At 19:36, Borrell suggests that Ukraine has the right to utilize western-origin weaponry in their conflict against Russia.
19:10 Ukrainian Air Force Strikes Targets near KurskUkrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk has reported successful strikes by his combat aircraft during operations in the western Russian region of Kursk. Guided bombs were primarily used against Russian adversary positions and troop concentrations. Despite Russian forces adopting abandoned houses into their defensive lines, they remain vulnerable to attacks. "We've got eyes on everything, we're clued up on everything," Oleschuk stated on the Telegram platform. "Our precision bombs will hunt you down anywhere." Precision bombs refer to guided munitions capable of being directed from the cockpit. During the operation in Kursk, two significant bridges across the Seim River were demolished by combat aircraft. Oleschuk did not specify which Ukrainian aircraft were utilized in these strikes. According to Ukrainian military analysts, the supplied F-16 fighter jets from the West have yet to see action.
18:44 Escalating Conflict Forces Villagers to Flee in Eastern UkraineAs the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine intensifies, numerous inhabitants have abandoned villages situated near the frontlines. Residents of the locality of Myrnohrad, situated ten kilometers away from active combat zones, conversed with the AFP news agency of increasing Russian attacks compelling several individuals to vacate. Correspondents from AFP present in Myrnohrad observed several houses being set ablaze after Russian assaults.
18:04 Russia and China Strengthen Energy PartnershipChina and Russia have discussed enhanced energy cooperation during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's trip to Moscow. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin informed Li Qiang that Russia is already the top oil supplier to China, pledging that they will soon claim the top position in natural gas supplies. Li Qiang reportedly stressed the growth and improved quality of energy collaboration. Although Beijing views the Russian conflict with Ukraine as a disruption of international peace, it remains supportive of Russia.
17:33 Ukraine Gains Access to International Criminal Court with ConditionsUkraine has officially joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), but with a provision that exempts its military from the court's jurisdiction for a period of seven years. The Ukrainian parliament, in Kyiv, authorized the ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC with a vote of 281-1 and 22 abstentions, as reported by MP Yaroslav Shelesnyak on Telegram. Ukraine had previously signed the Rome Statute in January 2000 but had never ratified it until now. The Statute serves as the foundation for the ICC, which is situated in The Hague and investigates violations such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The ratified document includes a clause that exempts Ukraine from the ICC's jurisdiction over war crimes involving Ukrainian citizens for a period of seven years due to concerns over potential prosecution of military actions against Russian forces.
17:15 Russia Passes on Swiss UN Visit InvitationRussia is the sole nation to decline an invitation from Switzerland for United Nations Security Council members to visit Switzerland on August 25-26, a representative from the Swiss Foreign Ministry disclosed. UN Security Council delegates from the other 13 countries will proceed to Geneva, while Russia's UN representation in New York conveyed their absence without providing reasons. Switzerland has been labeled an "unfriendly nation" by Russia following the implementation of EU sanctions against Russia in response to the Ukraine incursion. Switzerland serves as one of the ten non-permanent UN Security Council members for the initial time, joining a consortium comprised of Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates. The appointed term for non-permanent members spans two years. The visit commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
16:49 Moscow Suffers Largest Drone Attack since War CommencementMoscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin considered the most recent Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian capital as one of the largest since the war broke out two and a half years ago. Some drones were defeated in the vicinity of the city of Podolsk, approximately 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin, as reported by Sobyanin on Telegram. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 11 targets seeking to hit the capital region were intercepted. In total, 45 drones were eradicated over Russian territory. While Russia dispatched nearly 70 drones against Ukraine during the night, the majority were denied by the Ukrainian air force. Confrontations persist in eastern Ukraine and the Russian border region of Kursk. "This represents one of the largest attempts to assault Moscow with drones to date," Sobyanin declared, emphasizing the event's successful neutralization, with no reported damages.
15:54 PM Modi Urges 'Return to Tranquility' Prior to Ukraine JourneyIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Warsaw as part of an unprecedented Eastern Europe expedition. This marks the first time an Indian head of government has visited Poland in 45 years. On Friday, Modi will embark on his inaugural journey to Ukraine as prime minister. Prior to his departure, Modi advocated for a "return to tranquility" in Ukraine. As a "friend and associate" of Kyiv, India desires a "prompt return of peace and stability in the area," he penned in digital media.
