At 18:44, Ukraine documents 136,000 instances of alleged war crimes perpetrated by Russia.
18:18 Russian Spy Agency Quizzes DW and 1+1 JournalistsThe Russian Security Service (FSB) has begun inquiries against a DW reporter and a 1+1 staff member. They are accused of illegally entering the Russian territory of Kursk, as reported by the FSB. Nick Connolly, a staff member of the German international broadcaster DW, and Natalia Nagornaya, a staff member of the Ukrainian channel 1+1, are reportedly reporting from Ukrainian-controlled zones in Kursk.
17:22 Zelensky: Ukraine Can Manufacture Up to 2 Million Drones AnnuallyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky anticipates that Ukraine can manufacture 1.5 to 2 million drones annually. However, funding is a concern, Zelensky said. The war with Russia can only be concluded through dialogue. To strengthen its stance at the upcoming conversation, the Ukrainian government in Kyiv must be in a powerful position, Zelensky said.
17:00 Grossi: Dangerous Situation Near Kursk Nuclear Power PlantThe proximity of fighting between Ukraine and Russia to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is dangerous, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head, Rafael Grossi. "An NPP of this scale in close proximity to a conflict zone or military front is an extremely serious situation," Grossi said after visiting the plant. He added that the current military activity within a few kilometers of the plant raises immediate concerns.
16:00 Ukrainian Forces Entice Russian Troops from Key RegionsOne of the primary objectives of Ukraine's operation in the Kursk region is to lure Russian troops away from critical sectors, specifically from the Pokrovsk and Kurachovo areas in the Donetsk region. According to Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrsky, Russia is already deploying 30,000 troops to the Kursk region. "And this number is escalating," Syrsky said. Russia is presently reducing its presence in southern Ukraine. However, pressure remains high in the Pokrovsk hotspot, where Moscow is concentrating its most potent soldiers, Syrsky reported.
16:00 Russian Rocket Assault Kills One in Kharkiv DistrictRussian forces bombed the city of Bohoduchiw in the Kharkiv district with rockets, resulting in one fatality and six injuries, according to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office. Securing information indicates that one rocket hit a bus stop, resulting in the death of a 71-year-old lady. The Russian assaults also impacted industrial, residential, and vehicular facilities.
15:30 Ukrainian Government Estimates €14.2 Billion Budget DeficitUkrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal acknowledges that Ukraine requires an additional €14.2 billion to address its 2025 budget deficit. The Reuters news agency cited him stating that the 2023 deficit is predicted to be €35 billion, with plans to offset €20 billion. The Ukrainian government's estimates place the 2024 deficit at roughly €38 billion. Schmyhal stated the government intends to raise taxes and issue additional debt on the domestic market to finance additional war expenditures against Russia. Parliament will discuss these proposals in September.
14:50 Ukraine Examines Homegrown Weaponry DevelopmentUkraine faces its largest bombing and missile assault by Russian forces since the onset of the conflict. The relentless attacks persist even during the night. Consequently, Ukraine is now looking into alternative methods to protect itself against Russian attacks, in addition to Western military support.
14:10 Zelensky: Ukraine Successfully Launches First Domestic Ballistic MissileAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has successfully tested its first locally manufactured ballistic missile. "The first Ukrainian ballistic missile has been successfully tested," Zelensky reported, congratulating "our defense industry." However, he declined to provide further details concerning the missile.
13:30 Moscow Presumes US Involvement in Ukrainian IncursionRussian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov views US involvement in the Ukrainian incursion into the Russian Kursk region as "indisputable." He hints that the Russian reaction may be more severe than before, as per Russian state-owned news agencies RIA and TASS. Ryabkov does not offer any evidence or details to substantiate his claims. The White House has claimed that it was not privy to any prior knowledge of the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region on August 6.
13:00 Zelensky: F-16s Down Russian MissilesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that the new F-16 fighter jets have already successfully intercepted Russian missiles. "During this intense missile assault, we managed to shoot down some missiles using F-16s," Zelensky reported. He alleged that these aircraft were utilized to thwart the devastating air raid on Monday. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have pledged more than 60 of these US-produced fighter jets to Ukraine collectively.
12:30 Air Raid Alert Near Russian Nuclear Power Plant KurskA brief air raid warning is triggered in the city of Kursk in the Russian Kursk region in the midday. Sirens signal the presence of a missile threat, according to a Reuters correspondent. The Kursk nuclear power plant, which IAEA head Rafael Grossi is currently inspecting, is located in Kursk.
13:44 Russian Forces seized another area close to PokrovskThe Russian forces have allegedly seized another settlement near the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. The rural settlement of Orlowka in the Donetsk region has been declared "freed," as per the Russian Ministry of Defense on Telegram. Orlowka is the Russian name for the Ukrainian settlement of Orliwka. Despite the ongoing conflict against the Ukrainian forces in the Russian area of Kursk, Moscow is pressing ahead with its offensive in Donetsk. The Ministry of Defense frequently shares the capture of fresh locations. The region surrounding the vital logistics hub of Pokrovsk is also under focus.
