At 23:09, Russian efforts halted Ukrainian advances at Bryansk
Russia allegedly stops Ukrainian infiltrators in Bryansk region
Russia has declared that it has managed to halt the incursion of Ukrainian "infiltrators" into its Bryansk border area, which shares a border with Kursk. According to reports, Russian intelligence agency FSB forces and army units successfully deterred a supposed Ukrainian "reconnaissance-sabotage group" in the region. Governor Alexander Bogomaz announced this on Telegram, stating, "They took a hit from our fire," and added that the situation was now under control.
22:15 Zelenskyj hopes for swift deployment of promised Western aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj expressed optimism for the swift dissemination of the billions in aid that the West has pledged, with a portion of the funding to be sourced from frozen Russian state assets. While partners have presented numerous political explanations, further ones are anticipated, Zelenskyj asserted in his evening address on video. He emphasized the need for an actual mechanism for distributing these funds. Ukraine requires the earning from Russian assets to fend off Russian aggression, Zelenskyj explained, as the negotiations regarding this have been lingering for an excessive period, and decisive actions are required immediately. The G7 countries agreed to provide fresh financial assistance to Kyiv during their June summit, with a substantial loan of $50 billion expected to be secured through interest earnings from confiscated Russian assets.
21:52 Putin commends strong trade ties with China
Russian President Vladimir Putin commended the increasing cooperation with China. During a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Kremlin, Putin said, "Our trade relations are progressing well (...). The importance that both governments give to trade and economic relations is yielding results." Putin further highlighted that China and Russia have "large-scale joint initiatives and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors." Li lauded the exceptional level of Chinese-Russian relations, as per the Kremlin. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making China a crucial trading partner for Russia due to Western sanctions. Beijing maintains a stance of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, but NATO classified China as a "key facilitator" of Russia's offensive in July.
21:20 Appeal denied: Bulgakow's detention upheld in corruption case
Former Russian deputy defense minister Dmitri Bulgakow, who is under investigation for corruption, will continue to be detained. The court rejected his request for conditional house arrest and his appeal against detention. Bulgakow was responsible for procuring military supplies before his dismissal. The court also ordered the detention of two alleged accomplices of Bulgakow, who are believed to have received nearly nine contracts from Bulgakow between 2022 and 2024, causing damages of around 50 million rubles or 500,000 euros according to investigators.
21:00 Zelenskyj announces reinforcements in Pokrovsk region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj disclosed that Ukraine is fortifying its troops in the contentious region of Pokrovsk in the country's eastern part. "We are aware of the Russian troops' plans there," he stated in a television broadcast. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to make headway in the Russian district of Kursk, he said, although he did not provide any additional details.
20:41 Ukrainians in Hungary face accommodation loss after decree implementation
Following the enforcement of a decree in Hungary that prohibits general refugee status for Ukrainians, numerous Ukrainians in the country are at risk of losing their accommodations. Private refugee shelters have already begun evicting Ukrainians, as indicated by Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees suffered forced eviction from a guesthouse under police supervision, as observed by an AFP photographer. The vast majority of those affected were Roma women and children from the Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, which shares a considerable Hungarian minority.
20:14 Scholz pledges extensive aid to Moldova, neighboring Ukraine
Despite the internal upheaval in his coalition, Scholz, fresh from his summer break, embarked on his first foreign trip to Moldova, a Ukraine neighbor facing instability from Russia. Scholz pledged Germany's solidarity and offered additional aid to the EU candidate country, as well as continued support for Ukraine. Unfortunately, a cooperation agreement aimed at controlling unauthorized migration, which the German government is pursuing, could not be finalized during the visit. "We will back the Republic of Moldova to the best of our abilities," Scholz stated after meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in the capital, Chisinau. He pointed out that Russia and pro-Russian elements in the former Soviet republic were attempting to destabilize the country.
