Demonstrations in Kiev Call for Liberation of Azov Military Detainees
In Kyiv, people have rallied for the liberation of soldiers from the Ukrainian Azov regiment who are currently imprisoned as war captives. This information was disseminated by the Belarusian opposition news outlet Nexta. The demonstration took place outside the opera house, and it was attended by ex-prisoners of war as well. The Azov battalion hadVALIANTLY DEFENDED the city of Mariupol against Russian forces but were forced to yield in May 2022. Since then, roughly 900 fighters have reportedly been detained in Russian custody, according to various sources.
At 21:09, President Zelensky reported some advancements in the Russian oblast of Kursk. According to his nighttime address, Ukraine had made headway of around 3 kilometers, capturing two more settlements. Russia has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
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At 21:09, President Zelensky reported some advancements in the Russian oblast of Kursk. According to his nighttime address, Ukraine had made headway of around 3 kilometers, capturing two more settlements. Russia has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
At 20:39, Ukrainian MP Artem Dmytruk vacated the country after being booked for assaulting a soldier and a policeman in two separate incidents. In Odessa, he is charged with injuring a policeman and attempting to pilfer the officer's weapon, together with another individual. In Kyiv, he is accused of injuring a soldier due to an altercation. Satisfied Dmytruk reportedly published a message on Telegram on Saturday, stating that his lodgings in Kyiv and his apartment in Odessa had been searched. He characterized the actions against him as politically motivated. The independent MP is recognized for his pro-Russian sentiments.
At 20:03, Ukraine explained that Belarus had amassed troops and military equipment in significant quantities on the border, developing a pretext for a military exercise. Belarus has yet to make an announcement regarding this matter, as it is a close ally of Russia.
At 19:30, a Reuters journalist went missing following a Russian assault on a hotel in Kramatorsk. His lifeless body was retrieved from the debris hours later. Four people also sustained injuries, as reported by the governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filaschkin, through Telegram. Stemming from initial reports, only two people were injured.
At 18:49, Ukraine is making innovative use of helicopters to combat Russian drones. Videos show a Ukrainian helicopter crew equipped with a machine gun pursuing drones. According to Forbes, this is a Mi-8 transporter helicopter. A video documents a Ukrainian soldier shooting down an Iranian Shahed drone from the helicopter's cockpit.
In a conversation with Indian journalists, Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the business transactions between New Delhi and Russia. He declared that the revenues from the sale of oil and gas are being utilized by Putin to finance his war against Ukraine. "He's enriching himself at the expense of his people," Zelensky asserted regarding Putin. The Russian population remains unaware of this, as Putin exerts control over both the media and social networks. Zelensky further commented that Putin's economy of war is being bankrolled by funds from India, China, and Arab nations. Nevertheless, he stressed that Kyiv cannot put pressure on New Delhi. "You are a sovereign nation, governed by your own leaders," he advised the Indian reporters. Nonetheless, he urged them to consider the consequences of their actions on strengthening the Russian forces.
At 17:09, the CEO of the online service X, Elon Musk, appealed for the release of Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, who had been arrested in Paris. Musk shared a clip from an interview with Durov and US journalist Tucker Carlson on Twitter, using the hashtag #FreePavel. Moreover, he expressed, "Liberté, liberté, liberté!"
At 16:37, Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder diverged from the stance of his Saxon colleague Michael Kretschmer (CDU) on Ukraine policy. "We hold a clear position. Herr Kretschmer has his, which I respect. Yet, we fundamentally disagree," the CSU leader maintained in an ARD summer interview. "Frankly speaking, would World War II have ended if we had allowed Hitler to persist?" Söder argued, in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Do wars come to an end by giving in to the aggressor?" Kretschmer had criticized weapon deliveries to Ukraine. Söder characterized the notion that Putin would halt his offensive if he achieved victory "naive."
15:12 Medvedev Warned Durov of Consequences Long AgoAfter the detainment of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in Paris, former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev claims he had warned Durov "for quite some time" about potential troubles with his stance on user data security "across all nations." "He underestimated," Medvedev writes on Telegram: "In the eyes of our common adversaries today, he's viewed as a Russian, and therefore, unpredictable and risky." Durov should now recognize, according to Medvedev, that "you can't pick your homeland."
