At 22:10, Selensky stresses the importance of striking a balance between military mobilization and economic stability.
21:44 Ukraine Takes Major Strides in KurskUkraine has made significant progress, advancing between 28 to 35 kilometers, in the Russian territory of Kursk, as per their own reports. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj asserted in a televised announcement that Russia is strengthening its positions there by relocating troops from other regions. Further, Russia is deploying troops to Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, where intense clashes have recently transpired. Russia hasn't issued a statement regarding this matter yet.
21:25 Putin Returns to Chechnya After Long AbsenceRussian President Vladimir Putin paid a visit to the Russian republic of Chechnya on Tuesday, marking his first trip in 13 years. Images from RIA Novosti show Putin shaking hands with strongman Ramzan Kadyrov in Grozny. Post the handshake, Putin put his hand on Kadyrov's shoulder and hugged him, both departing in a limousine later. Kadyrov mentioned a "busy itinerary" of events and referred to Putin as a man full of energy and eager to explore various places in Chechnya despite an exhausting day.
21:02 Scholz Defends Germany's Ukraine Aid, Stating "Plenty of Money"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denied accusations that Germany isn't supporting Ukraine adequately this year. Ukraine is set to receive more than seven billion euros, making it the highest supporting country in Europe, as per Scholz's statement on Sat1. Next year, it'll be four billion euros from the national budget, also the most among European countries. Additionally, Scholz highlighted the 50 billion US dollars being made accessible due to the frozen Russian assets, backed by the western G7 nations. "Plenty of money, lots of money," Scholz emphasized.
20:14 Putin Draws Parallels Between Beslan Hostage Crisis and Kursk OperationsRussian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Beslan school hostage crisis, compared the attack to the ongoing operations of the Ukrainian army in the Russian border region of Kursk. Putin pointed out that Russia had fought "terrorists" in Beslan, and now they must fight "those responsible for the crimes in Kursk."
19:43 Russian Orthodox Church Denounces Church Ban in Ukraine as "Illegal"The Russian Orthodox Church has condemned the Ukrainian parliament's decision to ban the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church, terming it an "illegal act" and a violation of religious freedom and human rights. Spokesperson Vladimir Legoida made these remarks via Telegram, warning of potential "massive violence" against millions of believers.
19:12 Additional Ramstein Meeting Announced for Ukraine AidUS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has invited the Ukraine Contact Group for another meeting at Ramstein Airbase in Germany, set for September 6. Defense ministers and military officials from around 50 countries, including Germany, will gather to discuss further support for Ukraine.
18:36 Russia Restructures Army Units on Ukrainian BorderRussian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced that three new army groups have been formed to safeguard the Ukrainian border. The groups have been named after the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions. This move comes amidst Ukraine's recent seizure of territories in the Russian region of Kursk.
18:10 Massive Fire at Russian Oil Depot Continues After Ukrainian StrikeA devastating fire continues to rage at a Russian oil depot in Proletarsk after a Ukrainian drone strike. Two days have passed with the fire still not contained. Satellite imagery reveals the extent of the damage.
17:36 Construction of Second Bridge Parallel to Crimean Bridge Suggested by Satellite ImagesSatellite photos suggest that Russia might be building a second bridge parallel to the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian mainland to Crimea. Online publication "Ukrajinska Prawda" reported a "parallel construction," which remains a "probable bridge" according to ntv.de's analysis of satellite images from June, July, and August. Russian authorities are believed to be concealing the construction and securing the area to protect both new and existing bridges from potential attacks.
16:58 Zelensky Speaks of Tough Situation on Eastern Ukrainian FrontBritish newspaper "The Guardian" cited President Volodymyr Zelensky recognizing a "difficult" situation on the eastern frontline in Ukraine, specifically near Pokrovsk and Toretsk, where 58 battles have occurred since the start of the day. The Ukrainian General Staff reported 14 clashes in the Toretsk area and 34 incidents in the Pokrovsk sector.