19:36 Borrell urges Ukraine to deploy Western weapons on Russian soil
In response to Ukraine's offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has advocated for Ukraine being allowed to employ Western weapons within Russian territory. Bolstering "Ukraine's self-defense and thus saving lives and limiting destruction in Ukraine," Borrell wrote on Twitter, would be the outcome of such an action.
19:10 Ukrainian Air Force Strikes Targets in KurskThe commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleschchuk, declared victories in their operations against Russian targets in Kursk. The Air Force chief primarily utilized precise aerial bombs against Russian strongholds and troop gatherings. Despite Russian forces utilizing deserted homes in their defense, they've been unable to evade the attacks. "We see everything, we know everything," asserted Oleschchuk on Telegram. "Our precise bombs will track you down everywhere." Precise bombs refer to air-guided explosives that can be directed remotely by pilots. During their advance in Kursk, two significant bridges over the Seim River were demolished by Ukrainian fighter jets. Oleschchuk did not specify which aircraft Ukraine employed in their attacks. According to Ukrainian military analysts, Western-provided F-16 fighter jets have yet to be deployed.
18:44 Escalating Conflict Forces Residents to Flee Villages in Eastern UkraineStruggles between Russian forces and Ukrainian troops have forced civilians to evacuate villages near the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. Inhabitants of Myrnohrad, around 10 kilometers away from combat zones, informed the AFP news agency that escalating attacks forced several locals to leave the area. AFP reporters observed several houses engulfed in flames following Russian attacks in Myrnohrad.
18:04 Energy Collaboration Agenda Discussed by Russia and ChinaLeaders from China and Russia conferred about enhancing cooperation in the energy sector during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Moscow. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin informed Li Qiang of Russia's status as China's primary oil supplier. "In the near future, we will also earn top rank in natural gas," Mishustin claimed, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. Li Qiang emphasized the growth and quality of energy cooperation between the two nations. Beijing acknowledges the Russian conflict in Ukraine as a disruption to international order but remains supportive of Russia on the matter.
17:33 Ukraine Enters International Criminal Court with a Temporary ExceptionUkraine has joined the International Criminal Court (ICC) but has requested a temporary exemption for its military from the Court's jurisdiction. The Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv approved the Rome Statute of the ICC with 281 votes in favor, 1 vote against, and 22 abstentions, as reported by MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak on Telegram. Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in January 2000 but had yet to ratify it. The Rome Statute serves as the foundation of the ICC, which handles crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. However, the ratified document includes a stipulation that the ICC will not exercise jurisdiction over war crimes involving Ukrainian nationals for a period of seven years.
17:15 Russia is the Only Nation to Refuse UN Invitation from SwitzerlandRussia rejected an invitation from Switzerland for members of the United Nations Security Council to visit Switzerland on August 25-26. Diplomats from all 13 other Security Council members, except Russia, will travel to Geneva, as per a Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Bern. Russia did not provide a reason for its refusal to participate in the trip. Moscow classifies Switzerland as an "unfriendly state" following the EU's imposition of sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. Switzerland represents a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the first time, alongside the five permanent members (Russia, China, US, UK, France) and current non-permanent members (Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia). The duration of non-permanent membership is two years. The trip coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
16:49 Moscow's Largest Drone Attack Said by MayorThe most significant drone attack on Moscow since the conflict's commencement two and a half years ago has been assessed by Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, as one of the largest. Some of the drones were destroyed in the region east of the city of Podolsk, according to Mayor Sobyanin's statement on Telegram. The city, located around 38 kilometers from the Kremlin, was impacted by the assault. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 11 targets were targeted in the capital region, with 11 flight objects neutralized. Altogether, over 45 drones were brought down across Russia. In response, Russian forces launched nearly 70 drones towards Ukraine during the night, with most of them being intercepted by the Ukrainian air force. A continual battle persists in Ukraine's east and the Russian border region of Kursk. "To this point, this is one of the most intense attempts to attack Moscow with drones," Mayor Sobyanin explained. However, the aggression was thwarted, and no harm was sustained.