12:38 Zelensky Floats India as Potential Location for Peace Talks RefreshUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested India could serve as the host for a subsequent peace negotiation. He shared this thought during a conversation with Indian journalists, which he subsequently posted on social media. He has expressed his backing for this idea to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At present, negotiations with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland are ongoing about organizing a second meeting. However, hosting the summit in a country that did not endorse the last summit's final agreement presents challenges. While India participated in the initial meeting in Switzerland in June, it did not support the final declaration.
12:06 Pope Faults Ukraine for Pro-Russian Orthodox Church Ban in UkrainePope Francis has criticized the ban of the pro-Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Looking at the decree issued by President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Pontiff said during his Sunday prayer: "No Christian church should be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches shouldn't be targeted!" The Ukraine justifies the ban with the backing of the Moscow Patriarchate for the Russian military aggression. The Pope shared his thoughts to tens of thousands of believers on St. Peter's Square: "No one does wrong by praying. If someone does wrong to their people, they're guilty. But they can't be accused of wrongdoing just because they prayed."
11:44 "Barbaric War Crime" - Ukraine castigates "deliberate attack" on Hotel in KramatorskThe Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has denounced the Russian attack on a hotel in Kramatorsk where foreign journalists were staying. This was divulged by the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Georgiy Tykhyi, on X. "During the night, another horrendous and intentional Russian attack on Kramatorsk's residential areas injured foreign media journalists in the hotel," the spokesman revealed. According to Tykhyi, attacks on journalists have become a standard strategy of the Russian war. "These atrocious war crimes must be condemned and punished," the Foreign Ministry's spokesman reiterated.
11:14 After Russian Assaults on Sumy: Police Report 4 Dead and 13 InjuredThe Russian military assaulted the Ukrainian oblast of Sumy 261 times alone yesterday, according to local police reports. At least four people perished, and 13 were wounded in the attacks on the northern region. As reported by Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda", six apartment blocks, 26 homes, an educational institution, outbuildings, vehicles, a gas pipeline, and stores were harmed in the attacks. Additionally, large areas of dry grass caught fire.
10:42 Zelensky Satirizes Putin: "Sick Old Man from Red Square"On Ukraine's Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not only showcased the newly designed Ukrainian drone Palianytsia. The head of state also ridiculed Russian leader Vladimir Putin in a video address: Zelensky referred to Putin as a "sick old man from Red Square" due to his nuclear threats. Putin is a "sick old man from Red Square who constantly endangers everyone with the red button," Zelensky stated, "(he) will never define any of his red lines for us."
10:14 Energy Ministry: Over 500 Ukrainian Communities Still Deprived of Power After AttacksMore than 500 communities in Ukraine remain powerless after Russian attacks, according to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry's reports through the state news agency Ukrinform. The energy sector's situation remains challenging, but no power limitations have been imposed on consumers. According to the announcement, technicians have restored power to over 7,200 individuals. The Ministry encourages citizens to conserve energy and utilize it responsibly, particularly in the evenings.
09:51 Ukraine: 160 Interactions with Russian Troops Along the Frontline in a DayThe Ukrainian side reported 160 interactions with Russian troops near the frontline yesterday, as per the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Violence was pronounced in ten sectors, with the situation being the most unstable in the direction of Pokrovsk. Russian troops released five attacks with 15 missiles and 95 attacks with 127 guided aerial bombs on Ukrainian positions, as well as cities and villages.
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a hotel in the eastern city of Kramatorsk last night, as per Ukrainian reports. A journalist from Reuters is currently missing, and two others were left injured. According to a statement issued by Reuters, a six-member team was staying at the Hotel Sapphire when the attack occurred. The building appeared to have been hit by a rocket yesterday. The statement further mentioned that one of their colleagues is yet to be found, while two others were transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities in Kramatorsk are collaborating with the team. The governor of the Donetsk region communicated through Telegram that "Russian forces attacked Kramatorsk," injuring two journalists and leaving one unaccounted for. The site is now being attended to by local authorities, police, and rescue services. They are currently engaged in clearing the debris and executing rescue operations. The Russian Ministry of Defense did not promptly respond to a request for comment. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office disclosed that "Russian forces attacked the city of Kramatorsk, likely using an Iskander-M missile," and has initiated an investigation into the incident. The missile struck at approximately 22:35 local time last night.
