At 19:16, Lithuania notes a decrease in Russian land forces in Kaliningrad.
In Kaliningrad, Russia, situated on the Baltic Sea between Poland and Lithuania, there's reportedly less ground troops present. Commander of the Lithuanian armed forces, Raimundas Vaikšnoras, made this claim to news portal "Delfi". He credits this decrease to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Since the start of the war against Ukraine, noticeable equipment and personnel shifts have been observed from Kaliningrad. Although soldiers have returned, the current count indicates a clear reduction in ground troops.
18:40 "Armenians, what's the point?" - Lukashenko sparks backlashBelarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko's remarks about Armenia have ignited public outrage. On Wednesday, demonstrators in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, hurled eggs at the Belarusian embassy, demanding the ambassador's expulsion. Armenia's pro-Western stance was the subject of Lukashenko's criticism on Russian state television: "Why bother with Armenians? They should develop their economy and rely on their own resources. What's France, who's Macron? When Macron is gone, Armenia will be forgotten," he supposedly said. Tensions between Russia, Armenia's longtime ally, and Armenia have been growing since Azerbaijan seized Nagorno-Karabakh in a military raid in Sept, ending three decades of Armenian separatist rule.
18:03 Ukraine records deaths from glide bomb assaultTwo people lost their lives in the Sumy region, bordering Russia's Kursk, as a result of an attack involving two glide bombs, according to the Ukrainian prosecutor's office. Russian bombs targeted essential infrastructure substitutes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had visited Sumy on Thursday, stating that attacks on Sumy had subsided since parts of Kursk were captured.
17:28 Russian authorities: Fuel tanker burns following Ukrainian attackA fuel tanker is on fire in Russia's Kavkaz port, in the Krasnodar region, East of Crimea, local officials say. This incident follows a reported Ukrainian attack. Numerous Russian media outlets share photos and videos suggesting the tanker's explosion and dark smoke plumes. The Ukrainian armed forces also disseminate these videos on social media, captioned "Neptune pays a visit to Kavkaz port" on their Telegram channel. Unconfirmed reports from Russian Telegram channels suggest the ship was hit by a Ukrainian Neptune-type anti-ship missile. However, the weapon's official range of 300 kilometers surpasses the front line's distance. Kavkaz port plays a vital role in supplying Russian troops in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine.
Update at 18:39: According to Krasnodar region's crisis center, the ship has sunk after catching fire. Reportedly, 30 fuel tanks were aboard.
16:41 Russia Progress in Pokrovsk, Ukraine Celebrates Advancements in KurskRussian army reports capturing another village near Pokrovsk, located approximately 10 kilometers from the city. Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced plans to fortify troops in the Pokrovsk area. Now, he reports success in the Russian region of Kursk. Troops have seized another village and captured more Russian soldiers, as reported. Ukrainian troops control 94 villages and a vast area of land spanning over a thousand square kilometers in Kursk. These statements are, however, unverified.
16:12 Ukraine Disclaims Attempted Nuclear Power Plant Attack: Russia May Stage "Nuclear Provocation"Ukraine denies Putin's claim that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant. "This is a flat-out lie," writes Andrii Kovalenko, head of the disinformation countermeasures department at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Russia has previously disseminated fabricated claims of a Ukrainian "nuclear provocation" at the Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Instead, signs now point to Russia potentially staging this provocation, insists Kovalenko. He deems the risk of a "nuclear provocation" by Russia significant, given Putin's involvement.
15:46 EU Gas Storage at 90%Two months ahead of the target date, gas storage levels in the European Union now reach 90%. The EU is preparing for the upcoming winter, asserts the EU Commission. Following the initiation of Russia's military intervention against Ukraine in the summer of 2022, EU member states agreed that gas storage levels should, on average, reach 90% by November 1. Data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal reveals discrepancies between countries; Spain boasts the highest fill level of 100%, while Latvia records the lowest level of around 69%. In Germany, storage levels have reached 93.6%. The EU aims to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas by importing more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and natural gas from Norway.
15:21 Putin: Ukraine Orchestrated Attack on Russian Nuclear Power Plant
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to assault the nuclear power plant in Kursk. "The adversary attempted to attack the nuclear plant last night," the Kremlin leader says without supplying proof. "The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed," Putin adds during a cabinet meeting broadcast on television. The IAEA had previously cautioned about the potential consequences of fighting on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise maximum restraint." Read more about this here.