16:20 Independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine Seeks Allegiance of Moscow-Loyal ChristiansMetropolitan Epifaniy, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine that is independent from Moscow, urged followers of the Moscow-connected Orthodoxy to switch their allegiance. The Ukrainian parliament banned all religious organizations in Ukraine tied to Russia on Tuesday. "The law empowers all religious establishments that have yet to do so to fully sever ties with Moscow," Epifaniy advocated on Ukrainian TV news. "In the meantime, we encourage all Orthodox Christians within Ukraine who as yet have not done so, to ultimately cast off this Russian shackle."
15:54 PM Modi Urges 'Restoration of Peace' Before Ukraine JourneyIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touched down in Warsaw for a historic excursion into Eastern Europe's territory. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Poland in 45 years. Modi is scheduled to become the inaugural Indian prime minister to step foot in Ukraine on Friday. In a preliminary statement, Modi advocated for a "restoration of tranquility" in Ukraine. Positing as a "chum and ally" of Kyiv, India "aspired for a swift restoration of peace and stability within the zone," Modi wrote on digital platforms.
15:28 Ukraine Elections Pushed Back in Seven Municipalities of KurskDue to the Ukrainian offensive in the border area of Kursk, Russia has postponed elections in seven municipalities of the region. The Central Election Commission endorsed the proposal by the Kursk region election commission to postpone voting in seven settlements. Polls will resume when "complete safety for voters" can be guaranteed, the commission assures. The rest of Kursk's regions will continue with their scheduled voting between August 28 and September 8, as previously planned. The Ukrainian army has purportedly invaded the Russian region of Kursk since August 6, wresting control of numerous settlements, according to Russian sources. Over 120,000 residents have reportedly been compelled to relocate from the affected area.
15:07 Ukraine Confirms Use of Western Weapons on Russian SoilUkraine acknowledges deploying US-made HIMARS rockets to dismantle replacement bridges across the Seim River in Russia. Ukrainian soldiers bluntly announced on the Telegram messaging app, "Where have the new bridges in Kursk disappeared to? Deployment forces are dismantling them precisely." This is the first time Ukraine has publically admitted using these Western weapons in its offensive on Russian soil. The US and Germany have kept silent on the matter, while Russia has denounced it as an intensification of conflict. Military experts had hypothesized earlier that HIMARS rockets had contributed to the downfall of at least three original bridges over the Seim.
14:52 Ten Ukrainian Drones Deterred Near MoscowUkrainian drones have resumed their course towards Moscow, with Russian forces reportedly destroying at least ten drones and generating immense fireballs in the sky. No information about damages or casualties is available as yet.
14:25 Negotiations Unlikely as Russia UnyieldingGermany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared that Russia shows no inclination towards engaging in negotiations to end the conflict. Instead, Moscow is demanding the annexation of territories that it does not even control, according to the ministry. Representatives of the Foreign Office underlined the importance of equipping Ukraine with appropriate weapons to defend against international law infringements, referring to the heated political agenda in Thuringia and Saxony to pressure for a more diplomatic approach and cease weapons delivery.
13:53 Kadyrov Maintains Putin's Support in ChechnyaPresident Vladimir Putin will visit Chechnya, a Russian republic, for the first time in 13 years, receiving a warm welcome from Ramzan Kadyrov, the region's strongman, who presented Putin with a gift. Putin and Kadyrov express their mutual commitment to each other, but their friendship is not absolute, according to ntv reporter Rainer Munz.