15:28 Russian Kursk Elections Delayed in Seven MunicipalitiesDue to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, Russia has deferred local elections in seven municipalities. "The Central Election Commission endorses the proposal of the Kursk Region Election Commission to postpone the elections in seven settlements," the commission stated. Elections will be held once "complete guarantees of the safety of voters" can be ensured, the election commission added. However, voters in the remaining Kursk region will still be able to elect the governor of the Kursk region between August 28 and September 8 as planned. According to Ukrainian military reports, the army has breached the Russian Kursk region and now controls numerous settlements.
15:07 Ukraine Admits Using Western Weapons in Russian TerritoryUkraine declares that it has utilized US HIMARS rockets to target replacement bridges over the Seim River in Russia. "Where are the ponton bridges in the Kursk region headed? Special forces ... are destroying them precisely," Ukrainian special forces said via the Telegram messaging service. US HIMARS rocket systems are being used in this operation. This is the first time Ukraine has admitted to utilizing these Western weapons in its offensive on Russian territory.
14:52 Ukrainian Drones Targeting Moscow, Claims Russian ArmyDrone attacks from Ukraine continue to approach the Russian capital. Numerous video clips depict shootdowns and large fireballs in the sky, with the Russian army claiming to have destroyed at least ten aerial vehicles. The extent of any damages or casualties remains unclear.
14:25 German Foreign Ministry: "Russia Unwilling to Negotiate"
According to German government findings, Russia is not showing willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. "Russia is not open to negotiations," said a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Berlin. Instead of engaging in talks with Ukraine about a just peace, the government in Moscow is demanding the annexation of territories that Russian forces do not even control. Furthermore, Russia could end the war at any time. To defend against the illegal invasion, Ukraine needs appropriate weapons, the spokesperson emphasized, in light of demands in the ongoing election campaigns in Thuringia and Saxony to halt deliveries and pursue a diplomatic solution more strongly.
13:53 No Unconditional Love: "Kadyrov Keeps Putin at Ease in Chechnya"
For the first time in 13 years, President Vladimir Putin is visiting the Russian republic of Chechnya. There, he is greeted by strongman Ramsan Kadyrov. The two autocrats assure each other of their mutual support, with Kadyrov presenting Putin with a gift. However, the friendship is not unconditional, explains ntv reporter Rainer Munz.
13:30 Moscow Reports Capture of Another Village in Eastern Ukraine
According to its own statements, the Russian army has taken control of another village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The Russian troops have "liberated" the village of Shelanne, the defense ministry in Moscow reported in its daily report. The village is located north-east of the city of Donetsk, which is controlled by Russia. Around 20 kilometers away from Shelanne is the city of Prokhorovka, which is considered an important logistics hub. However, the Institute for the Study of War reported that the location had already been captured on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine Awaits Full Membership in International Criminal Court
The Ukrainian parliament has approved the ratification of the Rome Statute, enabling the country to join the International Criminal Court. Full membership is a crucial step towards EU integration. The court has issued international arrest warrants, among others, for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
12:45 Russia Launches Drone Attacks on Ukraine
According to Ukrainian military reports, the Russian air force launched drone attacks on Ukraine overnight. A total of 69 drones were targeted, with 51 being shot down and 16 likely brought down by electronic jammers. One drone returned to Russia, while one drone came from Belarus. Russia also used two ballistic missiles and a cruise missile in the attack. Only the cruise missile could be intercepted. No information is available on damages or casualties. There has been no statement from Moscow yet.
According to military reports, Ukrainian forces in the eastern part of the country are still facing heavy Russian attacks. The Ukrainian general staff in Kyiv reported 66 Russian assaults on the Pokrovsk front alone on Tuesday, all of which were repelled. Fights are taking place around several villages that are close to Pokrovsk, which is approximately 10 kilometers away. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledges the challenging scenario. On the Russian side, it's reported that the Ukrainian defense at Pokrovsk is showing signs of weakening. Russian military bloggers are reporting progress by their troops.
11:50 Medvedev: "There will be no peace talks until the enemy is completely defeated"
Russian former president Dmitri Medvedev, now vice-chairman of Russia's Security Council, expresses his views on potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Medvedev, known for his more radical stance lately, believes that given Ukraine's progress in Kursk, opportunities for negotiations between the two sides are slim. He states that there will be no discussions between Moscow and Kyiv until Ukraine is completely vanquished on the battlefield. "The idle chatter of self-proclaimed mediators about the noble topic of peace is over. Even if they can't say it out loud, everyone understands the reality of the situation," Medvedev asserts. "There will be no peace talks until the enemy is completely defeated."
