At 19:05 in Ukraine, approximatedly 102 missiles were successfully thwarted during what's being dubbed as the "major aerial assault."
Ukraine Claims Heaviest Russian Air Strike Since Feb '22
The most significant Russian air attack on Ukraine since the conflict began in February 2022 has occurred, as reported by Ukrainian sources. Russian forces launched assaults with over 100 rockets and drones each, according to Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk via Telegram. Out of the total 127 Russian rockets and 109 drones, 102 and 99 were successfully intercepted and destroyed respectively. This combined strike was identified as the "biggest air attack" so far.
Zelensky Dispatches Reinforcements to Pokrovsk
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has authorized the dispatch of additional reinforcements to Pokrovsk. He has received updates on the regional situation from military leaders, according to telegram updates. The area surrounding Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine has been a hotspot for intense fighting following recent Russian advancements.
Macron: Telegram CEO Arrest Not Politically Motivated
Two days following the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed the incident publicly on X. "The arrest took place within the framework of an ongoing legal investigation," Macron stated. "This was not a politically motivated decision." Ultimately, the courts hold the final authority in the matter.
15-Year-Old Imprisoned in Russia for Ukraine Support
A 15-year-old boy in Russia has been sentenced to imprisonment for expressing support for Ukraine, as alleged by a Russian opposition media outlet named Mediazona. A court in the Russian city of Khabarovsk condemned him to 4.5 years in a juvenile detention center for allegedly being a member of a terrorist organization and for preparing a terrorist act. The sentence was issued on August 16 but was only recently disclosed. The teenager's grandmother told Mediazona that she believed he was manipulated by Russian security services. The boy had frequently expressed his support for Ukraine to classmates and on social media. The incident involved a Telegram video showing the boy and two other teenagers throwing Molotov cocktails against the wall of an abandoned building.
Governor: Dam Attack Causes Minimal Damage
Despite the Russian assault on a dam nearby Kyiv, the governor of the region claims there was no significant damage. The road on the dam will reopen later in the afternoon, providing no further attacks or air raid warnings occur, as stated by Governor Ruslan Kravchenko to Radio Liberty's Ukrainian service.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Promises Response to Attacks
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Ummerov has vowed retaliation against the massive Russian attacks on his nation. "Ukraine is preparing its retaliation. Weapons from our own production," he stated, as quoted by the defense ministry on X. He also urged Western allies to bolster Ukraine's long-range capabilities and lift restrictions on strikes against Russian military facilities.
Wagner Group Denies Presence in Ukraine
According to a statement published on Telegram, the Wagner Group denies having mercenaries fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine. The group currently operates in Belarus and Africa, but they are not participating in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to Kyiv Independent reports. If circumstantial changes arise, the information will be made public.
Longest Air Alert in Kyiv Since War Began
A 7 hours and 46 minutes-long air alert was declared in Kyiv due to intense Russian attacks on Ukraine. This is the second longest air alert in the capital since the start of the Russian invasion, as revealed by journalist Denis Trubetskoy. Previously, an 8 hours and 55 minutes-long air alert had occurred. According to Anton Gerashchenko, former advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, some regions in Ukraine experienced air alerts lasting up to 10 hours.
Russia Reports Counterattack in Kursk
The Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow has reported Russian soldiers launching counterattacks at over a dozen locations along the frontline in Kursk, as well as repelling Ukrainian attacks at seven other spots in Kursk. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces were shelled at 16 locations in the Sumy region, which is on the Ukrainian side and adjacent to Russian Kursk.
IAEA Chief Prioritizes NPP Inspection in Kursk
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, is leading a personal inspection of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant located in the Russian Oblast of Kursk. Ukrainian troops have invaded the area, and Grossi has expressed concern for the nuclear facilities' safety. The visit is scheduled for Tuesday. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers entered Kursk in a surprise attack on August 6.
Fire at Russia's Largest Oil Refinery
A fire has broken out at Russia's largest oil refinery located in Omsk, as reported by the operator Gazprom. The incident has been contained, and there have been no disruptions to operations, as stated by Gazprom in a statement. The state-owned energy company also confirmed that seven workers were injured and one employee died in the fire. Initially, only two injuries were reported.
