At 15:44, Modi urges Zelensky to engage in dialogue with Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Kyiv, proposes to serve as a "buddy" to foster peace between Ukraine and Russia. "The solution's route lies solely in dialogue and diplomacy. Let's tread this path without any delay," Modi suggests. He encourages both sides to collaborate, seeking a means to overcome this crisis, without demanding the retreat of Russian troops. More details here.
15:22 Fragments Begin Emerging in Wagner Group a Year After Prigozhin's Demise
A year post-demise of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private army Wagner exhibits signs of disintegration, as per British assessments. Since his airplane crash, prominent figures have departed from the group, the British Ministry of Defence confirms. "Compared to its peak of 50,000 employees in 2023, Wagner now likely has around 5,000 personnel in its ongoing deployments in Belarus and Africa," the ministry states. Former Wagner soldiers have transitioned to the Russian military or paramilitary units managed by the Ministry of Defence, according to military experts' analyses. Today marks the first anniversary of Prigozhin's death in a plane crash, following his attempted coup against Russia's military leadership two months earlier. All the plane's passengers perished.
14:38 ISW: Ukrainian Offensive Forces Russia to Shift Troops
Due to Ukrainian troops' advance into the Russian region of Kursk, Moscow reportedly withdraws troops from the annexed neighboring country for the first time, as per estimates by experts at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian military leadership has allegedly relocated certain units from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to reinforce Kursk's defense, citing social media posts from demobilized soldiers. However, Russia seems to be focusing on maintaining the main axis of its attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Read more here.
13:59 Doubt Creeping into Porcelain Trust in German Aid for Ukraine
The budget squabble within the German government deteriorates trust in the dependability of German aid for Ukraine, according to security expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Affairs. He references the discussion about limiting German aid to Ukraine and instead funding it via interest-free loans from frozen Russian resources. "Germany has essentially shot itself in the foot with this idea, causing substantial international harm," Mölling says in the "Der Spiegel" podcast “Die Lage.” Nobody is convinced whether or when this mechanism will materialize, he adds. “The issue is: The money hasn't arrived yet, and the process for transferring it to Ukraine remains unclear."
13:31 Modi and Zelensky Embrace Twice, One After Another
Several weeks following his controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi visits a memorial for deceased Ukrainian children with Zelensky, where he places a doll. India, the world's most populous country, maintains an official neutral stance in the conflict, not enforcing Western sanctions on Moscow and consistently advocating for dialogue to resolve the conflict; however, it hasn't proposed any practical solutions.
13:03 Main Ferry Route to Crimea Remains Blocked
A day after a Ukrainian attack, the Russian port of Kavkaz, essential for Crimea's supply, remains closed to ferries. Russia's transport ministry suggests resuming service following cleanup. Kavkaz lies in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Crimea, occupied by Russia, is visible from Kavkaz, making it a crucial transit point for fuel and ammunition.
12:20 Russian Expert: "Sooner or Later, We'll Discover How Putin Will Seek Revenge"
Russian President Vladimir Putin seems cautious in view of Ukrainian military gains in Kursk. "That's his typical reaction," says Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. "He disappears until the situation stabilizes, then resumes as if nothing happened." Other Russian experts believe the Kremlin is currently weighing options for a counterattack. Putin typically takes his time making such decisions, they argue. "Sooner or later, we'll discover how Putin will seek revenge," warns Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41 Russian Oil Depot in Proletarsk Continues to Burn
The Russian oil depot in Proletarsk, Rostov region, persists in burning, according to NASA's Fire Monitoring Program and the Telegram channel Baza, close to Russian investigative authorities. Baza reports that the depot was struck again by a Ukrainian drone overnight.
