EU Gas Storage Tanks Are Nearly Completely Filled, Sitting at a 90% Capacity
Around two months before the anticipated winter, EU gas storage facilities are nearly at full capacity, reaching a staggering 90%. The EU Commission proudly declares, "We're all set for the upcoming winter!" Following Russia's hostile takeover of Ukraine, EU nations collectively decided in the summer of 2022 that their gas storage facilities should maintain an average of 90% capacity by November 1. Analytical data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal reveals discrepancies among countries; Spain boasts a 100% fill level, while Latvia only manages around 69%. In Germany, storage facilities are almost there, with a fill level of 93.6%. The EU intends to lessen its dependency on Russian natural gas, opting instead for increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. and natural gas from Norway.
15:21 Putin: Ukrainian Forces Attack Russian Nuclear PlantRussian President Vladimir Putin baselessly accuses Ukraine of launching an attack on the nuclear power plant in Kursk. Without any solid proof, Putin alleges, "The adversary attempted to strike the nuclear facility last night." He further states that he has relayed this information to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA had previously warned of the potential repercussions of conflict on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise the greatest caution."
14:50 IAEA Chief Prepares to Visit Kursk Nuclear Power PlantThe Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, will visit the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk the following week. A spokesperson for the IAEA confirms this impending visit, citing that it will likely occur "next week." In early August, Ukrainian forces executed a surprise large-scale offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. The Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom then alerted of a hazard posed by Ukrainian attacks to the nuclear power plant, located approximately 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Russia: 115,000 People Displaced From Vulnerable AreasRoughly 115,000 individuals have been evacuated from vulnerable Russian regions bordering Ukraine, as per Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturow. He discusses this during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and key administration officials, where they evaluate the damage to agriculture and industry caused by the Ukrainian offensive. "Gathered here to discuss the current situations in Russia's border regions," Putin initiates the meeting.
14:00 Tusk: India May Mediate in Ukraine ConflictPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomes the prospect of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi serving as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. "I am delighted with the announcement that the Prime Minister has agreed to actively promote a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution to the conflict," Tusk says following a meeting with Modi in Warsaw. Modi's offer to mediate gains significance since he will subsequently visit Kyiv and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India maintains a neutral stance towards Russia's military campaign and does not support Western sanctions against Moscow.
13:40 "No Sign of Limited Kursk Incursion"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hypothesizes that the Ukrainian offensive in Russia is "a spatially and temporally circumscribed operation." However, observations by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald in her current field report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine suggest contrary evidence. "On the contrary," she states.
13:20 Russian Military Aircraft Destroyed in Savasleyka AttackReports indicate that Ukrainian attacks targeted the airbase in Savasleyka and led to the destruction of several Russian military aircraft, including a MiG-31K supersonic fighter and two Il-76 strategic airlifters. Approximately five more aircraft, presumed to be MiG-31K/I, suffered damage in the August 16 attacks. In an August 13 attack, a fuel and lubricant depot was hit, while another MiG-31K/I was damaged.
13:06 Russian Intelligence Agency Investigates CNN JournalistsThe Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened criminal investigations against several foreign journalists, including a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists, for allegedly illegally traversing the state border to report from the Ukrainian-controlled city of Socha in the Kursk region. The FSB plans to issue international arrest warrants for the journalists, who risk up to five years in prison for their actions. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was released from Russian custody as part of a prisoner exchange.
12:34 Zelenskyy Visits Border Region: "Exchange Fund" ExpandedUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy journeyed to the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces have advanced into Russia for over two weeks. He shared news of another town in the Kursk region being captured, noting an augmentation to the "exchange fund," symbolizing the capturing of Russian soldiers for a forthcoming prisoner exchange. Zelenskyy asserts that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and civilian casualties there have declined. He posted a video exhibiting his meeting with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who informed him about reinforcements in Ukraine's eastern territory, where Russian forces continue their advance.
12:06 Potential Surveillance of Critical Infrastructure? Alleged Russian Drones in BrunsbüttelThe Bild newspaper suggests that suspicious drones are hovering over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. Over the past few days, drones have been spotted flying at high speeds over the dismantled nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel, repeatedly disregarding the no-fly zone. The public prosecutor's office in Flensburg is investigating suspicions of espionage with a possible sabotage aim. Within the police force, they have referred to the incident as a "violation of the no-fly zone over the nuclear power plant." A threat, presumably a military drone, was detected. Bild also reports that the drones are believed to be under the control of Russian agents and may be launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Issues Warning of Increased Air Attack RiskThe US Embassy in Kyiv warns prior to Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24, where the risk of air attacks is on the rise. In the coming days and over the weekend, there is a growing threat that Russia will bomb Ukraine with drones and missiles, the embassy stated on its website. Ukraine celebrates its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. This yearly celebration holds a special significance for Ukrainians as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, which started exactly two and a half years ago. Recently, Ukrainian troops unexpectedly encroached upon Russian territory in the Kursk border region. Russian President Vladimir Putin deemed it as a provocation and threatened a retaliation.