13:30 Russian Troops Reportedly Capture New Village in Eastern UkraineRussians claim to have seized a new village in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. The Russian military escalated its control over the village of Shelanne, located northeast of Donetsk, according to Moscow's daily report. Shelanne is nearby Prokhorovka, which is considered an essential logistics hub. The Institute for the Study of War, however, reports that Prokhorovka had already fallen on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine Inches Closer to International Criminal Court MembershipNow that the Ukrainian parliament has ratified the Rome Statute, Ukraine has become part of the International Criminal Court, an essential step towards EU approval. The court has issued international arrest warrants, among others, against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
12:45 Russia Attacks Ukraine with Numerous Drones and MissilesUkraine's military reports repelling 69 drone attacks and potentially downing 16 more by electronic countermeasures through the night. One drone was discovered to have returned to Russian territory. In addition, Russia used two ballistic missiles and a cruise missile in the attacks, with the cruise missile being the sole intercepted incoming threat. No casualties or damages have been reported. A statement from Moscow is yet to be released.
12:22 Russia: Ukrainian Defenses Weakening at PokrovskThe Ukrainian forces are under heavy Russian attacks in the eastern region, as reported by the military. Kyiv's General Staff reports 66 Russian attacks on the Pokrovsk front alone on Tuesday, all successfully repelled. Fighting is ongoing around several villages en route to Pokrovsk, approximately 10 kilometers away. The Commander-in-Chief, Olexander Syrsky, acknowledges the challenging situation. On the Russian side, there are claims of the Ukrainian defenses at Pokrovsk wavering. Russian military bloggers report advances by their troops.
11:50 Medvedev: "There Will Be No Peace Talks Until the Enemy is Completely Defeated"Negotiations with Russia seem unlikely, as per Russian former President Dmitri Medvedev, who has grown increasingly radical. Now serving as vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, Medvedev writes on his Telegram channel that given Ukraine's advance in Kursk, negotiations are unlikely. Medvedev states that there will be no Moscow-Kyiv dialog until Ukraine is completely defeated on the battlefield. "Everyone acknowledges the situation's reality, even if they can't verbally express it," Medvedev says. "There will be no peace talks until the enemy is completely annihilated."
11:22 Wagner Mercenaries' Violence Escalating in AfricaRussian mercenaries continue to play a significant role in Africa, a year after Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's death. Analysts from the conflict data organization Acled expect the Wagner Group's influence on the continent to grow. In the first half of 2024, there were more incidents of political violence linked to Russian mercenaries in Africa than during Prigozhin's lifetime. Businessman Prigozhin had effectively built a private army since 2014 - Wagner mercenaries fought not only in Ukraine but also in Syria and primarily on the African continent in Moscow's interests. In June 2023, Wagner launched an armed uprising against the Kremlin. On August 23, 2023, Prigozhin's plane crashed, killing him and his closest associates - no survivors.
10:50 Funeral Director in Kursk Advises MenIs it patriotism or professional interest? A man in uniform from Kursk criticizes fleeing men in a Telegram video, published by the Russian opposition news agency Agentstvo. He's not a military man but 39-year-old Kirill Suworow, a funeral director from St. Petersburg, as reported. In his video, Suworow criticizes Kursk's men: "What the hell are you doing? Where are you going, my dears?" He also suggests they could dig trenches for the soldiers and donate their cars to the military instead of fleeing. When questioned by Agentstvo, Suworow repeats his criticism. When asked if he would participate in the war, he remains silent.
10:26 Pentagon: Ukraine has "placed Russia on the defensive"According to the U.S. Department of Defense assessment, Russia is struggling to respond to the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the western Russian region of Kursk. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder says there are signs that Moscow is moving a small number of units into the area. "But overall, I would say that Russia is really struggling to respond," Ryder says. The Ukraine has "clearly placed its opponent on the defensive," Ryder emphasizes. Ukrainian forces are continuing to advance into the region. With the counteroffensive launched about two weeks ago, Ukraine has, for the first time, expanded the war onto Russian territory. Ryder emphasizes that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk does not change U.S. support for Kyiv.
10:03 At the Eastern Front, three Russians for every UkrainianUkrainian President Zelenskyy admits a challenging situation at the eastern front. As reported by ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald from the region, the situation is "dramatic," with Russian soldiers significantly outnumbering Ukrainian forces. Moreover, the Kremlin does not account for its own losses.