16:36 Russian Authorities in Kursk Advise to Disable Dating Apps and Surveillance CamerasThe Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has suggested residents in specific regions adjacent to Ukraine to suspend utilizing dating apps and security cameras connected online. The communique stated that adversaries are extensively identifying IP addresses across Russian territory and remotely connecting to unsecured cameras, monitoring domestic households to strategically crucial structures such as roads and highways. Furthermore, it discouraged using online dating services due to potential data collection purposes.
16:20 Recent Casualties in Kursk reported by Russian MediaRussian news agency Tass reported, based on rescue services' accounts, that the Ukrainian intrusion in Kursk had caused 17 civilian fatalities in just a week. Besides, 235 civilians were injured as a result of these attacks.
15:54 Rapid Russian Advance in Eastern Ukraine Described by Journalist"Yesterday alone, Russian troops attacked the Pokrovsk front with 63 incidents," reported ntv journalist Nadja Kriewald from eastern Ukraine. She interviewed emergency personnel who were attempting to evacuate a Ukrainian village, but the operation was reportedly terminated - Russian troops had already captured the town.
15:33 Russian Dispute Over American Journalists' Actions in KurskRussian authorities have summoned a top-ranking US diplomat, as reported by the Russian news agency Tass. The incident is in retaliation to allegedly provocative conduct of American journalists in the Russian region of Kursk, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry. They claimed that the journalists illegally entered an area where Ukrainian forces launched an offensive two weeks ago, and they intend to prosecute them.
15:10 Government Commissioner Reacts to Russian Propaganda in East GermanyGerman Commissioner for Eastern Germany, Carsten Schneider of the SPD, expressed concern about some Germans' opinions on Ukraine. Schneider expressed shock at the negative sentiments towards Ukraine and Ukrainians, both in the east and the west. He mentioned that Russian propaganda often influences these views, particularly in eastern Germany, and that not everyone is taking the defensive struggle in Ukraine seriously.
14:48 Ammunition Shortage Contributing to Russian Advance in Eastern UkraineAccording to the "Financial Times", a Ukrainian commander cited the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine to be partly due to Ukraine shifting resources north. Now, Ukrainian troops have to prioritize limited shells for their weapons - a first since the US Congress halted Ukraine aid. These ammunition supplies were diverted to the troops involved in the incursion in Kursk.
14:26 Russian Incursion in Kursk Changing Moscow Power DynamicsRussian expert, Rainer Munz, asserts that the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk may accelerate or at least highlight the generational shift within the Moscow power apparatus. However, he clarified that the influence of Russian President remains untouched.
14:01 Chemical Threat in Ternopil after Russian AttackFollowing a Russian attack on an industrial site in Ternopil, local authorities issued a warning about elevated chlorine levels in the air. Oksana Chaichuk, head of the regional center for disease control and prevention, advised residents to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed. The chlorine levels in the environment are approximately four to ten times higher than standard. The incident is believed to have targeted a fuel and lubricant depot, resulting in an unspecified fire at a facility without reported casualties or injuries.
13:39 Russian Troops Capture Town of New York in DonetskThe Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russian troops had seized control of the town of New York in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The soldiers effectively took over "one of the major settlements in the vicinity of Torez, a strategically vital transportation hub of Novogrodnoye," the ministry said. The name New York, which dates back to German colonists, changed to Novogrodnoye in 1951 but was reinstated in 2021 following attempts by Ukrainian activists. The town is situated approximately 6 kilometers south of Torez, which has been under consistent Russian attacks for weeks.
13:01 Defected Russian Soldier Spies for Ukraine, Injures CommanderUkraine's military intelligence (HUR) revealed that a Russian soldier who turned coat to Ukraine had been spying and even physically injured his commander. Reportedly, the soldier, codenamed "Silver," defected as part of a joint operation involving "Freedom of Russia" legion and HUR's "I Want to Live" project. Before disappearing, the soldier allegedly wounded his commander with a grenade in the city of Ocheretyne, Donetsk Oblast. The soldier contacted the legion in early 2024, disclosing criminal activities engaged by his unit and commanders in light of witnessing the same. "Silver" provided the legion with valuable information about Russian soldiers' locations and upcoming military operations.
