at 23:09, Russian efforts thwarted Ukrainian progress towards Bryansk
Russia declares stopping of Ukrainian infiltrators in Bryansk region, nearby Kursk. The intrusion of the "Ukrainian spying-sabotage squad" was halted by the Russian security service FSB and military units, as stated by Bryansk's governor, Alexander Bogomaz, via Telegram. "The adversary was hit by gunfire," announced. Presently, "the situation is stable."
22:15 Zelenskyy: Ukraine anticipates promised billions in aidUkraine, in the words of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is anticipating the immediate allocation of the billions in aid assured by the West, sourced partly from the seized Russian state assets' revenues. Despite numerous political speculations from Kiev's allies, more explanations are required, Zelenskyy stated in his daily video message. "But we demand a real mechanism." Ukraine requires funds from Russian assets to defend against attacking Russia. "The related deliberations have prolonged for too long, and decisive actions are required now." The seven major Western industrialized nations (G7) agreed on new financial aid for Kiev at their meeting in June. A generous loan of $50 billion is anticipated through interest earnings from confiscated Russian assets.**
21:52 Putin applauds close commercial ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin has lauded the strengthened cooperation with China. "Our commercial relations are progressing well (...). The focus that both governments put on trade and economic connections is generating fruitful results," Putin said during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia possess "extensive joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin went on. Li said, as per the Kremlin, that Chinese-Russian relations are at an "unparalleled high level." The strategic cooperation between Russia and China has deepened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China has emerged as a crucial trading partner against Western sanctions. China portrays itself as impartial in the Ukraine conflict. However, NATO labeled China as a "decisive actor" in Russia's offensive in July.**
21:20Request rejected: Russia's former deputy defense minister remains in prisonThe former Russian deputy defense minister, Dmitri Bulgakov, currently suspected of corruption, will continue to be detained. His request for house arrest under strict supervision and his plea against detention were dismissed, reported state agency TASS. Bulgakov managed the acquisition of materials for the Russian military before his dismissal. The court in Moscow also ordered the detention of two alleged accomplices of Bulgakov. Their company is reportedly expected to receive nine orders from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. The estimated damage is around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros), stated the intermediaries.**
21:00 Zelenskyy: Fortifying units in PokrovskIn accordance with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is strengthening its troops in the fiercely contested Pokrovsk region in eastern Ukraine. We are aware of Russian troops' plans there, he mentioned in a TV address. The Ukrainian advance in Russia's Kursk region is persisting, he said. Certain areas are under control. Zelenskyy did not disclose further details.**
20:41Post Decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary at Risk of Losing Refugee AccommodationAfter the enforcement of a decree in Hungary denying general refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians are confronting the possibility of losing their housing. Private refugee shelters have already started evicting Ukrainians, reported Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees were compelled to vacate a guesthouse under police supervision, as observed by an AFP photographer. Most were Roma females and children from western Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, which has a sizable Hungarian minority.**
20:14Scholz Assures Moldova of Comprehensive AssistanceDespite his coalition's ongoing turmoil, Scholz made his initial foreign trip only a few days after his summer break. In the tiny Ukraine neighbor country of Moldova, which is grappling with massive destabilization attempts by Russia, Scholz pledged Germany's solidarity and promised further aid for the EU candidate country, as well as continued support for Ukraine. Regrettably, a deal with Moldova aiming to curb irregular migration, which the German government is working on, could not be signed during the visit. "We will support the Republic of Moldova to the best of our ability," Scholz declared after meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in the capital, Chisinau. He pointed out that Russia and pro-Russian actors in the former Soviet republic are attempting to destabilize the country.**
19:36Borrell: Ukraine Should Be Granted Permission to Utilize Western Weapons Against Russia on Russian SoilIn response to the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk border region, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged Kiev to be authorized to employ Western weapons on Russian soil. This would "strengthen Ukraine's self-defense" and consequently "lower casualties and minimize destruction in Ukraine," Borrell expressed via X.**
19:10 Ukrainian Air Force Strikes Targets in Kursk Ukrainian air force commander Mykola Oleschchuk has announced successful operations by his combat aircraft during the offensive in the western Russian region of Kursk. Primarily, guided bombs were used against Russian positions and troop concentrations. Despite Russian troops utilizing abandoned houses for defense, they are unable to evade the attacks. "We see everything, we know everything," Oleschchuk stated on Telegram. "Our guided bombs will locate you anywhere." Guided bombs refer to aerial munitions that can be remotely controlled by pilots. During the push in the Kursk region, two significant bridges over the Seim River were demolished by combat aircraft. Oleschchuk did not specify which aircraft Ukraine utilized in its attacks. According to Ukrainian military analysts, the provided F-16 combat aircraft from the West have not yet been deployed.
