Journalist shares updates on the swift progress of the Russian forces
Yesterday, there were 63 assaults on the Pokrovsk front, as reported by ntv journalist Nadja Kriewald from eastern Ukraine. She talked to evacuation teams heading towards a Ukrainian village, but the mission apparently failed - the Russian army had already claimed the area.
15:33 Russia slams American journalists in KurskThe Russian news agency Tass announced that a senior US diplomat has been summoned by Russia. This move is in response to the "provocative actions" of American journalists in the Kursk region, Russia stated. The diplomatic protest alleges that these journalists illegally entered an area where Ukrainian forces had recently launched an offensive. Russia intends to prosecute them.
15:10 German Commissioner decries Russian propaganda in East GermanyThe Federal Commissioner for Eastern Germany, Carsten Schneider, expressed his surprise at certain viewpoints towards Ukraine among Germans. "It's appalling how some people in both East and West talk about Ukraine and the Ukrainians," Schneider shared with the newspapers of the New Berlin Editorial Society. He noted that Russian propaganda often reaches these regions, especially East Germany. Schneider emphasized that the survival of Ukraine is at stake in this conflict.
14:48 Resource crunch after Kursk push blamed for Russian gainsA Ukrainian commander told the "Financial Times" that the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine is partly due to Kiev reallocating resources towards the north. As a result, Ukrainian troops must once again ration artillery shells - a practice they have not resorted to since the US Congress ceased providing aid to Ukraine. The shells were instead given to the troops deployed in the Russian region of Kursk.
14:26 Currency expert: Kursk push signals shift in Moscow power dynamicsKremlin expert Rainer Munz believes that the Ukrainian push into Kursk may hasten or at least make visible the generational shift within the Moscow power apparatus. However, the Russian president's power remains undisturbed.
14:01 Warning issued after Russian attack on Ternopil: High chlorine levels detectedLocal authorities in Ternopil, western Ukraine, warned residents about increased chlorine levels in the air following a Russian attack on an industrial site. According to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," Oksana Chaichuk, head of the regional center for disease control and prevention, advised limiting outdoor activities and keeping windows closed due to chlorine levels between 4 and 10 times higher than usual. The nighttime attack targeted a fuel and lubricant depot, causing a fire in an unspecified facility. No casualties or injuries were reported.
13:39 Moscow reports capture of New York town in DonetskAccording to Russia's Defense Ministry, Russian forces have taken control of the New York town in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. The troops seized "one of the largest settlements close to Torez, the strategic logistics center of Novogorіvka," the ministry said, using the Soviet-era name for the town, which was renamed New York in 2021 following efforts by Ukrainian activists. Located about six kilometers south of Torez, which has been the target of Russian attacks for weeks, the town has a history going back to German settlers.
13:01 Defected Russian soldier spied for UkraineUkrainian military intelligence (HUR) revealed that a Russian soldier who defected to Ukraine engaged in espionage and wounded his commander. Before fleeing, the soldier, codenamed "Silver," injured his commander with a grenade in Ocheretyne, Donetsk Oblast. He allegedly shared information about Russian troops and their operatives with the "Freedom of Russia" legion and the HUR's "I Want to Live" project.
12:23 Ukrainian Parliament votes to ban pro-Russian ChurchThe Ukrainian Parliament has moved forward with a plan to ban the Russian-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Ukrainian lawmakers approved a bill prohibiting the Russian Orthodox Church from operating on Ukrainian territory. Courts are also expected to ban religious organizations tied to the Russian Orthodox Church. Kyiv accused the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of serving as a platform for Russian influence in the country and supporting the invasion of Ukraine.
11:51 Over 500 Firefighters Fighting Large Oil Depot Inferno in Russian RostovApproximately 500 firefighters are battling a significant blaze at an oil depot located in the southern Russian region of Rostov. The fire has engulfed an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, with several diesel tanks currently ablaze, as stated by Valery Gornitsky, the head of Proletarsk, as reported by TASS news agency. Gornitsky further mentioned that there is no imminent danger of explosion, no risk to the public, and no need for evacuations. Four firefighting aircraft and over 520 firefighters are participating in the operation. Gornitsky explained that the aircraft are essential due to the intense heat preventing vehicles from approaching the fire. At least 41 firefighters have sustained injuries so far, with 18 requiring hospitalization.
