At 23:56, Ukraine apprehensively anticipates its most challenging winter yet.
Ukraine Braces for Severe, Dark Winter as Russian Attacks Target Power Grid
Fighting off damage to its power and energy infrastructure brought on by Russian assaults, Ukraine is readying for a harsh and dim winter. "We're dealing with the most demanding winter in our history," spoke Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko during a video conference. This winter is anticipated to be even more challenging than the previous one, given the culmination of damages from ongoing Russian attacks. The Russian military is utilizing various weapons in coordinated attacks to cause maximum damage, stated Haluschenko. Electricity consumption in a mild winter is around 18 gigawatts, while in a cold one it's 19 gigawatts. Moreover, a reserve of 1 gigawatt must be established, said Haluschenko. Russian attacks have destroyed approximately 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Increases Security at Geilenkirchen Airbase
In response to a potential risk, NATO has upgraded its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. All non-essential staff have been sent home, a spokesperson for the base reported. This decision was based on intelligence information about a potential threat. "This isn't a reason to be alarmed and is a precautionary measure to ensure we can carry on with our critical operations," explained the spokesperson. The police confirmed their presence on the scene. More details, including the number of deployed forces, are not being disclosed.
22:07 Ukraine Declares Strike on Russian Base in Kursk Region
The Ukrainian military has reported another attack on Russian forces in the Kursk region. Using precision-guided US bombs, they targeted a Russian base in the afternoon, as per the commander of the air forces, Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command post, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were hit," Oleshchuk wrote alongside a video displaying the attack.
21:43 Ukraine Announces First Meeting After Swiss Peace Summit
Following the peace summit in Switzerland in June, the first follow-up meeting has taken place, according to Ukraine. Participants from more than 40 states and organizations attended the virtual session. Subsequent meetings of working groups are planned.
21:08 Habeck Urges More Employment for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck hopes that more Ukrainian refugees will find employment in Germany. While certain obstacles, such as family-related situations, illness, war traumas, or necessary childcare, could hinder employment, the Green politician advised Welt TV, "However, in general, it's preferable for everyone to work – better for the people, their integration, and for the social system." Habeck sounded skeptical towards statements made by Brandenburg's Minister-President and SPD politician Dietmar Woidke, who questioned the allowance of Ukrainian refugees. "Probably due to the somewhat rough eastern German election campaigns and insufficient contemplation."
20:28 Ukrainian Troops Launch Counteroffensive in Charkiv Region
The Ukrainian military has declared a push in the Charkiv region. Troops have advanced almost two kilometers into enemy territory, according to the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian ground forces. The goal of this operation was to weaken the offensive capabilities of the 20th Army of the Russian Federation, which the Ukrainian military asserts has been accomplished. This cannot be independently confirmed. The brigade also reports that the Russian side has lost 300 soldiers in the last four days, and a considerable amount of equipment and weapons have been destroyed or damaged. The extent of the reported counterattack remains unclear.
20:00 Ukrainian Intelligence Allegedly Hacks Russian TV Programming
The Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) is said to have interfered with the broadcast of several Russian TV channels and replaced them with a video about the war in Ukraine. "HUR has 'hacked' Russian television and showed the reality of the war [to the population]," a source from the intelligence service informed the "Kyiv Post" newspaper and the RBC Ukraine news agency. The video was broadcast three times during prime time yesterday evening. Among the affected channels were Pervouralsk, Evraziya 360, and Pervyj Kanal TV. Following the attack, nine channels temporarily suspended their programming, it was reported.
19:16 Lithuania Reports Drop in Russian Ground Troops in Kaliningrad
In the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, located between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, there has reportedly been a decrease in the number of ground troops stationed there, according to the commander of the Lithuanian armed forces, Raimundas Vaikšnoras, in an interview with the news portal "Delfi". He attributes this to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. When the war against Ukraine began, it was observed that a large amount of equipment and personnel were redeployed from Kaliningrad, the commander stated. Soldiers have since returned after rotation, but a decrease is currently being observed, especially among ground troops.