11:12 Ukrainian Faith in Modi's Mediation Grows
While India, as a BRICS member, is closely tied to Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping for mediation to end the war. Due to the Kursk offensive, Ukrainians are "more eager than ever for peace talks," reports ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:16 Ukraine Speaks on Sunk Ships in Caucasus PortThe Ukrainian Navy has spoken out on the destruction of a ship in the Russian port of Caucasus. Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletentschuk stated on Ukrainian television, "Another obvious military target has been neutralized." The ship, intended for supplying the enemy with fuel, has sunk and the port is now out of commission. Local authorities report that the attack occurred on Thursday, with the ship catching fire. The Caucasus port on the Black Sea, which supplies places like Crimea, which Russia claimed from Ukraine in 2014, with fuel, is currently inaccessible.
09:44 Russian Envoy: "No Buffer Zone on Russian Land"Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoli Antonov, has commented on the Kursk offensive and Ukraine's stated goal of establishing a buffer zone: "That's not feasible. There will be no buffer zone on Russian land," TASS state news agency quoted him. Simultaneously, he warns that Moscow will not seek US consultation to drive Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region. He accuses the US of "persistently testing Russian patience" and attempting to incite "emotional, impulsive decisions."
09:10 Online Analysis Shows: Dissatisfaction with Putin Increasing in RussiaWith Ukrainian forces advancing onto Russian land for two weeks, negative sentiments towards President Vladimir Putin seem to be escalating throughout Russia. According to an analysis by FilterLabs AI, as reported by the "New York Times", many online contributors believe the Ukrainian advance to be a failure of the Russian government, and Putin in particular. "Putin's response to the invasion was perceived as at least ineffective and at worst antagonistic," said Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs. The company tracks Russian sentiments by analyzing social media.
08:36 Modi Arrives in KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Ukraine, as reported by both Indian and Ukrainian media. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned. Ukraine is seeking India's support due to its significant global influence, while also harboring doubts about India's declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Images of him embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin were controversial in Ukraine and many Western countries.
08:05 Russia Warns of Nuclear Plant Attacks "More Rhetoric"Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that Ukraine is attempting to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. The actual threat of a nuclear disaster due to the conflict is assessed by ntv reporter Rainer Munz.
07:33 China and Belarus Plan Enhanced Cooperation - Including SecurityChina and Belarus have agreed to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as trade, security, energy, and finance, according to a joint statement following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They aim to enhance cooperation in industrial supply chains, reduce trade costs for both parties, and further facilitate trade. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and the largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army Criticizes Poorly Trained RecruitsUkrainian commanders and soldiers are voicing discontent over the inadequate training of new recruits, as well as Russia's clear advantage in the air and ammunition in the eastern front. "Some men don't want to shoot. They see the enemy in a firing position in the trench and don't return fire. That's why our men are dying," says a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't use their weapon, they're useless." In May, the government enacted a contentious mobilization law, and since then, it's reported that tens of thousands of fighters are being drafted each month. The greatest demand is for infantry, but there are logistical challenges in training, equipping, and paying so many new people.
06:35 Moscow: USA to Give Ukraine Unrestricted Weapons AccessAccording to the Russian ambassador to the US, Russia believes that the US will soon lift all restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine. As reported by the RIA news agency, Ambassador Anatoli Antonov stated, "The current government behaves like someone who extends one hand while hiding a dagger behind their back with the other." They are laying the groundwork to lift all existing restrictions at some point without caution. Antonov said that open dialogue with the US is only possible if they abandon their "hostile" policy towards Russia. He also emphasized that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the UN General Assembly in September is unlikely.
06:09 Harris: Trump Encouraged Putin to Invade EuropeDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has unequivocally committed to NATO and pledged ongoing support for Ukraine, which is currently under attack from Russia. "I will stand firm with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she said in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, however, had threatened to abandon NATO and had encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 Federal Network Agency President: "Caution Still Necessary Despite Full Gas Reservoirs"Despite having adequately stocked gas storage facilities, the president of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, is still urging caution in gas consumption. "The federal government is still on high alert. We need to remain mindful," Müller told the "Augsburger Allgemeine". He also highlighted the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory, which could worsen the situation. "It's not the gas infrastructure itself that's in dispute, but the area surrounding this infrastructure is a war zone on both sides," Müller told the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, which is only a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and serves as an important distribution point for gas exported to Europe. Gas from Siberia is pumped here into EU countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria via Ukraine.
