Evening in Kyiv: Second peace dialogue set to occur in the Global South Regions
Kyiv's head honchos hint at arranging the second Peace Summit for Ukraine in a southern global locale, as per their declarations. Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian presidential advisor, disclosed this, mentioning that Indian PM Narendra Modi expressed his support for Ukraine's territorial integrity after his visit to Kyiv.
20:58 USA Slams Killing of Reuters Staffer by RussiaThe White House bashes a Russian rocket assault on a Ukrainian hotel, resulting in a Reuters security advisor's demise and injuring two Reuters journalists. The US spokesperson for the National Security Council condemns the attack vividly, expressing their sympathy towards Reuters for the loss of an employee.
20:25 Zelensky: Kursk Offensive One of the Steps to End the WarUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considers the offensive in the Russian Kursk area as one of the methods to bring an end to the ongoing war. According to Zelensky, the Kursk operation has no connection to the peace agreement, but is a part of the Ukrainian victory plan, which includes the Kursk operation.
19:52 Russia Constructs New Ponton Bridges in KurskRussia established new ponton bridges in the Kursk area after Ukraine destroyed several bridges in the region. Satellite images show Russian forces setting up an emergency bridge across the Seim River near a demolished bridge. Despite this, Ukraine tries to sabotage these Russian crossings using long-range artillery.
19:17 Zelensky Set to Unveil Peace Plan to Biden, Trump, and HarrisUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to reveal his blueprint for ending the Russia-Ukraine war to outgoing US President Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris in September. Zelensky clarified that the Kursk offensive is a crucial component of this strategy. Besides military aspects, the plan also covers diplomatic and economic initiatives.
18:44 Ukraine Keeps Tally of 136,000 Russian War CrimesUkrainian law enforcement monitors a tally of 136,000 war crimes committed by the Russian aggressors since the 2022 large-scale invasion began. The Ukrainian prosecutor's office has probed 660 suspects, with 126 convictions, as stated by Ukrainian authorities. However, the numbers might be incomplete due to unreachable territories under Russian control.
18:20 Russia Investigates Deutsche Welle CorrespondentsThe Russian security service (FSB) is scrutinizing a Deutsche Welle journalist and another Ukrainian reporter, charging them with unlawfully entering the Kursk region of Russia, the FSB reports. Nick Connolly, an employee of the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and Natalia Nagornaya, a Ukrainian journalist from broadcaster 1+1, are reportedly reporting from Ukrainian-controlled areas in Kursk.
17:51 Zelensky Guesses Ukraine Can Produce 1.5-2 Million DronesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presumes Ukraine can manufacture 1.5 to 2 million drones in 2022, but lacks funds, according to Zelensky. Zelensky concludes the war can only be ended via dialogue. The Ukrainian government must fortify their stance before participating in the planned conference this year, as per Zelensky.
17:25 Grossi Gravely Concerned About Situation at Kursk Nuclear Power PlantGrossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) chief, deems the proximity of the fighting between Ukraine and Russia to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant as extremely serious after visiting the region. He stresses that having a nuclear power plant situated near a conflict line or military front is an extremely alarming situation. Grossi adds that the urgent situation calls for caution when considering military operations; however, the nuclear power plant is presently operating in "nearly normal conditions".
16:51 Syrskyj: Russia Dispatches 30,000 Soldiers to KurskUkrainian army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyj, believes the goal of the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk area is to divert Russian troops away from other sectors, primarily from the Donetsk region areas. Syrskyj reveals that Russia has deployed 30,000 soldiers to the Kursk region, with the troop count increasing. Thus, Russia has reduced its presence in the southern Ukraine, according to Syrskyj. However, the battle remains fierce in the focus region of Pokrovsk. Moscow is concentrating its most potent troops in this area, reports Syrskyj.
16:25 Russian rocket strike kills one in Kharkiv regionRussian rocket attacks on the Kharkiv region city of Bohoduchiw left one fatality and injured six, according to information obtained by the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office. The rocket hit a bus stop, killing a 71-year-old woman and causing damage to industrial and residential facilities, along with many vehicles.
