At 8:00 PM, intelligence sources are said to have activated a Russian television broadcast
Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) allegedly managed to interrupt the broadcast of various Russian TV channels and replaced them with a video about the war in Ukraine. A source from the intelligence agency told the "Kyiv Post" and RBC Ukraine news agencies that HUR had effectively "hacked" Russian television, exposing the reality of the conflict to the population. The video was shown three times during prime time last night on channels such as Pervouralsk, Evraziya 360, and Pervyj Kanal TV. As a result, nine channels temporarily halted their programming.
19:16 Lithuania Observes Reduction in Russian Ground Troops in KaliningradIn the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, located between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, there has reportedly been a decrease in the number of ground troops. This reduction was noted by the commander of the Lithuanian armed forces, Raimundas Vaikshnoras, in an interview with "Delfi". He attributed this to the Ukrainian offensive in the region of Kursk. At the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, a significant number of equipment and personnel were moved out of Kaliningrad, according to the commander. Although soldiers have since returned after rotation, a decline in the ground troops has become noticeable.
18:40 Lukashenko's Comments on Armenia Prompt ProtestsBelarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's critique of Armenia's pro-Western policy has sparked protests. Demonstrators in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, threw eggs at the Belarusian embassy, demanding the expulsion of the ambassador. This response followed Lukashenko's remarks on Russian state television, in which he questioned the necessity of Armenia and suggested that the country should focus on its domestic economy. Lukashenko's statements have further strained relations between Armenia and its historical ally, Russia, which became more tense after Azerbaijan captured Nagorno-Karabakh in September, ending three decades of Armenian separatist rule.
18:03 Ukraine Reports Deaths from Glide Bomb AttackTwo people were reportedly killed in an attack using two glide bombs in the Sumy region, which borders Kursk. The bombing targeted components of the region's infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had visited Sumy the same day and mentioned that attacks on the region had decreased since parts of Kursk were taken.
17:28 Russian Ferry Catches Fire After Alleged Ukrainian AttackA ferry loaded with fuel tanks caught fire in the Russian port of Kavkaz, according to local authorities. This incident followed an alleged Ukrainian attack. Several Russian media outlets shared videos and photographs of the fire and the resulting black smoke clouds. Ukrainian forces also posted similar content on social media, using the caption "Neptune visits the port of Kavkaz" on their Telegram account. Unconfirmed reports from Russian sources suggested that the ferry was hit by a Neptune anti-ship missile of Ukrainian origin. However, the effective range of this weapon is 300 kilometers, and the frontline is located further away. The port is critical for Moscow's supply of troops fighting in Ukraine.
Update at 18:39: According to the crisis committee of the Krasnodar region, the ferry sank after catching fire. It was carrying approximately 30 fuel tanks.
16:41 Russian Advance on Pokrovsk vs. Ukrainian Successes in KurskThe Russian army claimed to have captured another village near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, drawing closer to the city, which serves as an essential logistics hub. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, troops have had success in the Russian region of Kursk, taking another village and capturing more Russian soldiers. Ukrainian forces are now reportedly in control of 94 villages and over 1000 square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, these reports have not been independently verified.
16:12 Ukraine Denies Attempted Nuclear Power Plant Attack: Russia May Conduct "Nuclear Provocation"Ukraine denied claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian troops attempted to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant the previous night. Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation department at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, called these allegations a "blatant lie". The Russians have previously spread false information about a potential "nuclear provocation" by Ukraine at the Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Instead, Kovalenko suggested that Russia might be planning this provocation themselves. He considered the threat of a nuclear provocation by Russia plausible, given Putin's involvement.
15:46 EU Gas Storage at 85% Equivalent CapacityApproximately two months prior to the specified date, gas storage facilities in the European Union are at an 85% equivalent capacity. The EU Commission proclaims the EU as being "prepared for the upcoming winter." In the summer of 2022, following the initiation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine by the 27 member nations, they agreed that EU gas storage should reach an average of 85% capacity by November 1. According to data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, there are discrepancies among countries. Spain tops the list with 100%, whereas Latvia has the lowest at approximately 69%. Germany's storage is at 87.6%. The EU aims to diminish its reliance on Russian natural gas, importing more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and gas from Norway instead.
15:21 Putin: Ukraine Attempted to Assault Russian Nuclear FacilityRussian President Vladimir Putin alleges that Ukraine attempted to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. "The adversary attempted to assault the nuclear facility last night," asserts the Kremlin leader, without presenting any proof. "The International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed," Putin mentions during a televised cabinet meeting. The IAEA had previously voiced concerns about the potential repercussions of conflict on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise the utmost restraint." [Read more here.]
