At 21:09, Zelensky announces the seizure of two additional locations in Kursk
19:59 Ukraine Progresses in Russian Oblast Kursk, Affirms President Zelensky
As per President Zelensky's evening address, Ukraine has reportedly advanced in the Russian oblast of Kursk by up to three kilometers. Two additional settlements have also reportedly been captured. Russia has yet to comment on this development.
20:39 Ukrainian Parliamentarian Fled Country After Assault Allegations
Ukrainian Parliamentarian Artem Dmytruk is said to have fled the country following allegations of assaulting a soldier and a police officer in two separate incidents. In Odessa, Dmytruk and another individual allegedly injured a police officer and attempted to steal his weapon. In Kyiv, Dmytruk is accused of striking a soldier multiple times in the head. Dmytruk has claimed on Telegram that the actions against him are politically motivated. The independent parliamentarian is recognized for his pro-Russian stance.
20:03 Ukraine: Belarus Allegedly Gathering Troops and Military Equipment at Border
Ukraine alleges that Belarus is amassing troops and military equipment near its border, citing a military exercise as the reason. However, Belarus, a close Russian ally, has not yet commented on this matter.
19:30 Journalist Missing After Hotel Attack in Kramatorsk Found Deceased
A Reuters journalist reported missing after a Russian attack on a hotel in Kramatorsk has been discovered deceased. Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that the British journalist's body was retrieved from the debris, along with four injured individuals. Initially, only two injuries were reported.
18:49 Ukrainians Continue to Counter Russian Drones
Ukraine continues to use unconventional methods to combat Russian drones. Videos show Ukrainian helicopter crew members armed with a machine gun firing down drones. The Mi-8 transport helicopter is believed to be involved, according to a Forbes report. One video depicts a Ukrainian soldier shooting down an Iranian Shahed drone from the helicopter's cockpit.
17:34 President Zelenskyy Criticizes India's Trade with Russia
During an interview with Indian journalists, President Zelenskyy criticized India's trade with Russia. He stated that Putin is utilizing the revenue from oil and gas sales to finance his war against Ukraine, "stealing billions from his people." Zelenskyy also mentioned that the Russian people are suffering, but are unaware due to Putin's control over media and social networks. He alleged that Putin's war economy is sustained by billions supplied from India, China, and Arab states. However, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine cannot influence India, expressing, "You are an independent nation, that is your government." He urged the Indian reporters to consider the repercussions of supporting Russia financially.
17:09 Musk Demands Release of Telegram CEOElon Musk, X's CEO, has demanded the release of Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, who was arrested in Paris. Musk shared a clip from Durov's interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, using the hashtag #FreePavel. In another X post, Musk wrote, "Liberté! Liberté! Liberté!"
16:37 Söder Distances from Kretschmer's Ukraine StanceBavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder has distanced himself from his Saxon colleague Michael Kretschmer (CDU)'s position on Ukraine policy. "We have a clear position. Mr. Kretschmer holds a different one, which I respect. But we have fundamentally different views," said the CSU leader in an ARD summer interview. "Honestly: Would World War II have ended if Hitler had been allowed to continue?" said Söder, alluding to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Do wars end by conceding to the aggressor?" Kretschmer has criticized arms deliveries to Ukraine. Söder labeled the belief that Putin would discontinue his policy if he conquered Ukraine "naive."
16:09 Zelenskyy Affirms Trump's Support for UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserts that US presidential candidate Donald Trump has expressed his support for Ukraine and his desire to put an end to the war. Zelenskyy shares this in a conversation with Indian reporters, which he posts on his social media channel.
15:41 Medvedev Accuses Telegram CEO of MiscalculatingFollowing the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in Paris, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has accused Durov of miscalculating. "He was warned a long time ago that he would face serious problems in all countries because of his stance on user data privacy. He miscalculated," writes Medvedev on Telegram. "For our common enemies, he is considered Russian and unpredictable. He must now understand that you cannot choose your homeland."
14:13 Pope Slams Orthodox Church Ban in Ukraine BanterPope Francis criticizes the ban of the pro-Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Gawking at the regulation issued by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Pontiff voiced his opinion during his Sunday prayer: "No religious organization should be obliterated directly or indirectly. Religions must be untouched!" The Ukrainian authorities justify the ban due to the support of the Moscow Patriarchate for the Russian aggressive war. The Pope addressed tens of thousands of believers on St. Peter's Square: "One commits wrongdoing because of faith, not because of prayers. If someone wrongs their people, they are guilty. But they cannot have wronged because of their faith."
