Habeck Suggests Boosting Employment of More Refugees from Ukraine
Economy Minister Robert Habeck advocates for more Ukrainian refugees to join Germany's workforce. Exceptions based on family matters, health issues, war trauma, or childcare responsibilities could potentially hinder employment, Habeck shared with Welt TV. However, Habeck argued that in most cases, working is beneficial for both the individuals, their integration, and the social system. Critics, such as Brandenburg's Minister President and SPD politician Dietmar Woidke, who raised concerns about providing financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees, received skepticism from Habeck. He attributed the skepticism to the intense election campaigns in Eastern Germany and a lack of clear thinking.
20:28 Ukrainian military inaugurates offensive in Charkiv region: 2 km advance The Ukrainian military declared a push in the Charkiv region, advancing nearly two kilometers into combat zones. The primary goal of the operation was reportedly to reduce the offensive capabilities of the 20th Army of the Russian Federation. According to the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of Ukrainian ground forces, the objective was achieved. However, the extent of the reported counterattack remains elusive. Additionally, the brigade claimed that the Russian forces had lost 300 soldiers over the last four days and sustained significant equipment and weaponry damage.
20:00 Ukrainian intelligence agency reportedly hacked Russian TV channels Ukrainian intelligence sources claim to have disrupted the broadcasts of several Russian TV channels and replaced them with a video about the war in Ukraine. According to the "Kyiv Post" newspaper and the RBC Ukraine news agency, the Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) executed the hack, broadcasting the reality of the war to the local populace. The affected channels included Pervouralsk, Evraziya 360, and Pervyj Kanal TV. As a result, nine channels were forced to suspend programming temporarily.
19:16 Lithuanian armed forces report decrease in Russian ground troops in Kaliningrad Lithuanian Commander, Raimundas Vaikshnoras, shared that the number of Russian ground troops camped in the Kaliningrad exclave has reduced. He attributed this outcome to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Following the commencement of the war against Ukraine, a significant amount of equipment and personnel were relocated from Kaliningrad, as per Commander Vaikshnoras' report. Although the soldiers have returned after a rotation, a reduction in ground troops is currently observed.
18:40 Lukashenko's comments about Armenia stir protests Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's dismissive remarks regarding Armenia resulted in protests. Demonstrators threw eggs at the Belarusian embassy in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, and demanded the expulsion of the ambassador. Lukashenko criticized Armenia's pro-Western stance on Russian state TV, stating that Armenia was not essential and should rely on its resources. Relations between Armenia and Russia have soured since Azerbaijan seized control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September, ending three decades of Armenian rule in the region.
18:03 Deaths reported in Ukrainian Sumy region due to glide bomb attack The Prosecutor's office in Ukraine reported two fatalities and damage to infrastructure components in the Sumy region, near the border with Russia's Kursk region, following a glide bomb strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Sumy on Thursday, commenting that attacks on the region have decreased since parts of Kursk were captured.
17:28 Russian authorities: Fuel tanker in flames after Ukrainian attack A fuel tanker caught fire in the Russian port of Kavkaz, according to local authorities, following a Ukrainian attack. Russian media outlets published images and videos documenting the scene, with smoke plumes visible. Ukrainian forces also disseminated such footage on social media, with the caption "Neptune visits Kavkaz port" in a Telegram channel. Unconfirmed reports from Russian Telegram sources suggested that the tanker suffered damage from a Neptune anti-ship missile. However, the missile's official range is 300 kilometers, which exceeds the distance from the front line. The port plays a crucial role in supplying Russia's troops in its war against Ukraine.
Update at 18:39: According to the crisis center of the Krasnodar region, the tanker sank after the fire, with allegedly 30 fuel tanks on board. Further details here.
16:41 Russia touts victory near Pokrovsk, Ukraine celebrates Kursk triumphThe Russian military claims to have seized another village close to Pokrovsk city's outskirts in eastern Ukraine. The Russian forces are now approximately 10 km from a significant logistics hub, with Pokrovsk region's reinforcement in the pipeline as per President Zelenskyy's announcement earlier. Conversely, Zelenskyy reports a win in the Russian Kursk region. Ukrainian troops have capturing another village and detained a considerable number of Russian soldiers in a "retaliation fund." As per reports, Ukrainian troops control 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, the authenticity of these claims remains unverified.
16:12 Ukraine dismisses nuclear plant sabotage allegations: Could Russia stage its "nuclear scandal"?Russia's President Putin's claim about an attempted Ukrainian attack on the Kursk nuclear power plant is refuted by Ukraine. Andrii Kovalenko, head of the disinformation department at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, labels the accusation as a "miserable lie." Previous false nuclear provocation allegations have been made by Russian authorities regarding Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Rumors are circulating that Russia might stage its own "nuclear provocation," as per Kovalenko's statement. He warns of a potential real "nuclear provocation risk" due to Putin's involvement.