18:40 "What's the point of Armenians?" - Lukashenko sparks unrestBelarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's remarks about Armenia have sparked unrest. Demonstrators pelted the Belarusian embassy in the Armenian capital Yerevan with eggs on Wednesday and demanded the ambassador's removal, as reported by Ukrainian media. Earlier, Lukashenko criticized Armenia's pro-Western stance on Russian state television: "What use are Armenians? None. Let them improve their economy and rely on their own resources. Who is France? Who's Macron? Tomorrow, when Macron is gone, nobody will remember the Armenians," he said, alluding to the French president. Relations between Armenia and Russia, its long-term ally, have grown increasingly tense since Azerbaijan's swift military operation in September took the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, ending the 30-year rule of Armenian separatists.
18:03 Ukraine Reports Casualties from Rocket AttackTwo people have been killed in the Sumy region near the Russian border with Kursk after a Russian attack using two rockets, as reported by the Ukrainian prosecutor's office. The targets were components of the infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had visited Sumy earlier in the day and stated that attacks on the city had lessened since parts of Kursk had been captured.
17:28 Russian Authorities: Tanker on Fire After Ukrainian AttackA tanker is ablaze in the Russian port of Kavkaz in the Krasnodar region east of Crimea, local authorities report. This follows an alleged Ukrainian attack. Several Russian media outlets have published images and videos showing the blaze and black smoke columns. The Ukrainian military also shares such videos on social media, with the caption "Neptune attacks the port of Kavkaz" on their Telegram channel. Unverified reports from Russian Telegram channels suggest the ship was hit by a Neptune anti-ship missile, although the official range of this weapon is 300 kilometers, and the front line is further away. Moscow relies heavily on this port to supply its troops in its conflict against Ukraine.
Update at 18:39: According to the crisis center of the Krasnodar region, the ship has sunk after the fire. There were reportedly 30 fuel tanks on board. [Read more here.]
16:41 Russia Announces Gains Near Pokrovsk, Ukraine Claims Success in KurskThe Russian army claims to have captured another village near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, with troops now approximately 10 kilometers from the city, an important logistics hub. Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelensky had stated plans to reinforce troops in the area. Now, he reports a success in the Russian region of Kursk, with troops capturing another village and taking more Russian soldiers prisoner. According to these reports, Ukrainian troops control 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, this has not been independently confirmed.
16:12 Ukraine Denies Nuclear Power Plant Attack, Warns of Russian DeceptionUkraine denies Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Ukrainian troops attempted to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant last night. "This is a blatant lie," writes Andrii Kovalenko, head of the department for combating disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. He suggests that Russia may be planning a nuclear provocation itself, stating that the "risk of a nuclear provocation by Russia is real" given Putin's involvement.
15:46 EU Gas Storage Near Target Capacity
Gas storage facilities in the European Union are nearly at their target capacity of 90%, as reported by the EU Commission. Two months before the target date, the EU is declared "prepared for the next winter". In the summer of 2022, the 27 member states agreed that EU gas storage should be at an average of 90% capacity by November 1st. According to data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, there are differences between countries: Spain leads with 100%, while Latvia has the lowest at around 69%. Germany's storage is at 93.6%. The EU aims to further reduce dependence on Russian natural gas, importing more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and gas from Norway instead.
15:21 Putin Accuses Ukraine of Attacking Russian Nuclear Plant
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. "The enemy tried to attack the nuclear facility last night," says the Kremlin chief, offering no evidence. "The International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed," Putin adds during a televised cabinet meeting. The IAEA had previously warned of the potential impact of fighting on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise maximum restraint."
14:50 IAEA Head to Visit Russian Nuclear Plant
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, intends to visit the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk next week. An IAEA spokesperson confirms this visit can take place "next week." In early August, the Ukrainian army launched a surprise offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom then warned of a threat to the nuclear power plant, situated about 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Russia: 115,000 People Evacuated
Russia's deputy prime minister, Denis Manturov, reports that 115,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable regions near the Ukrainian border. He states that damage to agriculture and industry due to the Ukrainian offensive is currently being assessed during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and top administrators.