09:37 Kyiv: Ukrainian military targets Russian air defense system in RostovThe Ukrainian military claims to have hit an air defense system in the southern Russian region of Rostov. According to the General Staff, it was a system of S300 anti-aircraft missiles. Russia has used this type of missile in attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian attack targeted a missile system near the settlement of Novoshakhtinsk. Explosions were detected at certain target points, and the accuracy of the hit is still being investigated. The governor of Rostov, Vasili Golubev, reports that the Russian air force shot down a rocket launched from Ukraine over the region. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense does not mention this in its daily situation report.
09:09 Moscow Airports Temporarily Shut Down due to Drone Attack due to a drone assault on Moscow, there were temporary limitations on the operation of three major airports in the city overnight. According to Russian air traffic control on Telegram, these limitations persisted for four hours until 6:30 AM local time for Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo airports. The main airport, Sheremetyevo, remained unaffected. The Russian military successfully took down eleven drones en route to Moscow. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described this incident as one of the biggest drone assaults on the city.
08:41 Roth Backs Ukraine, Addresses Putin Michael Roth, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, advocates for robust support for Ukraine, particularly during these challenging times. "The only way to force Putin to the negotiating table is if he understands that he cannot conquer Ukraine. And that can only occur if Germany, Europe, the US, and many other allies continue to supply Ukraine with the best possible military equipment," Roth stated on ntv's early morning show. He expressed satisfaction that people in Ukraine have regained courage due to Ukraine's victories on Russian territory. "Because it becomes apparent that this imperialistic giant Putin is defeatable," Roth stated.
08:12 Woidke Raises Concerns over Ukrainian Refugees' Citizen's Allowance Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke is raising questions about the citizen's allowance for Ukrainian refugees. "The original decision was justified at the time because we needed to act quickly. However, we must now ask if this kind of support is still relevant," he told "Stern." In other EU countries, more Ukrainians are in employment than in Germany. "We need to change that. It would benefit our economy - we need workers - and promote integration," Woidke suggested. Brandenburg will hold new state parliament elections in September.
07:40 Kyiv Independent Reports Russian Weaponry Use Against Ukraine Since the beginning of the war, Russia has utilized more than 9,600 rockets and close to 14,000 attack drones against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports cited by the "Kyiv Independent." Of these, 5,197 rockets were targeted at civil areas, with Ukraine mostly assaulted with S-300/S-400 rockets, striking 3,008 times. The second most frequently used weapons were Kh-555/Kh-101 cruise missiles, with 1,846 recorded attacks.
07:08 German Military Strengthens Security Measures in Barracks The German military is intensifying safety measures for all barracks. As reported by "Der Spiegel," barracks have been instructed to conduct thorough checks of the outer fences of all facilities for gaps and to monitor them more closely, particularly at night. Soldiers are also being encouraged to remain vigilant for unauthorized individuals in secure areas and to report any suspicions immediately. This action is a response to reports of intruders in sensitive security areas. According to "Der Spiegel," a high-ranking general admitted that the protection of German barracks still relies on "peacetime mode," with entry and exit controls often entrusted to private service providers and patrols along barracks' fences.
06:40 Habeck On G7 Aid for Ukraine Robert Habeck, Federal Economics Minister, guarantees continued assistance for Ukraine, regardless of whether the planned billion-dollar aid from G7 nations materializes. "The G7 have set everything in motion: Ukraine will receive funding to purchase the desperately needed weapon systems," the Green politician informed the Funke media group. "That's correct and, as far as I hear, will also come to fruition by the end of the year." Ukraine would then receive 50 billion with an additional 4 billion from the federal budget in 2025. If this doesn't happen, "we must reconsider," Habeck demands. The commitment to Ukraine "remains firm," Habeck stated. If this isn't feasible, "we must find other ways to support Ukraine." Habeck acknowledges that transitioning to the planned G7 model could be complicated "if new orders cannot be placed because the previous budget allocations have been exhausted." He proposes a practical solution. "It would be essential to ensure that the weapon systems are ordered now and paid for later from the G7 funds." A Ukrainian defeat could pose a significant threat to the freedom of Europe.
