At 17:28, Russian officials report a ferry catching fire following an alleged Ukrainian assault.
A blaze is raging on a petroleum tanker in the Russian port of Kavkaz situated in the Krasnodar region, east of Crimea, as per local authorities. They attribute this incident to a Ukrainian attack.
16:41 Russia declares progress in Pokrovsk, Ukraine boasts victories in KurskThe Russian military claims to have taken hold of another village close to Pokrovsk city's vicinity in eastern Ukraine, with their troops now approximately 10 kilometers away from the city, a major logistics base. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had earlier announced plans to beef up troops in the area. Now, he reports a success in Kursk, Russian region, with troops seizing another village and augmenting the "exchange fund" - capturing more Russian soldiers. According to these reports, Ukrainian troops control 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, this has not been independently verified.**
16:12 Ukraine dismisses alleged nuclear power plant assault: Russia might be orchestrating a 'nuclear provocation'Ukraine rejects Russian President Putin's allegation that Ukrainian troops sought to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant the previous night. "This is an outright lie," writes Mykola Lukashevych, chief of the counter-disinformation section at the Ukrainian Security and Defense Council. He suggests that Russia may be planning a nuclear provocation itself and views the "possibility of a nuclear provocation by Russia" as genuine, given Putin's involvement.**
15:46 EU gas storage levels reach 90%EU gas storage facilities are now 90% full, two months before the scheduled date, as per the EU Commission's report. The EU is thus "prepared for the upcoming winter." In late 2022, the 27 EU member states agreed that EU gas storage should be at least 90% full by November 1st. According to data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, varying fill levels exist across countries: Spain holds the highest fill level at 100%, while Latvia is at around 69%. In Germany, storage is 93.6% full. The EU aims to decrease its reliance on Russian natural gas, increasing LNG imports from the US and gas imports from Norway instead.**
15:21 Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to assault Russian nuclear power plantRussian President Vladimir Putin alleges that Ukraine attacked the nuclear power plant in Kursk. "The adversary attempted to attack the nuclear power plant last night," Putin states, without offering evidence. "The International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed," he adds during a televised cabinet meeting. The IAEA had previously advised all parties to exercise utmost caution and restraint due to potential consequences for the power plant.**
14:50 IAEA Chief Plans Kursk Nuclear Plant VisitThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, is scheduled to visit the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk the coming week. The IAEA confirmed this visit "next week." Early August saw a significant Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. The Russian state nuclear power company Rosatom subsequently warned of a threat to the NPP due to Ukrainian attacks, located approximately 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.**
14:21 Mass Evacuation of 115,000 People from Russian Border Regions115,000 individuals have been evacuated from the vulnerable Russian regions borders with Ukraine, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov announced. Assessments of agricultural and industrial damage from the Ukrainian offensive are underway, he explained during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and administrative leaders. "I have called you here today to discuss current developments in Russia's border regions," Putin started the meeting.**
14:00 Tusk Supports India's Potential Mediation Role in Ukraine WarPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk views India's potential role in the Ukraine war as a mediator positively. "I am very satisfied that the Prime Minister has reaffirmed his readiness to engage personally for a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution to the conflict," Tusk said in Warsaw following discussions with Modi. Modi's mediator proposal is particularly significant as he plans to visit Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.**
13:40 "No Evidence of 'Limited' Kursk Incursion"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes the Ukrainian advance in Russia to be "a short-term and limited operation." However, according to ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald's current report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine, there is no evidence of this at present. "Conversely," she says.**
13:20 Multiple Russian Military Aircraft Reportedly Destroyed in Sawaslejka AssaultsSeveral Russian aircraft are reportedly destroyed in Ukrainian assaults on the Sawaslejka airbase. The Ukrainian state-owned broadcaster Suspilne reported this based on intelligence sources. On August 16, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were reportedly destroyed, and around five aircraft (probably MiG-31K/I) were damaged. In an August 13 attack, a fuel and lubricant depot was struck, and another MiG-31K/I was damaged.**
13:06 ФСБopens Criminal Investigations against Foreign JournalistsThe Russian domestic security agency FSB has initiated criminal investigations against several foreign journalists due to their reports in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces control several settlements. Investigations have been opened against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian female journalists for allegedly crossing the state border illegally, as stated by the FSB. According to the agency, the journalists filmed in the city of Sudscha, which is under Ukrainian control. The intelligence agency has announced that it will soon issue international arrest warrants. The three journalists could face up to five years in prison in Russia. Not long ago, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was able to return to his home country as part of a prisoner exchange after being sentenced to 16 years in a labor camp for alleged espionage. Read more here.
12:34 Zelenskyy in Border Region: "Exchange Fund" Filled AgainUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the border region of Sumy in the northeast of the country, from where Ukrainian forces advanced into Russia more than two weeks ago. He announced that another location in the Kursk region had been captured. He also stated that the "exchange fund" had been replenished, referring to the capture of Russian soldiers for a future exchange with Ukrainians held in Russian captivity. Zelenskyy emphasized that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and the number of civilian casualties there had decreased. He published a video showing him with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who informed him about the reinforcement of troops in the east of Ukraine. Russia is continuing to advance there.