14:50 IAEA Director to Visit Kursk Nuclear PlantThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, plans to visit the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk next week, confirms an IAEA spokesperson. In early August, the Ukrainian military launched an unexpected offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, subsequently indicated a potential hazard to the nuclear power plant from Ukrainian attacks, which is situated roughly 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Russia: 115,000 Individuals Evacuated115,000 individuals have been evacuated from Russian regions adjacent to the Ukrainian border, reports Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. He indicates that the consequences to agriculture and industry from the Ukrainian offensive are being evaluated during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and senior officials. "I've gathered you here to discuss the current situation in Russia's border areas," Putin states at the outset of the meeting.
14:00 Tusk: India May Mediate in Ukraine ConflictPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomes the possibility of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mediating in the Ukraine conflict. "I'm very pleased that the Prime Minister has reaffirmed his willingness to personally commit to a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution of the conflict," Tusk says in Warsaw after talks with Modi. Modi's mediation offer is particularly significant as he will travel from Poland to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India maintains neutrality towards Russia's invasion and does not support Western sanctions against Moscow. [Read more here.]
13:40 "Doesn't currently resemble a 'limited' Kursk incursion"Chancellor Olaf Scholz perceives the Ukrainian advance into Russia as "an spatially and temporally limited operation." However, according to ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald, there is no substantiation for this claim at present. "On the contrary," she says in her current situation report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine.
13:20 Several Russian Military Aircraft Demolished in Attacks on SawaslejkaUkrainian assaults on the airbase Sawaslejka appear to have destroyed several Russian aircraft. This is reported by the public broadcaster Suspilne, citing information from the security service. According to this, an MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were destroyed in an attack on August 16, and about five aircraft, presumably MiG-31K/I, were damaged. In an attack on August 13, a fuel and lubricant depot was struck and another MiG-31K/I was damaged.
13:06 Russian Intelligence Probes CNN JournalistsThe Russian FSB domestic intelligence agency has initiated legal proceedings against various foreign journalists in response to reports in the Russian region of Kursk, where the Ukrainian army controls several settlements. Proceedings have been initiated against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian female journalists for "illegally crossing the state border," the FSB asserts. According to the agency, the journalists had produced video recordings in the town of Sudscha, controlled by Ukrainian troops. The FSB announces that it will soon issue international arrest warrants. The three journalists face up to five years in prison in Russia. Recently, the American journalist Evan Gershkovich was able to return to his homeland as part of a prisoner exchange after being sentenced to 16 years in a labor camp for supposed espionage. Read more about this here.
12:34 Zelensky in Border Region: "Exchange Fund" ReplenishedUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the border region of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, from where Ukrainian troops advanced into Russia more than two weeks ago. He announced that another location in the Kursk region had been captured, and the "exchange fund" had been replenished, referring to the capture of Russian soldiers for future exchange of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian captivity. Zelensky underscored that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and the number of civilian fatalities there had decreased. He shared a video showcasing his interaction with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who updated him on the reinforcement of troops in the east of Ukraine, where Russia is continuing its advance.
12:06 Potential Critical Infrastructure under Surveillance? Report on Allegedly Russian Drones in Brunsbüttel
Reportedly, Russian drones have been detected over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein, as reported by the "Bild" newspaper. In recent days, drones have been sighted multiple times flying swiftly over a decommissioned nuclear power plant and an LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel. The public prosecutor's office in Flensburg is conducting an investigation due to suspicions of espionage with the intention of sabotage. It's internally reported that the flight restriction zone was repeatedly breached due to the overflight of the nuclear power plant. A foreign object, supposedly a military drone, was identified. According to "Bild", the drones are credited to Russian agents and might have been launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Source
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Attacks in Coming Days
The American Embassy in Kyiv issues a warning of an augmented threat of air attacks prior to Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday. Over the upcoming days and over the weekend, there's an enhanced likelihood that Russia will target Ukraine with drones and missiles, as stated on the embassy's website. Ukraine commemorates its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union on August 24th. The holiday carries more significance for Ukrainians since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine nearly two and a half years ago. Recently, Ukrainian troops unexpectedly crossed into Russian territory in the border region of Kursk. Russian President Vladimir Putin deemed it a provocation and threatened a retaliatory response.
11:13 Military Airbase in Volgograd on Fire
A fire breaks out at a military base situated near Marinovka in the southern Russian area of Volgograd. Residents report blasts. Local authorities pin the blame on a Ukrainian drone strike for the inferno. No casualties are noted.