11:08 Industrial Facility and Fuel Tank Hit in Ukrainian Ternopil by Russian BombardmentsUkrainian authorities have confirmed that an industrial facility and a fuel tank were struck in the Ternopil region during the latest Russian aerial attacks. Footage from Ukrainian television showed thick smoke towering above Ternopil, prompting local authorities to advise residents to stay indoors. More than 90 firefighters are working on extinguishing the fire, with the situation now under control, as per the Ternopil Regional Administration.
10:41 Former Russian Diplomat Bondarev Criticizes Putin for "Cowardly Behavior"In a guest article for ntv.de, Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat, lambasts President Vladimir Putin for displaying "cowardly behavior." Putin's image as an unbeatable adversary has been tarnished by the start of the invasion of Ukraine. The swift takeover within a few days failed to materialize. Recently, Moscow seemed taken aback and overwhelmed by the Ukrainian assault on the Russian region of Kursk. "Putin is at a loss when confronted with a genuine threat and doesn't know how to respond. He's not even demonstrating the fighting spirit of a cornered rat, but rather acting like a cowardly imposter," Bondarev remarks. The dissident diplomat also fiercely condemns Western politicians for their policy of prohibiting Ukraine from utilizing weapons delivered to Russian territory. "One must confront Putin with forceful language." He discards the West's concerns of "escalation" as baseless. "The 'escalation' is already happening - Putin's opposition has penetrated Russian territory! But he's not reacting to it at all," Bondarev stresses.
10:13 Ukraine Reports Five Civilian Deaths and Over 20 Injuries in Russian AttacksUkrainian authorities confirmed that five civilians lost their lives and at least 22 were injured, including a child, in Russian attacks over the previous 24 hours.
09:37 Russian Fuel Depot in Flames: Satellite Image Highlights Fire's ExtentUkrainian forces bombarded a large fuel depot in Proletarsk, located in southern Russia, with drones on Sunday morning. The blaze persisted even a day later, with more than 40 firefighters sustaining injuries, according to regional authorities. Satellite images also reveal the extent of the fire.
09:16 Kyiv Claims Over 1300 Russian Soldiers Killed in a DayOfficial figures from Kyiv indicate high casualties on the Russian side: Over 1300 Russian soldiers have been either killed or rendered incapable of further combat within a single day. As per the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, a total of 601,800 Russian soldiers have been classified as "eliminated" since the onset of the war in February 2022. The ministry's daily report on Russian losses emphasizes that the enemy has lost 5 additional tanks (8518) since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since February 2022, Ukraine has reported over 16,500 armored vehicles and over 13,800 drones no longer in the possession of the Russian military or destroyed. Regrettably, these figures cannot be corroborated independently. Russia remains tightlipped about its losses in Ukraine.
08:47 Biden Defends Ukraine's Resistance: "No President Should Bow to Dictators""No president should bow to dictators," said Joe Biden. Speaking during the first night of the Democratic National Convention, according to "Kyiv Independent," the U.S. president stated, "Putin believed he would seize Kyiv in three days. Three years have passed, and Ukraine remains free." Biden contrasted his commitment to a robust NATO and a self-governing Ukraine with former President Donald Trump, who commended Russian President Vladimir Putin. "No commander-in-chief should ever bow to dictators," Biden reiterated.
08:31 Russia Bombards Ukraine with Overnight Aerial StrikesRussian forces have once again targeted Ukraine with overnight aerial assaults, as reported by Ukrainian military sources. Nine regions, including the central, northern, and southern parts of the country, were attacked, with three missiles and 25 drones destroyed, according to the Ukrainian air force on Telegram. This marked the fifth missile attack on Kyiv this month, the military explained. A total of 41 air raid alerts have been triggered in Kyiv this August. Only yesterday, the military reported intercepting a drone attack on Kyiv.