11:22 Wagner mercenaries' acts of violence escalating in Africa
Analysts from conflict data organization Acled expect Wagner's influence on the African continent to grow, a year after the death of Wagner Group's founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin, who had effectively built a private army since 2014, with Wagner mercenaries fighting in various conflict zones, including Ukraine, Syria, and Africa, is no longer there. However, his group has rebranded as the Africa Corps, and incidents of political violence tied to Russian mercenaries in Africa have increased, surpassing the number of incidents during Prigozhin's lifetime.
10:50 Funeral director's advice to men in Kursk
A man in military uniform from Kursk scolds men fleeing the region in a Telegram video. However, he is not a military man but a funeral director from St. Petersburg named Kirill Suworov, according to Russian opposition news agency Agentstvo. Suworov criticizes the male residents of the region, asking them why they are fleeing, and suggesting they take up arms or dig trenches for the soldiers using shovels. He also encourages locals to donate their cars to the military instead of running away.
10:26 Pentagon: Ukraine has "put Russia in a tough spot"
The U.S. Department of Defense attributes Russia's difficulties in responding to Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk to Ukraine's actions. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder suggests that Moscow is having challenges in responding, as Ukraine has extended the war onto Russian territory for the first time. Ryder stresses that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk does not change U.S. support for Kyiv.
10:03 Eastern Front: Three Russians for every Ukrainian
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledges the challenging circumstances on the Eastern Front. The situation, reported by an ntv journalist Nadja Kriewald, is "dramatic," with Russian soldiers outnumbering Ukrainian forces significantly. Furthermore, the Kremlin shows no regard for its own losses.
09:37 Kyiv: Ukrainian military strikes Russian S-300 air defense system in Rostov
The Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed an S-300 air defense system in the Russian region of Rostov, which Russia has used in attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian strike targeted a system near the settlement of Novoshakhtinsk, and explosions were observed at specific target points. The governor of Rostov, Vasili Golubev, reported that the Russian air force shot down a Ukrainian-launched missile in the area. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense omitted this information in its daily situation report.
09:09 Drone attack disrupts operations at Moscow's airports
Temporary restrictions on the operation of three airports in Moscow were enforced overnight due to a drone attack. The restricted airports were Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo, with Sheremetyevo unaffected. The flight authority announced the four-hour restriction on Telegram, with Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, calling it one of the largest drone attacks on the city. Russian air forces destroyed eleven drones heading towards Moscow to avoid any potential damage.
08:41 Expert on SPD's foreign policy: "This overbearing Putin can be defeated"
The member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth, advocates for firm backing for Ukraine, particularly during this challenging period. He believes that the only way to push Putin into negotiations is to demonstrate to him that he cannot conquer Ukraine. This can only be accomplished, Roth believes, if Germany, Europe, and their allies, including the U.S., continue to provide Ukraine with top-of-the-line military equipment. Roth further expresses delight that the people of Ukraine can now draw strength from their victories on Russian soil, as it becomes evident that "this domineering Putin can be defeated."
08:12 Woidke Raises Questions about Refugee Aid for UkrainiansBrandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke is questioning the financial aid for refugees from Ukraine. "The decision was appropriate at the time as we had to act quickly. However, today we must consider if this form of support is still relevant," he stated to "Der Spiegel." In other EU nations, more Ukrainians are employed than in Germany. "We need to change this. It would benefit our economy - we need workers - and promote integration." A new state parliament will be elected in Brandenburg in September.
07:40 Ukraine Estimates: This Many Rockets and Drones Russia Has Already FiredSince the start of the conflict, Russia has utilized over 9,600 rockets and nearly 14,000 attack drones against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian data. "Kyiv Independent" reports this, citing remarks from the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. According to his statements, 5,197 of the downed rockets were targeted at civilian areas, with the country being primarily attacked with S-300/S-400 rockets, which struck a total of 3,008 times. The most frequently used weapons after that were cruise missiles of the type Kh-555/Kh-101, with 1,846 reported attacks.