18:44 Russian Assault in Eastern Ukraine: Villagers Flee Neighboring Areas Due to the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine, numerous villagers have fled areas close to the conflict zone. Residents from the village of Myrnohrad, ten kilometers away from combat zones, informed AFP news agency that the escalating Russian attacks drove several individuals to flee. AFP journalists witnessed several houses in Myrnohrad being set ablaze following Russian assaults.
18:04 Energy Collaboration Discussed Between Russia and China During Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Moscow, Russia and China discussed deeper cooperation in the energy sector. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin informed his guest that Russia currently serves as China's primary oil supplier. "In the near future, we will also lead in natural gas," he stated, according to the state news agency TASS. Li Qiang emphasized the growing magnitude and quality of energy cooperation. While Beijing perceives the Russian war against Ukraine as a challenge to global order, it remains backed by Russia on this issue.
17:33 Ukraine Joins International Criminal Court with Reservation Ukraine has joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), but claims a temporary exclusion from its jurisdiction for its military. The Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv approved ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC with a vote of 281-1, with 22 abstentions, as reported by MP Yaroslav Shelesnyak on Telegram. Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in January 2000 but had not ratified it until now. The Statute serves as the foundation for the ICC, which handles offenses such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Nonetheless, the recently adopted document stipulates that Ukraine will not acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction over war crimes involving Ukrainian citizens for seven years, due to concerns that some military actions against Russian forces could be classified as war crimes.
17:15 Only Russia Declines Swiss UN Invitation Russia is the sole nation to decline an invitation from Switzerland to attend a United Nations Security Council gathering in Switzerland on August 25-26. Diplomats from the other 13 countries will travel to Geneva, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Swiss Foreign Ministry in Bern. The Russian delegation in New York did not provide reasons for its decision. Since adopting EU sanctions against Russia due to the attack on Ukraine, Moscow has classified Switzerland as an "unfriendly state." Switzerland is a non-permanent UN Security Council member for the first time, alongside the five permanent members (Russia, China, USA, UK, France) and the current non-permanent members (Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia). The term for non-permanent members is two years. The purpose of the trip is to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
16:49 Moscow Mayor: Largest Drone Attack on Capital Since War Began The latest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow has been labeled as one of the largest since the start of the conflict nearly two and a half years ago by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. A portion of the drones were brought down in the region surrounding the city of Podolsk, approximately 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 11 aerial targets headed towards the capital region were downed. A total of over 45 drones were destroyed over Russia. In retaliation, Russia carried out nearly 70 drone attacks on Ukraine, most of which were thwarted by the Ukrainian air force. Simultaneously, conflicts continue in eastern Ukraine and the Russian border region of Kursk. "This is thus far one of the largest attempts to assault Moscow with drones," Mayor Sobyanin noted. However, the attack was repelled, and no damage was incurred.