11:51 Approximately 500 Firefighters Combat Fire in Oil Depot in Russian Rostov
About 500 firefighters are wrestling with a substantial blaze in an oil depot situated in the Rostov region of southern Russia, triggered by a Ukrainian drone assault. The fire covers an area of 10,000 square meters, with numerous diesel tanks igniting, according to Valery Gornitsky, head of Proletarsk, as reported by TASS news agency. "No risk of explosion, no danger to people, and no evacuations required," Gornitsky mentioned. Four firefighting aircraft and over 520 firefighters are deployed. The aircraft are necessary due to the intense heat preventing vehicles from approaching the fire, Gornitsky further stated. According to the officials, at least 41 firefighters have been harmed, with 18 requiring hospitalization.
11:08 Industrial Complex Harmed in Ukrainian Ternopil During Bombardments
An industrial complex in the Ternopil region of Ukraine was struck, with a fuel tank hit, during recent Russian bombardments on their energy infrastructure, officials reported. Ukrainian television broadcast massive plumes of black smoke rising over Ternopil, with local authorities urging residents to stay indoors. Nearly 100 firefighters are working on extinguishing the fire, with the situation under control, according to the Ternopil regional administration.
10:41 Russian Diplomat Bondarev Slams Putin's "Scared Little Boy" Behavior
Russian President Vladimir Putin is acting like a "scared little boy," writes Boris Bondarev, a Russian former diplomat, in a guest commentary for ntv.de. Putin's image of supposedly being able to overcome any adversary has been blemished following the invasion of Ukraine. The quick takeover within a few days failed to materialize. Recently, Moscow also appeared completely caught off guard and overwhelmed by the Ukrainian attack on the Russian oblast of Kursk. "Putin is at a loss when faced with a serious threat and doesn't know what to do. He doesn't even behave like a cornered rat ready to defend with all its might, but like a scared little boy," Bondarev said. The former diplomat, who split from the Putin regime in protest against the war, also harshly criticizes Western politicians for their policy of not allowing the usage of delivered weapons on Russian territory by Ukraine. "One must confront Putin with the language of violence," he writes, dismissing the West's fear of "escalation" as unfounded. "The 'escalation' is already here - Putin's opponent has entered Russian territory! But he doesn't react to it in any way."
10:13 Ukraine: Five Civilians Killed and Over 20 Injured in Russian Attacks
Five civilians were killed and at least 22 injured, including a child, in Russian attacks in Ukraine over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported in the morning, as reported by "Kyiv Independent."
09:37 Russian Fuel Depot Burning: Satellite Image Shows Fire's Extent
The Ukraine attacked a large fuel depot in Proletarsk in southern Russia with drones on Sunday morning. The fire was still not extinguished a day later, with over 40 firefighters injured, according to regional authorities. The extent of the fire can also be seen clearly on satellite images:
Ukraine has targeted several Russian refineries and oil facilities with drones in recent months. This aim is to impede the supply of fuel to enemy troops and minimize Russia's oil industry revenues.
09:16 Kyiv: Over 1300 Russian Soldiers "Eliminated" in a DayOfficial Kyiv numbers report high personnel losses on the Russian side: 1330 Russian soldiers have been killed or rendered unable to fight in a single day. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, a total of 601,800 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated" since the start of the war in February 2022. The ministry's daily reports on Russian losses also mention the destruction of 5 more tanks (8518 in total). Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has accounted for over 16,500 armored vehicles and over 13,800 drones either captured or destroyed by the Russian military. These figures cannot be independently verified, and Moscow remains silent on its own losses in Ukraine.
