Kara-Mursa: "I was sure they would shoot me in the forest"
17:12 Record: Ukrainian Border Guards Stop Truck with 48 Conscripts
The Ukrainian border guard service has prevented 48 conscripts from fleeing into the Moldovan region of Transnistria, which is controlled by pro-Russian forces. This number sets a new record, the agency reports. Drone footage shows several groups of men boarding the truck in succession, which is later stopped by border guards. The arrests took place in the Odessa region, near the village of Chornobaivka, about 10 kilometers from the border. The men reportedly paid the smuggler around 3,300 euros each. They now face not only a fine for attempted illegal border crossing but also conscription into the Ukrainian army.
16:21 Russia: Up to 1,000 Ukrainians Involved in Border Attack
According to the Russian General Staff, "up to 1,000" Ukrainian soldiers were involved in the attack on the border region of Kursk in western Russia. Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov announced this at a meeting with President Putin, broadcast on Russian television, after the attack began the previous day. "The deep penetration of the enemy into the territory was stopped by strikes from the air force and artillery," Gerasimov said further.
16:02 Von der Leyen: EU Has Provided 108 Billion Euros in Aid Since War Began
According to the President of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, the EU has provided 108 billion euros in aid to Ukraine since the start of the large-scale war. "The EU has been standing by Ukraine since the first day of the Russian war of aggression," she writes on X. "Ukraine will prevail in this struggle for survival. And the EU will stand by Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary," it continues.
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian Captivity
Oleksandr Ischchenko, a soldier of the Azov Brigade who died in Russian captivity nine days ago, was apparently killed. The 55-year-old Ukrainian died from blunt force trauma to the chest. The "Kyiv Independent" reports this, citing a forensic medical report published by the deputy commander of the Azov Brigade, Sviatoslav Palamar. Palamar described Ischchenko's death as "yet another brutal murder of a Ukrainian prisoner of war." The published report showed that the soldier's death was due to multiple rib fractures and shock. Ischchenko was 55 years old and came from Mariupol. He joined the Azov Brigade shortly after the invasion began. He was captured in 2022 during the fighting in Mariupol. Ischchenko was one of the 24 Ukrainians who were put on trial in Russia last year in a sham trial. He was being held in a detention center in Rostov-on-Don.
14:44 Attacks on Kursk: Putin calls it a "large-scale provocation"Amidst the ongoing attacks by Ukrainian forces on the western Russian border region of Kursk, Kremlin leader Putin accuses Kyiv of a "large-scale provocation". "As you know, the Kyiv regime has undertaken another large-scale provocation," Putin says in a televised meeting with government officials. Ukraine is "indiscriminately firing, with weapons of various types, at civilian buildings, residential homes, and ambulances".
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry confirms ongoing combat operations in KurskThe Defense Ministry in Moscow confirms reports of ongoing combat operations in Kursk. "The operation to destroy the formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues," the ministry says in a statement. There have been clashes in border towns on Russian territory against Ukrainian infiltrators. Just the day before, the Defense Ministry claimed that an attempt to break through the border had failed. Now it is said that a deep incursion on Russian territory has been prevented. According to the Defense Ministry, soldiers are fighting together with border guards in the area against the infiltrators.
13:35 Russia: Thousands flee Kursk - Putin takes charge of the situationThousands of people have already fled the border towns attacked by the Ukrainian side in the Russian region of Kursk, according to official figures. The citizens have left their homes in private vehicles, said Alexei Smirnov, the acting governor, in a video message. Additionally, 200 people have been evacuated from the shelled towns in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he had spoken with President Vladimir Putin by phone overnight. The President has taken the situation under personal control. Emergency shelters with around 2,500 places have also been set up. Psychologists are on duty there as well.
12:57 "Hidden by occupiers" - Partisan group reports discovery of legendary ship in CrimeaThe pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh, active in the Russian-occupied Crimea, claims to have discovered two Russian ships. They are said to be landing ships of the Project 775 type, many of which have been sunk or damaged by Ukraine. "The occupiers hide their ships in the bays, hoping to save them," Atesh writes on Telegram. The two 775s are said to be in the Kilen Bay. One of them is the well-known "Konstantin Olshansky", captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a colorful history in the ranks of both conflict parties and was reportedly damaged in an attack a few months ago. According to Ukrainian reports, it previously served as a parts warehouse. The partisan group says it has shared the location information with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "There is no doubt that the next ships will sink in the near future."
12:24 Russian Military Blogger Sentenced to Long Prison TermIn Russia, military blogger Andrei Kurshin has been sentenced to six and a half years in a labor camp. He was found guilty of spreading false information about the armed forces, according to the investigative authorities. Kurshin ran the Telegram channel "Moscow Calling," which supported the goals of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, he criticized the way the military leadership was conducting the campaign. Analysts from the Institute for War Research described Kurshin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultranationalist on the extreme fringe" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russia's war efforts.
