At 23:22, U.S. Republicans advocate for the permission of Ukraine to utilize American weaponry against Russia.
Top Republicans in the US Congress Press Biden to Permit Ukraine to Utilize Long-Range Missile Systems Against Further Russian ObjectivesThe influential Republicans in the US Congress are urging President Biden to lift the restrictions on Ukraine's utilization of long-range missile systems against designated military targets within Russia, as stated in a letter to the president. This request is signed by prominent figures such as Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. So far, the U.S. has limited the use of its weapons against Russia to defending against the Russian offensive against the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
22:17 US Secretary of State and British Counterpart Plan visit to KyivThe United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British counterpart David Lammy will make a joint trip to Ukraine later this week, as both announced at a press conference during Blinken's meetings in London. The visit is crucial for Ukraine, according to Blinken, as Russia continues to intensify its aggression against civilians, key infrastructure, and the Ukrainian military. "We're witnessing how it escalates its attacks on cities, people, and especially energy infrastructure before the frosty months," Blinken warns.
21:36 Zelenskyy Critiques Previous DiplomacyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on his diplomats to be more proactive in promoting Ukraine's interests, which he believes have been under attack by Russia. The new Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, should transform Ukrainian diplomacy to allow for a more rapid response to challenges, Zelenskyy advises in his evening video address. He also emphasized the need for increased understanding of Ukraine in Europe and closer ties with Latin America, Africa, and Asia and the full utilization of Ukraine's strategic partnership with the United States.
20:57 Landmines Negatively Impact Ukraine's GDPMines are estimated to decrease Ukraine's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $11.2 billion yearly, amounting to approximately 5.6% of Ukraine's national wealth based on its 2021 economic output, as reported by Ukraine's Ministry of Economy and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. The study reveals that regional tax revenues were lower by about $1.1 billion due to mines, and the value of Ukrainian exports also decreased by approximately $8.9 billion. The Ministry of Agriculture has indicated that 2.5% of arable land has become mined and unusable, with an estimated $34.6 billion required to safely remove the mines.
20:11 Kyiv Prepares for the Most Challenging Winter Since War CommencementThe Ukrainian government anticipates confronting the most arduous winter since the start of the conflict, given the damage to the energy sector. Ensuring a steady energy supply throughout the upcoming heating period will be a challenge, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal mentions in Kyiv. "We have successfully navigated three heating periods, but the upcoming winter will not be any simpler; it might even be the most challenging." Ukraine is receiving aid for its energy sector from various nations to restore damaged power plants and make the energy system more resilient by decentralizing it. "We are also strengthening the autonomy of critical infrastructure," the PM adds.
19:27 Baerbock Uncertain About Peace TalksGermany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expresses doubts about fresh peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease the nearly two-and-a-half-year-long conflict in Ukraine. Unfortunately, every negotiated peace initiative has prompted "more terror, more distress, and more casualties," from the Russian side, Baerbock remarked during a meeting with her Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Berlin. Putin has responded to peace proposals through "destroying Ukraine further than negotiating," as Baerbock cautions against being overly optimistic; the Russian conflict is being fought on multiple fronts.
18:43 Moscow Bolstered by Kyiv's Drone AttacksFollowing Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow, the Kremlin maintains that its military approach is warranted. The spokesman of the Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, commented to Russian news agencies, "We must continue the military special operation in order to shield ourselves from such occurrences." Despite the daily civilian casualties in Ukraine due to Russian drone or missile strikes, Peskov labels the deadly Ukrainian drone strike as "representative of the Kyiv regime."
18:07 First Civilian Casualty in Moscow Region due to Ukrainian AttacksFor the first time since the conflict started, a civilian has lost their life in the Moscow region following Ukrainian drone attacks. Regional governor Andrei Vorobyov reports on Telegram that a 46-year-old woman was killed when a drone struck a residential building in the city of Ramenskoye on the southern outskirts of the capital.
17:23 Putin: Russia Needs to Prepare for Defense Against Military Aggression from Any DirectionRussian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes the importance of Russia being prepared to fend off potential military aggression from multiple directions in his speech to participants of the strategic command exercise "Ocean-2024." "Russia must be ready for all developments. Our military must effectively protect the nation's sovereignty and interests, repelling any military invasion from all directions, including ocean and maritime regions," Tass news agency quotes the president. He also points out that "the navy plays a vital role in accomplishing this task."