13:21 Lavrov suggests nuclear blackmail threatRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has labeled Ukraine's demand on its allies to use weapons supplied by the West against Russia as a form of blackmail. For Western nuclear powers, he claims, it's risky to "play with fire." Russia is revising its nuclear doctrine, but he didn't provide specifics. The doctrine authorizes the use of nuclear weapons if Russia's sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened.
13:04 Syrskyj: Progress in Kursk - Challenging conditions in PokrovskAs per Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, Ukrainian troops are making progress in the Russian region of Kursk, but Russian soldiers are advancing toward the city of Pokrovsk in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The overall situation there is difficult.
12:42 Munz: Escalated Russian strikes on UkraineFollowing the recent drone attacks, Russia is now reportedly escalating its rocket strikes on Ukraine. Correspondent Rainer Munz from ntv attributes the timing to the upcoming autumn and heating season.
12:33 Kyiv: 594 Russian detainees captured in KurskAs per the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyj, Ukraine has apprehended a total of 594 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. This is the first time he has disclosed a specific number. Earlier this week, it was reported that the "Washington Post" had identified at least 247 Russian detainees through photo and video analysis.
12:09 Strengthened limitations and power outages for several more daysFollowing the largest Russian attack on Ukraine since the conflict commenced, the Ukrainian population can anticipate increased limitations and power outages for several more days. Power outages and severe power rations could extend for an additional one to two weeks, according to Ivan Plachkov, President of the Ukrainian Energy Association, in an interview with Kyiv24. Plachkov highlights that the monumental attack on Monday was one of the most extensive strikes on the energy infrastructure, aiming to incite a "total blackout" in the power system.
11:46 Roth: Russian offensive will trigger refugee displacement to EU
SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth believes that Russia's extensive attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure will provoke a refugee movement towards Europe. The current assault series is "the start of a new destruction campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure," Roth informed Politico. "The objective is to incapacitate Ukraine's military production and make life unbearable for its inhabitants, triggering new refugee movements to the EU." Roth added, "The damage is so severe that swift repairs are hardly possible." He advocated for support during the coming "hard winter," such as backup power generators, and the United States' approval for the use of long-range weapons against Russian airfields.
11:21 Ukrainian Border Guard: No significant military activity in Belarus
The Ukrainian Border Guard reports no substantial military activity in Belarus. Spokesperson Andrij Demtschenko told Ukrainian television that there has been no movement of soldiers or equipment near the border. However, he emphasized that the overall threat to Ukraine remains from the border with Belarus. Recently, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported that Belarus had mobilized troops and equipment near the border. Belarus is a close ally of Russia.
10:56 Russian Governor verifies Ukrainian incursion attempts in Belgorod
Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, confirmed via Telegram that "information has surfaced that the adversary is attempting to breach the border." This aligns with previous reports from Russian Telegram channels. Gladkov stated that, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the situation at the border remains challenging but under control. He urged citizens to remain calm and rely solely on official information sources. Gladkov also reported that Ukraine had attacked the region with approximately 20 drones in the past 24 hours. Kyiv has yet to comment on the alleged incidents.
Read more here.
10:50 Report: Ukraine launching new mechanized brigades
As per a report by the independent Ukrainian portal "MilitaryLand," Ukraine is reportedly creating new mechanized brigades for the defensive struggle against Russian aggression. These brigades could be combat-ready by 2025. Recruits are expected to hail from Ukrainians residing abroad and partially trained there. A mechanized brigade generally consists of around 2,000 soldiers armed with heavy military equipment such as tanks.
Read more here.
10:44 Grossi inspects Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has arrived at the Kursk nuclear power plant in the Russian border region of the same name, according to a report from the Russian state news agency TASS. Grossi had announced the previous day that he would personally oversee the inspection of the facility near the city of Kursk due to the critical situation. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers had launched a surprise attack in the Kursk region on August 6. Russia accuses Ukraine of repeatedly assaulting the plant. The Ukrainian government has yet to issue an official statement on this matter.
10:23 Russian Security Service initates Criminal Charges Against Two Foreign Journalists
The Russian security agency, FSB, allegedly initiated criminal proceedings against two foreign journalists. They are accused of breaching Russian borders illegally to report on the Ukrainian invasion in the Kursk region. Reuters reports this, citing the Russian news agency Interfax. The journalists under scrutiny are a reporter for Deutsche Welle and a correspondent for the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1. The FSB has reportedly initiated criminal proceedings against at least seven foreign journalists who have reported from Kursk.