11:13 Military Base in Volgograd BurningA blaze erupts at a military site in Marinovka, within the southern Russian province of Volgograd. Residents claim to have heard explosions. Authorities pin the blame on a Ukrainian drone assault. No casualties have been reported.
10:41 Russia Installs Concrete Shelters in KurskIn the Russian border region of Kursk, authorities are installing protective concrete shelters for the populace. "Upon my orders, the Kursk city administration has designated central locations for the installation of modular prefabricated shelters," explains regional governor Alexei Smirnov on Telegram. Shelters are being constructed at heavily utilized locations, such as at 60 bus stops. Smirnov shares a photograph of a truck delivering one of the blocks. Shelters are also being put up in two other locations, including Kursk, where Kursk's nuclear power plant is situated. Russia accuses Ukraine of planning an attack on the facility, which Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Reveals Advance into KurskUkraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops on the front near the city of Pokrovsk, the majority of which were repelled. President Zelensky guarantees additional reinforcements for the troops in the area. Furthermore, the advance in the Kursk region continues.
09:42 Russia Reports Downed Drones in Multiple RegionsRussian authorities report that the Russian army has intercepted several Ukrainian aerial assaults in the western part of the country. According to Telegram posts by regional governors, most drones were blown up near the village of Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the Kursk border region, two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were reportedly shot down by Russian air defenses. In the Rostov region further south, five drones were "intercepted," according to Governor Vasily Golubev. Drones were also reportedly shot down in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons Against Targets in Russia: Kyiv Seeks US ApprovalUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meets in Kyiv with a bipartisan delegation of US House representatives. According to 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 the need for immediate authorization from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," said Umerov. "It's about protecting our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Star Launches Fundraising CampaignAmerican actor Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is raising funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. Together with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, he aims to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. The robots can clear mines even in hard-to-reach areas, at a safe distance from the people operating them. "One of the worst atrocities 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 take risks to help others return to their farms and homes. Due to these robots, mines can be cleared and lives saved." Ukraine is plagued by mines, and their removal may take decades.
08:01 Kremlin seems to be readying Russians for 'new circumstances' The Ukrainian assault on Kursk poses a hurdle for Moscow's propaganda. Despite the locations being distant, a Kremlin-linked source confesses to independent Russian portal Meduza, situated in Riga, "In spite of entering Russian territory and capturing control over villages, it's a new and rather uncomfortable scenario." To lessen the growing unease, which grew significantly since the Kursk invasion, the Kremlin is attempting to acclimate the Russians to a "new situation" and a "new routine." The message is: The adversary has indeed set foot on Russian soil, they will soon be defeated, but regaining territory will take some time, and Russians must be patient. As a result, locals are prompted to "channel the negativity and shock into a constructive outlet," such as sending aid supplies to Kursk. Generally, all sources consulted by Meduza expect the struggles in Kursk to last several months. A source close to the government asserts that this estimation is "quite optimistic - provided nothing goes awry."
07:30 Russian Governor affirms fire in military installation Russian officials confirm rumors about a fire in a military complex in the southern Russian region of Volgograd following a Ukrainian drone assault. Governor Andrei Bocharov discloses on Telegram that the drone crashed into the facility. No casualties were reported. Bocharov neglected to specify which military base was affected. He explains that the village of Marinovka was targeted in the assault, where Russia operates an air base.
06:56 Ex-Security Advisor: Putin Hypnotized Trump
Former US Security Advisor and retired US General Herbert Raymond McMaster suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin essentially controlled former US President Donald Trump. This is revealed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Experience in the Trump White House," as reported by "The Guardian." "Putin, a ruthless ex-KGB agent, exploited Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster describes. Putin regarded Trump as "an extraordinary individual, exceptionally gifted," exercising an almost hypnotic influence over him. McMaster, who served as Trump's security advisor for about a year, cautioned Trump at the time: "Mr. President, he's the most accomplished liar in the world." He hinted that Putin was confident he could manipulate Trump and obtain a reduction of sanctions and a low-cost withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of Inferno at Russian Airbase in Volgograd
Explosions were apparently heard in the Russian town of Kalach on the Don in the Volgograd region during the night. Multiple Russian Telegram channels claim these blasts could be due to a drone attack. There was a fire on an adjacent airbase. The Volgograd region is around 900 kilometers south of Moscow. The object of the attack was likely the Marinovka airbase located in the village of Oktyabrsky, about 20 kilometers from Kalach on the Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing between six and ten loud explosions accompanied by the usual drone sounds, according to Telegram.
