, according to media articles. The raid hit a warehouse near Ostrogozhsk, roughly 100 kilometers south of Voronezh. While officials have not confirmed a munitions depot, locals reported that a state of emergency was declared in three settlements and that 200 residents were evacuated due to the fire and explosions. Two women sustained injuries, one of whom was hospitalized.
10:26 Zelensky: War "returns" to RussiaAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the situation has now shifted on Russia. In his Independence Day message, Zelensky stated that Russia had aimed to devastate Ukraine with its invasion, but instead, Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd Independence Day. "And what the enemy brought upon our lands has now returned to its origins," Zelensky remarked. Zelensky recorded the video near the contested Russian border region, where Ukraine launched a surprise offensive into Russia on August 6.
09:54 Emergency declaration in Voronezh region after nighttime drone strikeRussia has declared a state of emergency in a part of the Voronezh region following a drone strike during the night, according to Alexander Gusev, the local governor's statement on Telegram. Five drones were intercepted by Russian forces, but the falling debris prompted a fire that led to the detonation of explosives. No civilian structures were hurt, Gusev emphasized, but measures were necessary in three settlements to safeguard approximately 200 residents. Two women received injuries, and one required hospitalization.
09:31 Ukraine reports 1,160 Russian soldiers "eliminated" in a dayUkraine claims that Russian forces have experienced severe casualties since the February 2022 war's start. Per Ukrainian Defense Ministry data, Russian soldiers suffered around 1,160 fatalities or casualties in a single day. The total toll since the invasion is 606,490 Russian soldiers, according to Ukrainian Defense Ministry reports. Russia has lost 8,542 tanks and nine additional tanks since the start of the invasion, according to Ukraine. Ukraine claims to have destroyed or seized over 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones. However, Moscow remains secretive about its losses in Ukraine.
08:48 Zelensky: "We are gradually pushing the Russian army out of Kharkiv"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Ukrainian troops are forcing the Russian army to retreat from the Kharkiv region. During his nightly address, Zelensky revealed that the defensive forces had successfully repelled Russian attacks and prevented the enemy from destroying the city and Kharkiv region since early May. "We are gradually pushing the Russian army out," Zelensky said.
08:10 Ten People Injured in Kherson Oblast due to Russian ShellingTen individuals sustained injuries during Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast, as reported by Ukrinform, citing Oleksandr Prokudin, leader of the military administration in Kherson Oblast.
07:54 Grain Facilities in Sumy Oblast Attacked by Russian RocketsThe Sumy Oblast region of Ukraine experienced attacks by Russian rockets upon grain infrastructure facilities. This information was shared by the state news agency Ukrinform, mentioning the regional prosecutor's office. According to their statement, Russian troops targeted grain infrastructure facilities in the afternoon of the previous day, using rocket attacks.
07:29 Russian Munitions Depot in Voronezh Oblast Damaged by Drone AttackA drone strike in the Voronezh Oblast region of Russia led to a fire and the detonation of explosive materials, according to "Kyiv Independent" citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. Russian air defense units reportedly intercepted several unmanned aerial vehicles over the oblast. Allegedly, debris from the intercepted drones caused a fire and explosion at an unknown location, which may have occurred at a munitions depot in Ostrogoschsk. Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone attacks against Russia's military infrastructure and oil industry in recent months.
06:53 US Imposes Sanctions on Over 400 Organizations and IndividualsThe US Department of State announced that it is imposing sanctions on more than 400 organizations and individuals for allegedly supporting Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Aaron Forsberg, Director of Economic Sanctions Policy at the US Department of State, stated, "These actions target Russia where it hurts." The sanctions target the Russian energy sector and companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Chinese corporations suspected of abetting Moscow in circumventing Western sanctions and boosting its military, such as the import-export department of the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group, which is accused of exporting dual-use goods worth $4 million to Russian firms. Liu Pengyu, the Chinese embassy's spokesperson in Washington, declared that China opposes unilateral sanctions and that there should be no interference with regular trade between China and Russia.