Update at 1:30 PM: Based on updates from the regional military administration of Donetsk, the number of injured Reuters journalists has been revised to four.
Ukraine's air defense forces had a successful night: they intercepted and destroyed eight out of nine Russian Shahed drones, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, citing the commander of the Air Force, Mykola Oleschtschuk. Not only did Ukrainian defenders manage to intercept almost all the kamikaze drones, but they also intercepted the majority of the missiles these drones launched.
Several western journalists have been injured, as reported officially, due to Russian shelling of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk overnight. A hotel was hit, two people were injured and rescued, and one person remains under the rubble, as per an announcement made by the governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filaschkin, via Telegram. "All three victims are journalists, hailing from Ukraine, the USA, and the UK." The attack was confirmed by pro-Russian blogs, which stated that Kramatorsk was attacked with heavy glide bombs of the FAB-1500 type. However, it was reported that a machine-building factory and several military objectives were targeted.
China has criticized the tightened controls by the US on several exporters from the People's Republic. The move disrupts the international trade order and hinder normal goods exchange, the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing stated. China will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights of its companies. The Ministry of Commerce is reacting to a decision made by the US government last Friday, which placed 105 companies - 42 Chinese, 63 Russian, and 18 from other countries - on a list of trade restrictions. They were targeted for various reasons, including transferring US electronics to the Russian military and manufacturing thousands of drones used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. The companies will now have to acquire hard-to-obtain licenses.
The US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is advocating for the unrestricted use of long-range weapons on Russian territory by Ukraine. Despite the repositioning of air forces to deeper rear areas, many military targets remain within range of US ATACMS missiles, which Ukraine currently uses but is restricted from using for attacks on Russian territory by Washington. "The ISW estimates that at least 250 military and paramilitary targets in Russia are within range of the ATACMS missiles provided to Ukraine by the United States," according to a recent analysis. However, only attacks with HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and GLMRS missiles are currently permitted. "This allows Ukraine to strike at most 20 of the 250 objectives," the ISW said.
Russian personnel losses remain significant, as per official Ukrainian figures. Within a day, 1190 Russian soldiers are said to have been killed or no longer able to fight. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, a total of 607,680 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated" since the beginning of the war in February 2022. As the Ministry of Defense announced in its daily report on Russian losses, the enemy also lost five more tanks (8547). Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has counted more than 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones that are no longer in the possession of the Russian military or have been destroyed. These figures cannot be independently verified. Moscow itself is reluctant to provide information on its own losses in Ukraine.
The air force reported that Russia launched several missiles and drones towards the north and east of Ukraine last night. According to their reports, "most missiles did not reach their target." Russia used a ballistic missile of the Iskander-M type, a cruise missile of the Iskander-K type, and six guided missiles. The number of destroyed ones was not reported. At the same time, eight out of nine Russian attack drones were shot down.
Six individuals were injured in an overnight rocket attack on Kharkiv.
The number of wounded in a Russian artillery strike on Kharkiv Oblast's Slobidsky district has increased to six, as reported by the city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, via Telegram, according to Ukrinform.
07:32 Zelensky commends debut of Ukrainian-made Palianytsia rocket drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky applauded the release of Palyanytsia rockets manufactured in Ukraine. Zelensky stated that these rocket drones, along with other military advancements in Ukraine, are crucial for the nation due to the delays in decisions by certain international partners. "Today, the first and successful deployment of our new weapon took place," he said, as mentioned by "Kyiv Independent". "An entirely new class of Ukrainian rocket drone, Palianytsia."
06:55 Azov Regiment commander criticizes prisoner swap: No Azov fighters among freed soldiers
No Azov soldiers were included in yesterday's Russian-Ukrainian prisoner exchange, according to Ukrainian reports citing Brigade Commander Denys Prokopenko. The Azov Regiment commander criticized the latest prisoner swap and expressed his disappointment that none of the Azov fighters, detained in Russian custody for over two years, were included.