15:57 Shmyhal Forecasts Ukraine's Billion-dollar Budget DeficitPrime Minister Denys Shmyhal predicts that Ukraine will require an additional $15 billion to cover its financial shortfall in 2025. According to Reuters, he estimates the budget deficit for the upcoming year at $35 billion, aiming to cover $20 billion of it. The Ukrainian government projects a deficit of about $38 billion for 2024. Shmyhal suggests that the government intends to enhance taxes and boost borrowing from the domestic debt market to gather additional funds for the conflict against Russia. Parliament will reportedly discuss these proposals in September.
15:32 Ukraine Seeks Alternative Defense MethodsUkraine experiences its largest bomb and rocket assault by the Russian military since the conflict began. These attacks persist incessantly, even during the night. In response, Ukraine is now examining various means to safeguard itself against Russian attacks, besides the military assistance from Western nations.
15:11 Zelensky Announces Successful Test of Indigenous Ballistic MissileUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces that the country has successfully tested its first domestically manufactured ballistic missile. He exults, "The first Ukrainian ballistic missile has been successfully tested," praising the nation's defense industry. However, Zelensky refrains from disclosing any further details about the missile.
14:45 Ryabkov Accuses US of Involvement in Ukrainian IncursionRussian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov alleges that the US is involved in the Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk. He hints that Russia's response to this incident might be more severe than before, based on Russian state news agencies RIA and TASS. Nonetheless, he fails to provide concrete evidence or details to support his claims regarding US involvement. The White House refutes this allegation, asserting that it was unaware of the sudden Ukrainian incursion into Kursk on August 6.
14:19 Zelensky Attributes Successful Interception of Russian Missiles to F-16 JetsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that the F-16 fighter jets have already proven successful in intercepting Russian missiles during a major assault. "During this extensive missile attack, we managed to take down some missiles, with help from F-16s," Zelensky reveals. It was reported that the jets were utilized to repel the devastating air assault on Monday. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have pledged to furnish Ukraine with more than 60 of these US-made fighter jets collectively.
13:59 Emergency Warning Near Russian Nuclear Power Plant in KurskSirens indicating an air threat resounded briefly in the Russian city of Kursk, situated in the Kursk region. According to A Reuters reporter, the sirens warned of a potential danger from a missile. The Kursk nuclear power plant, under scrutiny by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi, is located in Kursk.
13:44 Russian Army Reports Capture of Another Village Near PokrovskThe Russian Ministry of Defense declares that Russian troops have seized another village near the strategically critical city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. The ministry announced on Telegram that Russian troops have overtaken the Orlowka village in the Donetsk region, the Russian name for the Ukrainian village of Orliwka. Despite ongoing hostilities between Ukrainian forces and the Russian military in the Russian region of Kursk, Russia continues to advance its offensive in Donetsk, frequently announcing the acquisition of new villages. Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub, remains a focal point.
13:21 Lavrov Warns of Consequences of Western BlackmailRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticizes Ukraine's call upon its allies to use the weapons offered by the West to invade Russia as a form of intimidation. He cautions that it is hazardous for Western nuclear powers to "play with fire." He does not provide further information. Russia's nuclear policy includes the use of nuclear weapons if Russia's sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened.
13:04 Syrskyj Reports Advancement of Ukrainian Troops in Kursk; Tense Situation in PokrovskUkrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj reports that Ukrainian troops are continuing to push forward in the Russian region of Kursk. However, Russian soldiers are also advancing towards the city of Pokrovsk in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk, where the situation is generally challenging.
12:42 Munz Anticipates Escalated Attacks on UkraineFollowing the drone assaults over the past weeks, Russia is now reportedly intensifying its rocket attacks on Ukraine. This turn of events is not coincidental, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. As autumn approaches, along with the heating season, Russia may aim to increase pressure on Ukraine.
12:33 Ukrainian Troops Reportedly Capture 594 Russian Soldiers in KurskAs per the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Olexander Syrskyj, Ukraine has reportedly taken 594 Russian troops captive in the Kursk Oblast. This is the first instance he has revealed such numbers. Earlier in the week, it was reported that the "Washington Post" had identified at least 247 Russian prisoners of war through an analysis of photos and videos.