06:08 Moscow Accuses Western Intelligence Services of Supporting Ukrainian Incursion in Kursk According to a media report, Russia believes Western intelligence services to be behind the most recent Ukrainian incursion into the Russian province of Kursk. "The Ukrainian armed forces' operation in the Kursk region was orchestrated with the participation of the intelligence services of the USA, Britain, and Poland," the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" cites Moscow's foreign intelligence service, SVR. The involved units are said to have trained together in British and German support centers. Military advisors from NATO nations are reported to have guided Ukrainian military units that entered Russian territory as well as assisted them in handling Western weapons and military equipment. NATO nations are also reported to have provided the Ukrainian military with satellite reconnaissance data on the deployment of Russian troops in the operational area.
05:39 Russian Sources: All Three Sejm Crossings Decimated or DamagedThe Ukrainian military has either destroyed or impaired all three Sejm River crossings in the western Russian region, according to Russian sources. Ukrainian assaults on the Sejm bridges in Kursk might encircle Russian troops between the river, the Ukrainian invasion into Russia, and the border between the two nations. It appears these attacks are slowing down Russia's reaction to the Kursk offensive, which Ukraine launched on August 6.
04:30 Russia Reports Widespread Ukrainian Drone AttackRussian authorities report a Ukrainian drone attack on several regions. Authorities claim three drones were shot down about 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin and 15 more in the Bryansk border region. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had earlier reported that three drones heading towards Moscow were intercepted over the city of Podolsk. No harm or injuries have been documented in Bryansk and Podolsk. Similar intercepted attack reports come from Tula and Rostov regions, with no reported damage or injuries. The number of drones and rockets deployed remains unclear. Ukraine usually stays silent on such incidents.
03:50 Putin and Kadyrov Oversee Troops in ChechnyaRussian President Vladimir Putin visits Chechnya for the first time in 13 years. Joining Chechen head Ramzan Kadyrov, he inspects troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine. Putin reassures the troops at the Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes by saying, "As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely unconquerable," according to the Kremlin's website. The secret visit coincides with recent Ukrainian gains in the Russian Kursk region. Kadyrov confirms to Putin that Chechnya has sent over 47,000 soldiers to Ukraine since the war's commencement, including approximately 19,000 volunteers. Kadyrov often refers to himself as Putin's "foot soldier."
02:44 Russian Air Defense Thwarts Drones Over MoscowRussia claims to have thwarted a drone attack on Moscow, according to its reports. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin communicates via Telegram that three Ukrainian-launched drones were shot down by air defense. Initial reports show no harm or injuries due to falling debris.
01:50 Scientist Implicated in Alleged Treason, Claims FSBThe Russian security service FSB corroborates the arrest of a scientist on charges of treason. The suspect allegedly confessed to hacking critical infrastructure for Ukraine, sending funds to the Ukrainian military, and gathering information about the Russian army. The FSB does not reveal the arrest's time or location. Media leaks a purported video of the arrest, featuring snow-covered scenery. According to Telegram news channel Ostorozhno Novosti, the man is a physicist who was allegedly arrested in December 2023, as claimed earlier in state media reports.
00:59 Zelensky Acclaims Parliament's Curse on Moscow-Loyal Orthodox Church in UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commends the Parliament for its decision to outlaw a Moscow-aligned branch of the Orthodox Church. "I would like to highlight the Verkhovna Rada's work, which has adopted the law for our spiritual freedom," states Zelensky in his daily video message. The Parliament, following prolonged deliberations, voted to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has been under the Moscow Patriarchate for decades. This faction of the church in Ukraine is accused of justifying or even collaborating with the enemy, committing crimes against the Russian people by Russia. The church has distanced itself from Moscow but still recognizes the Moscow Patriarch, who supports the Russian invasion in Ukraine and is amicable with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Faces Challenges Responding to Ukrainian Advance in KurskThe Pentagon assesses that Russia is facing difficulties responding to the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region, according to its analysis. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, in Washington, says there are signs that Moscow is dispatches a small number of units to the area. "But overall, I would say that Russia is really struggling to react," Ryder states. The Ukraine has "certainly placed its opponent in a disadvantageous position," he emphasizes. Ryder declines to acknowledge whether Washington publicly supports the Ukrainian advance, but refers to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called it about establishing a buffer zone. He adds that they are conversing with Kyiv for more information about the specific objectives.