13:43 "Brutal War Crimes" - Ukraine Rails Against "Targeted Attack" on Hotel in KramatorskThe Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounces the Russian attack on a hotel in Kramatorsk housing foreign journalists. This was relayed by the ministry's spokesperson, Georgiy Tykhyi. "Last night, yet another repugnant and targeted Russian attack on Kramatorsk's residential areas wounded foreign media journalists in a hotel," the spokesperson chronicled. Tykhyi mentioned that targeted assaults on media representatives have become a systematic play by the Russian war. "These abominable war crimes must be censured and penalized," the ministry spokesperson retorted.
13:14 Following Russian Assaults on Sumy: Police Report 4 Dead and 13 WoundedThe Russian military bombarded the Ukrainian oblast of Sumy 261 times the previous day, reported the local police. At least four people perished, and 13 were injured in the attacks on the northern region. According to Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda", six apartment complexes, 26 houses, an educational institution, outbuildings, cars, a gas pipeline, and shops were damaged. Added to that, dry grass covering approximately two hectares burst into flames.
12:42 Zelenskyy Ridicules Putin: "Sick Geriatric from Red Square"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking his country's Independence Day, presented the newly developed Ukrainian drone Palianytsia. Moreover, the head of state chuckled at Russian leader Vladimir Putin in a video speech, referring to him as a "frail elder from Red Square" due to his nuclear threats. He asserted, "This epee-wielding, octogenarian from Red Square, continually intimidates everyone with his nuclear button. He will never dictate any of his lines to us."
12:14 Energy Ministry: Over 500 Ukrainian Communities Without Power After AttacksIn Ukraine, 524 communities remain without power after Russian attacks on the nation's power infrastructure, reported the Ukrainian Energy Ministry via the state news agency Ukrinform. The energy sector is experiencing hardships, yet no restrictions have been imposed on consumers. According to the report, engineers have already restored power for over 7200 people. The Ministry advises citizens to conserve electricity and use it responsibly, particularly in the evening. The vast destruction inflicted by Russian troops on the energy system makes it highly vulnerable to disruptions.
11:38 Ukraine: 160 Engagements with Russian Troops at the Front in a DayThe Ukrainian side recorded 160 combat engagements at the front the previous day. Conflicts ensued in ten sectors, with the situation around Pokrovsk being the most precarious, as detailed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a situation brief in the morning. According to the report, Russian troops launched five missile attacks and 95 guided aerial bombardments on Ukrainian positions, as well as cities and villages.
10:57 Reuters Staffer Sought After Hotel Bombardment in Eastern Ukraine - Search for Missing Colleague Persists
Russian troops, as per Ukrainian accounts, shelled a hotel in Kramatorsk's eastern Ukrainian city during the night, reportedly leaving a Reuters employee missing. Two others were injured. A statement from the agency revealed that a six-member Reuters team was lodged at the Hotel Sapphire when the attack transpired. The building was "clearly hit by a missile" the previous day. "One of our colleagues remains unaccounted for, two others were taken to the hospital for medical attention," the statement noted. They are coordinating with authorities in Kramatorsk. The governor of the Donetsk region commented on Telegram, stating that "the Russians have shelled Kramatorsk." Two journalists were hurt, one is yet to be found. "Emergency services, police, and rescue teams are on the scene. Rubble clearing and rescue operations are ongoing." The Russian Ministry of Defense did not immediately address a request for comment. "Russian forces reportedly targeted the city of Kramatorsk, possibly with an Iskander-M missile," noted a statement from the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, initiating a preliminary investigation into the attack. According to them, the missile struck at 22:35 local time.
Update at 13:30: The total number of injured Reuters employees has been revised to four. This was announced by the head of the local military administration of Donetsk, Wadym Filaschkin, via Telegram.
10:44 Air Force Commander: Most Russian Shahed Drones Thwarted and Destroyed Overnight
Ukraine's air defense is apparently doing a commendable job: eight out of nine Russian Shahed drones were thwarted and destroyed by Ukrainian air defense forces during the night. This was stated by the state news agency Ukrinform citing the commander of the air force, Mykola Oleschuk. According to him, not only were nearly all suicide drones obviated, but also most of the rockets they released.