16:20 Ukrainian Orthodox Church Urges Moscow-allied Christians to Convert Head of the autonomous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius, has exhorted believers of the banned Moscow-aligned orthodoxy to convert. The Ukrainian parliament outlawed all religious organizations with ties to Russia on Tuesday. "The law permits all religious entities that have not yet done so to completely sever ties with Moscow," Epiphanius stated on Ukrainian news television. "And we, in turn, implore all Orthodox Christians in Ukraine who have not yet done so to finally cast off this Russian yoke."
15:54 PM Modi Advocates for Peace Restoration in Ukraine Prior to VisitIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touched down in Warsaw for an unprecedented trip to Eastern Europe. Modi is the first Indian PM to visit Poland in 45 years. On Friday, he'll enter the history books once more as the first Indian PM to set foot in Ukraine. Before his departure, Modi appealed for a "restoration of peace" in Ukraine. As a faithful ally and collaborator of Kyiv, India yearns for a prompt restoration of tranquility and stability in the region, he wrote on digital media platforms.
15:28 Elections in Kursk Postponed in Seven Municipalities Due to Ukrainian OffensiveIn response to the Ukrainian assault in the Russian border region of Kursk, elections in seven Kursk municipalities have been postponed. "The Central Election Commission backs the proposal of the Kursk region election commission to postpone the elections in seven municipalities," the commission stated. Elections will take place once "an absolute assurance of voter safety" can be provided, the commission noted. In the remaining Kursk region, the public will still have the opportunity to elect the Kursk region governor between August 28 and September 8, as scheduled. Since its launch on August 6, the Ukrainian military has reportedly seized control of numerous villages in the Russian Kursk region. According to Russian sources, more than 120,000 civilians have vacated the area.
15:07 Ukrainian Troops Admit to Using Western Weapons on Russian GroundUkraine accepts responsibility for targeting replacement bridges across the Seim River in Russia using US HIMARS rockets. "Where are the pontoon bridges in the Kursk region disappearing to? Invading forces are systematically destroying them," Ukrainian special forces announced via the Telegram messaging service. The operation involved the use of US HIMARS rocket systems, marking the first time Ukraine has acknowledged using these foreign weapons on Russian ground. Neither the US nor Germany objected to this action, although Russia criticized it as an escalation of the conflict. Military analysts had previously speculated that HIMARS rockets played a role in the destruction of at least three original bridges spanning the Seim River. This makes it more challenging for the Russian military to supply the region and launch a counterattack.
14:52 Ten Ukrainian Drones Spotted Near MoscowOnce more, drones from Ukraine are loitering near the Russian capital. Numerous video clips show drone shoot-downs and significant fireballs in the sky, with the Russian military claiming to have destroyed at least ten aerial vehicles. At this time, it remains unclear if any damages or casualties have occurred.
14:25 Russian Negotiations Unlikely According to German GovernmentAs per the German government's estimation, Russia shows no desire for peace negotiations. "Russia is not open to negotiations," a Foreign Office spokesperson in Berlin stated. Instead of engaging in talks with Ukraine to pursue a just peace, the Russian government is insisting on the annexation of territories that their troops do not even control. Ukraine needs appropriate weapons to defend itself against the unlawful invasion, the spokesperson emphasized, alluding to demands in the ongoing election campaigns in Thuringia and Saxony to cease deliveries and push for a diplomatic solution more vigorously.
13:53 Kadyrov Strengthens Putin's Position in ChechnyaFor the first time in 13 years, President Vladimir Putin revisits the Russian republic of Chechnya. He was welcomed by strongman Ramsan Kadyrov. Both autocrats pledged their support for one another, with Kadyrov presenting Putin with a gift. While their friendship may not be absolute, as ntv correspondent Rainer Munz explains, it is robust.