12:06Suspected Russian Drone Spotted? at Critical Infrastructure in BrunsbüttelAccording to the "Bild" newspaper, suspected Russian drones have been spotted near the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. Over the past few days, drones have been repeatedly seen flying at high speed over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel. The public prosecutor's office in Flensburg is investigating due to suspected espionage with the aim of sabotage. Internally, the police report states: "The flight ban zone was repeatedly violated by flying over the nuclear power plant." An enemy object, presumably a military drone, was detected. As "Bild" further reports, the drones are alleged to be Russian-made and may have been launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Potential Attacks in the Days AheadThe US Embassy in Kyiv has issued a warning of an increased risk of air attacks ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday. In the coming days and over the weekend, there is a heightened danger that Russia will attack Ukraine with drones and missiles, the embassy stated on its website. Ukraine celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. The holiday has taken on greater significance for Ukrainians since the start of the war in Ukraine exactly two and a half years ago. Recently, Ukrainian forces unexpectedly entered Russian territory in the Kursk border region. Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a provocation and threatened an "appropriate response."
11:13 Military Base in Volgograd on FireA fire breaks out at a military base near Marinovka in the southern Russian region of Volgograd. Residents report hearing explosions. Local authorities blame a Ukrainian drone strike for the blaze, with no casualties reported.
10:41 Russia Builds Prefabricated Bunkers in KurskAuthorities in the Russian border region of Kursk are installing prefabricated concrete shelters for the population. "On my instruction, the Kursk city administration has designated central locations for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers," regional governor Alexei Smirnov said on Telegram. Bunkers are being constructed at busy locations, such as 60 bus stops. Smirnov published a photo of a truck delivering one of the blocks. Bunkers are also being set up in two other locations, including Kursk, where the region's nuclear power plant is located. Russia accuses Ukraine of planning to attack the facility, which Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Reports Advance in KurskUkraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops near the city of Pokrovsk, almost all of which were repelled. President Zelensky promises to reinforce troops in the area. Additionally, the advance in the Kursk region continues.
09:42 Russia Claims Downed Drones in Multiple RegionsRussian forces claim to have intercepted several Ukrainian air strikes in the west of the country, according to official reports. In the Volgograd region, Governor Andrei Bocharov said on Telegram that "most drones were destroyed" near the village of Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the Kursk border region, Governor Alexei Smirnov said that "two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were shot down by Russian air defense." In the Rostov region to the south, Governor Vasily Golubev said that an attack with five drones was "repelled." Drones were also reportedly shot down in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-range weapons against Russian targets: Kyiv seeks international approvalThe Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, convenes with a bipartisan group of US House Representatives in Kyiv. As reported by the Ukrainian ministry, the meeting involves Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone discussing the frontline situation and international policy on the deployment of long-range weapons against Russian targets. Umerov commented, "I emphasized the importance of swiftly gaining approval from our allies to fully implement long-range weapons against Russian targets. It's all about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars hero starts fundraising campaignKnown for his "Star Wars" character as Luke Skywalker, US actor Mark Hamill, in collaboration with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, is raising funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. Through the "Safe Terrain" initiative, they aim to reach a goal of $441,000. These robots are capable of clearing mines in hard-to-reach locations safely from a distance. Timothy Snyder said, "One of the horrific acts Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of landmines. I've visited areas near the front, where people put themselves at risk to assist others in resuming their agricultural activities and returning to their homes. With these robots, mines can be removed, and lives can be saved." Much of Ukraine is currently contaminated with mines, and their removal may take decades.
08:01 Moscow prepares Russians for 'new reality'The Ukrainian assault on Kursk presents a test for Moscow's propaganda. Despite the distance, a Kremlin-connected interlocutor informed Meduza, an independent Russian portal based in Riga, "Even the intrusion into Russian territory and control of villages is a new and highly disturbing occurrence." In light of the now noticeably increased apprehension, the Kremlin is working to prepare the Russians for life in a "new reality" and a "new normality." The message is: The foe has indeed entered Russian territory, they are close to defeat – but the return of the territory will take time, and the Russians must wait. In the meanwhile, they encourage the population to "transform negativity and shock into a positive direction" – specifically by collecting aid supplies for Kursk. Reportedly, all officials interviewed by Meduza agree that the conflict in Kursk could last several months. An official from the government specifies that this estimate is "quite optimistic – if everything goes well."
07:30 Russian official confirms drone attack on military facilityRussian authorities confirm reports of a Ukrainian drone attack against a military facility in the Southern Russian region of Volgograd. The regional Governor, Andrei Bocharov, confirmed the drone crash into the facility via Telegram, and there were no casualties. But, Bocharov did not specify which military facility was affected. He explained that Marinovka was attacked, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Ex-Advisor: Putin Manipulated TrumpFormer US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeded in manipulating former US President Donald Trump. McMaster reveals this in his book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by "The Guardian." According to McMaster, Putin, a ruthless ex-KGB agent, exploited Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery. Putin called Trump 'an extraordinary person, talented, beyond any doubt,' exerting a near-hypnotic influence over him. McMaster, who served as Trump's security advisor for about a year, had warned Trump about Putin at the time: "Mr. President, he is the master of deception in the world." He stated that Putin was confident he could 'trick' Trump and secure a loosening of sanctions and a quick withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of Fire at Russian Airbase in VolgogradOvernight explosions were reported in Volgograd, a city in the Don Volgograd region. According to various Russian Telegram channels, these appear to be the result of a drone attack, with a fire erupting at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is about 900 kilometers south of Moscow. The attack is said to have targeted the Marinovka airbase, located in the Octyabrsky village, approximately 20 km from Kalach on the Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing six to ten loud explosions, accompanied by drone sounds, according to Telegram.