14:50 IAEA Chief to Visit Kursk Nuclear Power PlantThe Chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, is scheduled to visit the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk next week. An IAEA spokesperson confirmed this visit will occur "next week." In early August, the Ukrainian military launched a surprise large-scale offense in the western Russian region of Kursk. The Russian state nuclear energy company Rosatom subsequently issued a warning about a threat to the NPP from Ukrainian attacks, which is situated approximately 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Read more here.
14:21 Mass Evacuation from Russian Border RegionsA total of 115,000 people have been evacuated from the endangered Russian regions near the Ukrainian border, according to Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. He stated this during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and top officials, where they are currently assessing the damage to agriculture and industry caused by the Ukrainian offensive. Putin opened the meeting by saying, "I've gathered you here to discuss the current situation in Russia's border areas."
14:00 India's Role in Ukraine Ceasefire DiscussionsPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk views positively the potential mediating role of his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, in the Ukraine war. After talks with Modi in Warsaw, Tusk said, "I'm very pleased that the Prime Minister has reaffirmed his readiness to personally engage for a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution of the war." Modi's offer to mediate is particularly significant as he is set to travel from Poland to Kyiv, where he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India maintains neutrality towards Russia's invasion and does not support Western sanctions against Moscow. Read more here.
13:40 Ukrainian Advance Could be Limited, Scholz SuggestsGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz expects the Ukrainian advance into Russia to be "a spatially and temporally limited operation." However, according to ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald, there is currently no indication to support this assumption. "On the contrary," she says in her latest report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine.
13:06 CNN Journalists under Investigation by Russian Intelligence AgencyThe Russian domestic intelligence agency FSB has initiated criminal investigations against several foreign journalists due to reports in the Russian region of Kursk, where the Ukrainian army controls several settlements. Investigations have been opened against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian female journalists for the "illegal crossing of the state border." They allegedly recorded videos in the Ukrainian-controlled town of Sudscha. The FSB threats to issue international arrest warrants soon. The three journalists face up to five years in prison in Russia. Just recently, the 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" RefilledUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the border region of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, from where Ukrainian troops advanced into Russia more than two weeks ago. He reported that another location in the Kursk region has been captured. He also mentioned that the "exchange fund" has been replenished, referring to the capture of Russian soldiers for a future exchange of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian captivity. Zelenskyy emphasized that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and the number of civilian casualties there have decreased. He published a video showing him with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who informed him about the reinforcement of troops in the east of Ukraine, where Russia is advancing further.
12:06 Spying Allegations against Russian Drones in BrunsbüttelThe "Bild" newspaper reports that alleged Russian drones have appeared over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. In recent days, drones have been sighted multiple times flying over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel at high speeds, violating the flight ban zone. 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, supposedly a military drone, was detected. According to "Bild," the drones are attributed to Russian agents and may have been launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Potential Air Attacks in the Near FutureThe American Embassy in Kyiv issues a warning preceding Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday about an elevated risk of aerial assaults. Over the next few days and during the weekend, there's a heightened possibility that Russia will unleash drones and missiles against Ukraine, as stated on the embassy's website. Ukraine commemorates its 33rd year of independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. The holiday holds increased significance for Ukrainians since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine around two and a half years ago. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly infiltrated Russian territory in the border region of Kursk. Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled it a provocation and threatened a retaliatory response.
11:13 Fire Breaks Out at Military Base in VolgogradA fire erupts at a military installation in Marinovka, in the southern Russian region of Volgograd. Local inhabitants report hearing blasts. Local authorities attribute the fire to a Ukrainian drone attack, with no reported fatalities.
10:41 Russia Deploys Portable Shelters in KurskAccording to local authorities, portable concrete shelters are being installed for the population in the Russian border region of Kursk. "Upon my orders, the Kursk city administration has designated main sites for the installation of modular portable shelters," explains regional governor Alexei Smirnov via Telegram. Shelters are being constructed at busy areas such as bus stops, with Smirnov sharing a photo of a truck transporting one of the units. Shelters are also being set up in two other locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk NPP nuclear power plant is situated. Russia alleges that Ukraine intends to attack the facility, which Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Declares Advance in KurskUkraine reports over 40 assaults by Russian troops near the city of Pokrovsk, with almost all thwarted. President Zelenskyy vows to bolster troops in the area. In addition, the advance in the Kursk region is still ongoing.