13:30 Russian Troops Reportedly Capture Another Village in Eastern UkraineThe Russian military claims to have seized another village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The Russian forces reportedly "liberated" the village of Shelanne, according to the defense ministry in Moscow. The village lies northeast of Donetsk, which is under Russian control. Approximately 20 kilometers away from Shelanne is Prokhorovka, a strategically significant logistics hub. However, the Institute for the Study of War reported that the village was already captured on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine's Parliament Approves Joining the International Criminal CourtThe Ukrainian parliament votes to ratify the Rome Statute, allowing the country to become a full member of the International Criminal Court. Full membership marks a crucial step towards Ukraine's alignment with the EU. The court has issued international arrest warrants, such as those for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
12:45 Russia Attacks Ukraine with Drones and MissilesThe Ukrainian air force reports shooting down 50 Russian attack drones during the night. An additional 16 aerial objects were likely disabled by electronic jammers, the military reports. One drone returned to Russia. In total, Ukraine was targeted by 69 drones, with one drone coming from Belarus. Russia also employed two ballistic missiles and a cruise missile during the attack, only managing to intercept the cruise missile. Information regarding damages or casualties has not yet been disclosed. The Russian government has yet to issue a statement.
12:22 Russia: Ukrainian Forces Show Signs of Struggle at PokrovskUkrainian forces are still undergoing intense Russian attacks in the eastern part of the country, as per military reports. The Kyiv General Staff reports that there were 66 Russian attacks on the Pokrovsk front on Tuesday, all of which were successfully defended. Fights are ongoing around numerous villages that lie along the path to Pokrovsk, about 10 kilometers away. Commander-in-Chief Olexander Syrsky acknowledges the challenging situation. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers report advances by their troops in the Pokrovsk area.
11:50 Medvedev: "Negotiations Will Only Start When the Enemy is Completely Annihilated"Should Ukraine considering negotiating with Russia? Unlikely, thinks Russian ex-President Dmitri Medvedev, who has shown a more radical stance recently. Now serving as vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel that, given Ukraine's progress in Kursk, negotiations between the two sides are unlikely. According to Medvedev, there will be no talks between Moscow and Kyiv until Ukraine is completely defeated on the battlefield. "The empty talk of self-proclaimed mediators about the noble topic of peace has ceased," Medvedev says. "There will be no negotiations until the enemy is completely obliterated."
11:22 Wagner Mercenaries' Brutality Escalates in AfricaRussian mercenaries continue to play a significant role in Africa, one year after the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. "Despite Prigozhin's death and the name change to the Africa Corps, Wagner's presence on the continent is likely to expand," analysts at conflict data organization Acled say. 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 towards Russian interests. In June 2023, Wagner launched an armed insurrection against the Kremlin. On August 23, 2023, Prigozhin's plane crashed with him and his closest associates on board - no survivors.
10:50 Kursk Funeral Director Gives Advice to MenIs it just patriotism - or personal interest? In a video published on Telegram, a man in military uniform from Kursk criticizes men fleeing. However, he is not a military man, but rather 39-year-old funeral director Kirill Suworow from St. Petersburg, according to Russian opposition news agency Agentstvo. In his video, he criticizes the males of the region: "What in the world are you doing? Where are you going, my dears?" And further: "Can't you take up arms?" Otherwise, they could take shovels and "dig trenches for the boys." Suworow also urges locals to donate their cars to the military instead of fleeing. When asked by investigative site Agentstvo, the entrepreneur, who also appears to be the CEO of a granite factory, repeats his criticism of the men from Kursk. When asked if he himself would participate in the war, he does not answer.
10:26 Pentagon: Ukraine Has "Placed Russia in a Difficult Position"According to the evaluation of the U.S. Department of Defense, Russia is having difficulty responding to Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Pentagon spokesperson 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 react," Ryder says. The Ukraine has "placed its foe in a tough spot," he emphasizes. Ukrainian forces are reportedly still advancing into the area. With the counteroffensive launched around two weeks ago, Ukraine has for the first time shifted the war onto Russian territory. Ryder emphasizes that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk does not change U.S. support for Kyiv.
10:03 Three Russians for Every Ukrainian at the Eastern FrontUkrainian President Zelensky admits to a challenging situation at the eastern front. As reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald from the region, the situation is "dire," with Russian soldiers significantly outnumbering Ukrainian forces. Moreover, the Kremlin does not seem to care about its own losses.