Ukrainian troops have reportedly captured over 240 Russian soldiers since their unexpected infiltration into the Russian territory of Kursk initially in August. The "Washington Post" examined over 130 photos and videos captured since the August 6 incursion, with most images supposedly captured by Ukrainian soldiers and distributed on social media. The analysis likewise included images grabbed by a newspaper photographer from a detention center in Ukraine, where captured Russian soldiers are stated to be kept. The verified images show at least 247 Russian detainees, supporting the assertions of Ukrainian officials that they have captured hundreds of Russians throughout the incursion, as stated by the newspaper. Many young conscripts appeared to have surrendered without resistance.
An unknown object is reported to have entered Polish airspace and probably landed on Polish territory during Russia's attack on Ukraine, as stated by the Polish state news agency PAP, citing the army's operations command. The search for the object, which was not a rocket, is ongoing. General Maciej Klisz, the operational commander of the armed forces, informed Polsat News, "During the massive attack on Ukrainian territory on Monday, an object likely entered Polish territory." The "Guardian" reports, citing an army spokesman, that the object is likely a drone.
A dam north of Kyiv was allegedly struck by a Russian missile during the major-scale air attack on Ukraine this morning, according to Ukrainian media reports. A video shared by journalist Yaroslav Trofimov of the "Wall Street Journal," as well as other journalists, shows a portion of the hydroelectric power station on fire. "If the dam breaks, millions of people downstream could die," Trofimov writes. There are currently no official reports on the damage to the structure.
Russia has allegedly used over 100 missiles and around 100 drones in its most recent massive attack, according to Ukrainian reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a video message on Telegram, "This was one of the most intense attacks." The Russian Ministry of Defense has reported hitting "all targeted facilities" in massive attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure on Telegram. Zelenskyy explained that it was a "combined" attack, with Russia using "more than 100 missiles of different types" and around 100 Shahed drones of Iranian origin. The Russian Ministry of Defense describes it as a "massive strike with high-precision long-range weapons" on "key energy infrastructure facilities".
The Ukraine is advocating for the West to authorize the use of weapons for attacks deep into Russian territory. Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, wrote on Telegram, "Such a decision would conclude Russian terror more swiftly."
Russia considers negotiations with Ukraine over a ceasefire to have nearly lost their significance. The incursion of Ukraine into the Russian border region of Kursk cannot be tolerated, states Dmitri Peskov, spokesman for the Russian Presidential Administration. There have been no talks about a ceasefire, and the topic is no longer relevant.
Dictator Lukashenko is allegedly amassing tens of thousands of soldiers at the border with Ukraine, a situation that concerns the country. However, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz, this is more of a show of force rather than a genuine threat.
Intelligence findings of a potential threat from a Russian sabotage act using a drone allegedly led to the temporary increase in the security level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen near Aachen, according to German security circles. There was a serious indication from a foreign intelligence service of preparations for a probable Russian sabotage act against the NATO base.
The Proletarsk fuel depot in southern Russia has been burning for over a week, as indicated by the latest satellite images from NASA's FIRMS fire and forest monitoring system. The fire, which involves more than 70 individual tanks, was triggered by a Ukrainian drone strike on the night of August 18. Unofficial reports suggest that another attack occurred on Friday morning. The regional authorities of Rostov have declared a state of emergency for the Proletarsk district. The state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday that 47 firefighters had been injured in the blaze so far.
The Polish military scrambled interceptors due to the proximity of Russian attacks to the Polish border during the massive morning air strike, as reported by the news agency PAP. Reports suggest that aircraft from other allies also participated in the operation. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia had deployed 11 long-range bombers Tu-95, which carry cruise missiles, and launched hypersonic Kinzhal missiles at Ukraine. The country was also targeted from the Black Sea.
Ukrainian troops from an air defense unit supposedly took on a Russian cruise missile using a machine gun mounted on a truck in the western region of Transcarpathia this morning. Governor Viktor Mykyta posted a relevant video on social media. According to his statement, the missile was launched from the neighboring Lviv region and was obliterated by the 650th separate anti-aircraft machine gun battalion. The video's authenticity was confirmed by the RTL/ntv verification team. The type of missile that was destroyed cannot be independently verified. However, as reported by "The Kyiv Independent," it was not a machine gun strike that brought down the missile, but rather an air defense missile from the Ukrainian military, as reported by the prior spokesman of the air force, Yuriy Ihnat.