09:42 Russia Identifies Downed Drones in Various RegionsRussian authorities report intercepting numerous Ukrainian aerial attacks in the western part of the country. In Volgograd, governor Andrei Bocharov reports that "most drones were neutralized" near the village of Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the Kursk border region, governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were shot down by Russian air defense." In the Rostov region further south, governor Vasily Golubev reports that an attack with five drones was "repelled." Drones are also reported to have been shot down in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Kyiv Seeks US Permission to Use Long-range Weapons Against Russian TargetsThe Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, meets in Kyiv with a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives. According to the ministry in Kyiv, the meeting revolves around the situation at the front and Washington's policy pertaining to the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. "I stressed the importance of promptly obtaining permission from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," said Umerov. "It's about shielding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Actor Launches Fundraising Campaign for Mine-Clearing Robots for UkraineUS actor Mark Hamill, renowned for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is raising funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. He is collaborating with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder to reach a goal of $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. The robots can dispose of mines in difficult-to-reach areas, thus maintaining operator safety. "One of the most heinous acts Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of landmines," remarked Snyder. "I have visited unoccupied areas near the front where people must take risks to help others return to their farms and residences. Thanks to these robots, mines can be eliminated, and lives can be saved." Ukraine is extensively polluted with mines, their removal could take decades.
08:01 Kremlin Seems to Be Preparing Russians for 'New Reality'The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a challenge to Moscow's propaganda. Even though the regions are far away, a Kremlin-linked source tells the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "But even the penetration into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and very unsavory incident." To alleviate the now significantly heightened apprehension, the Kremlin is attempting to prepare the Russians for living in a "new reality" and a "new normal": the enemy has indeed entered Russian territory, will likely be defeated - but returning the territory will take time, and the Russians must wait. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to "transform the negativity and shock into a positive direction" – specifically by donating aid goods for the Kursk region. In general, all officials interviewed by Meduza believe that the fighting in the Kursk region could last several months. A government-linked source estimates that this estimate is "quite optimistic – if everything goes well."
6:56 Ex-National Security Advisor: Putin Had Significant Impact on Trump's BehaviorAs per ex-US National Security Advisor, General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin significantly influenced former US President Donald Trump. This is reported in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by "The Guardian." "Putin, a former KGB agent known for his ruthlessness, manipulated Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster recalls. Putin allegedly called Trump 'an exceptional individual, extremely talented, without a doubt,' having a profound impact on him. McMaster served as Trump's national security advisor for approximately a year and had warned Trump about Putin: "Mr. President, he's the best liar in the world." He suggested that Putin was confident he could 'play' with Trump and secure a reduction in sanctions and a low-cost withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
Read more about this here**
6:20 Reports of Fire at Russian Airport in VolgogradReports of explosions were heard in the Russian town of Kalach on the Don in the Volgograd region late at night. Various Russian Telegram channels speculate that these could be the result of a drone attack. A fire broke out at a nearby airport. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers south of Moscow. The attack appears to have targeted the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, about 20 kilometers from Kalach on the Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing six to ten loud explosions, accompanied by the distinctive sounds of drones, according to Telegram.
5:44 Klingbeil: Germany Will Provide Additional Funding if Ukraine Aid FaltersSPD leader Lars Klingbeil has pledged further support to Ukraine. If it's not possible to provide the planned billions from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany will provide additional funds, he says in the podcast of deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We can't let it reach the point where we say, 'Now, there's no more money for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil says. "In that case, we would, of course, have to look for the money in Germany. We have a moral obligation towards Ukraine. We need to find solutions, and we will find them."
4:27 Ukraine Comments on Drone Strikes in RussiaThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the targets of the drone strikes in Russia last night. They targeted Moscow's Ostafyevo airport, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, says HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov to the military news site "The War Zone." About 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being assessed. Russian authorities reported this morning that they had shot down 45 drones over Russian territory.
here.