10:41 Russia Now Relying on Prefabricated Bunkers in Kursk
According to local authorities, prefabricated concrete shelters are being built for the populace in Russia's border area of Kursk. "Pursuant to my instructions, the Kursk city administration has designated key sites for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers," explains regional governor Alexei Smirnov on Telegram. Bunkers are being constructed at bustling locations such as bus stops. Smirnov publishes a photo of a truck delivering one of the blocks. Bunkers are also being installed in two additional locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is situated. Russia alleges that Ukraine intends to attack the facility, an assertion Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Shows Images of Advance in Kursk
Ukraine reports over 40 raids by Russian soldiers in the vicinity of the city of Pokrovsk, almost all of which were repelled. President Zelensky vows to reinforce troops in the area. Furthermore, the push in the Kursk region continues.
09:42 Russia Reports Drones in Multiple Regions
The Russian military is reportedly warding off multiple Ukrainian air strikes in various regions of the country, according to official statements. According to Telegram statements by Volgograd Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov, "most drones were destroyed" in an attack near the village of Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the border area of Kursk, Governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian rockets and one drone were destroyed by Russian air defense." In the southern region of Rostov, Governor Vasily Golubev reports that an attack with five drones was "repelled." Drones are also reported to have been neutralized in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons against Targets in Russia: Kyiv Seeks US Approval
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meets with a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. According to a statement from the ministry in Kyiv, Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone discuss the situation at the front and Washington's policy on the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. "I emphasized that we must promptly receive permission from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," said Umerov. "It's about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Actor Launches Campaign
US actor Mark Hamill, renowned for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is raising funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. In collaboration with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, they aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. The robots are designed to clear mines even in challenging areas, ensuring a safe distance for the operators. "One of the most egregious crimes Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines," said Snyder. "I've visited unoccupied areas near the front where people have to risk their lives to help others return to their farms and homes. Thanks to these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives can be saved." The Ukraine is heavily mined, and its clearance could take decades.
The Ukrainian assault on Kursk poses a test for Moscow's propaganda. Despite the distance between the regions, a source linked to the Kremlin informed Meduza, a Russian news site situated in Riga, "Nevertheless, even the penetration into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and quite unpleasant occurrence." To soothe the growing unease, the Kremlin is attempting to acclimate Russians to a "new reality" and a "new normal." The implication is clear: Enemy forces have intruded Russian soil, they're on the brink of collapse - yet recovering the territory will require time. Temporarily, inhabitants are encouraged to convert their disappointment and shock into something constructive, such as collecting aid for Kursk. Generally, all interviewees by Meduza believe that the fighting in Kursk could persist for several months. An official source concurs that this estimate is "fairly optimistic - if everything goes well."
Additional Information
07:30 Russian Official Affirms Fire at Military Installation
Russian authorities have confirmed reports that a military facility in Volgograd's southern region flared up following a Ukrainian drone attack. Telegram update from the regional governor, Andrei Bocharov, reveals that the drone made a hard landing into the facility, resulting in no casualties. Nevertheless, Bocharov does not specify which military facility was afflicted. However, he acknowledges that the village of Marinovka was the target, being home to a Russian airbase.
06:56 Ex-Security Advisor: Putin Had Hypnotic Influence on Trump
Herbert Raymond McMaster, a former US National Security Advisor, asserts that Putin effectively manipulated Donald Trump while he was US President. McMaster offers this revelation in his book "Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World," as reported by the "Guardian." According to McMaster, Putin played on Trump's ego and vulnerabilities with flattery. Putin addressed Trump as 'a genuinely exceptional individual, remarkably talented beyond doubt.' McMaster suggests that Putin had a disconcerting influence over Trump. He had advised Trump repeatedly, "Mr. President, he's the world's greatest liar." He was convinced that Putin believed he could "play" with Trump to alleviate sanctions and orchestrate a less expensive US withdrawal from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of Fire at Russian Airbase in Volgograd
Explosions were reportedly heard during the night in Kalach-on-Don, a city in the Volgograd region. Various Russian Telegram channels claim that these were the outcome of a drone attack, resulting in a fire at an adjacent airbase. The Volgograd region borders Moscow by around 900 kilometers. The suspected goal was the Marinovka airbase in the Oktyabrsky village, located about 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported witnessing six to ten explosions accompanied by drone noises, as claimed on Telegram.
05:44 Germany May Provide Additional Aid for Ukraine if Needed
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has pledged more support for Ukraine. If resources from frozen Russian possessions cannot benefit Ukraine, Germany will contribute additional funds, he stated during a discussion with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. It should never arrive at a point where people say, "There's no longer any money for Ukraine," Klingbeil stated. If such a scenario emerges, Germany will look domestically for the funds, as it holds a responsibility towards Ukraine.