14:00 Tusk Suggests India Could Mediate in Ukraine Conflict
Prime Minister Tusk appreciates Modi's intent to intervene positively in the Ukraine conflict. He expresses delight over Modi's commitment to personally intervene for a peaceful, just, and swift resolution of the war. This intervention holds significance, Tusk emphasizes, given that Modi will journey from Poland to Kyiv to meet President Zelenskyy. India maintains an impartial stance regarding the Russian invasion and does not backing Western sanctions against Moscow.
13:40 " seems like more than just a 'contained' Kursk invasion currently"German Chancellor Scholz guesses that the Ukrainian invasion into Russia is "spatially and temporally limited." However, as reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald, there's no indication of this at the moment. On the contrary, she mentions.
13:20 Several Russian air assets reportedly destroyed in assaults on SawaslejkaSeveral Russian military planes are said to have been annihilated during Ukrainian attacks on the Sawaslejka airbase. These reports originate from the public broadcaster Suspilne, citing intelligence from the security service. It is claimed that a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were eliminated in an Aug 16 assault, and around five aircraft, supposedly MiG-31K/I, were damaged in an Aug 13 assault. A fuel and lubricant depot was hit on Aug 13, causing further damage to another MiG-31K/I.
13:06 Russian intelligence scrutinizing CNN journalistsRussian FSB is speculated to be investigating several foreign journalists for "unlawfully crossing the state border." The FSB is particularly interested in a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian female journalists for allegedly filming in the Sudcha town controlled by Ukrainian troops. The FSB plans to issue international arrest warrants shortly, and the journalists might face up to five years of incarceration in Russia. Recent news includes the return of American journalist Evan Gershkovich after being exchanged for a 16-year prison sentence in labor camp for supposed espionage. Further insights here.
12:34 Zelensky in border region: "Swap fund" expandedUkrainian President Zelensky visited the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces drove into Russia over two weeks ago. He reported that another settlement had been seized in the Kursk area and the "swap fund" had been strengthened, indicating the takeover of Russian soldiers for future exchange with Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian custody. Zelensky highlighted that since the Kursk offensive, assaults on Sumy and civilian death tolls have diminished. He shared a video of himself and the commander-in-chief of Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, discussing the reinforcement of troops in the eastern Ukraine, where Russia is advancing further.
12:06 Unverified Allegations of Spy Drones Over Crucial Infrastructure? Alleged Russian Drones in Brunsbüttel
Unconfirmed reports suggest Russian drones above the largest industrial area in Schleswig-Holstein. Bild newspaper asserts that drones have been spotted frequently flying over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel lately. The Flensburg Public Prosecutor is looking into suspected espionage with the ultimate aim of sabotage. The internal police report indicates the "nuclear power plant flight zone" is repeatedly violated by an unidentified foreign object, which could possibly be a military drone. Bild asserts that the drones are allegedly associated with Russian agents and possibly launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Further details here.
11:40 USA Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Upcoming Attacks
The USA embassy in Kyiv issues a warning of an elevated risk of aerial attacks prior to Ukraine's Independence Day on Aug 24. The embassy warns of an increased threat of Russian strikes on Ukraine using drones and missiles in the coming days and over the weekend. Ukraine commemorates its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union on Aug 24, which lately assumes more significance to Ukrainians following the unexpected incursion of Ukrainian soldiers into Russian territory in the Kursk border region. Russian President Putin has termed such actions a provocation and threatened retaliation.
According to local authorities, prefabricated concrete shelters are being constructed for the locals in the Russian border area of Kursk. As per Deputy Governor Alexei Smirnov's statement on Telegram, "Under my orders, the Kursk city administration has identified key locations for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers." These bunkers are being constructed at high traffic spots such as 60 bus stops. Smirnov shares a photo of a truck delivering one of the blocks. Additionally, bunkers are being built in two other locations, including Kursk, which houses the Kursk region's nuclear power plant. Russia accuses Ukraine of planning an attack on the facility, an allegation Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Shares Images of Advance in Kursk
Ukraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops near Pokrovsk, most of which were thwarted. President Zelensky has announced plans to reinforce troops in the area. Furthermore, the advance in the Kursk region continues.
