In Moscow, they give significant consideration to just one individual at 12:20.
June sees a peace conference skip Russia, yet Chancellor Scholz signals a possible chat with Putin. But how does the Kremlin respond? The Russian Foreign Minister, Lavrov, exhibits diplomatic maneuvers, but not with Europe, as reported by ntv correspondent Munz.
11:50 Kyiv Time: Russia amps up chemical weapon useUkrainian authorities alert about Russian troops in Ukraine utilizing more chemical weapons. The Ukrainian forces' command shares on Facebook that Russian forces employed 447 rounds of chemical-laden ammunition in August alone, and a total of 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian forces also accuse the Kremlin troops of stockpiling prohibited chemical agents and employing unidentified toxic compounds. They declare: "Russia is blatantly violating warfare rules and disregarding the conventions and commitments under the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons."
11:19 Presidential Office in Kyiv: Attacks on Russian arsenals welcomedThe Ukrainian Presidential Office leader emphasizes Ukraine's request to Western allies to allow strikes on Russian military depots deep within their territory. Andriy Yermak explains the need for attacking Russian rocket storage facilities, stating, "Defense isn't escalation." He further claims that using Western weapons prevents terror within Ukraine, expressing this notion on Telegram. Western governments have been hesitant to approve Ukraine's usage of the supplied weapons on Russian soil, citing fears of conflict escalation.
10:53 Casualties and Damages - Russia bombards Ukraine with numerous drones and missilesThe attacks by Russian drones and missiles led to at least three injuries, as per local authorities. Various structures were damaged, and fires were started, sources reported. Air defense shot down 38 out of 46 Russian drones during the nighttime assault, as per the air force's statement on Telegram. Russia also launched two missiles as part of its attack. The attack targeted energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions, the Ukrainian energy ministry reported, resulting in disruptions to high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 Dethroning of Role Model Status - Putin's children's rights commissioner marries oligarchThe Russian children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, once represented the epitome of the Russian woman. Since 2003, she was with an Orthodox priest, and in propagandist media, the couple spoke about traditional values, Christian beliefs, and their experiences raising multiple children. She was also indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2023, alongside Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, for the child kidnappings from Ukraine. However, her claims of conservative beliefs and devotion to her husband appear questionable now. Over the weekend, she married oligarch Konstantin Malofeev, whom she had been in a relationship with for some time, according to independent outlet Verstka. Though the relationship remains relatively traditional, as Malofeev is the founder of the Kremlin-affiliated Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and a staunch advocate of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Moscow Suffers from Ukrainian Drone StrikesThe Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow resulted in a female fatality, as per the region's governor. Footage shows explosions in residential areas. Russian sources also report the interception of 144 drones.
09:32 Russia Commences 'Ocean-2024' Naval ExercisesRussia's navy has embarked on the 'Ocean-2024' maneuvers, involving over 400 warships, including submarines, and more than 90,000 personnel from various naval units. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow disclosed the exercises which take place in the Baltic Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, where Russia has a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Two Lives Lost in Russian Oil Pipeline Fire in OrenburgTwo lives were lost as a result of a fire at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, according to news agency TASS. An investigation into the fire's cause is already underway, while the exact time remains unclear. Unverified reports of the incident circulated on some Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Negotiations on Hold for Now – RussiaRussia will refuse to engage in negotiations with Ukraine until its troops withdraw from Russian territories, as per Russian Secretary of the Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, as reported by news agency TASS. Previously, Kremlin spokesman Peskov also refused to discuss negotiations.
08:14 Russian Airports Restore OperationsThe airports in Moscow – Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo – have resumed operations, as per the Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya. Flights had to be suspended due to Ukrainian drone strikes in the Moscow region.
07:43 Scholz Sets Requirements for Russia's Involvement in Peace TalksGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has connected Russia's potential involvement in a Ukraine peace conference to certain prerequisites. During an SPD gathering on Monday evening, he emphasized the need for military support for Ukraine against the aggressor Russia and an examination of a way out of the current war situation. He shares the Ukrainian leadership's desire for another peace conference with Russia's participation, but he remarks that such an attempt wouldn't succeed if the participant was simultaneously proclaiming intentions to continue attacking. Scholz was referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who openly states his desire for additional Ukrainian territory for peace. "In this situation, what's crucial in politics is transparency, firmness, and courage. That's what's needed to guarantee peace and security in Europe," the Chancellor emphasizes.
07:18 Fico Accuses Ukrainian Military of Fascism - Kyiv Rejects
The Ukrainian authorities are perplexed by the accusations made by pro-Russian Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. As reported by Reuters, Fico urged Kyiv to take action to eliminate fascism within its military. In a statement from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, it says: "Ukrainian soldiers are protecting their families, homes, and country, as well as all of Europe and the free world against Russian invaders marked with the letter 'Z' - a symbol of modern Russia's fascist aesthetics." The ministry adds that the Ukrainian people suffered "millions of casualties" in the battle against Nazism in the 20th century. Fico's fascism claim echoes Russian propaganda that frequently labels Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. Incidentally, far-right parties garnered just 2.4% in the 2019 Ukrainian elections. Historian Timothy Snyder, however, sees clear fascist tendencies in Putin's system.