12:09 Power outages and limitations to persist for several additional daysFollowing the largest attack on Ukraine by Russia since the conflict started, the population is anticipated to endure strict measures for a while longer. Power interruptions and "extreme" energy restrictions could persist for another week to 14 days, notes Ivan Plachkov, president of the Ukrainian energy alliance, to the TV channel Kyiv24. Plachkov states that the large-scale Russian attack on Monday was "one of the most significant attacks on energy infrastructure" intended to induce "a full-blown power outage within the energy system".
11:46 Roth: Russia intends to instigate refugee influx to EU using assault waveAs per the evaluation of SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, Russia aims to generate a refugee tide to Europe through its intensive attacks on Ukrainian supply facilities. The attack sequence marks the "inception of a fresh destruction campaign against the Ukrainian energy infrastructure", says the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee to the portal Politico. "On the one hand, Ukrainian arms production is intended to be disrupted, on the other hand, the living conditions of the people in Ukraine are intended to become unbearable in order to spark new refugee waves towards the EU." Furthermore, Roth asserts that the damage is so extensive that a swift fix is hardly conceivable. Roth advocates for help for the approaching "difficult winter" - such as emergency power generators - as well as a US permit for the deployment of long-range weapons against the airfields from which Russian bombers take off.
11:21 Ukrainian border guard: No noteworthy military movements in BelarusThe Ukrainian border guard reports that it does not observe any distinctive military movements in Belarus. There is no sighting of soldiers or equipment near the border, announces border guard spokesman Andrij Demtschenko on Ukrainian television. Nonetheless, there remains a substantial threat to Ukraine from the border with Belarus. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry recently declared that Belarus had amassed troops and equipment at the border in large numbers. Belarus is an intimate ally of Russia.
10:56 Russian governor confirms Ukrainian attempts to break through in BelgorodThe governor of the Belgorod region, Wjatscheslaw Gladkow, reports via Telegram that "information has surfaced that the adversary is attempting to breach the border". Therefore, he substantiates reports from Russian Telegram channels (see entry from 10:02). "According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the scenario at the border continues to be difficult yet manageable", states Gladkow. "Please remain tranquil and rely solely on official information sources." The governor asserts that Ukraine has assaulted the region with over 20 drones in the previous 24 hours. Kyiv has yet to comment on the supposed incidents.
10:50 Report: Ukraine Establishes New Heavy Troops for Defense Against Russian AggressionAccording to a report by the independent Ukrainian portal "MilitaryLand", Ukraine is establishing new mechanized brigades for defensive combat against Russian aggression, which could be operational by 2025. The personnel is expected to be recruited from Ukrainians living abroad and partly trained there. A mechanized brigade typically comprises approximately 2000 soldiers and is outfitted with heavy military equipment such as tanks.
Read more here.
10:44 IAEA Chief Grossi Inspects Russian Nuclear Power Plant in KurskThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has reportedly arrived at the Kursk nuclear power plant in the namesake Russian border region, according to a report by the Russian state agency TASS. Grossi had announced the previous day that he would personally oversee the inspection of the facility near the city of Kursk due to the pressing situation. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers had invaded the Kursk region in a surprise attack on August 6. Russia imputes Ukraine of frequently assaulting the facility. The Ukrainian government has yet to formally comment on this.
10:23 FSB Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Deutsche Welle ReporterThe Russian security service FSB is alleged to have initiated legal proceedings against two foreign journalists. They are accused of unlawfully entering Russian territory to report from the Kursk region following the Ukrainian invasion. Reuters reports this, referencing the Russian news agency Interfax. According to this, the journalists are a reporter from Deutsche Welle and a correspondent from the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1. The FSB is reported to have initiated legal proceedings against at least seven foreign journalists who were said to have reported from Kursk.