09:42 Russia Reports Drone Activity in Multiple Regions
The Russian army is reportedly fending off several Ukrainian air strikes in the western part of the country, according to official statements. As reported by Volgograd Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov on Telegram, "Most drones were neutralized" near the village of Marinovka (refer to 07:30 entry). In the Kursk region border, Governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian rockets and one drone were destroyed by Russian air defense" systems. In the southern region of Rostov, Governor Vasiliy Golubyev states that an attack involving five drones was "repulsed." Drone activity was also reported in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Ukraine Seeks US Approval for Long-Range Weapons Against Russian Targets
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with a US House of Representatives bipartisan delegation in Kyiv. According to Kyiv's ministry, Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone discussed the situation on the front and Washington's policy on using long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. Umerov stated, "I emphasized the immediate need for permission from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia. It's about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Actor Launches Campaign to Provide Mine-Clearing Robots to Ukraine
American actor Mark Hamill, famous for playing Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is raising funds for mine-clearance robots for Ukraine. He is collaborating with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots have the capability to deactivate mines in hard-to-reach locations while maintaining a safe distance from the operators. Timothy Snyder said, "One of the most heinous acts Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines. I've visited territories near the front line where people take risks to help others return to their farms and homes. With these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives can be saved." The removal of mines in Ukraine could take decades.
08:01 Kremlin Preparing Russians for "New Reality"
The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a problem for Moscow's propaganda. Even though the regions are far away, according to an unnamed Kremlin-linked source, the intrusion of Ukrainian forces into Russian territory is a "new and very unpleasant event." To pacify the now noticeably anxious mood, the Kremlin is working to prepare the Russians for a "new reality" and a "new normal." The message is: The enemy has indeed invaded Russian territory, they are close to defeat - but the retrieval of the territory will take time, and the Russians must be patient. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to "convert negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by contributing aid for the Kursk region. According to Meduza's interview with various officials, the conflict in the Kursk region could last several months. A government-linked source estimates that this is "quite optimistic - if everything goes well."
07:30 Russian governor Confirms Fire in Military Facility
Russian authorities confirm a fire at a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd after a Ukrainian drone strike. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov stated on Telegram that the drone had crashed into the facility. There were no casualties. Bocharov did not specify which military facility was affected, but he noted that the village of Marinovka was targeted in the attack, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Former security advisor: Putin Had Near-Hypnotic Influence on Trump
According to former US National Security Advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian leader Vladimir Putin successfully manipulated then-US President Donald Trump. This information was disclosed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by the "Guardian." "Putin, a ruthless former KGB agent, played on Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster reportedly stated. According to the Guardian, Putin had a near-hypnotic influence on Trump, who McMaster had warned that "he is the best liar in the world."
Overnight, explosions were reported in Kalach-on-Don, a city in Russia's Volgograd region. According to various Russian Telegram channels, these explosions were allegedly the result of a drone attack. It's said that a fire broke out at a nearby airbase. Kalach-on-Don is approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The likely target was the Marinovka airbase in the Oktyabrsky village, around 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing around six to ten loud explosions, followed by the distinctive sounds of drones, as per Telegram reports.
05:44: Klingbeil: Germany Will Provide Extra Aid to Ukraine if Necessary
German SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has pledged further support for Ukraine. If it becomes impossible to release the planned billions in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, Germany will provide additional funds, Klingbeil said during a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. Klingbeil emphasized, "We don't want to reach a point where it's said, 'There's no more money for Ukraine.' In that case, 'of course, we'd have to look in Germany where the money comes from.'"
04:27: Ukraine Comments on Drone Strikes in Russia
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the targets of the drone strikes in Russia overnight. According to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow, speaking to military news site "The War Zone," these strikes were aimed at the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center. Approximately 50 drones were involved, and the extent of any damage is currently being assessed. Russian authorities reported in the morning that they had shot down 45 drones over Russian territory.