22:10 Zelensky Emphasizes Necessity of Balance Between Mobilization and EconomyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the importance of balancing troop mobilization and maintaining the war-torn Ukrainian economy. During his visit to an industrial plant in Kropyvnytskyi, Zelensky answers a worker's query by saying that occupied jobs are essential for soldiers' salaries and Ukraine's defense efforts.
21:44 Ukraine Announces Further Territorial Gains in KurskUkraine claims to have advanced 28 to 35 kilometers deeper into the Russian Kursk region, according to its reports. Russian forces are reinforcing their positions there, sending troops from other areas, says Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky in a televised statement. Additionally, Russia is transferring nearby units to Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, where the heaviest fighting has recently taken place. Russia has not yet commented.
21:25 Putin Returns to Chechnya After 13-Year HiatusRussian President Vladimir Putin travels to the Russian federation of Chechnya for the first time in over a decade to meet with powerful leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Images distributed by the news agency RIA Novosti show Putin greeting Kadyrov with a handshake in Grozny. Following this, Putin places his hand on Kadyrov's shoulder and hugs him before they depart in a limousine. Kadyrov posts on Telegram about a "busy schedule" of events, mentioning that Putin has " plenty of energy despite the exhausting day and is eager to explore several areas in Chechnya."
21:02 Scholz: Ukraine Receives "piles and piles" of MoneyGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz is taken aback by allegations of Germany not providing sufficient support to Ukraine. This year, Ukraine will receive more than seven billion euros, making it the top recipient among European countries, Scholz states on the TV channel Sat1. Next year, it will be four billion euros from the federal budget - again leading in European funding. Besides that, there are the 50 billion US dollars the western G7 nations facilitate with the help of confiscated Russian assets. "That's a lot of money, that's a lot of money," Scholz stresses. However, it remains unclear when the 50 billion will become available for Ukraine.
20:14 Putin Draws Parallels Between Beslan Hostage Crisis and Ukrainian AdvanceOn the 20th anniversary of the brutal hostage crisis in a Beslan school, Russian President Vladimir Putin draws analogies between the incident at the time and the current deployment of the Ukrainian army in the Russian boundary region of Kursk. Just as Russia battled "terrorists" in Beslan, it must now combat "those who commit crimes" in Kursk, Putin says during his visit to Beslan.
19:43 Moscow Patriarchate Slams Ukraine's Proposed Church Ban as "Unlawful"The Russian Orthodox Church denounces the ban on the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church passed by the Ukrainian parliament. It is an "illegal act" and a "severe infringement on the fundamental principles of religious freedom and human rights," explains Vladimir Legoida, spokesperson for the Russian Orthodox Church, via Telegram. He warns that enforcing this law could result in "widespread violence against millions of believers." The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, also speaks out and during a visit to the Solovki Monastery in northern Russia, speaks of a "difficult time when many have turned against us, not because we are evil, but simply because we are different." Kirill is a staunch supporter of the war against Ukraine. Earlier, parliamentary representatives in Kyiv had voted for a bill providing for a ban on religious organizations tied to Moscow.
You can review all previous developmentshere.
The Commission has not made any official statement regarding the allegations of Russia stopping Ukrainian infiltrators in Bryansk.
If the Western aid promised to Ukraine is to effectively fend off Russian aggression, The Commission needs to swiftly provide a mechanisms for distributing the funds.