16:51 Germany, France, and UK condemn supply of Iranian rockets to RussiaGermany, France, and the UK express their disapproval over the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. In a joint statement, they condemn this move as a further escalation of Iran's military support for Russia's hostile actions against Ukraine. The deployment of these Iranian rockets could potentially reach European territories, exacerbating the plight of the Ukrainian population. The action is viewed as a strategic escalation by both Iran and Russia, posing a direct threat to European security. The governments had previously warned Iran against such a move and will now enforce sanctions, including suspending bilateral air transport agreements and targeting Iran Air, as well as imposing sanctions on individuals and institutions involved in the process. Previously, the US accused Iran of supplying Russia with weapons for its war efforts in Ukraine and announced new sanctions against Tehran.
16:32 Shoigu rejects negotiations with Ukraine without withdrawal from Russian territoriesRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu dismisses the idea of peace negotiations with Ukraine as long as Ukrainian troops remain on Russian soil. Speaking to Russian state television, Shoigu stated, "We won't engage in discussions until we've kicked them out of our territory." Since early August, Ukraine has been conducting an offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, marking the first time since the war's start that Ukrainian ground forces have infiltrated Russian territory. Shoigu views this as an attempt by Ukraine to coerce Russia into negotiating on its terms and withdraw its forces from the Donbass.
16:04 Soldiers recruited from prisons for frontline deploymentBoth Russia and Ukraine are resorting to recruiting prisoners for military service on the frontlines to maintain an adequate number of soldiers. Former prison warden Oleksandr now serves as a commander in the 59th Brigade. In a video report, the men discuss their harrowing deployment.
15:38 Russian military plans to drive Ukrainian troops out of Kursk regionThe Russian military has a strategy to dislodge Ukrainian troops from the Russian border area of Kursk, as per Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskow. TASS news agency reports that Peskow mentioned, "The military certainly has the required plans, but I don't think they should be made public," when asked about the withdrawal timeline for Ukrainian troops from Russian territory. The region has seen a massive Ukrainian offensive on August 6, with substantial portions now controlled by the Ukrainian forces.
15:13 Latvia extends border security measures until end of the yearAfter experiencing persistently high levels of illegal border crossings, Latvia, a Baltic EU and NATO member, has decided to prolong its enhanced border protection with neighboring Belarus until the year's end. The Russian-backed conflict in Ukraine and the authoritarian governance in Minsk were identified as additional risk factors that prompted this measure. This action grants additional powers to border guards in six eastern regions of the Baltic country.
14:47 Ukraine increases weapons production by 100%As per government figures, Ukraine has seen a 100% increase in its weapons production this year, with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reporting a doubling of production compared to 2023. Ukraine aims to manufacture over a million drones by the year's end. "We are making progress, and the drone production is on the rise," stated Shmyhal.
14:23 Military expert applauds Chancellor Scholz's "sensible" proposalChancellor Scholz proposes peace talks with Russia, which has received criticism from some political circles. However, military expert Ralph Thiele supports the Chancellor's initiative and urges immediate action, cautioning that Ukraine faces a potential breakthrough in its defense lines following the Kursk offensive.
13:52 Kiel Institute warns of "insufficient" German defense budgetResearchers from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy argue that Germany's defense budget is strategically insufficient in the face of Russia's growing security threat to NATO. Despite the talk of "significant changes," the discrepancy between Germany and Russia's military capabilities is expanding, according to the researchers. They urge a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros, stating that, "Russia is evolving into a greater danger to NATO while we are only gradually building up our defense capabilities."
12:25 Difference in approach between Putin and Lavrov on arms use in UkraineUkraine has urged EU and US leaders to allow the use of weapons on Russian territory. The Netherlands has agreed, including promised fighter jets.
12:59 Russia claims capture of four more towns in DonetskRussia's military claims to have seized control of four more towns in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Southern Group of Forces has reportedly seized Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group Wodiane, and the Central Group Halyzynivka, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. However, these claims cannot be independently verified and have been contested by Ukrainian military observers, who have marked three of the towns as occupied, with the exception of Hryhoriwka. Ukraine is currently under intense pressure on the eastern front.
12:20 Moscow Prioritizes One Dialogue Partner In June, a peace summit took place in Switzerland without Russia's involvement. Now, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz exhibits his readiness to converse with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov demonstrates diplomatic initiatives, but not towards Europe, reports ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Kyiv Warns of Russia's Increasing Use of Chemical Weapons Ukrainian authorities caution that Russian troops in Ukraine are progressively employing chemical weapons. The Ukrainian military command posted on Facebook that Russian forces deployed 447 rounds of ammunition containing hazardous chemicals and chemical warfare agents in August alone, and 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian military command also alleges that Kremlin troops are supplying prohibited chemical warfare agents and utilizing unidentified chemical compounds. Furthermore, they state: "Russia is thus flagrantly breaching warfare regulations and disregarding the principles and commitments enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention."