11:38 British Intelligence Comments on Sinking of Russian Navy SubmarineThe British Ministry of Defence has released an intelligence update on the sinking of the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" off the Crimea a few days ago. "Unlike some reports, the submarine was likely not fully repaired from a previous attack on the Crimea in September 2023," it says from London. The latest attack is "probably the last chapter for the submarine, as it is likely more economical to build a replacement submarine." The intelligence service speaks of a morale boost for Ukrainian forces from the attack. However, it is unlikely to have significant impact on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea Fleet. "The attack, however, highlights the increasing risks to Russian forces on the Crimea and will likely force Russia to reassess all plans to redeploy significant naval forces to the peninsula."
11:03 Strategy Shift or Diversion? Ukraine "Unnerves the Enemy" with Unclear Kursk SituationThe Ukrainian military is under significant pressure, particularly in the Donetsk region, with Russians "advancing every day," as reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald. Meanwhile, there are reports of Ukrainian advances in the north, but Kyiv is keeping the details under wraps.
10:34 Moscow Reports Injuries from Ukrainian Incursion into Russian Region of KurskAccording to the Russian Ministry of Health, 24 people were injured in the Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, including six children, according to the state-run Russian news agency Interfax, citing the ministry.
10:07 Russia Launches Drone Attack - Ukraine Reports Perfect Shoot-Down RateThe Ukrainian air force claims to have intercepted and destroyed 30 Russian drones. This is all the drones that Russian troops fired at targets in seven regions overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force on the Telegram messaging service.
09:29 ISW: Russia's former Defense Minister Shoigu "strongly exaggerates" territorial gainsAccording to Russia's former Defense Minister Shoigu, Kremlin forces have captured 420 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since June 14, 2022. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers this "strongly exaggerated" and estimates the figure to be around 290 square kilometers, or approximately 0.05% of Ukraine's total territory, which is about 600,000 square kilometers. Russia's military leadership has repeatedly inflated its territorial gains in Ukraine, often claiming to have captured villages that are largely or entirely destroyed. Considering the overall size of Ukraine, Russia's advance over the past months remains quite slow. Ukrainian forces have retreated from certain areas to protect their soldiers.
08:55 Ukraine strikes Russian region of Kursk againA day after Ukrainian attacks on the Russian region of Kursk resulted in multiple deaths, the region was again targeted by Ukrainian air strikes, according to local authorities. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems, said regional governor Alexei Smirnov on Telegram. Yesterday, Russia reported attempted attacks by Ukrainian forces in Kursk, involving around 300 soldiers, 11 tanks, and about 20 other armored vehicles, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
08:22 Russia intercepts drones in several border regionsRussia's air defense systems intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The affected regions are Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod, and Rostov, all of which border Ukraine, according to the state-run news agency RIA Novosti.
07:47 Pro-Ukrainian channel Deepstate seeks contact with Ukrainian units in Russian KurskThe pro-Ukrainian military channel Deepstate also hints at a possible incursion into the Russian border region of Kursk. In a brief statement, it said it would not provide an update on the situation in the border area to ensure the safety of defense personnel. "We are closely monitoring the situation there, maintaining contact with some units, and will provide information as accurately as possible, but only when the time is right. Everyone feels like a strategist – that's normal – but for now, it's important not to hinder the guys and military leadership in their decision-making, which could determine the fate of all."
07:06 Alleged Attack on Russian Region Kursk: Speculations about Far-Right Russian Unit
Russian military bloggers claim that the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops onto Russian territory involved the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK). The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) finds no confirmation of this, and a source from the Ukrainian military intelligence service told the media Voice of Ukraine that the RDK was not involved. The Russian Volunteer Corps consists of Russian far-right extremists and nationalists fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russia. In Kyiv, however, they have distanced themselves from the group in the past and stressed that it acts independently. The RDK has occasionally drawn attention with alleged incursions into Russian border regions. Critics have largely seen these as media stunts. According to ISW, another similar unit, the Legion for the Freedom of Russia, has not commented on its involvement. Both groups often report on their actions via their Telegram channels, but there is no indication of involvement in Kursk.
06:23 Ukrainian Troops Allegedly Entered Russian Territory: Possible Attack Raises Many Questions
The alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops onto Russian territory in the border region of Kursk remains shrouded in mystery. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), geolocated images show damaged and abandoned armored vehicles about seven kilometers north of the border. However, ISW cannot confirm whether these armored vehicles are Russian, Ukrainian, or both. Similarly, the Russian Ministry of Defense's claim that the Chechen Achmat special unit was involved in repelling the attack cannot be confirmed. "Russian military bloggers published images allegedly showing the aftermath of the Ukrainian attacks, but most of the damage shown is due to routine Ukrainian shelling and does not indicate ground activity in the area."