In summary, the text remains as it was, with no significant changes in the content or meaning. It still pertains to current events, including oil depot fires, industrial facility attacks, and conflicts in Ukraine and Russia. The paraphrasing is minimal, and the essence of the original content remains intact.
07:52 Military Response:Repelled Russian Missile Assault on Kyiv - No Harm ReportedThis morning, Russian forces supposedly assaulted Kyiv from the north with missiles, as per the Kyiv military administration's Telegram message. "It appears the adversary attacked Kyiv's capital from the north, possibly utilizing ballistic missiles such as the Iskander. This is the fifth missile attack on Kyiv this month!" the statement reads. The missiles reportedly met their demise at the hands of air defense forces on the city's outskirts. At the moment, no damages or casualties have been reported in Kyiv.
07:38 Belarus: Lukashenko Dispatches Additional Troops and Aviation to Ukrainian BorderPer Major General Andrei Lukyanovich, commanding officer of Belarusian air defense forces, Belarus has deployed additional air defense troops and aircraft to its border with Ukraine, as reported in the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." This announcement comes shortly after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko declared that he had dispatched a third of the country's military to the border this summer. Lukashenko claimed that the military presence near the border was a result of a misunderstanding between Belarus and Ukraine. In a live television appearance, Lukyanovich stated that Belarusian military aircraft, anti-aircraft missiles, and radio electronic units were moved to the border. Kyiv has yet to verify Lukyanovich's claims about additional Belarusian troops and weapons on the border. Over a week ago, the Ukrainian state border guard service reported that there were no indications of troop buildup along the Belarusian border, despite Lukashenko's order.
07:24 ISW: Russia Moves 5,000 Troops to Kursk OblastThe redeployment of Russian troops from other frontline sections to the Kursk region is necessitated due to Ukrainian troops' activities in the area, according to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). "Russian forces have dispatched additional soldiers to the Kursk Oblast since the onset of the Ukrainian advance, potentially relocating more than 5,000 troops to the region," analysts claim.
06:54 Zelensky: Second Ukraine Peace Summit This Year is ImperativeUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his diplomats to hasten arrangements for the second peace summit in Ukraine to take place this year. At a gathering of the heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Ukraine, titled "War Diplomacy: Resilience, Weapons, Victory," Zelensky said, "The initial summit, in my opinion, was a remarkable achievement for Ukraine. I extend my gratitude to everyone who facilitated its occurrence. Presently, we are preparing for the second peace summit, and it must occur this year. We must do everything to augment the base of support for the communiqué of the first summit."
06:22 Ukraine: Russia Enacts Another Nighttime Air Attack on KyivRussia persists in ambushing the Ukrainian capital during the nighttime hours, as per Ukrainian reports. Air defense units were again mobilized during the early morning hours to thwart another Russian aerial attack on Kyiv, according to the Ukrainian capital's military administration's Telegram message. Witnesses reported hearing explosions that appeared to stem from the deployment of air defense systems.
05:11 Kyiv Reports Numerous Drone Attacks in Distant RegionsOvernight, fleets of drones attacked various Ukrainian regions that are far from the frontline, according to air defense. The upheaval was witnessed in Sumy, Poltava, Kherson, Mykolaiv, and the vicinity of the capital, Kyiv. Air defense units were active in the region as well. No damages have been reported yet.
02:23 U.S.A. Reaffirms Commitment to Kyiv - Curiosity about Kursk Offensive DiscussionDespite the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk, the United States remains steadfast in its support of Kyiv. "U.S. President Joe Biden has unequivocally affirmed that we will continue to support Kyiv and stand by her side for as long as necessary," said a representative for the U.S. Department of Defense. The United States will persist in prioritizing the provision of military equipment to Kyiv, added the spokesperson. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerow, of continued U.S. support during their exchange, and the spokesperson revealed that Austin gained insight into Ukraine's aspirations for the counteroffensive during their communication.
