It appears that a substantial Kursk advance is not indicating constraints at the moment.
Chancellor Scholz anticipates Ukrainian advance into Russia to be "temporarily and spatially restricted." However, ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald asserts no such observation.
13:06 Ukrainian Assault Leads to Russian Aircraft Destruction in SawaslejkaVarious Russian aircraft are reportedly wiped out in Ukrainian strikes on Sawaslejka's airbase. Suspilne, a public broadcaster, claims this, citing intelligence service information. On August 16, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters are said to have been demolished, while approximately five aircraft (likely MiG-31K/I) were damaged in an August 13 attack. The fuel and lubricant depot was hit, and yet another MiG-31K/I was harmed in the August 13 strike.**
13:06 Russian FSB Probes CNN Journalists for Border CrossingThe Russian FSB, a domestic intelligence agency, has reportedly initiated criminal proceedings against several international journalists and Ukrainian journalists in Kursk, a Russian region where Ukrainian troops hold control over several settlements. This action is in response to their reporting. The FSB has initiated criminal charges against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists for allegedly crossing the state border illegally. Video recordings were made in the Ukrainian-controlled town of Sudcha, according to the agency. The FSB intends to issue international arrest warrants soon. The three journalists could face up to five years in prison in Russia. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich returned home after being released from a 16-year labor camp sentence as part of a prisoner exchange, charged with espionage.**
12:34 Zelensky in Border Area: "Exchange Fund" has been StockpiledUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the border region of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops have advanced into Russia more than two weeks ago. He declared a new location had been captured in the Kursk region and that the "exchange fund" had been replenished. This term refers to capturing Russian soldiers for a potential future exchange with Ukrainians imprisoned in Russian captivity by the Kursk offensive. Zelensky emphasized that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and civilian casualties had decreased. He published a video with the commanding general of the Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who discussed the strengthening of troops in eastern Ukraine, where Russia is continuing its advance.**
12:06 Suspected Russian Drones Spotted over Brunsbüttel's Critical InfrastructureAllegedly Russian drones have been detected hovering over Brunsbüttel's biggest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. "Bild" newspaper reported this, revealing that in recent days, drones were repeatedly spotted flying swiftly over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel, breaching the flight ban zone. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating potential espionage with the intention of sabotage. Insiders reveal: "The flight ban zone was repeatedly violated by flying over the nuclear power plant." An unidentified object, thought to be a military drone, was detected. According to "Bild", the drones are believed to have been launched from civilian ships in the North Sea and are attributed to Russian agents.
More information to follow
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Approaching Air AttacksThe American Embassy in Kyiv cautions of an increased risk of air attacks leading up to Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24, which commemorates Ukraine's 33rd year of independence from the Soviet Union. Over the coming days and through the weekend, the risk of Russia attacking Ukraine with drones and missiles is reportedly heightened.
11:13 Military Airbase in Volgograd Catches FireA fire ignites at a military base in Marinovka, located in the southern Russian region of Volgograd. Residents report explosions. Local authorities blame Ukrainian drone strikes for the fire,declaring no casualties have been reported.
10:41 Russia Now Focuses on Prefabricated Bunkers in KurskRussian authorities are reportedly installing prefabricated concrete shelters for the population in Kursk, a Russian border region. Regional governor Alexei Smirnov described the installations on Telegram, sharing a photo of a truck transporting one of the blocks. Shelters are being erected at high-traffic locations, including at 60 bus stops. Shelters are also being constructed in two other locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is located. Russia alleges Ukraine intends to attack the facility, a claim Ukraine denies.
