Initial fatality reported during assaults in Moscow's surrounding areas
Initial casualty in Moscow area triggered by substantial Ukrainian drone assaults
For the first time during the conflict against Russia, a person has lost their life in the Moscow region as a result of extensive Ukrainian drone assaults. Andrey Vorobyov, the regional governor, announced via Telegram that a 46-year-old woman had passed away following a drone strike on a residential building in Ramensky, which is located on the southern outskirts of the capital.
17:23 Putin: Russia must stand ready to repel any potential military onslaught from all angles
In his address to those participating in the strategic war game "Ocean-2024," Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of Russia being prepared to counter any potential military threats from every direction. "Russia must be prepared for all eventualities. Our armed forces must safeguard Russia's sovereignty and national interests and repel any potential military invasions from all directions, including in ocean and maritime zones," Putin stated, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS. He also mentioned that "the navy plays a significant role in addressing this issue."
16:51 Berlin, Paris, and London prepare sanctions against Iran
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's provision of ballistic missiles to Russia. "This is yet another escalation of Iran's military assistance to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the three nations declared in a joint statement. Iranian missiles could reach European territory, intensifying the hardships faced by the Ukrainian populace. "This development is an escalation on both Iran and Russia's part and poses a direct threat to European security," they warned, and stated that they would now institute sanctions, such as suspending bilateral air transport agreements. Iran Air is also under scrutiny. Furthermore, sanctions against persons and organizations involved in this process are impending. Previously, the US had accused Iran of supplying Russia with weapons for its war of aggression in Ukraine and had announced new sanctions against Tehran.
16:32 Shoigu dismisses peace talks with Ukraine until troop withdrawal
Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Security Council's secretary, betrays no interest in negotiating with Ukraine till the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Russian territory. "As long as they haven't vacated our territory, obviously we won't engage in talks with them regarding negotiations," Shoigu conveyed to Russian state television. Since early August, Ukraine has been mounting an offensive against the Russian region of Kursk. For the first time since the start of the conflict, Ukrainian ground troops have penetrated into Russian territory. The operation forms part of Ukraine's defensive campaign against the Russian invasion, which has been ongoing for more than two years. Shoigu perceives the attack on the Kursk region as an attempt to drive Russia into negotiations under Ukraine's terms and to withdraw Russian forces from Donbass.
16:04 A soldier - Former prison guard now leads the 59th Brigade
To bolster their forces, not only Russia but also Ukraine are recruiting prisoners for the front. Oleksandr, who was once their prison guard, is now the commander of the 59th Brigade. "They will do anything to survive," he says. A video that features the men revealing their harrowing deployment experiences has been shared.
15:38 Russian Military Has a Strategy to Drive Out Ukrainian Troops from Kursk RegionThe Russian military has a strategy to expel Ukrainian troops from the Russian border region of Kursk, according to the Kremlin. TASS, the Russian news agency, reports, quoting Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov: "Of course, the military has all the necessary plans, but I don't believe these plans can be publicly disclosed," Peskov responded to a query about when Ukrainian troops would be expelled from Russian territory. Ukrainian soldiers had launched a massive assault on Kursk on August 6, with significant areas now under their control.
15:13 Riga Reinforces Border Security Measures Through December Due to Security ConcernsLatvia has decided to extend the enhanced security of its border with neighboring Belarus until the end of the year due to security concerns. The government in Riga made this decision. The reason for this is the unusually high number of attempts to illegally cross the border, as well as Russia's military actions against Ukraine, which are backed by the authoritarian leadership in Minsk, according to the statement. As a result of this regulation, the Latvian border guard will be granted additional powers in six regions of the Baltic EU and NATO country.
14:47 Ukraine Looks Set to Doubling Its Weapon Production in 2024Ukraine aims to double its weapon production in 2024, according to official statistics. "In the first eight months of 2024, we have increased our weapon production by double compared to 2023," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv. Ukraine aims to manufacture more than a million drones before the year's end. "We are making progress. The drone production is expanding," Shmyhal commented.
14:23 Military Expert Praise Chancellor Scholz's "Good Move" Proposing Peace Talks with RussiaChancellor Scholz proposes peace negotiations with Russia. The proposal has drawn heavy criticism from some political circles. However, military expert Ralph Thiele endorses Scholz's initiative and encourages urgency. After the Kursk offensive, Ukraine faces the risk of breaking through its defense lines.
13:52 Kiel Institute Warns: Defense Budget "Far From Adequate"As per experts at the Kiel Institute for World Economy, Germany's defense budget falls short, given the potential threat from Russia. The institute states, "In spite of the Zeitenwende rhetoric, the disparity between Germany and Russia's military capabilities continues to escalate." The researchers argue for a sustained defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. Commenting on the issue, study author Guntram Wolff expresses, "Russia is evolving into a significant security risk for NATO. Simultaneously, our progress towards necessary deterrence measures is painstakingly slow." According to Wolff, Germany currently only manages to replace the weapons sent to Ukraine. The stock of air defense systems and artillery howitzers is reportedly decreasing significantly.
