In Russia, over 115,000 individuals have been relocated due to a situation.
From regions adjacent to Ukraine's border, around 115,000 individuals have been evacuated safely, as announced by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The destructions brought about by Ukraine's offensive on agriculture and industries are currently being evaluated, he shared during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and other top officials. Putin commenced the meeting by stating, "I've brought you together to discuss the current situations in Russia's border regions."
14:00 Tusk: India can potentially mediate in Ukraine conflict Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sees India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prospective role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict in a positive light. Tusk expressed his contentment in Warsaw after communicating with Modi, stating, "I'm delighted that the Prime Minister has once again emphasized his willingness to personally strive for a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution to the conflict." Modi's mediation proposal becomes significant as he plans to journey from Poland to Kyiv, where he will engage in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India maintains a neutral stance towards Russia's military confrontation and never supports Western sanctions against Moscow.
13:40 "Doesn't appear to be a 'limited' Kursk incursion" German Chancellor Olaf Scholz perceives the Ukrainian invasion into Russia to be "a spatially and temporally limited operation." However, as reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald from Sumy in eastern Ukraine, there is currently no sign to support this notion.
13:20 Russian aircraft reportedly destroyed in attacks on Sawaslejka Several Russian aircraft were allegedly decimated in Ukrainian strikes on the airbase Sawaslejka. The state-controlled Ukrainian media Suspilne reported this, citing intelligence sources. Following these reports, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were claimed to have been destroyed, and approximately five aircraft, most likely MiG-31K/I, were damaged during an attack on August 16. In an attack on August 13, a fuel and lubricant depot was hit, and another MiG-31K/I was reported to have been damaged.
13:06 Russian intelligence agency investigates foreign journalists in Kursk region The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has initiated criminal investigations against several foreign journalists in the Kursk region, which is under the control of the Ukrainian army. The FSB has announced charges against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists for allegedly crossing the border unlawfully after they filmed in the Ukrainian-controlled town of Socha. The FSB is preparing to issue international arrest warrants for the journalists, who face up to five years of imprisonment in Russia. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was released from a labor camp as part of a prisoner exchange after being sentenced to 16 years for alleged spying.
12:34 Zelensky in Border Region: "Exchange Fund" Replenished Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops advanced into Russia over two weeks ago. Zelensky confirms the capture of another location in the Kursk region. He also mentions that the "exchange fund" has been replenished, which implies the capture of Russian soldiers for a potential future exchange with Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. Zelensky notes that since the Kursk offensive, incidents in Sumy have decreased and the number of civilian casualties there has lessened. He shares a video showing him with the commander-in-chief of Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who updates him on the reinforcement of troops in the eastern part of Ukraine. Russia persists in its advance there.
12:06 Suspicion of Spying on Critical Infrastructure: Report of Suspected Russian Drones in Brunsbüttel The "Bild" newspaper reports sightings of suspected Russian drones over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. Suspicious drones have been spotted flying rapidly over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel in recent days. The public prosecutor's office in Flensburg has launched an investigation based on suspicion of espionage with the aim of sabotage. Internally, police report that the no-fly zone over the nuclear power plant was repeatedly violated, and a hostile object, suspected to be a military drone, was detected. According to "Bild," the drones are believed to be operated by Russian agents and may have been launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Issues Warning of Attacks Ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day The American Embassy in Kyiv issues a warning of increased risks of air attacks prior to Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24. The embassy advises, on its website, of an elevated threat that Russia will target Ukraine with drones and missiles over the upcoming days and during the weekend. Ukraine marks its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. This occasion holds greater significance for Ukrainians since the start of the conflict in Ukraine nearly three years ago. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly ventured into Russian territory in the Kursk border region. Russian President Vladimir Putin described it as a provocation and threatened retaliation.
10:41 Russia Now Constructing Portable Shelters in KurskAuthorities in the Russian border territory of Kursk are establishing concrete safe spots for their residents. "Upon my orders, the Kursk city administration has chosen central locations for the installation of portable prefab bunkers," explains regional governor Alexey Smirnov via Telegram. The bunkers are being constructed at heavily used spots such as 60 bus stops. Smirnov shares a photo of a truck transporting one of the sections. The bunkers are also being installed in two additional locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is situated. Russia claims Ukraine is planning to attack the facility, but Ukraine denies this allegation.