06:18 Belarus and China Increase Cooperation in Security, Finances, and EnergyBelarus and China have agreed to amplify their cooperation in the areas of security, finance, and energy, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." Apart from strengthening security cooperation, the countries aspire to intensify cooperation in the financial and energy sectors and industrial supply chains.
04:38 British PM Starmer Commits to Long-term Support for Ukraine on Ukrainian National DayOn Ukrainian National Day, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged that his nation would provide long-term support to Ukraine. He addressed his message to all Ukrainians, saying, "We remain with you today and forever."
01:29 Norway Provides License for Grenade Development in Ukraine and Finances the Project
Norway has provided a license for the development of 155-mm grenades in Ukraine and has agreed to finance the project. Norwegian defense company Nammo has signed an agreement with a Ukrainian defense company to license the production of artillery grenades at Norwegian cost. "Norway is contributing by providing ammunition from its own stockpiles and from industry. Now, Nammo wants to share its plans with Ukraine. This means that the Ukrainian armed forces can be resupplied more quickly," said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
23:54 Kiesewetter Discusses Situation at NATO Base Geilenkirchen: Potential Target of Russian Hybrid War?Following the temporary heightening of the alert level at NATO airbase Geilenkirchen and indications of possible Russian drone attacks, security policy experts in Germany are urging caution. CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter told the "Tagesspiegel" that Germany has been a target of Russia's hybrid war for a long time, and therefore, military facilities in Germany, particularly those connected to NATO, are a potential focus of sabotage and espionage activities.
22:21 Latvia Announces Largest Drone Delivery to Ukraine to DateLatvia has announced its largest delivery of drones to Ukraine to date. 1400 drones from Latvian manufacturers are ready, as stated by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds on X. This completes the procurement of over 2700 drones from Latvia's own manufacturing industry. Together with the UK, Latvia is leading an alliance committed to delivering one million drones to Ukraine. Its alliance members, including Germany, have pledged to invest in drone production and deliver drones and spare parts to Ukraine.
21:34 Biden Pledges New Military Aid to Ukraine – Specifically for Air Defense
President Joe Biden has declared a fresh military assistance plan for Ukraine during his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As per the White House, this aid package comprises air defense missiles, defense equipment for drones, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reinforced the United States' continual backing for the Ukrainian people to Zelenskyy, without disclosing the financial specifics of this new aid.
21:29 Zelensky Presses for Immediate Weapon Deliveries
The Ukrainian troops are significantly undersupplied and looking for global assistance. President Zelensky insists that Ukraine's Western allies swiftly deliver the pledged weaponry packages. He stated in his evening video, "On the battlefield, we're battling with hand grenades and outdated gear, not empty promises like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'." He hints at the delayed deliveries of weapons or equipment that have been promised but not yet sent.
20:58 Kursk Residents Feeling Neglected: "Everyone for Themselves"
Residents in the southern Russian region of Kursk are expressing growing concern, as the conflict persists in Kursk. They blame authorities who they believe have abandoned them, as well as the Ukrainian military and even their own military. A 28-year-old resident voiced her frustration to the "Moscow Times", claiming, "For Russia, we're just a part of the map. For the Ukrainians, we're supporters of Putin's regime. Everyone here is on their own." She accused authorities of deceit, suggesting they claim there's no reason to worry. A 32-year-old resident explained that people in Kursk blame Ukraine for the attacks while also doubting the capability of the Russian military. "How could they miss the mobilization of such a vast Ukrainian military force at the border?" She observed that those who previously sympathized with Ukraine or remained neutral now harbor deep resentment. Another Kursk resident expressed, "Ukraine is not our ally at the moment." Conversely, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk expressed no animosity towards Ukraine, stating, "The Ukrainians are also victims of this situation."
Refer to earlier developments for more context.
- The European Union has expressed its support for Ukraine's bid to join various international organizations, including the International Criminal Court, as part of its integration efforts.
- The European Union has also provided significant financial and military aid to Ukraine, with several EU countries contributing to Ukraine's defense, including Latvia's commitment to provide €112 million in military assistance and drones.