09:42 Multiple Russian Regions Under Drone Attacks by UkraineThe Russian military is dealing with several air assaults from Ukraine in the west of the nation. As per Telegram statements from Volgograd Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov, numerous drones were taken down in an attack near Marinovka (check entry at 07:30). In the Kursk border region, Governor Alexei Smirnov reports that two Ukrainian rockets and one drone were obliterated by Russian air defense. In the Rostov southern region, Governor Vasily Golubyev states that an attack with five drones was thwarted. Drones are also declared destroyed in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 US Approval Sought for Long-Range Weapons Against Russian Targets by UkraineUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is meeting in Kyiv with a bipartisan delegation of US House representatives. According to a ministration statement from Kyiv, Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone are discussing the frontline situation and Washington's policy on employing long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. "I stressed that we need immediate authorization from our allies to utilize long-range weapons fully against Russian targets," said Umerov. "It's about safeguarding our serene towns and villages."
08:36 Campaign for Mine-Clearing Robots in Ukraine by Star Wars Actor and ExpertUS actor Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is fundraising for mine-clearing robots in Ukraine. In collaboration with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, he aims to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can eliminate mines even in difficult-to-reach locations, securing the operators from harm. "One of the worst atrocities Russia has committed in Ukraine is scattering millions of mines," asserted Snyder. "I've visited unoccupied regions close to the frontline where people risk their lives to aid others in reclaiming their farms and homes. Thanks to these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives saved." Ukraine's minefield clearance is a extensive undertaking, lasting decades.
08:01 Russians Braced for "New Reality" amid Kursk AttackThe Ukrainian attack on Kursk presents a challenge for Moscow's propaganda. A Kremlin-linked source informed the independent Russian portal Meduza, situated in Riga, "However, despite the distance, the penetration into Russian territory and the seizing of control over villages is a new and extremely displeasing event." To soothe the now noticeably more apprehensive sentiment, the Kremlin is attempting to ready the Russians for life in a "new reality" and a "new normal." The message is: The enemy has indeed invaded Russian territory, they are on the brink of defeat - but the repossession of the territory will take time, and the Russians must be patient. Meanwhile, residents are urged to "transform the negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by providing aid 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 Incident at Military FacilityRussian authorities have confirmed reports of a military facility fire in the Volgograd southern Russian region following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced on Telegram that the drone had collided with the facility. There were no casualties. Bocharov did not specify which military facility was impacted. He did mention, however, that the village of Marinovka was the target of the attack. Russia maintains an airbase in Marinovka.
06:56 Manipulation of Trump by Putin Asserted by Former US Security AdviserFormer US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, alleges that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin successfully manipulated former 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 ruthless former KGB man, exploited Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster supposedly said. Putin referred to Trump as 'an outstanding individual, gifted beyond question.' Putin exerted a near-hypnotic influence on Trump. McMaster, who worked as Trump's security advisor for about a year, had reportedly warned Trump: "Mr. President, he is the best liar in the world." He argued that Putin was confident he could 'play' Trump and secure a relaxation of sanctions and a cheap US withdrawal from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Explosions Reported at Russian Airbase in VolgogradVarious explosions were allegedly heard overnight in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region. Numerous Russian Telegram channels suggest these were the result of a drone strike. A fire is claimed to have occurred at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is about 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The suspected target was likely the Marinovka airbase in the Oktyabrsky village, approximately 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing six to ten loud explosions accompanied by drone noises, according to Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany Will Provide Extra Funds for Ukraine if Aid StopsSPD leader Lars Klingbeil has promised additional support for Ukraine. If it turns out to be impossible to release the planned billions from the frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany will provide extra funding, he said in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We can't reach the point where we say 'There's no more money for Ukraine'," Klingbeil said. "In that case, it's our duty to seek funds in Germany. We have a responsibility towards Ukraine. Solutions must be found, and we’ll find them."
04:27 Ukraine Confirms Drone Strikes in RussiaThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has confirmed the targets of last night's drone strikes in Russia. They were aimed at Moscow's Ostafyevo airport, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow told military news site "The War Zone". Around 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being assessed. Russian authorities reported shooting down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
03:09 Kursk Poll Workers to Get Body Armor and Helmets for Regional ElectionsFor the early regional elections in the contested Russian border region of Kursk, Russia plans to provide poll workers with body armor and helmets. Additional polling stations will also be set up in other parts of the country for people who have fled the region, according to the head of the regional election commission, Tatyana Malakhova, as reported by Russian news agencies. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled in numerous regions of Russia from September 6 to 8. Citizens in border regions, including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk, can already vote early.
