At 19:39, Pokrovsk emerges as the largest focal point in Ukraine
Ukrainian Troops Successfully Thwart Multiple Russian Assaults
According to their own accounts, Ukrainian troops have successfully fended off numerous Russian assaults. Throughout the day, 79 Russian attacks were recorded from the eastern part of the country, some of which received artillery and aerial support, as per the General Staff's daily situation report. Once again, the primary focus was in the vicinity of Pokrovsk, on the outskirts of Donbass. There, Russian troops attempted to consolidate and expand on their territorial gains from the day prior, with around 20 attacks reported within a few hours. Similarly intense fighting was also reported near Torezk. The purpose of these Russian attacks is to secure control over the Donbass region altogether.
19:07 U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Russian Resources
In retaliation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States has imposed additional sanctions on Russia. Impacting around 400 businesses and individuals, the Treasury Department in Washington announced these penalties. Around 60 tech companies in the defense sector, whose "equipment and services support Russia's military operations," are among the sanctioned entities. The goal of these sanctions is to affect Russia's supply chains. The impacted companies and individuals reside in both Russia and other countries. Their US-held assets are frozen, and US citizens are now prohibited from conducting business with them.
18:38 Increase in Russian Oil Flow through Ukraine
Russia supposedly doubled its oil delivery through Ukraine in July, according to ExPro, a Kyiv-based consulting firm. The amount of Russian oil flowing through the "Friendship" pipeline to EU countries increased to 1.09 million tons in July, contrasting the 540,00 tons recorded in June. Previously, Hungary and Slovakia had accused Ukraine of limiting oil flow, warning of potential fuel shortages from September. However, Vice-President of the EU Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, criticized both countries for not thoroughly exploring alternatives to Russian oil supplies, which were subject to sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic continue to have exemptions. Read more here.
17:56 Relatives Seek Missing Conscripts in Kursk
Many Russian conscripts have gone missing or have been captured after the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region, according to news reports. At least 81 conscripts are missing, and another 38 have been identified as prisoners in videos published by Ukrainian military, the Russian-language service of the BBC reported. This intelligence is derived from online missing persons notices submitted by the conscripts' family members. At the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin had promised to deploy only contract soldiers and volunteers in the war zone. However, from the Kremlin's perspective, the defense of Kursk is not considered participation in the so-called "military special operation." Russia does not release information on its losses in Kursk. Read more here.
17:19 Suspicious Drones over Brunsbüttel: Bundeswehr Aids InvestigatorsThe German military is assisting in investigations into suspicious drone flights over industrial facilities in Schleswig-Holstein. At the request of the police, the Bundeswehr is providing radar data. Covestro and Holcim, two related companies, are also participating in the probe. Covestro asserts that it has recorded drone flights. These chemical, energy, and logistics firms are stationed in the ChemCoast Park industrial area in Brunsbüttel. The Flensburg prosecutor's office is investigating drone flights over the industrial facilities on suspicion of espionage with the intention of sabotage.
16:51 Civilian Casualties: Eight Killed in Russian AttacksRegrettably, there have been no days without civilian casualties: Eight civilians have lost their lives in Russian attacks, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. Two individuals died in the Sumy region, which borders Russia. Three fatalities were registered in the Kharkiv region. Three more deaths were reported in the Donetsk and Kherson regions.
16:20 NATO Base in Geilenkirchen Issues All-ClearThe NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen has issued a clearance report. After raising the security level to the second-highest level yesterday due to a potential threat, it has now been lowered back to its original level. This means that the current security measures on the airfield align with those established since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. No further information about the nature of the threat has been disclosed. The second-highest level in NATO terminology indicates that an incident has occurred or there is evidence of a potential terrorist action against the alliance. As a precaution, as many personnel as possible were evacuated.
16:01 Federal Prosecutor Investigates Freed Rico KriegerThe Federal Prosecutor's Office is examining Rico Krieger's case, a German national who was released from Belarusian detention as part of a prisoner exchange. The investigation focuses on suspicions of causing an explosion utilizing explosives. Krieger was sentenced to death in Belarus on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity, but was later pardoned and handed over to Germany in exchange for Russian and Western prisoners. According to "Die Welt am Sonntag," Krieger allegedly applied to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment" in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer unit supporting Ukrainian forces battling against the Russian invasion. He was then reportedly apprehended by the Belarusian secret service. Krieger denies the accusations.