15:46 EU gas reserves surpass 90%, ready for winterTwo months ahead of schedule, European Union's gas storage facilities are filled to 90%. The EU emphasizes its readiness for the upcoming winter, as the 27 member states agreed to have gas storage facilities at an average of 90% by November 1. According to the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, countries with the highest fill levels include Spain (100%) and lowest include Latvia (69%). Germany's storage facilities hold a 93.6% capacity, with the EU aiming to decrease reliance on Russian gas. More LNG imports from the US and natural gas from Norway are being welcomed by the EU.
15:21 Putin blames Ukraine for attempting a nuclear power plant attackRussian President Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting an attack on the Kursk nuclear power plant, but fails to provide evidence. He announces the attack to the public during a televised cabinet meeting, informing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the situation. The IAEA has previously urged "maximum restraint" from all parties involved due to potential impacts on the power plant.
14:50 IAEA head set for Kursk nuclear power plant visitIAEA head, Rafael Grossi, plans to visit the Russian Kursk nuclear power plant next week, as announced by the IAEA spokesperson. The decision comes in response to the Ukrainian army's surprise offensive in the Kursk region in early August. The Russian state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, had earlier warned of a possible Ukrainian attack on the nuclear power plant which is located at a 100 km distance from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Russia evacuates 115,000 people from border areasOver 115,000 people have been evacuated from danger-prone Russian regions near the Ukrainian border, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The evacuation is due to the damage caused by the Ukrainian offensive on both agriculture and industry. The meeting with President Putin and officials is being held to assess the current situation in the border regions.
14:00 Tusk advocates for India's mediation role in Ukraine conflictPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sees an opportunity in India's mediator role in the Ukraine conflict. Modi expressed interest in playing a peacemaker's role, traveling to Kyiv for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a move regarded positively by Tusk. India maintains neutrality in the Russian assault and does not support international sanctions against Moscow.
13:40 "No signs of limited Kursk advance"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not see signs of a "limited and time-bound" advance of Ukrainian troops into Russia near Kursk, as reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald. Instead, she states that the situation in Sumy, eastern Ukraine, does not support the notion of a specific, time-limited conflict.
13:20 Military aircraft reportedly destroyed in Sawaslejka attacksUkrainian forces reportedly destroyed several Russian aircraft at the Sawaslejka airbase. Suspilne, a public Ukrainian broadcaster, shared the intelligence service's intel, reporting the loss of a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters on August 16, and around five more aircraft, likely MiG-31K/I, in earlier attacks. A fuel and lubricant depot was also hit on August 13, damaging an additional MiG-31K/I.
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has initiated criminal charges against several international journalists following reports in the Russian Kursk region, which is under Ukrainian control. The FSB alleges that a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists illegally crossed the border and took footage in Sudcha, a town under Ukrainian control. International arrest warrants for the trio are imminent, as they could face up to five years in prison if convicted in Russia. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was released as part of a prisoner swap after being sentenced to 16 years in a labor camp for alleged espionage. Read more here.
12:34 Zelenskyy in Border Region: "Exchange Fund" Reinforced
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops have advanced into Russian territory over two weeks ago. He announces the capture of another town in the Kursk region and hints at increasing the "exchange fund" by capturing Russian soldiers for future prisoner swaps. Attacks on Sumy and civilian fatalities have reportedly decreased since the Kursk offensive. Zelenskyy shares a video of him with the commander-in-chief of Ukrainian troops, Olexander Syrskyj, who discusses the reinforcement of eastern Ukrainian troops in response to Russia's military advance.
12:06 Potential Spy Drones Over Critical Infrastructure? Suspected Alleged Russian Drones in Brunsbüttel
Brunsbüttel, home to the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein, has allegedly been targeted by Russian drones. The "Bild" newspaper claims that multiple drones have been seen flying over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating these infractions on suspicion of espionage aimed at causing sabotage. The police report states that the flight ban zone was breached by drone flights over the nuclear power plant. An unidentified object, suspected to be a military drone, was detected. "Bild" suggests that the drones originated from Russian agents positioned on civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Upcoming Attacks
The US Embassy in Kyiv warns of an increased risk of air assaults before Ukraine's Independence Day this coming Saturday. The embassy anticipates Russian aerial attacks with drones and missiles, according to its website. The 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union falls on August 24. Following the start of the Ukrainian conflict two and a half years ago, the holiday has gained greater significance for Ukrainians. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers unintentionally infiltrated Russian territory in the Kursk border region. Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled this action a provocation and threatened a suitable response.