11:19 Kyiv's Presidential Office: Attacks on Russian Weapon Storage Sites Permissible The head of Ukraine's presidential office reiterates Ukraine's demand to its Western allies to sanction the use of their weapons against targets deep within Russian territory. Andriy Yermak explains that it is crucial to attack Russian ammunition depots. "Defense isn't escalation." It's about employing Western weapons to thwart terror, Yermak communicates on Telegram. Western countries, however, hesitate to authorize Ukraine to use the weapons they've provided on Russian territory, citing concerns over getting entangled in the conflict.
10:53 Fires and Casualties - Russia Attacks with Swarms of Drones and Two Missiles At least three individuals were injured, as reported by local authorities, in Russian drone and missile assaults. Buildings were destroyed, and fires were started, they noted. The air defense shot down 38 out of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions during the nighttime attack, as reported on Telegram by the air force. Russia also used two missiles in its attack. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions were also targeted, the energy ministry in Kyiv reported, resulting in power line and substation disruptions.
10:27 Loss of Reputation: Putin's Children's Rights Commissioner Marries Oligarch Previously regarded as the epitome of Russian womanhood, Maria Lwowa-Belova, Russia's children's rights commissioner, was married to an Orthodox priest since 2003. Together, they spread beliefs in propaganda media regarding conservative values, Christian faith, and their experiences raising numerous children. She was also charged by the International Criminal Court in 2023 alongside Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. However, her love for tradition and her priest husband may not be as solid as previously assumed. Independent media outlet Verstka reports that she has married oligarch Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she had been in a relationship for some time. However, this relationship remains somewhat traditional, as Malofeew is the founder of the Kremlin-aligned Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and a vocal advocate for monarchy and Russia's war.
09:59 Russia Reports Ukrainian Drone Wave A woman was reportedly killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow's capital, according to the region's governor. Videos depict explosions in residential areas. Russian accounts also assert that 144 drones were downed.
09:32 Russia's Naval Force Commences Large-scale Exercises with Over 400 Warships Russia's navy initiates strategic exercises "Ocean-2024" in different regions of Russia's largest country. Over 400 warships, including submarines, and over 90,000 personnel from various fleets will participate in the exercises until September 16, according to Moscow's Ministry of Defense. The exercises are being carried out in the Baltic Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, where Russia maintains a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Two Lives Lost in Oil Pipeline Fire in Russian Region of Orenburg Two individuals perished in a fire at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, according to a report by news agency TASS. An investigation into the fire's cause is currently underway. It is not yet clear when the fire began. Unverified reports of the incident had already circulated on some Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Negotiations on Hold for Now: Russia Russia will not enter discussions with Ukraine until its troops withdraw from Russian territories, according to news agency TASS, citing Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Peskov had also declined negotiations.
07:43 Scholz Proposes Terms for Russian Attendance at Peace TalksGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggests conditions for Russia's involvement in a potential peace summit regarding Ukraine. During an SPD event on Monday evening, he stresses the necessity of providing military assistance to Ukraine against the aggressor Russia, and simultaneously exploring ways to de-escalate the conflict. Scholz expresses his desire for another peace conference with Russia's participation. However, he acknowledges this is implausible if Russia continues to threaten Ukraine, referencing Vladimir Putin who advocates for additional Ukrainian territory. "What's crucial in politics," Scholz underscores, "is clear communication, resilience, and steadfastness to establish peace and security in Europe."
07:18 Ukrainian Officials Respond to Fico's Claims of Fascism in Armed ForcesUkraine expresses displeasure towards Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's accusations of fascism within the Ukrainian military. As reported by Reuters, Fico urged Kyiv to eradicate fascist elements in their military. In a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry statement, it's asserted that Ukrainian soldiers are safeguarding their families, homes, and country against Russian invaders, who display the "Z" symbol - an emblem of modern Russia's fascist aesthetic. The statement also mentions the millions of casualties suffered by the Ukrainian people in their fight against Nazism throughout the 20th century. Fico's accusation mirrors Russia's propagandistic labeling of the Ukrainian government as Nazis. In reality, extremist parties gained less than 2.4% of the votes in the 2019 Ukrainian elections. Historian Timothy Snyder recognizes fascist characteristics in Putin's regime.
