At 15:31, Ukrainian displaced individuals maintain their assertion of being tardy newcomers
As per the Federal Ministry of Interior, Ukraine refugees will maintain their potential claims as late repatriates. This will now be guaranteed by an appropriate regulation, as stated by State Secretary Juliane Seifert of the Federal Ministry of Interior at the "Day of Homeland" event of the Federation of Expellees (BdV) in Berlin. For refugees fleeing the country attacked by Russia over two years ago, this regulation will be applied retroactively from the day the war began, as noted by Seifert. Even individuals who had unsuccessfully sought late repatriation status due to their flight induced by the conflict can now reassert their claim and rekindle their case, provided they fulfill the additional legal requirements of the Federal Expellees Act, Seifert mentioned.
14:56 Zelensky Warns Putin: Ukraine Will Not Become a Gray Zone
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the nation's freedom will in his speech on Ukraine's Independence Day. "We will not permit the soil to be converted into a gray zone where the blue and yellow flag (Ukraine's national flag) will continue to fly legally," Zelensky stated in his speech. The Ukrainians will retaliate against the aggressor with all the horrors, Zelensky cautioned. Anyone aiming to transform Ukraine into a buffer zone should be aware that their country may not become a "buffer federation," he warned, alluding to the counteroffensive in the Kursk region and directed at Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
14:28 Russian Attack Claims Five Lives in Eastern Ukraine
At least five civilians were reportedly killed in a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine this morning, according to official reports. Emergency services are on the scene in the city of Kostjantyniwka, the governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filaschkin, announced on Telegram. He urged residents to seek shelter. Kostjantyniwka is situated near the front line, where Russian troops have gained ground in recent months and have repeatedly targeted the nearby city of Pokrovsk, which serves as an important logistics hub for Ukrainian forces.
14:06 Historical Residence of Ukrainian Anarchist Nestor Machno Ravaged in Saporischschja Attack
The historical residence and family estate of Ukrainian anarchist fighter Nestor Machno in Huljaipole was destroyed in a Russian attack on the Saporischschja Oblast, according to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," citing the Ukrainian National Police. The house of the renowned 20th-century revolutionary had been transformed into a museum. Following the Russian attack, the building was reduced to ashes. According to the National Police, the Russian military launched 306 attacks on nine front settlements in the Saporischschja Oblast last night, damaging or destroying several buildings and infrastructure. No civilians were injured or killed.
13:38 115 Ukrainian Soldiers Released from Russian Captivity
115 Ukrainian soldiers have been released from Russian captivity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this via Telegram. "We remember each one of them. We are searching and exerting our best efforts to bring everyone back," the Ukrainian head of state wrote. He thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for mediating the prisoner exchange with Moscow. Zelenskyy also shared some images of freed prisoners on Telegram. According to his statement, these include members of the Ukrainian Army, National Guard, Navy, and Border Guard.
13:25 Prisoner Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine to Take Place Today
A prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is in the works: 115 prisoners each are set to be exchanged today, according to a representative of the mediating United Arab Emirates (UAE). This would be the first such exchange since Ukraine launched its offensive within Russia this month. The state-run Russian news agency RIA confirmed this, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine during its offensive in the Kursk region are said to be located on Belarusian territory. This would be the seventh such exchange mediated by the UAE since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Abu Dhabi, a close security partner of the US, has maintained good relations with Moscow throughout the war, to the dismay of Western governments. Meanwhile, relations with Kyiv have also strengthened.
13:16 Polish President Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyte Participate in Celebrations in Kyiv
Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd Independence Day today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcoming Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on this occasion. The Ukrainian Presidential Office published several images from the celebrations in Kyiv:
12:56 Latvia Commits $126 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine in 2024
Latvia has promised $126 million (€112 million) in military aid to Ukraine this year and will contribute to expanding the Drone Coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov made this announcement on Facebook. Umerov had previously met with a Latvian delegation led by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds. "A particularly significant topic is strengthening the Drone Coalition, with Latvia playing a leading role," Umerov said. Latvia will provide Ukraine with thousands of drones to assist in repelling the large-scale Russian aggression. According to the Ukrainian defense minister, dozens of countries are already part of the coalition.