08:47 Biden Defends Ukraine's Resistance: No President Should Submit to Dictators"No president should submit to dictators," says Joe Biden. At the first night of the Democratic National Convention, the U.S. president stated, as reported by the "Kyiv Independent", "Putin thought he'd take Kyiv in three days. Three years later, Ukraine is still free." The Democrat contrasted his record as a strong NATO supporter and advocate for a free Ukraine with that of former President Donald Trump, who praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. "No commander-in-chief should ever submit to dictators," Biden said.
08:31 Russia Launches Overnight Air Strikes on UkraineRussia has again targeted Ukraine with overnight air strikes, according to the Ukrainian military. Nine regions in the center, north, and south of the country were hit, with three missiles and 25 drones shot down, the Ukrainian air force reported on Telegram. This was the fifth missile attack on Kyiv this month, with air alerts sounding 41 times in the capital during August. The military reported foiling a drone attack on Kyiv yesterday.
07:52 Military Update: Ukraine Fends Off Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv - No Harm ReportedRussian forces attempted another missile assault on Kyiv from the north this morning, as per the city's military administration's Telegram update. Preliminary findings suggest that the adversary targeted Kyiv's heartland from the north, probably utilizing ballistic missiles similar to the Iskander. This was the fifth missile strike on the Ukrainian capital in October! The alleged missiles were reportedly neutralized by the city's air defense forces at the periphery. So far, no damage or casualties have been reported in Kyiv.
07:38 Belarus Developments: Lukashenko Sends More Troops and Aircraft to Ukraine Border
According to Major General Andrei Lukyanovich, commander of Belarusian air defense forces, as reported by the "Kyiv Independent", Belarus has reinforced its air defense troops and aircraft at its border with Ukraine. This announcement comes shortly after President Lukashenko announced that he had dispatched one-third of the country's army to the border throughout the summer. Lukashenko claimed that the military buildup along the border was a miscommunication between Belarus and Ukraine. In a national television address, Lukyanovich confirmed that Belarusian military had deployed aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, and radio-technical units to the border. Ukraine has yet to acknowledge Lukyanovich's claims regarding additional Belarusian troops and military equipment at the border. Ukraine's state border service declared over a week ago that there were no signs of military buildup along the Belarusian border, despite Lukashenko's instructions.
07:24 ISW: Russia Reinforces Troops to Kursk Oblast
As per a report by the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Ukrainian military's operations in the Kursk region have prompted Russia to move troops from other frontline sections to the area. Experts believe that Russian forces have deployed additional soldiers to Kursk Oblast since the beginning of the Ukrainian advance and have likely sent over 5,000 troops to the region.
06:54 Zelenskyy: Second Peace Summit in Ukraine Must Take Place Before Year's End
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged his country's diplomats to ensure that the second peace summit in Ukraine takes place before the end of the year during a meeting with foreign diplomatic mission heads in Ukraine. Speaking about "War Diplomacy: Resilience, Weapons, Victory," Zelenskyy stated, "In my opinion, the inaugural summit was a remarkable triumph for Ukraine. I appreciate everyone who contributed to making the summit a reality. Now we are preparing for the second summit and must ensure it takes place this year. All efforts should be made to expand the circle of support for the communiqué of the first summit."
06:22 Ukraine: Russian Aerial Assault on Kyiv Resumed
Russia continues its nightly bombardment on Kyiv, as per Ukrainian sources. Ukraine's air defense forces were engaged at dawn to counter a fresh Russian aerial assault on Kyiv, according to the city's military administration on Telegram. Witnesses reported hearing explosions that sounded like air defense systems being activated.
05:11 Kyiv Experiences Multiple Drone Attacks Away from the Frontline
Overnight, several Ukrainian regions far away from the frontline, including Sumy, Poltava, Kherson, and Mykolaiv, as well as the outskirts of the capital Kyiv, were attacked by drones, according to air defense. No harm has been reported as of yet.