09:37 Kyiv: Ukrainian Military Strikes Russian Air Defense System in RostovThe Ukrainian military claims to have hit an air defense system in the 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 strike targeted a missile system near the settlement of Novoshakhtinsk. Explosions were observed 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 Drone Onslaught Paralyzes Moscow AirportsMoscow encountered temporary air travel disruptions at three of its airports due to a drone assault during the evening. According to air traffic control sources posted on Telegram, these restrictions were put in place for a duration of four hours, from 1:30 AM to 6:30 AM local time, at Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo airports. The major airport, Sheremetyevo, remained unaffected. The Russian military successfully neutralized eleven drones approaching Moscow. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described it as one of the largest drone assaults ever launched against the city.
08:41 Roth on Ukraine: "Defeatable Imperial Imperialistic Giant Putin"Germany's Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael Roth is advocating for unwavering support for Ukraine, especially during this "challenging period." "The only method to force Putin to the negotiation table is for him to realize he cannot subjugate Ukraine. And that can only happen if we, Germany, Europe, but also the US and numerous other allies continue to arm Ukraine as effectively as possible, militarily," said the SPD politician on ntv's early show. Ukraine's actions are in compliance with international law. Roth is encouraged by the victories on Russian soil, which encourages the Ukrainian people once more. "Because it becomes clear that this imperialistic, imperial giant Putin is defeatable," Roth declared.
08:12 Woidke Doubts Financial Assistance for Ukrainian RefugeesBrandenburg's Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke is questioning the provision of financial aid to Ukrainian refugees. "The decision was warranted at the time due to the necessity of acting quickly. However, today we must reconsider whether this form of aid remains relevant," he informed "Der Spiegel." In other EU countries, a higher number of Ukrainians are employed compared to Germany. "We must change that. This would benefit our economy — we require workers — and stimulate integration," Woidke stated. Brandenburg will elect a new state parliament in September.
07:40 Ukraine Evaluates: So Many Missiles and Drones Russia Has Already LaunchedSince the onset of the conflict, Russia has reportedly launched over 9,600 missiles and approximately 14,000 attack drones against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports cited by the "Kyiv Independent." The bulk of the launched missiles targeted civilian sites, with the S-300/S-400 missiles being the most frequently employed, striking a total of 3,008 times. The second most utilized weapons were Kh-555/Kh-101 cruise missiles, with 1,846 recorded attacks.
07:08 German Military Enhances Barracks Security MeasuresThe German military is substantially enhancing security measures for all barracks. According to "Der Spiegel," the barracks have been instructed to meticulously scrutinize the outer fences of all facilities for any gaps and to closely monitor them, particularly at night. Soldiers are being urged to pay close attention to unauthorized individuals in secure areas and to report any suspicions immediately. This action is a response to reports of trespassers in sensitive security areas. A senior military official admitted to "Der Spiegel" that the security of German barracks is currently operating in "peacetime mode," with entry and exit controls often handled by private service providers, as well as patrols along the barracks' fences.
06:40 Habeck: Aid to Ukraine Unwavering Regardless of G7 ContributionsGerman Economy Minister Robert Habeck reaffirms ongoing support for Ukraine regardless of whether the planned billion-dollar aid from G7 nations is secured. "The G7 have set the wheels in motion: Ukraine will in the future receive funds to acquire the urgently required weapons systems," the Green politician told the Funke media group. "That's accurate and it will occur by year's end — as far as I'm aware." Ukraine would receive $50 billion, with an additional $4 billion from the federal budget in 2025. If this does not transpire, "we must reassess," demands Habeck. The commitment to Ukraine "remains unwavering." Then, "support must be supplied differently." Habeck acknowledges that the transition to the planned G7 model could pose difficulties, "if new orders cannot be placed because the allocated budgets have been expended." He, therefore, proposes a practical solution. "It would be crucial to ensure that the weapons systems are ordered now and paid for later from the G7 funds." The danger would be immense if Ukraine were to lose this conflict. Then, the freedom of Europe would be imperiled.