10:02 Ukrainian Forces Attempt to Penetrate Russian Border in Belgorod RegionUkrainian troops appear to be attempting to breach the Russian border in the southern Belgorod region, according to reports from Russian Telegram channels referenced by The Guardian. The Telegram channel Mash reports that around 500 Ukrainian soldiers have assaulted two checkpoints in Nechoteyewka and Shebekino in Belgorod, and that combat is underway at both locations. Belgorod borders the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have been capturing Russian territory since early August.
09:21 "Everything heading towards Kyiv was obliterated"Ukraine's air defense forces claim to have downed five Russian missiles and 60 drones. Russia launched a total of 10 missiles and 81 drones, according to Ukraine's Air Force's Telegram channel. Around 15 drones and several missiles were intercepted near Kyiv, as per the city's military administration chief, Serhiy Popko. "Everything heading towards Kyiv was obliterated." Ten drones were still in Ukrainian airspace as of 9 a.m. local time (8 a.m. CEST). Other drones crashed. Three Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles and two Iskander missiles could not be intercepted, according to Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk. The military's numbers are not fully verifiable, but they give a general idea of the attack's scale.
08:57 Overnight raids leave multiple casualties - Russia fires Kinzhal missilesRussia has launched heavy air raids on Ukraine for the second consecutive night, using various weapons. At least four people were killed, according to initial reports from Ukrainian authorities - two due to a missile strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih and two more due to drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine's Air Force reports that Russia used long-range bombers from which cruise missiles were launched. Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were also fired.
08:33 Beijing advocates for wider backing of its peace proposalChina calls for wider support for its peace proposal. After diplomatic talks with Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa, China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, said that the three countries, representing the Global South, have significant influence in promoting world peace. They have maintained communication with both Ukraine and Russia and are committed to resolving the conflict through dialogue and negotiations, Li said. China and Brazil published a joint peace plan earlier this year, which calls for a peace conference involving all parties and no further expansion on the battlefield. China and Russia did not attend a peace conference in Switzerland in June. Russia was not invited, and China decided not to participate.
08:05 Russian Commander: Two settlements in Kursk "Liberated"
In the ongoing battles in Kursk, the Russian military claims to have "liberated" two more settlements. According to the Russian state news agency TASS, the deputy head of the military-political main department of the Russian armed forces and the commander of the Chechen special unit Achmat, Major General Apti Alaudinow, stated, "I am pleased to inform you that the Arbat unit has completely cleared the settlements of Nishnaya Parovaya and Nechayev today, and the 1427th regiment is moving in. Therefore, this area has also been cleaned up and brought under control." The situation on the front line has not changed significantly today, the general said. "The enemy has indeed suffered heavy losses today. They attacked all day and therefore suffered very heavy losses." These claims cannot be independently verified. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirms that Monday's satellite imagery showed that Ukrainian forces were operating immediately west of Nechayev.
07:37 Biden denounces latest Russian attacks as "unconscionable"US President Joe Biden has denounced the latest Russian attacks on Monday as "unconscionable". "I strongly condemn Russia's continued war against Ukraine and its efforts to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness," Biden said. Russia will never succeed in Ukraine. Moscow is targeting "the lifelines" of Ukraine with attacks and trying to "destroy supplies", the German Foreign Office said. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the Russian attacks as "cowardly".
07:05 ISW: A Belarusian invasion of Ukraine is unlikelyThe Institute for the Study of War (ISW) still assesses that an invasion of Ukraine by Belarusian forces is unlikely. The US think tank cites a recent report by the Ukraine-based open-source news organization Frontline Insight and Rochan Consulting, which suggests that Belarusian combat units typically operate at only 30 to 40 percent of their total strength and require mobilization to fully man units. No such mobilization has occurred. Instead, it is likely that the current aim is to distract Ukrainian forces from their efforts elsewhere along the front line, thereby supporting Russian troops. The current number of Russian forces in Belarus is also insufficient to launch a coordinated invasion from the Gomel region border. Moreover, a Belarusian invasion of Ukraine or military involvement in the war would weaken the ability of ruler Alexander Lukashenko to defend his regime. Domestic discontent could dramatically increase. The next presidential elections are scheduled for February 2025.