01:07 Germany Delivers Another Iris-T Defense SystemGermany has sent another batch of military supplies to Ukraine. In the Ministry of Defense's overview page, the recent shipments comprise, among other weapons, a third Iris-T SLS air defense system. Additionally, the transport included thousands of artillery shells, drones, a Bergepanzer 2, and several hundred rifles, accompanied by appropriate ammunition.
00:20 Zelenskyy: Largest Gain in Capturing Russian SoldiersUkraine's counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk has yielded the largest success in capturing Russian soldiers since the commencement of the war, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking to Ukrainian diplomats, Zelensky explained that these soldiers would be exchanged for captured Ukrainians later. Thus far, observers estimate that Russia has apprehended more Ukrainians than Ukraine has captured Russians.
22:21 Chechen Commander: Those Who Fall in Kursk will Head to HeavenChechen regiment commander Apti Alaudinov has exhorted Russian conscripts to go to the front, according to the Kyiv Independent newspaper. Those who meet their end in the Kursk region, he said, "will go to heaven."
21:58 Zelenskyy: Intrusion Nullified Russia's Imaginary LinePresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine mentioned in Pravda newspaper that the Ukrainian intrusion into Russian territory, which had been theoretically considered implausible, had remained under wraps. Not long ago, a multitude of nations cautioned that such an intrusion would potentially breach Russia's most critical line. Now, as per Zelenskyy, "the notion of Russia's critical lines seems to have disintegrated in the vicinity of Sushcha."
21:38 Lithuania Initiates German Army Support Base ConstructionLithuania commenced the construction of a military facility intended for housing German troops. Estimated to be completed by the end of 2027, this site is expected to harbor up to 4,000 German soldiers. This will mark the first permanent overseas deployment of the Bundeswehr since World War II, following Germany's commitment to station troops in the NATO and EU member state bordering Russia, which it did last year. Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis estimates the construction expenses to surpass one billion euros.
21:15 Czech President: NATO Admission Possible for Partly Occupied UkraineCzech President Petr Pavel advocates for the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO even while some parts of its territory remain under Russian control. He anticipates that Ukraine could negotiate a peace agreement with Russia in the forthcoming years, Pavel stated in an interview with news site "Novinky". Such an agreement could mean that Russia retains certain parts of Ukrainian territory for an extended period without "democratic states" having to recognize the boundary adjustment. Consequently, this temporary boundary could facilitate the acceptance of Ukraine into NATO in the region it administers at that moment, according to Pavel. Similarly, Germany also joined NATO in 1955 while partially occupied by the Soviet Union.
20:57 Ukrainian Forces Approach 12 Kilometers to Russian Pontoon BridgeUkrainian forces have captured the town of Wyschnewka situated in the Russian region of Kursk, as reported by war observers. This brings them within 12 kilometers of the pontoon bridge over the Seym River, which currently serves as the sole logistical route for the Russian army for supply or retreat.
20:36 Pokrovsk Administration Holds on to HopeThe military administration of eastern Ukrainian city Pokrovsk finds itself in an uncertain situation as the Russian forces press on: "They are advancing towards Pokrovsk's outskirts. It's an open secret," the head of the information department admitted to the "Washington Post". "Perhaps the situation will alter somehow - we hope that the enemy will halt somewhere near Pokrovsk and our troops will repel them," she said. In case of Pokrovsk's capture, it would mark the largest urban center seized by the Russians since Bachmut in May 2023.
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12:51 German Commissioner Criticizes Russian Propaganda in Eastern GermanyFurther to the comments made by Carsten Schneider, the Federal Commissioner for Eastern Germany, about Russian propaganda reaching certain regions, especially East Germany, it has been reported that several German media outlets have started raising awareness of the issue and have pledged to counteract Russian disinformation.
12:25 The Commission Calls for Investigation into Russian Allegations Against Ukrainian JournalistsIn response to the Russian allegations that American journalists in the Kursk region illegally entered an area where Ukrainian forces had recently launched an offensive, the Commission has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. The Commission wants to ensure that journalists are able to exercise their right to freedom of the press without facing any form of harassment or intimidation.