04:27 Ukrainian Intelligence Service Speaks on Russian Drone StrikesThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the objectives of the drone attacks in Russia during the night. They were aimed at Moscow's Ostafyevo airport, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communication center, as indicated by HUR head Kyrylo Budanov on the military website "The War Zone." Approximately 50 drones were involved. Currently, investigations are underway to determine the extent of any damage sustained. Russian authorities reported in the morning that they had shot down 45 drones over Russian territory.
03:09 Security Measures for Curious Russian ElectionsIn the contentious Russian border region of Kursk, security measures are being put in place for the upcoming regional elections. Poll workers will be provided with bulletproof vests and helmets, and additional polling stations will be set up in other areas for displaced residents, as per the head of the regional election commission, Tatjana Malachowa, according to Russian media outlets. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled from September 6 to 8 in various regions of Russia.
01:34 Western Democracies' Impact on Fico's Foreign Policy ViewsSlovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico complains of feeling pressure from Western democracies on significant foreign policy matters. He asserts that those who deviate from the "mainstream" view are "arbitrarily pressured and threatened with isolation," according to a statement released on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion. In the statement, Fico draws a parallel between the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops and what he perceives as current pressure on diverse viewpoints in Europe. Fico is against the EU's military aid to Ukraine and has faced accusations of being pro-Russian.
00:12 Ukrainian Repels Most Russian Attacks Near PokrovskUkraine claims to have repelled 44 out of 46 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country, as per the General Staff. As of 21:00 CET, conflicts persist at the remaining two sectors. The attacks resulted in 238 Russian soldiers being killed or wounded. No information is provided regarding Ukrainian casualties. Russia has yet to comment.
23:09 Russia Denies Ukrainian Incursion into BryanskRussia refutes claims of a Ukrainian infiltration into the Russian border region of Bryansk, adjacent to Kursk. The attempted incursion by a "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was thwarted by the Russian FSB security service and army units, according to Bryansk's governor, Alexander Bogomaz. He reported the situation to be "under control" on Telegram.
22:15 Zelensky Seeks Swift Allocation of Promised AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hope for the expeditious disbursement of the billion-dollar aid promised by the West, which includes funds derived from frozen Russian state assets. While numerous political statements have been made, more action is expected, Zelensky said in his evening address. "But we require a practical mechanism." Ukraine needs the income from Russian assets to defend against Russian aggression. "The relevant discussions have gone on for too long, and we need decisions now." The G7 countries agreed on a new financial aid package for Kyiv at their June summit, securing a generous $50 billion loan from interest earnings on frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Praises Russia-China Trade TiesRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the strengthening economic cooperation between Russia and China. "Our trade relationships are progressing positively (...). The attention both governments devote to trade and economic relations is bearing fruit," Putin said at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "large-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin continued. Li, as reported by the Kremlin, characterized Chinese-Russian relationships as being at an "unprecedented high level." The strategic partnership between Russia and China has deepened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a key trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Detention of Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister ExtendedFormer Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov remains in detention on corruption charges. His request for house arrest and his appeal against detention were both denied, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. Bulgakov was in charge of procurement for the Russian armed forces before his dismissal. A Moscow court also ordered detention for two alleged Bulgakov associates and their company, which is said to have received nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, causing damages of around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros).
21:00 Ukraine Bolsters Forces in PokrovskIn accord with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is reinforcing its troops in the contentious Pokrovsk region in eastern Ukraine. We understand the Russian military's intentions there, he said during a televised address. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk continues, Zelenskyy explained. Some areas are under Ukrainian control. Zelenskyy did not provide further details.
20:41 Post Decree: Multiple Ukrainians in Hungary Faced With Shelter LossAfter Hungary enforced a decree stripping general refugee status from Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians have been threatened with eviction from their refugee shelters. Already, private refugee housing facilities have initiated the process of removing Ukrainians, according to Migration Aid's findings. In Kocs, located north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, predominantly Roma women and children originating from the Transcarpathian region of western Ukraine, which holds a significant Hungarian minority, were instructed to vacate a guest house under police surveillance.
You can catch up on all prior updates here.
here.
The Russian military continues its offensive in the Kursk region, capturing another village and bringing their troops closer to a major logistics base in Pokrovsk. (Military)
In response to Russian allegations of Ukrainian attacks on the Kursk nuclear power plant, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's counter-disinformation chief dismisses the claims as a potential "nuclear provocation" by Russia. (Military)