10:10 Ukraine Shares Updates on Advance in KurskUkraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops near Pokrovsk, with the majority being thwarted. President Zelenskyy vows to strengthen the forces in the area. The progress in the Kursk region also continues.
09:42 Russia Reports Downed Drones in Multiple RegionsThe Russian military repels several Ukrainian air attacks in the west of the country, according to official reports. In the border region of Kursk, two Ukrainian missiles and a drone are brought down by Russian air defense, claims Governor Alexey Smirnov. In the Rostov region, to the south, Governor Vasily Golubev reports that five drones were stopped. Drones are also reported to have been brought down in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons to Target Russian Facilities: Kyiv Seeks Approval from the USUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meets with a U.S. House of Representatives bipartisan delegation in Kyiv. 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 utilizing long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. Umerov stated, "I emphasized the need for prompt approval from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia." "It's about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Actor Starts Fundraiser for Mine-Clearing Robots for UkraineUS actor Mark Hamill, renowned for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is looking to raise funds for mine-clearing robots in Ukraine. Alongside Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, he aims to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can clear mines in hard-to-reach areas, whose operators remain at a safe distance. "One of the most violent crimes Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines," says Snyder. "I've visited abandoned areas near the front where people are forced to take risks to help others return to their farms and homes. Thanks to these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives can be saved." Ukraine is heavily contaminated with mines, whose removal could take decades.
08:01 Kremlin Braces Russians for "New Reality"
The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a challenge for the Kremlin's propaganda. While the regions are distant, a Kremlin-linked source speaking to the independent Russian portal Meduza said, "But even the incursion into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and deeply unpleasant situation." In an effort to alleviate the growing anxiety, the Kremlin is preparing Russians for life in a "new reality" and a "new normal." The message is: "The enemy has indeed entered Russian territory, they are on the brink of collapse - but the retrieval of the territory will take time, and the Russians must be patient." The residents are urged to "transform the negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by donating aid goods for the Kursk region. In general, Meduza reports that all officials interviewed believe that the conflict in the Kursk region could continue for several months. A source close to the government specifies that this estimate is "quite optimistic - if everything goes as planned."
07:30 Russian Governor Confirms Fire at Military Facility
Russian authorities confirm that a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd was affected by a fire following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced the incident on Telegram, stating that the drone had hit the facility. Thankfully, there were no casualties. Bocharov did not specify which military facility was involved, but he disclosed that the village of Marinovka was the target, where Russia maintains an air base.
06:56 Former Security Advisor: Putin held a near-hypnotic sway over Trump
According to former U.S. security advisor, U.S. General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian leader Vladimir Putin successfully manipulated former U.S. President Donald Trump. This is detailed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by "The Guardian." "Putin, a formidable former KGB agent, capitalized on Trump's ego and vulnerabilities with flattery," McMaster suggests. Putin labeled Trump as "a truly remarkable person, extremely talented and beyond any doubt." According to McMaster, who served as Trump's security advisor for about a year, he had warned Trump: "Mr. President, he is the best liar in the world." He suggested that Putin believed he could "manipulate" Trump and secure a relaxation of sanctions, as well as a cost-effective withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
Late last night, explosions were supposedly heard in Kalach-on-Don, a Russian city situated in the Volgograd region. Numerous Russian Telegram channels suggest these blasts were due to a drone assault. It's been reported that a fire broke out at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is roughly 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The intended target likely was Marinovka airbase in the Oktyabrsky village, which is approximately 20 kilometers away from Kalach-on-Don. According to Telegram sources, several to many loud explosions were heard, accompanied by typical drone noises.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany Ready to Provide Further Aid to Ukraine if Necessary
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil highlighted Germany's intent to assist Ukraine further. If it proves challenging to provide the planned billions from frozen Russian funds to Ukraine, Germany will provide additional financial aid, Klingbeil said in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We cannot allow ourselves to reach a point where we claim 'There's no more money for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil noted. "In that case, we are obliged to look into Germany for the funding. We have a responsibility towards Ukraine. Solutions need to be found, and we will find them."
04:27 Ukraine Addresses Overnight Drone Attacks in Russia
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the targets of the overnight drone attacks in Russia. According to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow, they targeted the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, according to military news site "The War Zone." Around 50 drones were reportedly involved. As of now, the extent of any damage is being evaluated. Russian authorities claimed they shot down 45 drones over Russian territory earlier in the day.