07:08 German Military Strengthens Security Measures in BarracksThe German Military is significantly enhancing security measures in all barracks. As reported by "Der Spiegel," the barracks have been instructed to diligently check outer fence gaps in all facilities and monitor them more closely, especially at night. In addition, soldiers are being trained to pay close attention to unauthorized individuals in secure areas and report any suspicions immediately. This is in response to reports of intruders in sensitive security areas. According to "Der Spiegel," a high-ranking general acknowledges that the protection of German barracks is still running on "wartime mode." The entry and exit controls are typically handled by private service providers, as are the barracks' fence patrols.
06:40 Habeck: Ukraine Will Be Supported Regardless of G7 AidFederal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck confirms further aid for Ukraine - regardless of the whether the planned billion-dollar assistance from the G7 countries materializes. "The G7 have taken all necessary steps: Ukraine will in the future receive money that it can use to purchase the urgently needed weapons systems," the Green politician told the Funke media group. "That's right, and it will happen this year - as far as I know." Ukraine will then receive 50 billion, with an additional 4 billion from the federal budget in 2025. If this does not succeed, "we must discuss again," demands Habeck. The commitment to Ukraine "stands unconditionally." Then, support "must be provided differently." Habeck admits that the transition to the planned G7 model could become a problem if new orders cannot be placed because previous budget allocations have been depleted. He therefore proposes a practical solution. "It would have to be ensured that the weapons systems are ordered now and paid for later from the G7 funds." It would be highly dangerous if Ukraine were to lose this war, as the freedom of Europe would be threatened.
06:08 Russia Accuses Western Intelligence Services of Support for Ukraine's AdvanceRussia accuses Western intelligence agencies of being behind Ukraine's latest advance into the Russian region of Kursk. "The operation of Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region was orchestrated with the assistance of the intelligence services of the USA, Britain, and Poland," Russia's foreign intelligence service SVR announced to the Russian newspaper "Izvestia." The participating units reportedly conducted their combat coordination in training centers in Britain and Germany. Military advisors from NATO countries allegedly assisted in leading Ukrainian forces that have entered Russian territory, as well as in the handling of Western weapons and military equipment by the Ukrainians. The alliance countries are also said to have provided satellite reconnaissance data on the deployment of Russian troops in the operational area.
05:39 Russian Sources: All Three Sejm Bridges Damaged or DestroyedUkrainian forces have reportedly damaged or destroyed all three bridges over the Sejm River in the western part of Russia, according to Russian sources. The Ukrainian attacks on the three Sejm bridges in Kursk could potentially lead to the encirclement of Russian troops between the river, the Ukrainian advance into Russia, and the border of both countries. They already seem to be slowing down the Russian response to the Kursk offensive, which Ukraine began on August 6.
04:30 Massive Ukrainian Drone Assault on Multiple RegionsRussia reports a massive drone assault carried out by Ukraine on various regions. Authorities claim that four drones were knocked down approximately 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin, with an additional 19 in the border region of Bryansk. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin previously reported intercepting three drones bound for Moscow over the city of Podolsk. No casualties or damage were reported in Bryansk and Podolsk. Further instances of intercepted attacks were reported from the regions of Tula and Rostov, yet no losses have been reported as of now. The exact number of drones and rockets launched remains uncertain. Ukraine typically refrains from commenting on such incidents.
03:50 Putin and Kadyrov Meet Troops in Chechnya
For the first time in thirteen years, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya. In conjunction with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, he inspects troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine. In a speech to the troops at the Russian University for Special Forces, a training facility in the Chechen town of Gudermes, Putin praised their strength and resilience, stating, "As long as we have individuals like you, we are absolutely invincible," according to the Kremlin's website. The unannounced visit occurred amidst Ukraine's latest advancements into the Russian region of Kursk. Kadyrov reported to Putin during a separate meeting that Chechnya has dispatched over 47,000 soldiers to Ukraine since the war's inception, including around 19,000 volunteers. Kadyrov frequently refers to himself as "Putin's right-hand man."
02:44 Russian Air Defense Downs Drones over Moscow
Russia alleges foiling an attack on its capital by three drones launched from Ukraine. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced the drones' downing through his Telegram post, with air defense being responsible for their demise. Initial investigation indicates that no injuries or damage occurred as a result of falling debris.
01:50 FSB Implicates Scientist in Treason Case
The Russian security service, FSB, has accused an unidentified individual of treason. This person reportedly confessed to launching cyber-attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, funding the Ukrainian military, and spying on the Russian military. The FSB has not specified the date of the arrest, although Russian media circulates footage purportedly depicting the arrest with snowy scenery in the background. According to telegram news channel Ostoroschno Nowosti, the suspect is a theoretical physicist whose arrest reportedly took place in December 2023, per earlier media reports.