Ukrainian Head of State Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken a significant stride towards Ukraine's affiliation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by sanctioning a law that approves the Rome Statute. This move is viewed as a substantial advancement towards Ukraine's integration into the EU. The ratification was previously endorsed by the parliament. Notably, the ICC has issued global arrest warrants, among other individuals, for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
11:38 "Shedding Moscow's Clutches": Zelensky Signs Law Dissolving Pro-Moscow Orthodox ChurchOn Ukraine's independence day, President Volodymyr Zelensky adopted a law dissolving the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He declared that this action would boost Ukraine's independence. The legislation was posted today on the Ukrainian parliament's website. Parliamentarians approved the bill on Tuesday, which mandates the banning of religious organizations with ties to Moscow. Russia has condemned the initiative. The bill sets a deadline for religious entities to disassociate themselves from Moscow. Implementing the law may take several years. Zelensky mentioned in his speech, "The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is liberating itself from Moscow's demons today."
11:02 Media: Russian Munitions Depot Ignites After Drone AttackUkraine appears to have accomplished a hit on a military objective: A Russian munitions depot in the Voronezh region is reportedly on fire following Ukrainian drone strikes, according to media sources. The target was a warehouse near the town of Ostrogozhsk, around 100 kilometers south of Voronezh, as reported by the independent online platform Astra. While there's no official confirmation it's an ammunition depot, Governor Alexander Gusev has declared a state of emergency in three settlements due to their efforts to contain the consequences of a fire and the explosion of explosive objects. (More details can be found at 9:54 AM)
10:26 Zelensky: Conflict "Returned to Russia"According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the conflict has "returned to Russia." With its invasion of Ukraine, Russia aimed to "eliminate" Ukraine, Zelensky stated in a video message commemorating Ukraine's independence day. Instead, Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd anniversary of independence, he noted. "And what the invader introduced to our territory has now returned to its origin." According to Zelensky, his video message was recorded in a border region from which Kyiv launched its surprise offensive into Russia. Ukrainian troops entered the Kursk border region on August 6.
09:54 Russia Declares Emergency in Voronezh Region Following Nighttime Drone AttackRussia has declared an emergency in part of the Voronezh region bordering Ukraine following a nighttime drone attack. Governor Alexander Gusev announced this on Telegram. Gusev mentioned that Russian forces intercepted five drones. Debris caused a fire, which then resulted in explosives detonation. No civilian buildings were damaged, Gusev emphasized, but emergency measures became necessary in three settlements. Approximately 200 people were evacuated, and two women were injured by the explosions, one requiring hospitalization.
09:31 Kyiv: 1160 Russian Soldiers "Eliminated" in a Single Day
Official data from Kyiv indicates substantial casualties on the Russian side: 1160 Russian soldiers were either killed or incapacitated within a 24-hour period. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, since the start of the conflict in February 2022, a total of 606,490 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated." The ministry also reports that the enemy has lost 9 more tanks (8542 in total) since the start of the Russian invasion. Ukraine claims to have destroyed or confiscated more than 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones. These records cannot be independently confirmed, as Moscow remains silent about its own casualties in Ukraine.
08:48 Zelensky: "We are gradually pushing the Russian army out of Kharkiv"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening video address that the Russian army is being pushed out of the Kharkiv region. He made this statement after a conversation with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. "Kharkiv is a true symbol of the people and life. Since early May, our defense forces have repulsed Russian attempts to advance on Kharkiv and destroy our city and the entire Kharkiv region," Zelensky said. "We are gradually expelling the Russian army."
08:10 Authorities Report 10 Injured in Russian Shelling in Kherson OblastTen individuals were injured in Russian shelling in the Kherson Oblast yesterday, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, citing Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the military administration of the Kherson Oblast.
07:54 Russian Rocket Strike Hits Grain Facilities in Sumy OblastRussian rockets targeted several grain infrastructure facilities in the Ukrainian Sumy Oblast, according to the regional prosecutor's office, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. Yesterday afternoon, Russian troops launched rocket attacks on grain infrastructure, the statement said.
Last night, a drone strike in the Russian Voronezh Oblast resulted in a fire and an explosion of explosive devices, as reported by "Kyiv Independent," citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. Russians claim their air defense units successfully shot down several unmanned aerial vehicles over the region, leading to a fire and explosion at an unidentified location. Sources claim this explosion took place at a munitions depot in Ostrogozhsk. In recent times, Ukrainian forces have executed numerous drone attacks targeting Russia's military infrastructure and oil industry.
06:53 USA Introduces Sanctions on 400 Entities and IndividualsThe U.S. Department of State revealed that more than 400 organizations and individuals are now under U.S. sanctions for allegedly supporting Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Aaron Forsberg, director of economic sanctions policy at the U.S. Department of State, stated, "Today's actions hit Russia where it hurts." The measures impact various sectors, including the Russian energy sector and Turkish and UAE companies. Additionally, Chinese businesses thought to aid Moscow in bypassing Western sanctions and bolstering its military are also targeted, such as the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group's export-import department, which supposedly provided $4 million worth of dual-use goods to Russian firms. Representatives from the Chinese embassy in Washington expressed opposition to such sanctions and emphasized the importance of maintaining normal transactions between China and Russia.