04:40 Modi's Visit to Kyiv: "Problems Should Never Be Settled on the Battlefield"
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine for the first time today. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv is planned, as announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains a neutral stance on the Russian invasion, does not impose western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the largest buyers of cheap Russian oil on the global market. Modi again advocated for a resolution through dialogue during his visit to Poland on Thursday. "India firmly believes that problems should never be settled on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is humanity's greatest challenge," Modi said. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk encouraged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
03:31 US Planning to Send Additional Military Aid to Ukraine
According to government sources, the US plans to send more military aid to Ukraine valued at approximately $125 million. The latest aid package includes air defense rockets, ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin rockets, and a variety of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles, the sources said anonymously. The official announcement is expected today, ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be drawn from Pentagon stocks, allowing for quick delivery.
02:12 Ukrainian Military Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk
The Ukrainian military reported a total of 53 Russian attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country throughout Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk remains the primary goal of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. No statement has been issued by the Russian government. Based on available information, Russian troops have been gradually advancing towards Pokrovsk in recent days.
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01:16 SPD Leader Esken Supports Militaristic Aid to Ukraine
Just before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD leader Saskia Esken reaffirmed her support for Ukraine's military defense against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is working towards a fair and sustainable peace, Esken said to the Funke media group. "As long as Putin does not abandon his war aims against Ukraine, peace cannot be achieved diplomatically," she said. Esken criticized BSW party leader Sahra Wagenknecht, stating, "If, as demanded by Frau Wagenknecht and others, we were to stop delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the country would be conquered tomorrow and erased from the map the day after. This would have catastrophic consequences for Europe's security, which would certainly not lead to less armament and not to peace."
23:56 Ukraine Braces for Historic Cold and Dark Winter
Due to extensive damage to its power and energy infrastructure from Russian attacks, Ukraine is preparing for a potentially harsh and dark winter. "We are facing one of the harshest winters in our history," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko in a video conference. The winter will be even more difficult than the previous one due to the accumulated damage from ongoing Russian attacks. Russian forces are employing various weapons in combined assaults to cause as much destruction as possible, he says. In a mild winter, electricity consumption is around 18 gigawatts, and in a severe winter, it is 19 gigawatts. Additionally, reserves of one gigawatt must be created, says Haluschtschenko. Russian attacks have destroyed approximately 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Increases Security Level at Geilenkirchen Airbase
Due to potential threats, NATO has increased its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. All non-essential employees have been sent home, according to a base spokesperson. The decision is based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat. "This is not a cause for concern and is solely a precautionary measure to ensure we can continue our critical operations," the spokesperson said. Police confirmed their presence on the scene. Further details, including the number of deployed forces, have not been disclosed.
22:07 Ukrainian Military Claims Strike on Russian Base in Kursk Region
The Ukrainian military claimed another strike on Russian troops in the Kursk region on Thursday afternoon. Using precision-guided US bombs, they attacked a Russian base, according to the commander of the air forces, Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command post, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were hit," Oleshchuk wrote, accompanying a video he claimed showed the attack.
21:43 Post-Summit Gathering Held After Swiss Harmony ConferenceAfter the harmony conference in Switzerland back in June, a initial get-together has transpired, as per Ukrainian sources. Reps from more than 40 nations and associations attended the digital event. Additional such meetings for task forces are in the pipeline.
Feel free to review the past happenings here.
The Commission expressed concerns about the disintegration of Yevgeny Prigozhin's private army Wagner, following his demise, as indicated by British assessments.
Given the current situation in Ukraine, it would be beneficial for The Commission to explore ways to encourage dialogue and diplomacy between both sides, as suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