15:44 Modi Suggests Dialogue with Moscow to Modizyy, Stressing on PeaceIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Modizyy the necessity of dialogue with Russia to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi presented himself as a "buddy" willing to aid in facilitating peace. "The road to a resolution can solely be paved through dialogue and diplomacy. It's crucial that we move forward in this direction without squandering time," Modi stated. He urged both parties to engage in discussions to overcome the crisis, without insisting on the withdrawal of Russian troops.
15:22 Wagner Faction Divided a Year After Prigoschin's Demise
A year after the unfortunate plane crash that claimed the life of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigoschin, his private army Wagner has witnessed a significant fragmentation, as per British assessments. Since the tragic incident, many prominent figures have departed the group, as reported by the British Ministry of Defence. "As compared to the peak of 50,000 employees in 2023, Wagner presently likely has about 5,000 employees in its remaining deployments in Belarus and Africa," the ministry observed. Many former Wagner combatants have now joined the Russian army or paramilitary units under the management of the Ministry of Defence, according to military analysts. This marks one year since Prigoschin's untimely demise in the crash of his private plane, following his instigation of a mutiny against Russia's military leadership two months prior. All nine other passengers on the plane also perished. Read more here.
14:38 ISW: Progress in Ukrainian Offensive Forces Moscow to Alter Strategy
The aggressive advance of Ukrainian troops in the Russian-occupied region of Kursk has reportedly forced Moscow to withdraw troops from the invaded neighboring country, according to experts at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian military leadership is said to have relocated some troops from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to bolster the defense of Kursk, as indicated by entries made by deployed soldiers on social media. However, Russia is reportedly endeavoring to maintain the primary focus of its attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Read more here.
13:59 Doubt Surfaces in German Ukraine Aid Reliability
The internal budget disagreement within the German government is causing apprehensions about the consistency of German aid to Ukraine, as per security expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Affairs. He mentions discussions about potentially restricting German aid to Ukraine and replacing it with interest from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has essentially shot itself in the foot with this idea, causing significant international damage," Mölling noted in the "Die Lage" podcast by Stern. The feasibility and mechanism for delivering the funds to Ukraine remain unclear. Read more here.
13:31 Modi Shares a Hug with Zelensky in Kyiv Visit
Just weeks after his controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shares an embrace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi pays a visit to a memorial for Ukrainian children who lost their lives in the war, where he leaves a teddy bear. Although India, with its massive population, has maintained official neutrality in the conflict, it refrains from imposing Western sanctions on Moscow and continually advocates for a resolution through dialogue while failing to present any concrete proposals.
13:03: Crucial Ferry Link to Crimea Suspended
A day after a Ukrainian strike, the Russian port of Kavkaz, essential for supplying Crimea, remains closed to ferry traffic. Moscow's transport ministry announces that ferry services will resume once cleanup is completed. Kavkaz is situated in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. The Russian-controlled Crimea can be seen from Kavkaz, which serves as one of the Black Sea's primary transit hubs in terms of transporting fuel and ammunition to Crimea.
12:20: Anticipation of Putin's Response as Ukrainian Gains in Kursk Mount
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears cautious in the face of Ukrainian military progress in Kursk. "This is his typical reaction during such periods," says Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. "He retreats until the situation stabilizes, then resumes operations as if everything was back to normal." Other Russia experts believe the Kremlin is currently deliberating on response options. Putin typically takes his time when making such choices, they argue. "At some point, we'll discover how Putin will retaliate," warns Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41: Russian Fuel Depot in Proletarsk Continues to Burn
The Russian fuel depot in Proletarsk, Rostov region, remains in flames, according to NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System and the Telegram channel Baza, which is close to Russian investigative authorities. Baza reports that the depot was attacked again by a Ukrainian drone last night.