3:09 Elections in Russia: Military-Grade Protection for Poll Workers in KurskIn the hotly contested Russian border region of Kursk, Russia plans to equip poll workers with military-grade body armor and helmets for the early regional elections. Additionally, extra polling stations are being set up in other parts of the country for people who have fled the region, according to the head of the regional election commission, Tatjana Malachowa, as reported by Russian news agencies. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled from September 6 to 8 in numerous regions of Russia.
1:34 Fico Faces Pressure from Western Democracies in Foreign Policy DecisionsSlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico complains of facing "pressure" from Western democracies in important foreign policy decisions. He says that those who deviate from the "common view" in these matters are "arbitrarily pressured and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies, according to a statement released on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion. In the statement, Fico compares the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to what he sees as current pressure on diverse opinions in Europe. Fico opposes EU arms aid to Ukraine and has been criticized for being pro-Russian.
0:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country over the course of the day, with 44 repelled, according to the General Staff. Fighting continues at two other sections as of 9 PM CEST. The attacks resulted in 238 Russian soldiers killed or wounded. No information is provided on Ukrainian losses. Russia has not yet commented.
23:09 Russia: Ukrainian Infiltration into Bryansk FoiledRussia claims to have thwarted an infiltration by Ukrainian saboteurs into the Russian border region of Bryansk, adjacent to Kursk. The infiltration of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was prevented by forces of the Russian security service FSB and units of the Russian army, according to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, on Telegram. "The enemy was neutralized by fire," the message adds. The situation is now "under control."
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine Needs Swift Aid DisbursementUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes Ukraine's urgency for the prompt release of the billion-dollar aid promised by the West, including funds from confiscated Russian state assets. Despite political explanations from Ukraine's allies, Zelensky expresses a need for concrete action in his daily video address, stating, "But we need a practical solution." Ukraine relies on the earnings from Russia's frozen assets to counter Russian aggression. Deliberations over this matter have lingered far too long, Zelensky adds, requiring immediate decisions. At the June G7 summit, the G7 nations agreed on a new financial aid package for Kyiv, pledging a generous loan of $50 billion secured by interest earnings from confiscated Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Commends Strong Trade Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin praises the improvement in trade relations with China, asserting, "Our trade dealings are thriving (...). Both governments' focus on trade and economic relations is yielding favorable results," during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have substantial joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors, Putin continuates. Li, as per the Kremlin, acknowledges that Chinese-Russian relations have reached "an unprecedented peak." Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China has become a significant trading partner for Russia due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Bulgakov's Request for Release Denied AgainFormer Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov remains detained on corruption charges. His appeal for house arrest and request for release have been denied, according to TASS news agency report. Bulgakov, prior to his dismissal, oversaw procurement for the Russian military. The Moscow court also orders the detention of Bulgakov's alleged accomplices, two individuals who face charges for damages of around 50 million rubles (about 500,000 euros) from their company's engagement of nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024.
21:00 Ukraine Strengthens Troops in PokrovskAs per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is reinforcing its forces in the strategically vital region of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy mentions in a televised address that they are aware of Russian troop movements in the area. Ukraine's offensive in the Russian territory of Kursk persists, with Zelenskyy confirming that Ukrainian forces have seized control of certain areas, albeit without providing further details.
20:41 Ukrainians in Hungary Risk Eviction from SheltersFollowing the implementation of a policy in Hungary that strips Ukrainian refugees of general protection, numerous Ukrainians are reportedly facing eviction from their shelters. Organizations like Migration Aid have reported that private refugee shelters in locations like Kocs, north of Budapest, have started forcing out Ukrainian refugees, primarily Roma women and children from the west Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia with a substantial Hungarian minority. Under police supervision, around 120 refugees are required to vacate the guesthouse.
You can read about the ongoing conflict here.
- Last week, the European Union announced that its gas storage levels have reached 90%, two months ahead of the target date, in part due to reduced demand from decreased ground troop presence in Kaliningrad, a region under Russian control.
- In light of tensions between Russia and the European Union, several EU countries have been working to reduce their reliance on Russian natural gas and increase imports from the United States and Norway. The Kaliningrad situation has likely played a role in this decision, as the European Union seeks to ensure its energy security.