10:02 Ukrainian Forces Attempt to Infiltrate Border in Belgorod Region
Ukrainian forces seem to be attempting to breach the Russian border in the southern Belgorod region. Intense fighting is reportedly ongoing, as per The Guardian, citing Russian Telegram channels. The Telegram channel Mash reports approximately 500 Ukrainian soldiers have assailed two checkpoints in Nechoteyewka and Shebekino in Belgorod, and skirmishes are ongoing at both locations. Belgorod is bordered by the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have seized Russian territory since early August.
09:45 Ukrainian Officials Assert Heavy Russian Casualties
Russia is reportedly suffering a substantial loss of 1,280 soldiers in one day, according to Ukraine's general staff. The number of killed or injured Russian soldiers now amounts to a staggering 610,100 since the war's commencement. Kyiv also reports the destruction of 12 Russian tanks, 19 armored vehicles, 52 artillery systems, 120 drones, 103 missiles, and one multiple rocket launcher in the previous 24 hours. These figures, however, cannot be verified independently. Russia deliberately keeps its casualties concealed.
09:21 "Everything Directed Toward Kyiv Capital Was Destroyed"
Ukraine's air force claims it has thwarted five Russian-launched missiles and 60 drones. Russia targeted Ukraine with ten missiles and 81 drones in total, as per the air force's Telegram channel. Around fifteen drones and several missiles were intercepted near Kyiv, according to the head of the local military administration, Serhiy Popko. "Everything aimed for the capital Kyiv was destroyed." Ten drones were still in Ukrainian airspace as of 09 am local time (08 am CEST). Other drones have crashed. Three hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles and two Iskander-type missiles failed to be shot down, according to air force commander Mykola Oleschuk. The military's data may not be fully verifiable but provides a relatively accurate portrayal of the attack's scale.
08:57 Overnight Assaults Result in Several Casualties - Russia Fires Kinzhal Missiles
Russia has mounted heavy air assaults on Ukraine using various weapons for the second night consecutively. At least four people have reportedly been killed, according to preliminary reports from Ukrainian authorities – two by a missile strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih and two others by drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainian air force reports that the Russian army has again utilized long-range bombers from which cruise missiles are launched. Kinzhal hypersonic missiles have also been deployed.
08:33 China Proposes Own Peace Proposal
China is advocating for broader endorsement of its peace proposal. Chinese Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, shared this information following diplomatic discussions with Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa. These three countries represent the Global South and are critical champions of global peace. They have maintained communication with both Ukraine and Russia, and they are committed to resolving the conflict politically through dialogue and negotiations, Li stated. China and Brazil released a joint peace plan this year, which advocates for a peace conference involving all parties to the conflict, and no further expansion on the battlefield. China and Russia did not participate in a peace conference in Switzerland in June. Russia was not invited, and China opted against participation.
08:05 Chechen Commander: Two Settlements in Kursk "Liberated"
The Russian military claims to have "liberated" two more settlements in the Russian region of Kursk. This information comes from the Russian state news agency TASS, which cited the deputy head of the military-political main department of the Russian armed forces and the commander of the Chechen special unit Achmat, Major General Apti Alaudinov. "I am delighted to inform you that the Arbat unit has completely rid the two settlements of Nizhnyaya Parovaya and Nechaevo today, and the 1427th regiment is advancing. Therefore, this region has also been secured and brought under control," Alaudinov declared in a video posted in a Telegram channel. The situation on the front line has not experienced any significant changes today, the general added. "The enemy has indeed suffered significant losses today. He attacked throughout the day, thus suffering substantial losses." These claims cannot be independently substantiated. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirms that geographic imagery published on Monday indicated that Ukrainian forces were operating immediately west of Nechaevo.
07:37 Biden Denounces Latest Russian Actions as "Reprehensible"
US President Joe Biden has denounced the latest Russian actions on Monday as "reprehensible". "I vehemently condemn Russia's continuous war against Ukraine and its efforts to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness," Biden said. Russia will never triumph in Ukraine. Moscow is "targeting the lifelines" of Ukraine with attacks and trying to "wipe out supplies," the German Foreign Office said on X. The British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the Russian attacks as "despicable."
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) continues to believe that a Belarusian invasion of Ukraine by their military forces is highly unlikely. This assessment is based on their most recent situation report, which is a result of an analysis conducted by a Ukraine-based news organization, Frontline Insight, and Rochan Consulting. The report suggests that Belarusian combat units typically operate at only 30 to 40% of their total capacity, relying on mobilization to deploy full units. No such mobilization has occurred, and it's more probable that the current objective is to divert Ukrainian forces' attention away from other areas along the front line, thereby supporting Russian troops. Furthermore, the current number of Russian troops in Belarus is insufficient to launch a coordinated invasion from the Gomel region's border. A Belarusian invasion of Ukraine or any military involvement in the conflict would compromise the authority of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in defending his regime, potentially triggering significant domestic discontent. The next presidential elections are scheduled for February 2025.