05:44 Germany Commits to Additional Ukraine Aid if Necessary
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has pledged further assistance for Ukraine. If it becomes impossible to seize the planned billions in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, Germany will provide additional funds, he says in the podcast of deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. It must not reach the point where it's said: "Now there is no more money for Ukraine." In which case, "naturally, we would be obliged to investigate where the funds may originate from in Germany," Klingbeil says. "We have an obligation towards Ukraine. Resolutions must be found, and we will find them."
04:27 Ukraine Addresses Drone Attacks in Russia
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the targets of the drone strikes in Russia during the night. They were aimed at Moscow airport Ostafyevo, Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, according to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow to the military website "The War Zone." Around 50 drones were involved. It is currently being evaluated whether and to what extent damage was inflicted. Russian authorities reported in the morning that they had shot down 45 drones over Russian territory.
01:34 Fico Feels Squeezed by "Public Opinion" in Foreign PolicySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico grumbles about what he views as public opinion crushing him in Western democracies. He argues that those who diverge from the consensus on major foreign policy matters are "randomly pushed around and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies, as per a statement he released on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion. In the statement, Fico equates the brutal suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to what he sees as the current public opinion squashing in Europe. Fico is against EU military aid to Ukraine and has been criticized for being pro-Russian.
00:12 Ukraine Fends Off 46 Russian Assaults Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine boasts of repelling 46 Russian attacks along the border near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country throughout the day. Out of these, 44 were repelled, according to the General Staff. As of 9 pm CET, clashes persist at the remaining two sections. The attacks resulted in 238 Russian soldiers either killed or wounded. No Ukrainian casualties are mentioned. Russia has yet to comment.
23:09 Russia Claims to Stop Ukrainian Infiltration into BryanskRussia declares triumph over a supposed infiltration by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, bordering Kursk. The incursion by the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was preemptively halted by the Russian security service FSB and the Russian military, as claimed by Bryansk's governor, Alexander Bogomaz, on Telegram. "The enemy was bombarded," he added. Situation is now "under control."
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine Eyes Swift Disbursement of Promised AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hopes for the swift disbursement of the billion-dollar aid guaranteed by the West, which would also be funded from the earnings of frozen Russian state assets. While Ukraine encounters numerous political explanations from various partners, Zelensky asserts in his daily video address, "we need a proper mechanism." Ukraine requires the profits from Russia's frozen assets to counter Russian aggression. "The relevant deliberations have been dragged on for far too long, and we need decisions now." The G7 countries had agreed on a fresh financial aid package for Kyiv at their June summit, with a generous loan of $50 billion to be backed by interest payments from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Celebrates Closer Commerical Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin celebrates the escalated cooperation with China. "Our trade relations are flourishing (...). The focus both governments place on trade and economic relations is bearing fruit," Putin states in a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "large-scale cooperative plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin continues. Li comments, according to the Kremlin, that Chinese-Russian relations are at an "unprecedented peak." The strategic union between Russia and China has intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China is a primary trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Bulgakov's Appeal Turned Down: He Remains in CustodyFormer Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov remains behind bars on bribery charges. His request for house arrest with strict conditions and his appeal against detention have both been turned down, as reported by TASS state news agency. Bulgakov was responsible for logistics in the Russian armed forces prior to his dismissal. Furthermore, the Moscow court orders the detention of two of Bulgakov's supposed accomplices. Their firm is accused of securing nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, resulting in about 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros) worth of damages.
21:00 Ukraine Strengthens Troops in PokrovskAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is strengthening its forces in the fiercely contested Pokrovsk region in the east of the country. "We are aware of the Russian forces' intentions for there," he says in a live broadcast. Meanwhile, Ukraine's offensive in the Russian region of Kursk continues, Zelenskyy reports. Certain areas are currently under Ukrainian control. Zelenskyy does not offer additional details.
20:41 Post Decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary Face Eviction from SheltersFollowing the enforcement of a decree in Hungary that withholds universal protection to Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians there are at risk of losing their accommodations. Private refugee shelters have already begun expelling Ukrainians, as reported by Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, primarily Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, where there is a significant Hungarian minority, must vacate a guesthouse under police supervision.
- Following the escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine, there are growing concerns about potential cyberattacks, and some experts suggest that the ongoing conflict could lead to a new form of warfare known as 'cyberwar'.
- In light of the EU's efforts to lessen its dependence on Russian natural gas, there are speculations that Russia might retaliate through cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the gas storage facilities, as a form of 'cyberwar'.