10:03 15 Ukrainian Regions Under Russian Attack - Energy Sector Targeted
More than half of Ukraine's regions have suffered attacks from Russia, as per Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's statement. "Today, a significant Russian attack hit 15 regions. The adversary employed various types of weapons: drones, missiles, hypersonic missiles. There are casualties and injuries," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. According to Ukrainian sources, energy facilities were targeted in four regions. Authorities in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Rivne, and Lviv reported attacks on their respective energy infrastructure. service disruptions were reported in specific areas of the capital Kyiv, including electricity and water supplies, as stated by Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
09:40 ISW: Russia Moves Forces to Kursk Probably from Less Important Sectors in Ukraine
The Russian military is likely relocating troops from less critical areas on the Ukrainian front to the Kursk region, according to experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Commanders of the Russian 810th Marine Infantry Brigade, 155th Marine Infantry Brigade, 11th Airborne Brigade (VDV), 56th VDV Regiment (7th VDV Division), and 51st VDV Regiment (106th VDV Division) allegedly briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend on combat operations in Russian territories bordering Ukraine. The ISW's current report suggests this refers to the Kursk region. The ISW has observed elements of the 810th Marine Infantry Brigade, 155th Marine Infantry Brigade, and 11th VDV Brigade participating in the Kursk region, and has received indications that the Russian military leadership recently deployed elements of the 56th VDV Regiment from the Robotyne area in western Zaporizhzhia to the border region. The Russian military leadership is resisting operational pressure to withdraw forces from priority offensive efforts to capture Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, the experts added.
09:14 First Deaths Reported from Massive Russian Strikes
At least three individuals have died in Russian air strikes, according to Ukrainian authorities. Reports of fatalities have been documented in Luzk in the west, Dnipro in the east, and Zaporizhzhia in the south. Luzk Mayor Ihor Polischchuk reported that a multi-family home was struck by "an enemy attack," leading to one death. The governors of the Odessa, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions reported explosions in their regions and urged residents to seek shelter. Earlier, Poltava region Governor Filipp Pronin reported that five individuals were injured in an attack on an industrial facility.
Read more here.
08:50 Ukraine Monitors Belarus Troops Concentration: "Belarus's Entry into War Would Widen the Front"
Ukraine is vigilantly observing the concentration of Belarusian troops near their shared border. The current action is larger than previous ones, and Belarus's entry into the war could have detrimental consequences, as explained by ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
08:22 Explosions Rock Several Ukrainian Cities - Power Outage in KyivExplosions have been reported in several Ukrainian cities following the massive Russian air strike (see entry at 07:24). According to "Kyiv Independent," air raid sirens sounded throughout the country just before 6 AM local time. The first explosions in Kyiv were heard just before 8:30 AM, with more following. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reports that power is out in several districts of the capital, and there are problems with water supply on the right side of the city. Explosions have also been reported in Kharkiv, Odessa, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Kremenchuk, Dnipro, Khmelnytskyi, Kropyvnytskyi, and Kryvyi Rih.
07:53 Moscow: Declaration of Destroying 20 Ukrainian DronesRussia's air defense claims to have shot down 20 drones targeting Russian territory from Ukraine overnight. Nine were intercepted over the Saratov region, three over Kursk, and two each over Belgorod, Bryansk, and Tula. One drone was identified over the Oryol and Ryazan regions.
07:24 Russia Unleashes Massive Air Attack on UkraineUkraine is currently under a massive assault, as reported by various sources. "Explosions in Kyiv at this hour as Ukraine is under a massive Russian missile and drone attack from land, air, and sea," reports "Kyiv Post" on X. Military expert Nico Lange writes that Russia is firing missiles from ships in the Black Sea and from 11 Tu-95 bombers, and is using drones and ballistic missiles. "The Russian air attack on Ukraine is massive." Explosions are reportedly heard in several cities.