06:08 Kursk Incursion: Moscow Accuses Western Intel AgenciesA newspaper report suggests that Western intelligence agencies are responsible for planning the most recent Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk. "The Ukrainian military's incursion into the Kursk region was orchestrated with the involvement of the intelligence services of the USA, Great Britain, and Poland," the Russian newspaper "Iswestija" quotes Moscow's foreign intelligence service SVR. The units involved allegedly trained together at military facilities in Britain and Germany. Military advisors from NATO nations are said to have guided Ukrainian units that had crossed onto Russian territory, as well as assisted in managing Western weapons and military equipment by the Ukrainians. The alliance nations are also claimed to have provided the Ukrainian military with satellite reconnaissance data on the positioning of Russian troops in the operational region.
05:39 Russian Sources: All Three Sejm Crossings Ruined or DamagedThe Ukrainian military has either destroyed or ruined all three crossings over the Sejm River in the western part of Russia, as reported by Russian sources. The Ukrainian attacks on the bridges situated in Kursk have potentially encircled Russian troops between the river, Ukraine's progression into Russia, and the shared boundaries between the two nations. The Ukrainian operations appear to be slowing down the Russian reaction to the Kursk offensive, which began on August 6.
04:30 Russia Warns of Extensive Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle AssaultAccording to Russian authorities, Ukraine has orchestrated a wide-ranging attack on several regions utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Reports indicate that three UAVs were shot down 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin, as well as 15 more in the Bryansk border area. Earlier on, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that three UAVs heading for Moscow were intercepted above the city of Podolsk. No casualties or damage were reported in Bryansk and Podolsk. Similar UAV threats were announced from Tula and Rostov, with no reported casualties or damage. The amount of launched UAVs and missiles remains uncertain. Ukraine typically remains silent on such matters.
03:50 Putin and Kadyrov Examine Chechen Troops Slated for Deployment in UkraineFor the first time in 13 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the North Caucasian republic of Chechnya. Alongside Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Putin inspects troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine. "As long as we have men like you, we are completely unconquerable," Putin says to the armed forces students at the Russian University for Special Forces in Gudermes, as reported by the Kremlin's website. The unannounced visit comes in response to the Ukrainian advances into the Russian region of Kursk. Kadyrov informs Putin that Chechnya has deployed over 47,000 fighters to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict, including approximately 19,000 volunteers. Kadyrov often refers to himself as 'Putin's foot soldier.'
02:44 Russian Air Defense Stops Drone Attack on MoscowRussia apparently repels what it calls a drone assault on Moscow's capital. Based on Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's Telegram post, three drones launched from Ukraine were shot down by air defense, with no reported harm or injuries from debris fallout initially.
01:50 Unidentified Scientist Allegedly Detained for "Treason," Says FSBThe Russian security service FSB confirms the arrest of an unnamed scientist on suspicion of treason. The man, alleged to have confessed to executing cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure on behalf of Ukraine, sending money to the Ukrainian military, and gathering details on the Russian army, has not had the specific day of his detention revealed. A video of his apprehension is circulating in Russian media, featuring snow as the backdrop. According to the Ostoroschno Nowisti Telegram channel, the man is reportedly a physicist who was apprehended in December 2023, as per earlier state media accounts.