06:14 Governor announces five fatalities and 12 injuries, four severely, in Ukrainian air strike on Russian Belgorod border region
Five civilians were killed and 12 injured, four critically, in an Ukrainian airstrike on the Russian Belgorod border region overnight, according to the local authorities. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that three minors were also wounded, with two needing hospitalization. Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian territory and penetrated the Kursk region bordering Belgorod in early August. Belgorod is a frequent target of Ukrainian airstrikes and drone attacks, which are retaliatory measures following attacks from the Russian side.
05:47 Russia reports five fatalities and twelve injuries in Ukrainian artillery shelling
Five civilians were killed and twelve more were injured in artillery shelling in the town of Rakitnoye in southwestern Russia, according to the region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, on Telegram. The reports could not be independently verified, and Ukraine has not commented.
04:26 Sumy City Reports Rocket Attacks and InjuriesSumy City has been hit by rockets, as reported by the regional military administration. Two rocket strikes are mentioned, resulting in seven injuries, two of them gravely, according to the authority. Russia targeted civilian infrastructure in Sumy on Saturday evening, as reported.
03:35 Governor warns of Russian rocket attacks on Kharkiv and Chuhuiv citiesKharkiv and Chuhuiv cities have been struck by Russian rocket attacks, as warned by Kharkiv region governor Oleh Synyehubov. One individual is reported injured, with a larger explosion in Kharkiv. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terechov confirmed the explosion on Telegram, urging caution. The source of the explosion is currently unknown.
03:06 Ukrainian Air Defense issues alert for combat dronesAn air alert is in effect in eastern and southern Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air forces, who have raised concerns about a group of Shahed combat drones moving across the Black Sea towards the southern Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv. Increased Russian attacks are anticipated around Ukrainian Independence Day, which took place on Saturday. However, a large-scale attack has yet to occur.
01:32 Hungary blames EU Commission for halting Russian oil suppliesHungary suspects the EU Commission of halting Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. "The European Commission's statement that it is not prepared to assist in securing Hungary's and Slovakia's energy supply suggests that the order came from Brussels to Kyiv to create difficulties in Hungary's and Slovakia's energy supply," said Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The EU Commission initially declined to comment. In June, Ukraine placed Russian oil producer Lukoil on the sanctions list and interrupted the Druzhba pipeline, which passes through Ukrainian territory, affecting countries like Hungary and Slovakia's main oil supplier.
22:12 Four women injured in Russian troops' attack on Kupyansk villageFour women were injured in a Russian tank attack on the Novoosynove village in the Kupyansk district of the Kharkiv Oblast, according to the region's military administration head, Oleh Syniehubov. The attack, which occurred around noon on Sunday, resulted in the burning of a private building, with further investigations underway.
21:03 UK Defence Secretary Praises Ukraine's Resilience Against Russia's PowerJohn Healey, the UK's Defence Secretary, pens a guest article on "European Pravda," acknowledging Ukraine's Independence Day. "Exactly 33 years ago, Ukraine proclaimed its independence, promising a brighter, wealthier existence as an autonomous democracy, free from Soviet Russia's grip," Healey writes. Today, UE Ukrainians celebrate their Independence Day amidst war. It's an uphill battle to maintain freedom and sovereignty against Putin's ruthless, unlawful invasion. "Ukraine has consistently been the weaker opponent against Russia's significantly stronger forces and resources. Today, we commend the valiant Ukrainian spirit," Healey says. They fight fearlessly, both on the battlefield and off, with sheer determination. The UK should reaffirm its commitment to support Ukraine indefinitely, as a result. Therefore, the UK embarks on a campaign today, urging people in Britain and beyond to express their backing for Ukraine. "On social media, we urge you to 'Support Ukraine Loudly' and spread relatable posts. Beyond military and financial assistance, we have also extended our friendship and camaraderie," Healey concludes.
20:05 Zelensky Boosts Syrsky's Rank to GeneralUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has elevated Oleksandr Syrsky, the chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to the rank of General. This was announced in a presidential decree by Zelensky. Syrsky's previous rank was Colonel General. The promotion stems from the successful foray of Ukrainian soldiers in the Russian-adjacent region of Kursk.
Look back at previous events here.
The Commission's statement urged for the immediate release of the soldiers from the Ukrainian Azov regiment, who are currently imprisoned as war captives in Russia.
Following the advancements reported by President Zelensky, The Commission expressed their support for Ukraine and called for international action to put pressure on Russia to respect Ukrainian sovereignty.