11:13 Military Base in Volgograd on Fire
A fire breaks out at a military base in Marinovka, in the southern Russian region of Volgograd. Local residents report hearing explosions. According to regional authorities, the fire was caused by a Ukrainian drone attack. There are no reported casualties.
10:41 Russia Now Focuses on Prefabricated Bunkers in Kursk
Local authorities in the Kursk Russian border region are constructing prefabricated concrete bunkers for the population. "On my orders, the Kursk city administration has designated central locations for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers," explains regional governor Alexei Smirnov in a Telegram post. Bunkers are being erected at busy locations such as 60 bus stops and at the Kursk nuclear power plant, which Russia alleges Ukraine plans to attack.
10:10 Ukraine Shows Advances in Kursk
Ukraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops at the Pokrovsk front near the city, most of which were successfully repelled. President Zelenskyy pledges to strengthen the forces in the area. Furthermore, the advance in the Kursk region persists.
09:42 Russia Reports Drone Attacks in Multiple Regions
Russia is battling against multiple Ukrainian air attacks in its western territory. Andrei Bocharov, regional governor, reports that most drones were destroyed near Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the Kursk border region, governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian rockets and one drone were destroyed by Russian air defenses." In the southern Russian region of Rostov, governor Vasily Golubyev declares an attack with five drones was "defended against." Drones are also reported to have been obliterated in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons for Protecting Ukrainian Cities: Ukrainian Defense Minister Seeks US ApprovalUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is meeting in Kyiv with a bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives. As stated by the ministry in Kyiv, Republican representative Rob Wittman and Democratic representative David Trone are discussing the situation at the front and Washington's policy on employing long-range weapons against Russian targets. "I stressed the need for us to quickly gain authorization from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," said Umerov. "This is crucial for protecting our peaceful towns and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Legend Launches Campaign for Mine-Clearing Robots in Ukraine American 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 hopes to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. The robots are designed to clear mines even in hard-to-reach areas, at a safe distance from the operators. "Russia's illegal minelaying is among the worst crimes they've committed in Ukraine," said Snyder. "I've visited unoccupied areas near the front line where people risk their lives to help others return to their farms and homes. With these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives can be saved." The Ukrainian territory is heavily contaminated with mines, their removal could take decades.
08:01 Kremlin Trying to Prepare Russians for the "New Reality" The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a problem for Moscow's propaganda. A source close to the Kremlin informed the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "But even the penetration into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and unpleasant development." To calm the now increasingly anxious population, the Kremlin is making efforts to prepare Russians for life in a "new reality" and a "new normality." The message is clear: The enemy has entered Russian territory, it is on the brink of defeat - but the return of the territory will take time, and the Russians must wait. In the meantime, residents are urged to "turn the negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by collecting aid supplies for the Kursk region. Generally, all officials interviewed by Meduza are certain that the fighting in the Kursk region could last several months. A government-linked source specifies that this estimate is "quite optimistic - if everything goes well."
07:30 Russian Governor Confirms Unverified Reports of Fire at Military Facility Russian authorities confirm unverified reports that a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd was set ablaze in an incident involving a Ukrainian drone. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced on Telegram that the drone had crashed into the facility. There were no reported casualties. Bocharov did not specify which military facility had been targeted or if the Marinovka airbase near Kalach-on-Don was affected.
06:56 Ex-National Security Advisor: Putin Manipulated Trump Former US National Security Advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, believes Putin successfully manipulated then-US President Donald Trump. This is revealed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by the "Guardian." "Putin, a former KGB man, used flattery to play on Trump's ego and insecurities," McMaster is quoted as saying. Putin allegedly referred to Trump as "a truly outstanding person, talented, beyond any doubt." Putin had a near-hypnotic influence on Trump. McMaster, who worked for Trump as a national security advisor for about a year, had reportedly warned Trump: "Mr. President, he is the best liar in the world." He indicated that Putin was confident he could "play" with Trump and achieve a relaxation of sanctions and a cheap withdrawal of US forces from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of Fire at Russian Airbase in Volgograd Explosions were said to have been heard in Kalach-on-Don, a city in the Volgograd region overnight. Various Russian Telegram channels claim these were the result of a drone attack. A fire was reported at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, about 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don, was likely the target. Witnesses in the area reported hearing six to ten loud explosions accompanied by the sounds of drones, as per Telegram.