12:25 "Significant Difference" Between Putin and Lavrov ExposedUkraine has been urging the EU and USA to permit the deployment of weapons on Russian soil. Now, the Netherlands has given approval, including the promised fighter jets.
12:59 Russian Military Claims Capture of Four More Towns in DonetskAccording to Russian military records, four additional towns in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk have been seized. The Southern Group of Forces reportedly took Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group claimed Wodjane, and the Central Group captured Halyzyniwka, announced the Russian Ministry of Defense. However, these assertions cannot be verified independently. Ukrainian military observers have marked three of the mentioned towns - excluding Hryhoriwka - as under their control. Ukraine is experiencing intense pressure on its eastern front.
12:20 Moscow Recognizes Only One Negotiating PartnerIn June, a peace conference was held without Russia's participation in Switzerland. Now, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin's response is yet to be seen, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Kyiv: Russia Using Chemical Weapons IncreasinglyUkrainian officials claim that Russian forces in Ukraine are increasingly employing chemical weapons. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command writes on Facebook that Russian forces have utilized ammunition containing dangerous chemicals and chemical warfare agents 447 times in August alone, and 4,035 times from February 15, 2023, to August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command also alleges that Kremlin troops are delivering ammunition containing illegal chemical warfare agents and employing unidentified chemical mixtures. It further adds, "Russia is thus flagrantly violating the rules of warfare and disregarding the norms and commitments of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction."
11:19 Presidential Office in Kyiv: Attacks on Russian Weapon Depots ApprovedThe head of the Ukrainian presidential office emphasizes his country's demand to its Western allies to authorize the use of their weapons against targets deep inside Russian territory. Andriy Yermak explains that they must be able to attack rocket depots inside Russia. "Defense is not an intensification." It's about preventing terror with Western weapons, Yermak writes on Telegram. Western countries are hesitant to allow Ukraine to use the weapons they've provided on Russian territory, citing worries about getting involved in the conflict.
10:53 Fires and Injuries - Russia Attacks with Dozens of Drones and Two MissilesAccording to local authorities, at least three people were wounded and properties damaged and fires ignited in Ukraine during Russian drone and missile attacks. Air defense shot down 38 of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions, the air force reported on Telegram. Russia also deployed two missiles in its assault. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions were also targeted, the energy ministry in Kyiv announced, causing malfunctions to high-voltage lines and power stations.
10:27 Shift in Role Model Image: Putin's Children's Rights Ombudswoman Marries BillionaireLong regarded as the epitome of the Russian woman, Maria Lwowa-Belova, the Russian children's rights ombudswoman, was married to an Orthodox priest since 2003. Together, they talked about conservative values, Christian faith, and their experiences raising numerous children in propaganda media. She was also indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2023 alongside Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. However, independent portal Verstka reports that her commitment to tradition and especially her priest-husband seems to have waned. Over the weekend, she married billionaire Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she had been in a relationship for some time. However, their relationship remains somewhat traditional, as Malofeew is the founder of the Kremlin-friendly Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and a fervent supporter of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:32 Russia Initiates 'Ocean-2024' Naval Exercises Globalwide Russia initiates its strategic naval exercises titled 'Ocean-2024' in various territorial waters of the world's biggest country by area. Over 400 naval vessels, including submarines, and around 90,000 personnel from various fleet formations will participate in these exercises until September 16, as per the Russian defense ministry in Moscow. These exercises will take place in the Baltic Sea, Arctic Ocean, Caspian Sea, and Mediterranean Sea where Russia possesses a naval base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Tragic Loss of Lives in Orenburg Oil Pipeline Fire Two individuals lose their lives in a blaze at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, as reported by TASS news agency. An investigation into the incident's causality is underway. The exact time of the fire's onset remains undefined. Some unverified reports regarding the mishap had already circulated on various Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Shoigu Declines Discussions for the time Being Russia refrains from negotiating with Ukraine until its military withdraws from Russian territories, as reported by TASS news agency, citing Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Peskov also expressed his disinterest in negotiations.
08:14 Resumption of Flights at Moscow Airports Flights have resumed at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports, according to Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsiya via Telegram. Temporarily, flights were halted due to Ukrainian drone strikes in the Moscow region.
07:43 Scholz Conditions Russia's Participation for Peace Conference Chancellor Olaf Scholz links Russian participation in a possible Ukraine peace conference to certain stipulations. During an SPD event on Monday evening, he emphasized that along with necessary military aid for Ukraine against the aggressor Russia, it's crucial to strategize an exit from the war situation. He expressed his desire for another peace conference with Russia's participation, similar to the Ukrainian leadership's, providing that the one meant to participate is not simultaneously perpetrating attacks. Putin himself aspires for additional Ukrainian territory for a peace agreement's perspective. "Various essentials for politics are necessary: clarity, consistency, and character. These qualities are necessary to secure peace and security in Europe," Scholz asserted.