01:34 Fico Feels Pressure from Western Democracies on Foreign PolicySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico complains of feeling under pressure in Western democracies when it comes to foreign policy. He states that those who deviate from the consensus on important foreign policy issues are "arbitrarily put under pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies, in a statement released on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion. Fico compares the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to what he sees as current pressure in Europe. Fico is opposed to the EU's military aid to Ukraine and faces accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
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 east of the country over the course of the day. Out of these, 44 were repelled, the General Staff reports. As of 9 PM CET, fighting is still ongoing at the remaining two sections. 238 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in the clashes. No information is provided on Ukrainian losses. Russia has not yet commented.
23:09 Russia Claims to Thwart Ukrainian Incursion into BryanskRussia claims to have stopped an infiltration of Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, which borders Kursk. The infiltration of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was stopped by forces of the Russian FSB security service and units of the Russian army, according to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz. "The enemy was hit by fire," he said. The situation is now "under control."
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine Needs Swift Disbursement of Promised AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his country is hoping for the swift disbursement of the billions in aid promised by the West, which is to be partly funded from the proceeds of frozen Russian state assets. While there have been many political statements from Ukraine's partners, more are expected, Zelensky says in his evening video address. "But we need a real mechanism." Ukraine needs the proceeds from Russian assets to defend against Russian aggression. "The relevant discussions have been going on for too long, and we need decisions now." The G7 countries agreed on a new financial aid package for Kyiv at their summit in June, with a generous loan of $50 billion to be secured by interest earnings from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Praises Strong Trade Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin praises the growing cooperation with China. "Our trade relations are developing successfully (...). The attention that both governments pay to trade and economic relations is bearing fruit," Putin says at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "large-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian fields," Putin continues. Li says that Chinese-Russian relations are 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 is a vital trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Request turned down: Previous Russian Defense Deputy Minister keeps jail timeThe ex-Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov, under suspicion of corruption, will keep his time behind bars. His plea for leniency with strict home confinement and his challenge against his detention were both dismissed, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. Before his ousting, Bulgakov looked after obtaining supplies for the Russian military forces. A Moscow court also ordered the incarceration of two presumed associates of Bulgakov. Their company is said to have bagged nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, causing a loss of roughly 50 million rubles (around 500,000 euros), as per intermediaries.
21:00 Ukraine beefs up troops in PokrovskAs per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is beefing up its soldiers in the hotly disputed region of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the nation. He spoke about this during a live broadcast, mentioning that they're aware of the strategies of the Russian troops in the area. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian advance in the Russian region of Kursk marches on, according to Zelensky. Some territories are under Ukrainian control, yet he didn't provide additional specifics.
20:41 Post-decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary face shelter expulsionFollowing Hungary's enactment of a decree stripping Ukrainian refugees of general protection, several Ukrainians are at risk of losing their shelter. Private refugee shelters have already begun to remove Ukrainians, according to the Migration Aid organization. In Kocs, north of Budapest, about 120 refugees, chiefly Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, home to a large Hungarian minority, were forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision.
You can catch up on all previous events*here.**
The Ukrainian conflict raises concerns about potential escalation, as seen in various attacks against Russian targets. For instance, Ukrainian strikes have been reportedly responsible for the destruction of several Russian aircraft in Sawaslejka's airbase and suspected Russian drones have been detected hovering over Brunsbüttel's critical infrastructure. However, Chancellor Scholz anticipates any Ukrainian advance into Russia to be "temporarily and spatially restricted," but Nadja Kriewald, an ntv correspondent, asserts no such observation has been made.