06:32 Gabbard Endorses Trump, Calls for US to 'Escape Escalation'
Former Democratic presidential candidate and congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now independent, has given her endorsement to Republican nominee Donald Trump for the upcoming election. Gabbard has pledged to do everything in her power to assist Trump in regaining the presidency, she said. Gabbard, a former National Guard soldier, believes that Trump would work to withdraw the US from the brink of conflict if reelected in light of the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Gabbard ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020 but withdrawal was unsuccessful and eventually endorsed Joe Biden. The Hawaii congresswoman based her campaign on demilitarizing US foreign policy. Facing accusations that her campaign was supported by Russia and intended to weaken the Democrats, Gabbard needed to defend herself.
Read more here.
06:17 Biden Praises Modi's Ukraine Visit
US President Joe Biden has commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visit to Ukraine last week. Modi, who maintains a neutral stance in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, announced on the platform X that he had spoken with Biden about India's full support for a swift resolution leading to peace and stability in Ukraine. The White House praised Modi's interaction with Ukraine and his visit to Poland last week. Warsaw is among Ukraine's closest allies in Eastern Europe. The National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, described the situation to reporters, stating that any country that shares the perspective of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and hopes to contribute towards a just peace is welcomed.
05:45 Witnesses Report Multiple Explosions in KyivReports of at least three explosion series have emerged after a renewed drone attack on Kyiv. There have been no reports of casualties so far. The air defense systems in the Kyiv region have been active throughout the night to intercept rockets and drones targeting the capital, as per a report from the regional military administration on Telegram. This incident occurred merely a day after the largest Russian air strike of the war to date.
05:03 Air Force: Russian Bombers and Drones En Route to UkraineRussian bombers and drones have been reported inbound towards Ukraine, as per Ukrainian sources. Russian bombers, Tu-95ms, have taken off from the Engels airbase in southwestern Russia, and attack drones are also en route to Ukraine. Air alerts have been activated in various parts of Ukraine, according to local authorities.
04:04 Two Killed in Russian Rocket Strike on Kryvyi RihThe number of fatalities from a Russian rocket strike on Kryvyi Rih has risen to two, as per Ukrainian reports. A Russian rocket hit a hotel, potentially trapping up to five individuals under the debris, rescue operations are ongoing, according to Ukrainian media. The military administrations of the district and the city reported that the Russians targeted the hotel with a ballistic missile. These claims cannot be independently verified.
02:04 Another Drone Attack on KyivA Russian drone attack has been reported in the Kyiv region, according to Ukrainian sources. "Suspected enemy UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) movement detected," the Kyiv military administration announced on Telegram. "Air defense systems are active in the region."
00:35 Ukraine: At Least One Dead in Russian Rocket Strike on Kryvyi RihAt least one victim has been reported in a Russian rocket strike on a civilian infrastructure building in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. Five more individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble, local authorities stated. The head of the Kryvyi Rih military administration, Oleksandr Vilkul, reported on Telegram that four people had been hospitalized due to injuries. According to the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, the civilian building was destroyed. These reports have yet to be verified independently. A response from the Russian side has not yet been received.
23:19 Zelensky Threatens Russia with Retaliation over Air StrikesIn reaction to the extensive Russian air assaults against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has threatened retaliation. Retaliatory actions are being prepared using the F-16 fighter jets provided by the West, Zelensky declared in his nightly video address. No specifics were provided about the planned retaliation, but he again mentioned a Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, which has been running for three weeks. Ukrainian forces have expanded their control in the area and taken more Russian prisoners of war, improving the prospects for a prisoner exchange.
After significant attacks in Ukraine, the USA accuses Russia of aiming to "push the Ukrainian people into darkness as autumn arrives," as stated by John Kirby, representative of the US National Security Council. Kirby finds Russia's assaults on Ukraine's power grid "shameful." The USA denounces "Russia's persistent war against Ukraine."
21:20: More evacuations in Donetsk region
Ukraine's authorities have mandated additional evacuations in the Donetsk region due to Russia's advance. The worsening safety conditions have expanded the evacuation zone, requiring kids and their parents or guardians to leave their homes, Donetsk Governor Vadym Filaschkin reports. A total of 27 communities in the Kostyantynivka and Selydove areas have been included. Evacuations were previously enforced in the Pokrovsk area due to Russian forces' advance.
You can find information about previous developments here.)
Following the latest escalation of conflict, US President Joe Biden has condemned Russia's actions as "reprehensible". He expressed grave concerns over the attack on Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, and the impact on the civilian population. The Russian Security Service's quizzing of foreign journalists, including Nick Connolly from DW and Natalia Nagornaya from 1+1, has also been brought to international attention.