06:56 Vorobyov Revises Casualty Statistics in MoscowRussian regional governor Andrei Vorobyov, via a Telegram post, reported that a woman was slain and three civilians were injured due to a Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow. He had earlier reported the death of a child, which he could not confirm. According to him, 43 individuals are currently taking refuge in shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace Renews Kyiv Office to Pursue Environmental CrimesGreenpeace reactivated an office in Kyiv, with the purpose of speeding up reconstruction projects in Ukraine and investigating environmental crimes caused by the Russian invasion. The organization has already partnered with local environmental organizations and aims to promote green infrastructure development through the use of renewable energy sources. According to Natalya Hosak, the new office head, Greenpeace will assist Ukraine in developing sustainable infrastructure using solar and wind power.
06:02 Injuries and Death Reported in Russian Region after Drone StrikeRussian news reports indicate that a child has perished following a Ukrainian drone assault in the Moscow region. Governor Andrei Vorobyov announced on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region throughout the night. One of these drones ignited a fire that is currently being extinguished by firefighters. At least one person was harmed when a drone struck an apartment building during this incident.
05:31 Ukrainian Defense Forces Deflect Drone Attack on KyivThe Ukrainian military administration of the capital reported, via Telegram, that Ukrainian air defense units successfully repelled a Russian drone attack on Kyiv.
04:36 Drone Debris Damages Russian Fuel and Energy FacilityAccording to the Russian news agency TASS, debris from a drone shot down by Russian air defense in the Tula region fell on a fuel and energy complex. No injuries have been reported, and operations at the complex are unaffected.
03:29 Ukrainian Drones Intercepted Over MoscowFollowing two Ukrainian drones being brought down over the Domodedovo district of Moscow, emergency services were summoned to the crash site, as reported by Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No information was provided regarding damages or casualties. The Domodedovo district, which is approximately 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, houses one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russian Air Defense Downs Inbound DroneRussian air defense units reportedly shot down a drone heading towards Moscow, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Initial reports indicate no injuries or damage due to the drone's debris landing. No statement has been issued by Ukraine.
00:12 Zelensky Praises Sweden for New Aid PackageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed appreciation for Sweden's defense aid package valued at $445 million. The package includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions to cover urgent Ukrainian needs. According to Swedish reports, the package also encompasses spare parts for Gripen fighter jets in preparation for potential future aircraft deliveries.
22:17 Foreign Ministry: Russia poses "major danger to tranquility" right at NATO's edgeAfter the intrusion of Russian drones into Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Ministry characterizes Russia under President Vladimir Putin as "the major danger to tranquility and safety." "Unfortunately, Putin's Russia is currently the major danger to tranquility and safety directly at NATO's edge," the ministry notes on X. "This fact has been underscored, not least, by the recent drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." "We work closely with our NATO allies and stand by their side," the Foreign Ministry adds, referring to the drones. Over the weekend, NATO and EU members Latvia and Romania each reported the intrusion of a Russian drone into their territory.
21:42 US has no confirmation of Iranian rockets provided to RussiaThe US administration cannot affirm reports that Iran has given Russia ballistic rockets, as stated by John Kirby, the representative of the US government's national security.
21:28 Zelensky emphasizes swift execution of aid contractsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged for the prompt implementation of aid agreements with the West. "The outcome of the war hinges directly on the efficiency of logistics in deliveries and the completion of all commitments by partners," Zelensky mentioned in his evening video address. Weapons and equipment must arrive in a timely manner to be effective. "What is required in September must be supplied to our troops in September."
20:52 Russian opposition politician advises against granting Putin a 'save face' exitProminent Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa cautions the West against granting Russian President Vladimir Putin a "save face" exit from the Ukraine conflict. "It is crucial that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious in the war against Ukraine," Kara-Mursa states. "It is crucial that Vladimir Putin does not find a 'save face' exit from this conflict in Ukraine." Around a month following his release in a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa notes that there is "fatigue" about the conflict in Western societies. However, Putin must "be defeated." He adds: "If, regrettably, the Putin regime is able to depict the outcome of this war as a victory for itself and remain in power, we will be discussing another conflict or calamity within a year or 18 months."
You can review all previous developments here.
The Republicans in Congress are urging President Biden to allow Ukraine to use long-range missile systems during military operations against Russian objectives in Ukraine.
During their visit to Ukraine, Secretaries of State Blinken and Lammy highlighted the need for increased military support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