06:32 Gabbard Endorses Trump: Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Advocates for US to "Step Back from the Brink of War"
Former Democratic presidential candidate and congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has since distanced herself from her party, is endorsing Republican candidate Donald Trump for the November election. She pledged to do everything in her power to help him return to the White House, saying that as President, Trump would first ensure the US "steps back from the brink of war" in the Middle East and Ukraine. Gabbard, a former National Guard soldier, ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 but had little chance of success and eventually endorsed Joe Biden, who won the election for the Democrats. The Hawaii representative campaigned for a less militarized US foreign policy. Gabbard, now 43, had to defend herself against allegations that her campaign was supported by Russia and aimed to weaken the Democrats.
Read more here.
06:17 Biden Praises Modi's Ukraine Visit
American President Joe Biden commends Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his conversations with Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Ukraine's desired peace and stability. During his recent visit to Ukraine and Poland, Modi advocated for India's full backing in reviving tranquility in Ukraine. The White House acknowledges Biden's admiration for Modi's interactions with Ukraine and his trip to Poland. Warsaw is one of Kiev's close allies in Eastern Europe. The White House National Security Advisor, John Kirby, expresses approval towards any nation aligning with Zelensky's vision of a fair peace.
05:45 Multiple Blasts Reported in Kyiv
Witnesses in Kyiv reported multiple blasts during the most recent drone attack on the city. There are yet no casualty reports. Kyiv's air defense systems have continuously monitored the skies throughout the night, intercepting incoming missiles and drones targeting the capital, as announced on Telegram by the regional military administration.
05:03 Russian Planes and Drones Targeting Ukraine
Ukraine's military claims Russian bombers and drones approaching Ukraine. Ukrainian sources affirm that Russian Tu-95ms bombers took off from Engels airbase in Southwestern Russia. Additionally, attack drones are on their way. Alerts have been issued in various parts of Ukraine, as per local authorities.
04:04 Russian Missile Strike Death Toll Rises in Kryvyi Rih
Deaths in the Kryvyi Rih city following a Russian missile attack have climbed to two, as per Ukrainian reports. Ukrainian media has indicated up to five individuals possibly trapped beneath the rubble, citing local and municipal administrations. The city administration attributes the hit to a ballistic missile rather than a regular bomb. However, none of this information has been independently verified yet.
02:04 New Drone Attack on Kyiv
Ukrainian sources claim another drone attack in Kyiv's region. The Kyiv regional military administration reported drone movements on Telegram, alerting the local population and triggering air defense systems.
00:35 Russian Missile Strike in Kryvyi Rih Claims One Life
At least one person has lost their life in a Russian missile strike on a civilian infrastructure building in Kryvyi Rih. Five more individuals may still be trapped under the rubble, according to local authorities. The head of the regional military administration in Kryvyi Rih, Oleksandr Vilkul, confirmed four hospitalizations due to injuries. The governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, conveyed the building was entirely reduced to oblivion via his Telegram post. Yet again, these reports cannot be confirmed independently, and there is no response from the Russian side yet.
23:19 Zelensky Threatens Revenge Against Russia for Air Strikes
President Zelensky vowed retaliation against Russia after this week's widespread Russian air strikes. As per Zelensky's nightly address, military action will be initiated via the F-16 fighter jets given by Western nations. No specifics about the planned retaliation were revealed.
22:03 US Defends Ukraine Against "Darkness"
Following the Russian barrage on Ukraine, the US has accused Russia of attempting to "plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness" as autumn approaches, as stated by John Kirby, the US National Security Council's spokesperson. Kirby criticized Russia's air assault on Ukraine's infrastructure and deemed the attacks "scandalous," further condemning "Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine."
21:20 Forced Evacuations Ordered in Donetsk Area
Due to the Russian advance in the Donetsk area, Ukrainian authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations. The security conditions worsened, prompting the evacuation of particular neighborhoods with children and their guardians. A list of twenty-seven settlements in the Kostyantynivka and Selydove areas was released by Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin for mandatory evacuation. Earlier, evacuations were ordered in the Pokrovsk area due to the Russian troop advance.
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