06:18 Belarus and China Improve Security CollaborationBelarus and China have agreed to enhance cooperation in security, finance, and energy sectors, according to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." The nations also plan to strengthen working relations in industrial supply chains.
04:38 Starmer Guarantees Continued UK Support for Ukraine on National DayBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer guaranteed long-term assistance to Ukraine on its national day, expressing his solidarity through a message on social media: "My message to all Ukrainians is clear: we are with you now and forever." He reiterated this support during his recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London.
01:29 Norway Provides Ukraine with Grenade Development Permit and FundingNorwegian authorities granted Ukraine a license for the development of 155-mm grenades and pledged to cover the project's costs. Norwegian company Nammo signed an agreement with a Ukrainian defense corporation to allow for the manufacturing of artillery grenades financed by Norway. "Norway currently provides ammunition from its stocks and industry, and now Nammo wishes to share its plans with Ukraine. This means that the Ukrainian military may be resupplied more expeditiously," stated Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
23:54 Kiesewetter's Comments on NATO Base Geilenkirchen Incident: Germany at Risk of Russian Hybrid WarAfter the temporary upgrading of the warning level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen and indications of potential Russian drone attacks, security experts in Germany are urging vigilance. CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter told the "Tagesspiegel," "We must remember that Germany has been targeted for some time now in the Russian hybrid war, and as a result, military facilities in Germany, particularly those relevant to NATO, are under potential threat of sabotage and espionage activities." Previously, the security alert level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen was raised to the second-highest level, Charlie, due to the possibility of assault. According to Kiesewetter, Geilenkirchen is a critical NATO facility that hosts the airborne early warning and control system, AWACS. He added, "The Charlie security level signifies that NATO is implementing precautionary measures, including against potential drone surveillance and suspected dangers."
22:21 Latvia Announces Largest Drone Delivery to Ukraine YetLatvia has announced its most significant drone delivery to Ukraine thus far, with 1,400 drones produced by domestic manufacturers now at the ready, writes Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds on X. This brings the total number of drones procured from the domestic industry to over 2,700. Latvia, in conjunction with the UK, heads an alliance dedicated to supplying one million drones to Ukraine. Members of this alliance, which includes Germany, have committed to investing in drone production and delivering drones and spare parts to Ukraine.
21:34 Biden Commits to Additional Military Aid for Ukraine, Focuses on Air DefenseU.S. President Joe Biden announced new military aid to Ukraine during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The package encompasses air defense missiles, drone defense equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition, according to the White House. Biden emphasized the U.S.'s enduring commitment to the Ukrainian people to Zelenskyy, though the financial specifications of the new aid were not disclosed.
21:29 Zelenskyy Presses for Immediate Weapon Delivery The Ukrainian armed forces are crying out for external aid. President Zelenskyy has passionately appealed to Ukraine's international allies to swiftly deliver the promised weapon shipments. "On the battlefield, they are battling with ammunition and equipment, not with promises like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'", he states in his evening video address. As per him, Ukraine is anticipating the delivery of weapon or equipment packages "that have been agreed upon and decided, but not yet sent out yet". He fails to deliver more specifics.
20:58 Kursk Residents Voices Discontent: "Everyone for Themselves" Amidst the ongoing conflict in southern Russian region of Kursk, residents seem to be growing increasingly peeved: with the authorities they perceive as abandoned them, with the Ukrainian military, and even with their own military. A 28-year-old resident confided in the "Moscow Times" that "to Russia, we're merely a blob on the map. To the Ukrainians, we're supporters of Putin's regime. Everyone here is on their own." She accuses the authorities of deceiving and claiming there's no need to panic. Furthermore, a 32-year-old resident explains that while people blame Ukraine for the attack, they also question the competence of Russian military: "How could they miss the buildup of such a massive number of Ukrainian troops at the border?" If there were individuals with sympathies towards Ukraine or neutral attitudes beforehand, their sentiments have now transformed into intense fury, she claims. Another resident from the Kursk region remarks: "Ukraine is not our ally at this moment." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk refrains from expressing anger towards Ukraine, stating they are "simply victims of the situation themselves".
You can get a glimpse of all prior developmentshere.
The European Union could potentially play a role in supporting Ukraine's integration into international organizations, such as the International Criminal Court, as noted in the text.
Additionally, the European Union might also express concern over the situation of Ukrainian refugees and push for more favorable policies towards late repatriates, considering its humanitarian obligations and the principle of solidarity among its member states.