04:27 Ukraine Evaluates Overnight Drone Attacks in Russia
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has assessed the goals of overnight drone strikes in Russia. They were aimed at Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communication center, HUR director Kyrylo Budanow told "The War Zone" military site. An estimated 50 drones were involved. The extent of damage incurred is currently being assessed. Russian authorities reported knocking down 45 drones over Russian territory that morning.
03:09 Russia To Provide Body Armor and Helmets for Poll Workers in Kursk
In the disputed Russian border region of Kursk, Russia plans to safeguard poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets in advance of the upcoming regional elections. Moreover, additional polling stations will be set up in various regions of the country for displaced individuals from Kursk, said Tatiana Malakhova, head of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled for numerous regions in Russia between September 6 and 8.
01:34 Fico Faces Opinion Pressure on Foreign Policy
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico voices concerns about feeling under pressure due to opinion in Western democracies. Those who dissent from the consensus in essential foreign policy issues are "arbitrarily subjected to pressure and threats of isolation" by Western democracies, Fico claimed in a statement celebrating the 1968 Moscow invasion anniversary. In his statement, Fico equates the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to the perceived opinion pressure presently prevailing in Europe. Fico is against EU military aid for Ukraine and faces criticism for supposedly pro-Russian sentiments.
00:12 Ukraine reports 46 Russian aggressions around Pokrovsk within a dayUkraine reports 46 hostile actions from Russia along their border near Pokrovsk, an eastern city in the country. The Ukrainian military managed to counter 44 of these attacks, as reported by their General Staff. As of 9 pm CET, two more sections are still experiencing fighting. 238 Russian soldiers are reported injured or dead during the confrontations. No information is given regarding Ukrainian losses. Russia has yet to make a statement.
23:09 Russia: Ukrainian intrusion into Bryansk preventedRussia alleges to have halted an invasion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" in Bryansk, their bordering region with Kursk. According to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, on Telegram, a "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was thwarted by the Russian security service FSB and the Russian military. The enemy was subsequently targeted, they claim, with the situation now being brought under control.
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine awaits promised billions in aidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hope for swift distribution of the billions in financial aid promised by the West, which will primarily be funded using the earnings from frozen Russian state assets. Zelensky mentions that numerous political statements from Ukraine's allies have been made, but more is expected, and they require an effective mechanism to allocate the funds. Ukraine requires the earnings from Russia's frozen assets to protect itself against Russian aggression. The necessary discussions regarding this have been ongoing for an extended period, and they require immediate resolution. The G7 countries agreed to provide fresh financial aid for Kyiv during their summit in June. A desire for a substantial loan worth $50 billion to be secured using Russia's frozen asset interest payments was expressed.
21:52 Putin applauds strong trade ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the developing business connections with China. "Our trade relations are continuing to grow (...). The attention given by both governments to trade and economic relations is leading to positive results," Putin said during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia share ambitious collaboration efforts in the economic and humanitarian fields, according to Putin. Li claims that Chinese-Russian relations are at their highest level ever. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia depends significantly on China as a major trading partner due to the Western sanctions.
21:20 Request denied: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister to stay in custodyThe former Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Dmitri Bulgakov, who is under investigation for alleged corruption, will remain in detention. Bulgakov's petition for house arrest under strict conditions and his appeal against his detention have both been turned down, as reported by TASS. Bulgakov previously managed procurement for the Russian armed forces until his dismissal. The Moscow court has also authorized the detention of two suspected accomplices of Bulgakov. Their company is said to have received nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. Damages are estimated at around 50 million rubles (around 500,000 euros), according to intermediaries.
21:00 Ukraine bolsters troops in Pokrovsk regionAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is reinforcing its troops in the conflict-ridden Pokrovsk region in the east of the country. He revealed in a televised address that they are aware of the Russian army's intentions in the area. Meanwhile, Ukraine's offensive in the Russian region of Kursk continues, Zelensky stated. Although some territories are under Ukrainian control, he did not disclose specifics.
20:41 After decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary at risk of losing refugee shelter accommodationsFollowing the enforcement of a decree in Hungary which denies general refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians face the likelihood of being removed from refugee shelters. Private shelter facilities have already started evicting Ukrainians, as reported by the organization Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees, predominantly Roma women and children from Ukraine's western region of Transcarpathia, where there is a significant Hungarian minority, are being forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision.
The European Union is closely monitoring the situation in Kursk, particularly regarding the potential impact of the conflict on gas storage facilities.
Given the actions of Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) in disrupting Russian TV broadcasts and the ongoing conflict along their shared border, it is essential for the European Union to maintain a vigilant stance to protect its energy interests and ensure the security of its gas storage facilities.