10:20 Ukraine: Hotel in Kramatorsk Under Attack - Several Western Journalists Injured
Several Western journalists have reportedly been injured, as per official accounts, due to Russian shelling of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk during the night. A hotel was hit, and two individuals were rescued, wounded. One person is still trapped under the debris. This information was shared by the Ukrainian governor of the Donetsk region, Wadym Filaschkin, via Telegram. The three injured individuals are citizens of Ukraine, the USA, and the UK. The attack was confirmed on pro-Russian blogs. According to these sources, Kramatorsk was targeted with heavy glide bombs of the FAB-1500 type. However, it's also reported that a machine-building factory and several military objectives were struck.
09:54 US Export Regulations to Russia draw Criticism from China
China has voiced its disapproval over the strict export controls imposed by the US on numerous exporters from the People's Republic. As per the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, these regulations distort the international trade order and hinder normal trade transactions. China will execute necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights of its companies. The Ministry of Commerce responded to a decision made by the US government last Friday. This decision listed 105 companies - 42 Chinese, 63 Russian, and 18 from other nations - as subject to trade restrictions. They were targeted for a variety of reasons, including the transfer of US electronics to the Russian military and the manufacture of thousands of drones used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. These companies will now need to acquire difficult-to-obtain licenses.
09:29 Institute for the Study of War (ISW) advocates for Unlimited Use of Long-Range Missiles by Ukraine
The US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is advocating for the unrestricted usage of long-range weapons on Russian territory by Ukraine. Despite the relocation of air forces to deeper rear areas, many military targets remain within range of US ATACMS missiles, which Ukraine currently possesses but cannot utilize against Russian territory due to restrictions from Washington. "The ISW asserts that at least 250 military and paramilitary targets in Russia can be targeted using the ATACMS missiles provided by the United States to Ukraine," according to recent analysis by the ISW. However, only attacks with HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and GLMRS missiles are currently permitted. "This allows Ukraine to attack at most 20 of the 250 targets," states the ISW.
09:06 Kyiv: Over 1100 Russian Soldiers "Neutralized" in a Single Day
Russian casualties remain high, based on official figures from Kyiv. Over 1100 Russian soldiers were reported killed or rendered incapable of combat within a 24-hour period. Since the onset of the war in February 2022, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reports a total of 607,680 Russian soldiers having been "neutralized". The Ministry of Defense announced these statistics in their daily report on losses, stating that the enemy lost five more tanks (8547). Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has counted over 16,600 armored vehicles and approximately 14,000 drones no longer in possession of the Russian military or destroyed. These figures cannot be independently verified. Moscow itself remains tight-lipped about its own losses in Ukraine.
08:39 Ukrainian Air Force: Most Russian Missiles and Drones Fail to Reach Targets
According to Ukraine, Russia launched several missiles and drones at the northern and eastern parts of the country last night. "Most of the missiles did not make it to their intended targets," the air force announced. Russia used a ballistic missile of the Iskander-M type, a cruise missile of the Iskander-K type, and six guided missiles. The number of these that were destroyed was not disclosed. Concurrently, eight out of nine Russian attack drones were shot down.
08:08 Six Civilians Injured in Overnight Rocket Attack on Kharkiv
The number of injured civilians has increased to six following an overnight Russian rocket attack on the Slobidsky district in the Kharkiv Oblast. This was reported by the mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, in a Telegram message, as reported by the state news agency Ukrinform.
07:32 Zelensky Celebrates Use of Newly Manufactured Ukrainian Palianytsia Rocket DronesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the new Palianytsia rockets produced in Ukraine. The Ukrainian head of state stated that these rocket drones and other military innovations by Ukraine are essential for the country given the delays in decisions by some of its international partners. "Today, the first and successful combat deployment of our new weapon took place," he said, as reported by "Kyiv Independent". "A completely new class of Ukrainian rocket drone, Palianytsia."
06:55 Azov Commander Criticizes Prisoner Exchange: No Azov Fighters Among Freed SoldiersAccording to Ukrainian reports, no Azov soldiers were part of the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine yesterday. This was reported by "Kyiv Independent" citing Brigade Commander Denys Prokopenko. The commander of the Azov Regiment criticized the most recent prisoner exchange and expressed his disappointment that none of the Azov fighters, who have been in Russian captivity for over two years, were included.