00:59 Zelensky Celebrates Ban on Moscow-Loyal Orthodox Church Affiliate in UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praises the parliament for enacting a law promoting Ukraine's spiritual independence. "I wish to commend the Verkhovna Rada, who has voted in favor of our spiritual independence," states Zelensky in his daily video message. The Ukrainian parliament, following intense debates, passed a law prohibiting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has been affiliated with Moscow for decades. This Orthodox Church branch in Ukraine is accused of endorsing or even collaborating with Ukraine's adversary, as well as the human rights violations and aggressions committed against Russian citizens. The church has disassociated itself from Moscow but continues to regard the Moscow Patriarch as its leader, who supports the Russian conflict in Ukraine and is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Struggles to Counter Ukrainian Progress in KurskAccording to the Pentagon's evaluation, Russia is struggling to respond to the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder in Washington says there are signs that Moscow is deploying a small number of troops to the region. "I would say that overall, Russia is really having difficulty reacting," Ryder says. The Pentagon notes that Ukraine has put their adversary on the defensive, emphasizing that Ryder does not directly respond to the question of whether Washington is supporting the Ukrainian advance or not, but instead refers to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who deemed it about creating a buffer zone. The spokesperson mentions that they are engaging with Kyiv to learn more about the exact objectives.
22:10 Zelensky Stresses The Importance of Balancing Mobilization and Economic StabilityUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlights the need to strike a balance between mobilizing troops and maintaining the country's battle-worn economy. During his visit to an industrial plant in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, Zelensky responds to a worker's question by stating that occupied jobs are essential for soldiers' salaries and Ukraine's protection efforts.
21:25 Putin Reunites with Kadyrov in Chechnya After Decade-Long Gap Russian President Vladimir Putin pays a visit to the Chechen Republic in Russia for the first time in twelve years, catching up with powerful leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Photos released by the news agency RIA Novosti reveal Putin greeting Kadyrov warmly in Grozny. Following this, Putin embraces Kadyrov, placing his arm around the man's shoulder and the two then depart in a lavish vehicle. Kadyrov later shares on Telegram details of their busy schedule. Despite the exhausting day, Putin exudes an abundance of energy, eagerly looking forward to exploring various locations in Chechnya.
21:02 Scholz: Germany Doling Out "Plenty of Money, Plenty of Money" to Ukraine Chancellor Olaf Scholz is taken aback by allegations of insufficient support for Ukraine. In 2023, Ukraine will be receiving more than seven billion euros, making it the highest recipient of aid among European nations, Scholz reveals on TV station Sat1. Next year, the German federal budget is set to contribute four billion euros again, marking it as the highest contribution among European states. In addition, the G7 nations are arranging for Ukraine to receive 50 billion dollars, utilizing frozen Russian assets as collateral. "That's a lot of money, that's a lot of money," Scholz reiterates. However, the exact timeline regarding when these 50 billion will be accessible to Ukraine remains uncertain.
20:14 Putin Draws Parallels Between Beslan Tragedy and Ukrainian Deployment Russian President Vladimir Putin draws analogies between the 2004 Beslan hostage crisis and the recent Ukrainian military operations in the Russian border region of Kursk. As Russia once confronted "terrorists" in Beslan, it now must take action against "those responsible for criminal activities in Kursk," explains Putin during a visit to Beslan.
19:43 Moscow Patriarchate Denounces Ukraine's Church Ban as "Rampant Illegalism" The Russian Orthodox Church vehemently opposes Ukraine's decision to outlaw the Russian-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The act is deemed a "blatant illegality" and a "grave infringement of fundamental freedoms of belief and human rights," explains spokesman Vladimir Legoida via Telegram. Legoida cautions that the enforcement of this law could trigger "extensive violence inflicted upon millions of faithful followers." Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, also adds his two cents during a trip to the Solovki Monastery in northern Russia, stating, "these are challenging times when many have antagonized us not because we are flawed, but simply because we are different." Kirill holds strong pro-Ukraine opposition views. Earlier, parliamentary members in Kyiv approved a bill proposing to ban religious organizations with Russian affiliations.
You can find past developments [here].
- The Ukrainian government may seek assistance from 'The Commission' to ensure the timely allocation of funds from seized Russian assets to strengthen its defenses against Russia's attacks.
- If the situation escalates in the Bryansk region due to Ukrainian infiltrators, 'The Commission' could play a crucial role in mediating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to prevent further conflict.