11:12: Ukraine Wishes for Modi's Mediation to End Conflict
Although India, as a BRICS member, is closely aligned with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is extending an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping for his mediation to end the conflict. Due to the aggressive advance in Kursk, the Ukrainians appear more eager than ever for peace talks, according to ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:16: Ukraine Confirms Sinking of Enemy Supply Ferry
The Ukrainian navy acknowledges the destruction of a military supply vessel intended for the enemy in the Russian port of Kavkaz. Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk confirms this on Ukrainian TV, stating, "Another obvious military objective has been taken out." The ship was supposed to deliver fuel to the enemy, and it has subsequently sunk, rendering the port inoperable. Local authorities indicate that the incident occurred on Thursday, resulting in a fiery explosion. The Black Sea port of Kavkaz, which supplies fuel to the Russian-occupied Crimea among other places, was the target.
09:44 Russian Envoy: Buffer Zone Rejection on Home Soil
Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, adamantly opposes the establishment of a buffer zone in the Kursk region, as proposed by Kyiv. TASS quotes him as saying, "That's out of the question. We won't tolerate a buffer zone on our territory." Meanwhile, he warns that Moscow will not seek Washington's approval to drive away Ukrainian forces from the Kursk area. He accuses the US of pushing their limits with the Russians and goading them into rash, emotional decisions.
09:10 Social Media Analysts Detect Increasing Dissatisfaction in Russia
It's no surprise: Since Ukrainian troops crossed over into Russian territory two weeks ago, dissatisfaction towards President Vladimir Putin appears to be surging throughout Russia. FilterLabs AI, which analyzes Russian sentiment through social media, reports an increase in negativity towards Putin and his government's handling of the situation. "Putin's response was at best inadequate and at worst offensive," said Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs.
08:36 Modi in Kyiv for Strategic Talks
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Ukraine for high-level discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to Indian and Ukrainian media reports. Ukraine seeks India's support due to its prominent global influence, yet harbors doubts about its declared neutrality. Modi paid a visit to Moscow in July, where he was photographed warmly embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin, causing discomfort in Ukraine and several Western nations.
08:05 Assessing the Risk of Nuclear Plant Attacks in Kursk
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of planning an attack on the nuclear power plant located in Kursk. However, ntv reporter Rainer Munz categorizes the threat as mere rhetoric and suggests that a nuclear disaster is highly unlikely.
07:33 Belarus and China forge Stronger Cooperative Ties
Belarus and China have agreed to deepen collaboration across various sectors, including trade, security, energy, and finance. A joint statement released after talks between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko outlines their aims to enhance industrial supply chains and facilitate trade to lower costs for both countries. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and its largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Military Complains About Lackluster Training of New Recruits
Ukrainian military leaders and personnel lament the substandard training of incoming soldiers and Russia's overwhelming advantage in air power and ammunition on the eastern front. "Some soldiers refuse to fire. When they see the enemy in a firing position in the trench, they don't open fire. This is why our men are getting killed," says a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "They aren't using their weapons, making them ineffective." The government enacted a contentious conscription law in May, and since then, an estimated tens of thousands of warriors have been drafted each month, primarily for infantry roles. However, challenges in logistics, equipping, and financing these new personnel persist.
06:35 Moscow Believes US Lifting Weapons Restrictions for Ukraine
Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov suggests that the United States will remove all limitations on weapons distribution to Ukraine in the near future. The RIA news agency cites him as saying, "They're making moves to remove all weapons use restrictions without hesitation, it seems." He posits that a constructive dialogue with the US is only achievable if they abandon their "hostile" posture towards Russia. He also casts doubt on the likelihood of a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly in September.
06:09 Harris Slams Trump's Encouragement of Putin's European Incursion
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris pledges her commitment to NATO and promises sustained support for Ukraine, amidst attacks from Russia. In her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, she maintains, "I will stand by Ukraine and its NATO allies firmly." She criticizes her Republican opponent Donald Trump for encouraging Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 Network Agency Head's Warning: "Continued Alert in Gas Consumption"Despite ample gas reserves in storage, Klaus Müller, head of the Federal Network Agency, continues to advocate for restraint in gas usage. "The federal government remains on high alert. We must remain vigilant," Müller advised the Augsburger Allgemeine. He also referred to the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory, which could worsen the situation. "It's not the gas facilities themselves that are contested, but the area surrounding them is a war zone on both sides," Müller informed the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, which is close to the Ukrainian border in Russian territory and serves as a significant export point for gas to Europe, including countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. Gas from Siberia is funneled through this station into these countries via Ukraine.