04:27 Ukrainian Military Comments on Nighttime Drone Strikes in RussiaThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has provided insights into the objectives of the nighttime drone attacks in Russia. These attacks targeted the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communication center, according to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow to military site "The War Zone". Approximately 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being evaluated. Russian officials claimed to have shot down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
03:09 Russian Border Region of Kursk Prepares for Regional ElectionsIn preparation for the early regional elections in the disputed Russian border region of Kursk, poll workers will be equipped with bulletproof vests and helmets. Additionally, extra polling stations will be established in various parts of the country for individuals who have left the region, mentioned Tatiana Malakhova, head of the regional election commission, as reported by Russian news outlets. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are set to take place in several Russian regions from September 6 to 8. Early voting is already available for residents in border regions, including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
01:34 Fico Accuses Western Democracies of "Opinion Pressure"Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico alleges feeling pressured by public opinion in Western democracies. He contends that political leaders who deviate from popular consensus on significant foreign policy issues are subjected to arbitrary pressure and threats of isolation by Western democracies. On the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico drew parallels between the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" by Warsaw Pact troops and current political pressure in Europe. Fico has been criticized for his pro-Russian stance due to his opposition to EU arms aid for Ukraine.
00:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country within a 24-hour span. Forty-four of these attacks were repelled, reported the General Staff. Fighting is still ongoing at two other sections as of 9 PM CET. Russian casualties totaled 238 soldiers killed or wounded in these engagements. No Ukrainian losses have been reported. Russia has not yet issued a statement.
23:09 Russia Denies Ukrainian Incursion into BryanskRussia claims to have thwarted a supposed infiltration by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk, a Russian border region that shares borders with Kursk. According to the Bryansk governor, Alexander Bogomaz, the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was prevented by forces from the Russian FSB security service and the Russian army, as reported by Russian media. Bogomaz stated, "The enemy was engaged with fire." The situation, he claimed, is now under control.
22:15 Zelensky Urges Swift Allocation of Promised Western AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for the immediate allocation of the billion-dollar aid committed by the West, which will be funded in part by the frozen Russian state assets. Although there have been numerous political commitments from partners, more decisive actions are required, Zelensky asserted in his evening address. "But we need a functional mechanism." Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine requires funds from Russian assets to defend against Russian aggression. "The relevant discussions have been prolonged, and we require decisions now." The G7 countries had agreed on new financial aid for Ukraine during their June summit, with a $50 billion loan to be secured by interest on frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Commends Strong Trade Relations with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin praised the strengthening connection with China. "The trade partnership between our nations is flourishing (...). The focus both governments have on trade and economic relations is bearing fruit," he declared at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. Putin continued, emphasizing that China and Russia have extensive joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors. Li stated that the relationship between China and Russia was "at an unprecedented high" level, according to the Kremlin. Russian-Chinese relations have deepened since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China has become a significant trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Request for Release Denied for Accused Former Deputy Defense MinisterThe Russian former deputy defense minister, Dmitri Bulgakov, who was suspected of corruption, will remain in custody. Both Bulgakov's request for house arrest under strict conditions and his appeal against detention were rejected, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Prior to his dismissal, Bulgakov was responsible for procuring military supplies for the Russian armed forces. The Moscow court also ordered the detention of two alleged accomplices of Bulgakov. Their company was reported to have received nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. Estimated losses from these arrangements totaled around 50 million rubles (around 500,000 euros) based on intermediaries' accounts.
21:00 Ukraine Strengthens Forces in Pokrovsk RegionAs stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is reinforcing its military presence in the heavily contested Pokrovsk region in the eastern part of the country. He mentioned during a televised address that they are aware of Russian troop strategies in the area. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to gain ground in the Russian region of Kursk, Zelensky said. Although he did not provide further specifics, some areas have reportedly come under Ukrainian control.
20:41 Post Decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary Need to Vacate Refugee SheltersFollowing the enforcement of a decree in Hungary, which strips Ukrainian refugees of their general refugee status, numerous Ukrainians in Hungary face the threat of being kicked out of their refugee shelters. Private shelters have started to forcibly evict Ukrainians, as reported by Migration Aid. In Kocs, situated north of Budapest, roughly 120 refugees, predominantly Roma women and children hailing from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, known for its significant Hungarian minority, were forced to leave a guesthouse under police escort.
Catch up on all previous updates here.
The Ukrainian military continues to make gains, with a reported 2 km advance in the Charkiv region. This offensive aims to reduce the offensive capabilities of the 20th Army of the Russian Federation. (20:28 Ukrainian military inaugurates offensive in Charkiv region: 2 km advance)
In response to the Ukrainian offensive, the Russian military has reportedly activated its military reserves in the Kursk region. (16:12 Russia touts victory near Pokrovsk, Ukraine celebrates Kursk triumph)