03:09: Elections in Russia: Extra Protection for Poll Workers in Kursk
In the contested Russian border region of Kursk, poll workers will be equipped with bulletproof vests and helmets for the early regional elections. Additionally, extra polling stations will be set up in other parts of the country for people who have fled the region, said Tatiana Malakhova, head of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The region is under a state of emergency, and elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled in numerous regions of Russia from September 6 to 8.
01:34: Fico Perceives Pressure in Foreign Policy
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico complains about perceived pressure in foreign policy in Western democracies. He claims that those who deviate from the consensus on important foreign policy issues are "randomly put under pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies, according to a statement released on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion. In the statement, Fico compares the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to what he sees as existing pressure in today's Europe. Fico is opposed to EU aid for Ukraine's military and faces accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12: Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk
Ukraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country over the course of the day. Of these, 44 were repelled, the General Staff reports. As of 9 PM CET, fighting is still ongoing at the other two sections. The attacks resulted in 238 Russian soldiers killed or wounded. No information on Ukrainian losses was provided. Russia has not yet commented.
23:09: Russia Claims to Have Repelled Ukrainian Incursion in Bryansk
Russia claims to have prevented an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, which borders Kursk. The incursion of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was prevented by the Russian FSB security service and units of the Russian army, according to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, in a Telegram post. "The enemy was hit by fire," the post says. The situation is now "under control."
22:15: Zelensky: Ukraine Hopes for Promised Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his country is hoping for the swift disbursement of the billions in aid promised by the West, which is to be partly funded from the proceeds of frozen Russian state assets. While there have been many political statements from the partners of Kyiv, more are expected, Zelensky says in his nightly video address. "But we need a real mechanism." Ukraine needs the proceeds from the Russian assets to defend against the aggressor, Russia. "The relevant discussions have been going on for too long, and we need decisions now." The G7 countries had agreed on a new financial aid package for Kyiv at their summit in June, with a generous loan of $50 billion to be secured by interest earnings from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin commends robust trade interactions with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the strengthening collaborations with China. "Our commercial relations are progressing well (...). The emphasis both administrations place on trade and economic relations is yielding results," Putin expresses during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Kremlin. China and Russia boast "extensive-scale joint ventures and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin adds. Li says, as per the Kremlin, that Chinese-Russian relations are at an "unparalleled peak." The strategic alliance between Russia and China has intensified after Russia's incursion into Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a significant commercial partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Request dismissal: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister remains imprisonedThe former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov, accused of corruption, continues to be incarcerated. His petition for house arrest under strict conditions and his appeal against his detention have been turned down, reports the state news agency TASS. Bulgakov previously oversaw the acquisition of materials for the Russian military before his dismissal. The court in Moscow also orders detention for two supposed accomplices of Bulgakov. Their company allegedly received nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. The losses are estimated to be around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros) by the intermediaries.
21:00 Ukraine boosts forces in Pokrovsk regionAs per President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is beefing up its military presence in the highly contentious region of Pokrovsk in Ukraine's east. He expresses this in a televised address, stating they are aware of Russian troops' plans there. Simultaneously, Ukraine's advance in the Russian oblast of Kursk carries on, according to Zelensky. Some territories now fall under Ukrainian control, but Zelensky does not disclose further details.
20:41 After decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary face eviction from refugee sheltersFollowing a decree in Hungary which denies Ukrainian refugees general protection, many Ukrainians there face the risk of losing their lodgings. Private refugee shelters have begun to evict Ukrainians, mention Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, about 120 refugees, under police supervision, must vacate a guesthouse. Majority of them are Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, home to a substantial Hungarian minority.
You can review all previous developmentshere.
- The European Union expresses concern over the escalating conflict in Ukraine and calls for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
- In light of the potential threat from Russia, several European Union countries, including member states of the European Union, increase their military presence at their borders with Russia, including the closure of certain border checkpoints, as a precautionary measure.