00:59 Zelensky Lauds Ban on Moscow-Loyal Orthodox Church in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the parliament's decision to ban a branch of the Orthodox Church that had long been aligned with Moscow. "I want to acknowledge the Verkhovna Rada's contributions to our spiritual independence," Zelensky said in his daily video message. Parliament voted in favor of a ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which had remained under the Moscow Patriarchate's control for numerous decades. The church is accused of condoning or even supporting its people's atrocities at the hands of the enemy. The branch has formally separated from Moscow but continues to recognize Moscow's authority. The Moscow Patriarch not only backs Russia's war against Ukraine but is also an ally of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Is Struggling to counter Kursk's Advance
The U.S. Defense Department reported that Russia is facing challenges in counteracting Ukraine's offensive in Kursk. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder claimed that Russia is dispatching a limited number of troops to the area while emphasizing that Russia is experiencing substantial difficulties in responding. Ukraine has put their enemy on the defensive, Ryder added. When asked if the United States was publicly endorsing Ukraine's advance, Ryder refrained from providing a direct answer, instead referring to Zelensky's remarks about establishing a buffer zone. He stated that they are in contact with Kyiv to learn more about the specific objectives.
22:10 Zelensky Discusses Importance of Balancing Mobilization and Economy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the need to strike a balance between bolstering troop numbers and preserving the war-torn country's economy. During his visit to a manufacturing plant in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, Zelensky responded to a worker's question regarding the value of employed workers for soldiers' wages and Ukraine's defense efforts.
21:25 Putin returns to Chechnya after 13 years absenceRussian leader Vladimir Putin is visiting Chechen Republic for the first time in 13 years to connect with strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. Press agency RIA Novosti shared pictures of Putin exchanging handshakes with Kadyrov in Grozny. Following the encounter, Putin placed an affectionate arm around Kadyrov's shoulder and hugged him before they both hopped into a limousine and drove off. Kadyrov announced via Telegram about an intense schedule of tasks ahead. Despite the exhaustive day, Putin exhibited remarkable energy, eager to tour various locations in Chechnya.
21:02 Scholz affirms generous German support to UkraineGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz was taken aback by claims of insufficient German assistance to Ukraine. This year, Ukraine is receiving over 7 billion euros, the highest sum provided to any European nation, Scholz claimed on Sat1 TV channel. The following year, Germany is allotting 4 billion euros from its federal budget, again, a substantial contribution surpassing other European nations. In addition, the western G7 countries are empowering Ukraine with 50 billion dollars, utilizing frozen Russian assets. "This is a substantial amount, this is a substantial amount," Scholz emphasized. The availability of the 50 billion euros to Ukraine remains uncertain.
20:14 Putin points out similarities between Beslan tragedy and Ukrainian situationExactly on the 20th anniversary of the gruesome school siege in Beslan, Russian President Vladimir Putin drew a parallel between the tragic incident and the current military actions of Ukraine in the Russian border region of Kursk. Like Russia fought "terrorists" in Beslan at the time, it needs to counteract "those who are inciting hostility in the Kursk region," Putin argued during his visit to Beslan.
19:43 Moscow Patriarchate declares planned church ban in Ukraine as unlawfulThe Russian Orthodox Church denounces the ban of the pro-Russian Ukrainian Orthodox Church sanctioned by the Ukrainian parliament. The act is considered to be "unlawful" and a "violation of fundamental principles of religious liberty and human rights," spoken by Vladimir Legoida, the church's spokesman, through Telegram. He warned that the enactment of this law could spark "mass violence inflicted upon millions of believers". The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, echoed these sentiments, describing it as a "thorny period in which many are antagonistic towards us, not due to our misconduct, but simply because we are different." Kirill has been a staunch supporter of the conflict against Ukraine. Earlier, Ukrainian deputies approved a bill that entails a ban on religious organizations associated with Moscow.
You can watch the entire historical context here.
Despite Russian forces using abandoned houses in their defensive lines in Kursk, the Ukrainian Air Force continues to conduct military operations in the region, targeting adversary positions and troop concentrations with guided bombs. (from the given text)
Following the successful strikes on Russian adversary positions in Kursk, Ukrainian military analysts anticipate the deployment of Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets in future operations. (assumption based on given text)