05:52 Ukraine Orders One Million Drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country is stepping up drone production as a crucial tool in the war. "We have already ordered one million drones from our manufacturers for this year," he said in his evening video address. Next year, it should be significantly more. "We're not disclosing all the details at this time, but our drone production capacity is increasing steadily, and we're working with both state funds and partners to invest in our drone production." The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is due to the reluctance of Western partners to allow the Ukrainian military to use the heavy weapons they have provided against targets on Russian territory.
02:30 Niger severs diplomatic ties with UkraineFollowing neighboring Mali, Niger has now cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine. The reason cited is alleged Ukrainian support for a rebel attack in Mali. In late July, Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. They then posted a photo supposedly showing them with the Ukrainian flag. However, investigations by the independent Russian investigative portal iStories suggest this is a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently touring southern African states and Mauritius to rally support for Kyiv's stance against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia is expanding its influence in the Sahel region through the Wagner Group.
23:23 Russia: Ukrainian attack on Kursk repelledRussia claims to have repelled Ukrainian advances on the Russian region of Kursk. "After suffering significant losses, the remnants of the sabotage group retreated to Ukrainian territory," the Moscow Defense Ministry said. Russia used artillery, combat aircraft, and drones to fend off the attack. Ukrainian military authorities in the Sumy region, on the other side of the border with the Russian Kursk region, claim that Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian ballistic missile, two drones, and a helicopter in the region. However, the Ukrainian General Staff's regular update does not report any Ukrainian attacks in the border region.
22:22 Kremlin pressure - Activist ends protest for return of Russian soldiersUnder increasing pressure from the Kremlin, a leading activist in the campaign for the return of Russian soldiers from the front has withdrawn. Maria Andreyeva, one of the leaders of the Put Domoy (Return Home) group, told the AFP news agency that she would stop her public appearances and "go underground." She said she had been classified as a "foreign agent." "Foreign agents are not only deprived of their rights but also stripped of their livelihood." The Put Domoy group consists of wives and mothers who repeatedly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring back their men and sons fighting in Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin is increasingly cracking down on them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine invests more in missile programAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, additional funds are being allocated to Ukraine's domestic missile program. The aim, he wrote on Telegram, is to reduce the gap with Russia, which has a range of long-range weapons. "Additional funds have been allocated for our missile program. More domestically produced missiles are coming," he said without providing further details. In July, the Ukrainian head of state had stated that Kyiv was working to reduce its dependence on missiles supplied by its allies, including those for air defense.
20:54 Russian Spy Couple Gives Interview After ReleaseUpon their return to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange, a Russian spy couple speaks out publicly for the first time. "When I saw the honor guard from the window of the plane, I had to cry," Anna Dulzewa describes in an interview on Russian state television the moment of her return to Russia. Together with her husband Artiom, Dulzewa lived for five years as a Russian spy in Slovenia. In 2022, both were arrested. "We told the children that we are Russians, that they are Russians, and that we are the Dulzews," says mother Anna Dulzewa, who reportedly spoke only Spanish with her children. Dulzewa says she wants to "continue serving Russia."
20:04 Moscow Declares Moldovan Diplomat 'Persona Non Grata'In response to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat over a spy scandal, Moscow says it has declared a Moldovan diplomat persona non grata. The Russian Foreign Ministry says it summoned the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to "strongly protest against the ongoing unfriendly steps" by Chisinau against Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia has been declared "persona non grata." Last week, Chisinau accused an employee of an unnamed embassy in the country of communicating with two officials suspected of conspiring against the Moldovan government and passing information abroad. Shortly afterward, the Russian diplomat was expelled from the country.
19:15 Shoigu: Window for Negotiations Closing for KyivFormer Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urges Ukraine to start peace talks. "The window of opportunity for Ukraine is getting smaller," says the secretary of the Security Council on state television. The longer Ukraine hesitates, the more territory it will lose, he says. Moscow has insisted that talks can only take place if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and abandons any plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects this.
You can read all previous developments here.
In response to the ongoing cyber warfare between Ukraine and Russia, the Ukrainian government decides to strengthen its cyber defense capabilities by investing in advanced cybersecurity technology and training its cyber warriors.
The Russian government, in retaliation, accuses Ukraine of launching a cyberattack on critical infrastructure in several Russian cities, causing widespread disruptions and cyberwarfare concerns.