03:09 Elections in Russia: Bulletproof Vests and Helmets for Poll Workers in Kursk
In the highly debated Russian border region of Kursk, Russia plans to equip poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets before the early regional elections. Additionally, extra polling stations will be established in various parts of the country for people who have relocated due to the region's current state, stated Tatiana Malakhova, head of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. Currently, Kursk is under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled for numerous regions of Russia from September 6 to 8.
01:34 Fico Feels Under "Pressure" Regarding Foreign PolicySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico voiced concerns over perceived "pressure" in Western democracies concerning foreign policy matters. He argues that anyone straying from the consensus in key foreign policy decisions is "arbitrarily subjected to pressure and threats of isolation" by Western democracies. In a statement marking the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico compared the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to the current "pressure" in Europe, Fico opposes EU arms aid for Ukraine and faces accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine Repels 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine claims to have successfully defended against 46 Russian attacks in the vicinity of the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Out of those, 44 were successfully warded off, the General Staff reports. As of 9 PM CET, skirmishes were still ongoing in two areas. The attacks resulted in 238 Russian soldiers being injured or killed. No details regarding Ukrainian casualties have been provided. Russia has yet to comment on the situation.
23:09 Russia: Ukrainian Incursion into Bryansk ThwartedRussia claims to have halted an infiltration attempt by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk region of Russia, which shares a border with Kursk. According to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, the infiltration attempt by the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was disrupted by forces from the Russian intelligence agency FSB and Russian army units. "The enemy faced gunfire," he reported. The situation is currently reported to be under control.
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine Waits for Promised AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hopes for receiving the funds promised by the international community, including funds from frozen Russian state assets, immediately. While numerous political statements have been made, Zelensky states in his evening video address, "we require tangible action." Ukraine needs the funds from Russian assets to counter Russian aggression. "The relevant discussions have dragged on for an unacceptably long time, and we require decisions now." The G7 nations agreed on fresh financial aid for Kyiv at their June summit, with a generous $50 billion loan to be secured by interest earnings from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Commends Closely Knit Trade Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the strengthening partnership with China. "Our trade relationships are growing soundly (...). The attention both governments pay to trade and economic relationships is bearing fruit," he says during a meeting with Chinese Premiere Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "significant joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin continues. Li praises the Chinese-Russian partnership as being at an "unprecedented high level," according to the Kremlin. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has deepened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a crucial trade partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Detention Upheld: Ex-Russian Deputy Defense Minister Remains Locked UpThe ex-deputy defense minister of Russia, Dmitri Bulgakov, whose corruption charges were under scrutiny, will continue to stay in custody. His plea for house arrest under strict conditions and his objection to the detention were both dismissed, as per the state news outlet TASS. Bulgakov, prior to his dismissal, was in charge of obtaining supplies for the Russian military. The Moscow court also decided to hold two alleged associates of Bulgakov in custody. Reports suggest that their company secured nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, with damages estimated at around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros) through intermediaries.
21:00 Ukraine Strengthens Presence in PokrovskAs per President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is bolstering its forces in the contentious Pokrovsk region in the country's east. He made this announcement during a televised address, stating that they are well-aware of Russian troops' objectives in the area. Meanwhile, Ukraine's advance in Russia's Kursk region also persists, according to Zelensky, with some territories falling under their control. Zelensky did not disclose any additional details.
20:41 Post Decree: Multiple Ukrainians in Hungary Must Vacate Refugee FacilitiesFollowing Hungary's implementation of a decree that stops providing general protection to Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians risk losing their refugee accommodations. Refugee homes have already begun to evict Ukrainians, according to Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees, under police supervision, were forced to leave a guesthouse. Majority of them were Roma women and children hailing from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, which has a significant Hungarian population.
You can read all previous news updates here.
- Despite the ongoing efforts by Russia to strengthen its border regions, the situation in the Kursk region remains volatile as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to press forward, as reported in the latest updates.
- The international community, including Poland and the US, has shown interest in mediating in the Ukrainian conflict, aiming to facilitate a peaceful resolution, potentially involving providers of long-range weapons like the US to aid Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