06:14 Ukraine: Five Dead in Air Strike on Russian Border Region BelgorodFive individuals met their end and twelve others, four of them severely injured, in an air assault by Ukrainian forces in the Russian border region of Belgorod during the night, local authorities reported. Among the casualties, two minors were injured and transported to the hospital. Recently, Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian territory and pushed into the Kursk region adjoining Belgorod in early August. Belgorod often falls victim to Ukrainian air and drone strikes in retaliation for attacks originating from the Russian side.
05:47 Russia: Civilians Killed in Ukrainian ShellingFive civilians were killed and twelve people were injured, several critically, as a result of artillery shelling in the town of Rakitnoye in southwestern Russia, as reported by the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, via Telegram. There has been no statement from Ukraine regarding the incident.
04:26 Sumy Suffers Rocket Hits and CasualtiesThe city of Sumy has been hit by rockets, according to reports from the regional military administration. Two rocket impacts were recorded, leaving seven individuals injured, two severely. On Saturday evening, Russian forces launched attacks against the civilian infrastructure in Sumy.
03:35 Kharkiv and Chuhuiv Targeted by Russian RocketsAccording to the governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, the Russian military has launched rocket attacks on the cities of Kharkiv and Chuhuiv. As of now, one individual has been injured. A significant explosion was reported in Kharkiv, and the city's mayor, Ihor Terechow, shared on Telegram that a massive explosion was heard. The cause of the explosion remains unknown.
03:06 Ukraine Warns of Combat DronesAn air alert is in effect in the east and south of Ukraine. The Ukrainian air forces have issued warnings of an approaching group of Shahed combat drones heading toward the southern Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv. Increased Russian attacks are expected around Ukrainian Independence Day, which was on Saturday. However, a larger wave of attacks hasn't occurred yet.
01:32 Hungary Accuses EU of Halting Oil SuppliesHungary believes that the European Commission is responsible for the disruption of Russian oil supplies. Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, stated that the EU Commission's refusal to assist in securing energy supplies for Hungary and Slovakia suggests that the order came from Brussels to create issues with their energy supply. The EU Commission has yet to comment on the matter. In June, Ukraine included Russian oil company Lukoil on the sanctions list and blocked the Druzhba pipeline, which passes through Ukrainian territory, significantly limiting oil supply to countries like Hungary and Slovakia.
22:12 Attack on Kupiansk Village Leaves Four Women InjuredRussian forces attacked the village of Novoosynove in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv Oblast, injuring four women, according to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the military administration in the Kharkiv region. The Russian troops attacked around noon, resulting in a private building being set ablaze. The wounded individuals received medical treatment. Investigations into the aftermath of the attack are ongoing.
21:03 UK Defence Secretary Praises Ukraine's ResilienceJohn Healey, the UK's Defence Secretary, commended Ukraine on its Independence Day in an article for the "European Pravda" portal. Healey highlighted that Ukraine gained independence thirty-three years ago, aiming for a better, more prosperous future as a sovereign democracy, free from the control of Soviet Russia. Today, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day amidst a war, as it defends its freedom against Putin's unlawful invasion. "Ukraine has constantly been the underdog against Russia's larger forces and resources," Healey wrote, expressing his admiration for the Ukrainian people's bravery. The British have pledged their continued support for Ukraine, both militarily and economically, as well as offering their friendship and solidarity. To show support, the UK launched a campaign on social media for people to share posts using the hashtag "#MakeNoiseForUkraine". Healey wished for the Ukrainian people to know that they are not alone in this struggle.
20:05 Zelensky Promotes Syrsky to General RankUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promoted Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to the rank of General, as indicated in a decree issued by Zelensky. Previously, Syrsky held the rank of Colonel General. The promotion was attributed to the successful advancement of Ukrainian forces thus far in the Russian border region of Kursk.
20:43 Discussion of Ukrainian Conflict Arises in Parliamentarian's Alleged Assault Cases
Following allegations of assault against Ukrainian Parliamentarian Artem Dmytruk, the issue of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict has been brought up in various discussions. Dmytruk's pro-Russian stance has come under scrutiny, with some questioning his loyalty to Ukraine amidst its tense situation with Russia.
19:35 Russia's Position on Ukrainian Conflict Unclear in Belarus Troop Gathering Allegations
As Ukraine accuses Belarus of amassing troops and military equipment near its border, Russia's stance on the Ukrainian conflict remains unclear. Moscow, a close ally of Belarus, has yet to comment on this development, leaving uncertainty regarding its role in the ongoing conflict.