06:56 Russian Governor Adjusts Casualty Count
In a Telegram post, Russian regional governor Andrei Vorobyov reports that a woman has died and three civilians have been injured in a Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow. Initially, he reported the death of a child (see entry at 06:02), but he later clarified that he could not confirm the child's death. According to him, 43 people are currently seeking refuge in temporary shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace to Investigate Environmental Crimes Committed by Russia
Greenpeace is reopening an office in Kyiv with the aim of expediting reconstruction projects in Ukraine and investigating and documenting environmental crimes resulting from Russia's invasion, the environmental organization reveals. It is already collaborating with local environmental organizations for this purpose. "Our objective is to facilitate Ukraine's sustainable rebuilding of its social infrastructure by utilizing the clean power of sunlight and wind," says the new office head, Natalia Goshak. Greenpeace has repeatedly highlighted environmental damage in Ukraine caused by Russia's invasion. For instance, the organization is monitoring the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Russia Confirms Child Death in Moscow Region
Russian reports indicate that a child has died in a Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region. Regional governor Andrei Vorobyov states on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region overnight. One of these drones caused a fire that is currently being extinguished by firefighters. "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child passed away," Vorobyov adds. At least one person was injured when another drone was shot down in the capital region, as the projectile landed on a residential building. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had initially stated that 11 drones had been intercepted near the Russian capital.
04:36 Russia: Drone Debris Lands on Energy FacilityDebris from a drone destroyed by Russian air defense in the Tula region has landed on an energy facility, according to Russia's TASS news agency. "There were no injuries," TASS cited Tula authorities as saying. The technological process and resource supply to consumers were unaffected. The situation is under control.
03:29 Ukraine Attacks Moscow with DronesAfter two Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Domodedovo district in Moscow, emergency services have been dispatched to the crash site, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Sobyanin did not mention any damage or casualties. The Domodedovo district, about 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, is home to one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russia's Air Defense Dispatches Drone Towards MoscowRussian air defense units have destroyed a drone heading towards the Russian capital, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced. "According to initial information, there are no damages and no casualties where the debris fell," Sobyanin said on Telegram. No statement has been made from the Ukrainian side.
00:12 Zelensky Gratifies Sweden for New Aid PackageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Sweden for a defense aid package valued at $445 million. "This significant assistance, which includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions to cover Ukraine's immediate needs, will enhance our defense capabilities," Zelensky claimed on Twitter. According to Swedish reports, the package also includes spare parts for Gripen fighter jets to prepare for a potential future delivery of the aircraft.
22:17 Foreign Office: Russia Poses major Threat to Tranquility, Straight at NATO's Eastern FrontierFollowing Russian unmanned aerial vehicles trespassing into Latvia and Romania, Germany's Foreign Office labels Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, as "the greatest menace to calmness and stability" right at NATO's eastern border. "Regrettably, Putin's Russia is currently the prime threat to tranquility and stability directly at NATO's eastern border," the office stated on D. "This has been evident not least through the recent UAV incidents in Romania and Latvia." The Foreign Office is collaborating with its partner nations and standing by their side.
21:42 White House Unable to Validate Reports of Iranian Ballistic Missile Deliveries to RussiaThe United States administration cannot substantiate reports that Iran has provided Russia with ballistic missiles, as per John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council.
21:28 Zelensky Pushes for Rapid Execution of Western Aid CommitmentsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for the prompt implementation of aid commitments with the West. "The trajectory of the war hinges on the quality of logistics in deliveries and the fulfillment of all promises by partners," Zelensky stated in his evening video message. Weapons and equipment must be delivered on schedule to be effective. "What's necessary in September must reach our troops in September."
20:52 Prominent Russian Opposition Politician Advises Against Granting Putin a 'Satisfying' Exit from Ukraine Conflict
Prominent Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa advises the West against allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin a "satisfying" exit from the Ukraine conflict. "It's crucial that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious in the war against Ukraine," says Kara-Mursa. "It's crucial that Vladimir Putin does not find a satisfactory way out of this conflict in Ukraine." About a month after his release in a prisoner swap, Kara-Mursa acknowledges that "weariness" with the war prevails in Western societies. Nevertheless, Putin must "be defeated." He adds, "If, tragically, the Putin regime is permitted to portray the outcome of this war as a victory and remain in power, we will be discussing another conflict or misfortune within a year or eighteen months."
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The Ukrainian authorities continue to accuse the Russian forces of using prohibited chemical agents and employing unidentified toxic compounds, raising concerns with the Commission on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
In response to Chancellor Scholz's signal of a possible chat with Putin, the Russian Foreign Minister, Lavrov, remains tight-lipped on any prospects of diplomatic engagement with Europe.