07:07 Chechen Commander Claims Ukrainian Vehicle Destructions in Kursk Members from the Chechen special forces' Achmat unit along with the 2nd Special Forces Brigade declare destruction of two armored fighting vehicles, five armored combat vehicles, and one light tank of French design (AMR) in Kursk region during the last day. The Russian news agency TASS reports this, attributing it to General-Major Apti Alaudinow, the commander. "In the past day, we've neutralized a unit of automatic grenade launchers and a mortar, and destroyed a gun," he communicates. "Our troops have caused substantial losses to the Ukrainian forces with these attacks on military facilities." Alaudinow underscores the halt of Ukrainian forces' advancement. "The adversary is indeed striving to advance, but in vain. We've already initiated destroying the enemy in various areas and liberated a few settlements. I believe this operation will continue daily."
06:41 North Korea: Kim Jong Un Urges More Kamikaze Drone Production North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, advocates for creating more kamikaze drones to be a key component of war preparations, according to a KCNA report. He made this pronouncement during a domestic drone testing. Kamikaze drones are unmanned aerial vehicles armed with explosives that are maneuvered towards enemy targets. Russia has been utilizing Iranian drones of the Shahed type in Ukraine. Russia and North Korea have expanded military collaboration. The drone test allegedly happened on Saturday amid heightened tensions with neighboring South Korea. Photos reveal white flying objects with X-shaped wings attacking tank targets and detonating. South Korean news agency Yonhap claims the target objects mimicked South Korean K-2 tanks.
Read more here.
06:34 Ukraine: 1,140 Russian Soldiers "Eliminated" in 24 Hours Ukrainian military data suggests that 1,140 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded within the last 24 hours. Since the conflict initiation, the total "eliminated" Russian military personnel count has risen to 608,820. These statistics cannot be statistically validated. Over the past 24 hours, four Russian tanks, 17 armored vehicles, 47 artillery units, one multiple rocket launcher, one air defense system, and 39 drones have been annihilated.
06:12 Kyiv Warns Minsk Against Committing "Regrettable Actions" Ukraine demands that Belarus withdraw its massive military forces and equipment from their common border. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minsk government is urged to refrain from aggressive actions and withdraw its troops from the border region. Ukraine warns Belarus not to make "regrettable choices" under Moscow's influence. Belarus has yet to respond. According to Ukrainian sources, deployed at the border are Belarusian special units and former Wagner mercenaries. The equipment includes tanks, artillery, air defense systems, and engineering equipment stationed in the Gomel region along the northern border of Ukraine. The statement also acknowledges that Ukraine has "never launched hostile actions against the Belarusian people and has no intentions to do so in the future."
05:46 Russian Governor Reports Damage from Drone Debris In the Russian region of Saratow, some houses have been damaged by remains of downed Ukrainian drones, as reported by the governor. Both Saratow and Engels cities have activated all emergency services. Engels is home to a strategic bomber base in Russia.
03:52 Air Defense Alerts of Drone Attack on Kyiv Ukrainian alerts indicate air defense systems are active in the Kyiv region to thwart Russian drone attacks. "An enemy drone movement has been detected! Air defense systems in the region are active," the regional military administration reports via Telegram. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have surfaced.
00:19 Zelensky labels attack on Reuters team "deliberate"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about the fatal rocket attack on Reuters employees in his evening address. The attack on a hotel in eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk resulted in one death and two injuries, Reuters reported. The deceased was identified as British ex-soldier Ryan Evans, who had been working for Reuters since 2022, advising journalists on security issues in Ukraine, Israel, and at the Paris Olympics. Zelensky declared the attack to be "deliberate" and "targeted." "My condolences to his family and friends." The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office had announced an investigation into the attack on the Telegram platform. It occurred on Saturday at 22:35 local time. Reuters could not ascertain if the rocket was fired by Russia or if the hotel was specifically targeted. No Russian statement has been released so far.
Keep abreast of all preceding developmentshere.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could potentially dispatch additional military leaders to speak with The President of the Council about the ongoing situation in Pokrovsk.
In response to the allegations of detaining a 15-year-old boy for supporting Ukraine, The President of the Council could issue a statement condemning such actions and advocating for the protection of free speech.