02:23 USA Guarantees Support for Kyiv - Discussion on Kursk Offensive
Despite Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Russian Kursk region, the USA remains committed to backing Kyiv. A spokesperson for the US Department of Defense reaffirmed that US President Joe Biden has repeatedly emphasized the nation's unwavering support for Ukraine and its resolve to stay by Kyiv's side as long as needed. The USA will continue to prioritize the provision of military aid to Kyiv. During a call, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerow of the USA's continued backing, the spokesperson added. Austin gained insight into Ukraine's objectives with its counteroffensive during their conversation.
01:07 Germany Sends Another Iris-T Air Defense System
Germany has delivered another comprehensive weapons package to Ukraine. The latest consignment includes, among other items, a third Iris-T air defense system, as well as thousands of artillery rounds, drones, a Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicle, and hundreds of rifles, along with appropriate ammunition.
00:20 Zelenskyy: Kursk Offensive Yields Largest Capture of Russian Soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the Kursk region offensive as the most significant gain in capturing Russian soldiers since the conflict's onset. Speaking to Ukrainian diplomats, he stated that these prisoners of war would eventually be exchanged for captive Ukrainians. Data suggests that Russia has taken more Ukrainian prisoners than vice versa.
22:21 Chechen Commander: Fallen Kursk Fighters Are Heaven-Bound
Apti Alaudinov, commander of the Russian-fighting Chechen Achmat Regiment, allegedly encouraged Russian conscripts to join the frontline in Kursk, as reported by news sources. In a video message, Alaudinov urged Russian troops to head to the Kursk region, stating that those who perish there will go to heaven.
21:58 Zelenskyy: Ukrainian Incursion Makes Russia's Red Lines IrrelevantAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported in "Pravda," the Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory was considered implausible, thus kept under wraps. Not long ago, numerous nations predicted that this incursion would breach Russia's most critical red line. However, Zelenskyy declared that the significance of Russia's red lines disintegrated near Sushcha.
21:38 Lithuania Initiates Construction of German Troop BaseLithuania has commenced the construction of a military support base for German soldiers. Upon completion by the end of 2027, the site will accommodate around 4,000 German troops. This will mark the first permanent overseas deployment of the Bundeswehr since World War II, as Germany elected to station troops in the NATO and EU member state bordering Russia in 2022. Estimates place the construction costs above one billion euros, according to Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis.
21:15 Pavel Contemplates NATO Membership for Partially Occupied UkraineCzech President Petr Pavel visualizes Ukraine joining NATO even with parts of its territory under occupation. Pavel believes that Ukraine could negotiate peace with Russia in the foreseeable future, resulting in Russia retaining control of Ukrainian territory for an extended duration, without necessitating acceptance of these border alterations by democratic nations. This temporary border might then open the door for Ukraine to enter NATO in the territory it oversees at that time, according to Pavel. Germany managed its NATO membership while continuing to be partially occupied by the Soviet Union in 1955.
20:57 Ukrainian Troops Approach Russian Bridge by 12 KilometersUkrainian forces have seized control of the Wyschnewka town in the Russian Kursk region, according to war observers. This location puts them approximately 12 kilometers from the floating bridge over the Seym River, currently the Russians' only means to gather supplies or retreat.
20:36 Pokrovsk Administration Remains OptimisticThe military administration of eastern Ukrainian city Pokrovsk maintains a sense of uncertainty as Russian troops advance: "They are closing in on the outskirts of Pokrovsk. It's out in the open," stated the head of the information department in an interview with the "Washington Post." "Perhaps the situation there will evolve somehow - we're hoping that the enemy will halt their advance at Pokrovsk's outskirts, and our troops will repel them," she said. If the city falls, it would mark the largest population center captured by the Russians since Bachmut in May 2023.
Get caught up on previous updates here.**
After the European Union pledged its support to Ukraine with substantial financial aid, the European Union is closely monitoring the situation in Kursk, as Russian troops are reportedly strengthening their positions there.
In response to Ukraine's advance in Kursk, the European Union is evaluating its strategic relations with Russia, as the region has become a hotspot of tension between the two nations.