07:18 Fico Claims Fascism in Ukrainian Military - Kyiv Protests Ukraine is perplexed by the accusations made by the pro-Russian Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. As per Reuters, he had urged Kyiv to rid their military of "fascism." In a response from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, it stated that Ukrainian soldiers are safeguarding their families, homes, and land, 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 added that Ukrainians sustained "millions of casualties" fighting against Nazism throughout the 20th century. Fico's "fascism" claim mirrors Russian propaganda that often labels the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. In actuality, far-right parties only garnered 2.4% in the 2019 Ukrainian elections. Historian Timothy Snyder, however, recognizes clear fascist aspects in the Putin regime.
06:56 Russian Regional Governor Revises Death Toll A drone attack by Ukraine on the Russian capital Moscow results in one woman's demise and the injury of three civilians, according to the region's governor, Andrei Vorobyov. He conveyed this information via Telegram. Initially, he could not confirm the death of a child. At present, 43 individuals have been housed in emergency shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace to Investigate Environmental Crimes by Russia Greenpeace reopens an office in Kyiv to speed up infrastructure reconstruction projects in Ukraine and investigate and document environmental crimes as a consequence of the Russian war of aggression, the environmental organization announced. They work in collaboration with local environmental organizations for this purpose. "Our task is to assist Ukraine with the eco-friendly reconstruction of social infrastructure utilizing the renewable energy sources of sun and wind," stated the new office director, Natalia Hosak. Greenpeace continually highlights environmental damage in Ukraine caused by the Russian war of aggression, including the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Report of a Child's Death in Moscow Region Following Ukraine Drone Strike According to Russian reports, a child has perished following a Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region. Here, the regional governor Andrei Vorobyov stated on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region overnight, with one causing a blaze that is currently being extinguished by firefighters. "Sadly, a nine-year-old child has passed away," Vorobyov added. The interception of another drone in the capital region caused at least one injury when debris fell on a residential building. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially reported that 11 drones had been intercepted near the Russian capital.
04:36 Russia: Drone Remnants Impact Fuel and Energy ComplexPieces from a drone that was brought down by Russian defense forces in the Tula region landed on a fuel and energy facility, as reported by Russian news outlet TASS. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The facility's operations and distribution of resources to consumers remained uninterrupted, and the situation was brought under control.
03:29 Ukraine Attacks Moscow with UAVsFollowing the interception of two Ukrainian UAVs over the Domodedovo district of Moscow, emergency services have been sent to the crash site, as indicated by Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. no details on potential damage or casualties have been disclosed. The Domodedovo district, situated around 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, houses one of Moscow's major airports.
02:17 Russian Air Defense Downs UAV Heading for MoscowRussian air defense units reportedly intercepted a UAV heading for Moscow, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Preliminary reports suggest no harm or injuries at the impact site. The Ukrainian side has yet to issue a statement.
00:12 Zelensky Praises Sweden for New Aid PackageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Sweden for a defense assistance package valued at $445 million. "This crucial aid, which includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial support for Ukraine's urgent needs, will strengthen our defense capabilities," Zelensky said on X. According to Swedish reports, the package also includes spare parts for Gripen fighter jets, preparing for a potential future aircraft delivery.
22:17 German Foreign Ministry: Russia "major threat to peace" directly at NATO's eastern borderIn response to the incursions of Russian drones into Latvia and Romania, the German Foreign Ministry described Russia under President Vladimir Putin as "a major threat to peace and security." "Regrettably, Putin's Russia is currently the major threat to peace and security directly at NATO's eastern border," the ministry stated on X. "This has been evident, notably, in the recent drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." The ministry added that it collaborates with its alliance partners and stands by their side in dealing with the drone situation. Over the weekend, both NATO and EU members Latvia and Romania reported the intrusion of a Russian drone into their territory.
21:42 US Unable to Corroborate Iranian Rocket Delivery to Russia ReportsThe US government cannot confirm reports that Iran has delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, according to John Kirby, spokesperson for the US government's national security.
21:28 Zelensky Advocates for Swift Aid Agreement ExecutionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged for the rapid implementation of aid agreements with the West. "The outcome of the war hinges directly on the efficiency of logistics in deliveries and the fulfillment of all commitments by our partners," Zelensky stated in his evening video address. Weapons and equipment should arrive in a timely manner to be effective. "What is necessary in September should be delivered to our troops in September."
20:52 Russian Opposition Politician Warns Against Conceding "Face-Saving Exit" to PutinLeading Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa cautions the West against allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin an "honorable retreat" from the Ukraine conflict. "It is vital that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious in the war against Ukraine," Kara-Mursa says. "It is essential that Vladimir Putin does not secure a way out of this conflict in Ukraine that saves face." Approximately a month after his release in a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa suggests that Western societies might be experiencing "fatigue" towards the conflict, but Putin must be defeated. He adds, "If, unfortunately, the Putin regime can present the conclusion of this war as a victory for itself and maintain power, we will be witnessing another conflict or disaster within a year or 18 months."
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In light of the escalating military tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin underscores the necessity for Russia to be prepared to counter any potential military threats from all directions. He emphasizes that Russia's armed forces must safeguard its sovereignty and national interests and repel any potential military invasions from all directions, including in ocean and maritime zones.
Following the initial casualty in the Moscow area, the Russian military may need to stand ready for potential military operations to defend its territory and interests.