04:40 Modi's Ukraine Visit: "Problems Not Solved on Battlefields"
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is joining Ukraine for the first time today. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled in Kyiv, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains a neutral stance towards the Russian invasion, does not enforce Western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the major buyers of affordable Russian oil worldwide. New Delhi consistently advocates for resolving issues through dialogue. "India firmly believes that no problem can be solved by fighting on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives in battle is humanity's greatest challenge," Modi declared during a visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Modi to assume a mediating role in the conflict.
03:31 Upcoming US Military Aid to Ukraine
Authorities indicate that the US plans to dispatch additional military aid to Ukraine, totaling approximately $125 million. The latest aid package includes anti-aircraft missiles, ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, plus various other weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The official announcement is slated for today, one day prior to Ukraine's Independence Day. These weapons will be procured from Pentagon reserves, enabling swift delivery.
02:12 Ukrainian Military Reports 53 Attacks Near Pokrovsk
Over the span of Thursday, the Ukrainian military documented a total of 53 attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country. Capturing Pokrovsk has become the primary objective of Russian forces in Ukraine, as stated by a General Staff communique. No statement from the Russian government has been issued so far. As per current information, Russian troops have steadily advanced towards Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Leader Defends Ukraine's Armament
Just before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD leader Saskia Esken reasserts her support for Ukraine against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is working towards a fair and sustainable peace, Esken told the Funke media group. "As long as Putin persists in his war objectives against Ukraine, peace cannot be achieved diplomatically," she said, criticizing the leader of the Left Party, Sahra Wagenknecht. "If, as demanded by Wagenknecht and others, we were to cease supplying weapons to Ukraine today, then the country would be conquered tomorrow and erased tomorrow, leading to disastrous consequences for security across Europe, which would neither lead to a reduction in armaments nor to peace," Esken said.
23:56 Ukraine Prepares for Harshest Winter Yet
Ukraine anticipates a challenging winter due to the destruction of its power and energy infrastructure by Russian attacks. "We are facing the most difficult winter in our history," states Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko during a video conference. This winter will be significantly harder than the last, as the damages have accumulated due to the ongoing Russian attacks. The Russian army is employing various weapons in combined attacks to inflict maximum damage, he says. In a mild winter, power consumption is approximately 18 gigawatts, and in a severe winter, it's 19 gigawatts. Additionally, reserves of one gigawatt must be created, Haluschtschenko explains. Russian attacks have reportedly destroyed around 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Enhances Security Level at Geilenkirchen Airbase
Due to potential threats, NATO has boosted its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Employees who are not required for deployment have been sent home, a base spokesperson says. This measure is based on intelligence information indicating a possible threat. "This is not a cause for concern and is merely a precautionary measure to ensure we can continue our critical operations," the spokesperson says. The police confirm their presence on the scene. Further details, including the number of deployed forces, are being kept confidential.
22:07 Ukrainian Military Claims Strike on Russian Base in Kursk Region
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The Ukrainian military reports another attack on Russian troops in the Kursk region. Using precision-guided US bombs, they targeted a Russian base in the afternoon, according to the air force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command post, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were hit," Oleshchuk says alongside a video allegedly depicting the attack.
21:43 Initial Check-in Post-Swiss Peace AccordAfter the peace meeting in Switzerland back in June, Ukraine has reportedly held the first follow-up session. Over 40 nations and organizations joined the virtual gathering. Additional sessions with working groups are scheduled to take place in the future.
For insights on the preceding events, check them out here.)
The United States continues to impose sanctions on Russian entities, including 60 tech companies that support its military operations. The Ukrainian military is consistently engaged in fierce battles with Russian troops, particularly in the areas of Pokrovsk and Torezk, aiming to secure control over the Donbass region.
