London reveals: Kremlin's alleged pretense of eagerness for negotiations is questionable.
17:45 UK Intelligence Points Out Russian Commitment to Ukrainian Goals Despite claims by high-ranking Russian officials about their willingness to negotiate, the UK Defense Intelligence confirms Russia's relentless pursuit of its original objectives in Ukraine. This is supported by a statement made by Dmitri Rogozin, a former Russian Deputy Prime Minister and "Senator" from the occupied section of Saporischschja. Rogozin took pride in destroying Ukrainian literature and advocated for the complete eradication of Ukrainian identity, stating that a ceasefire with Ukraine would result in the demise of Russian children. The report underscores the long line of Ukrainophobic rhetoric from high-ranking Russian officials, which jeopardizes Ukrainian identity and culture. It is suggested that numerous individuals within the Russian establishment are working towards extreme objectives for the conflict, including the annihilation of Ukrainian culture, identity, and sovereignty.
15:50 Zelensky: Ukraine Introduces New Retaliation Weapon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during Independence Day celebrations, reveals that the Ukrainian military has launched an attack on Russia using the Palianytsia drone missile for the first time. He expresses gratitude towards the developers, manufacturers, and soldiers who made this possible, praising it as a "new method of retaliation against the aggressor." Due to its new classification, identifying the exact target of the missile or drone will prove challenging for Russia.
15:31 Ukrainian Refugees' Claims Secured According to Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior, Ukrainian refugees will continue to maintain their potential late repatriation claims. A regulation to ensure this will be introduced, as announced by State Secretary Juliane Seifert at the "Day of Homeland" event hosted by the Federation of Expellees (BdV) in Berlin. The regulatory measure will be applicable from the commencement of the war, and also honors claims from refugees who had previously been unsuccessful in their application due to their forced displacement resulting from the conflict.
14:56 Zelensky Warns Putin: Ukraine will Retaliate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his Independence Day speech, asserts the freedom will of the people, guaranteeing that Ukrainian soil will not become a grey zone where the Ukrainian flag flies legally. He threatens to inflict the worst possible retribution upon Russia, warning that any nation attempting to create a buffer zone in Ukraine should be cautious, lest their own country transform into a "buffer federation."
14:28 Five Civilians Killed in Russian Attack in Eastern Ukraine At least five civilians have perished as a result of a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine this morning, as reported by authorities. The scene is now being managed by police and emergency services in the city of Kostyantynivka, as announced by the Donetsk region's governor, Vadym Fillaschkin, on Telegram. He advises the residents to seek refuge in the wake of the ongoing attacks near the front line, where Russian forces have gained terrain and continuously targeted nearby cities, such as Pokrovsk.
14:06 Historical Site of Ukrainian Anarchist Nestor Makhno Destroyed The residence and estate of Ukrainian revolutionary anarchist Nestor Makhno in Hulyaipole have been decimated by a Russian attack in the Saporishshia region. The home-turned-museum was destroyed by fire, as reported by the Ukrainian National Police. The region witnessed 306 Russian attacks upon nine frontline communities during the previous night, resulting in the damage or destruction of multiple properties and buildings. Miraculously, no casualties were reported.
13:38 115 Ukrainian Prisoners of War Freed 115 Ukrainian soldiers, previously in Russian captivity, have returned home, as announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky via Telegram. He pays tribute to each and every one of them, promising unwavering efforts to secure the safe release of all remaining prisoners. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is acknowledged for mediating the prisoner exchange agreement with Moscow. The photographs of the freed soldiers, comprising members of the Ukrainian army, national guard, navy, and border guard, were also shared by Zelensky on Telegram.
13:25 Prisoner Swap between Russia and Ukraine TodayA prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine is set to happen today, with each side releasing 115 inmates, as claimed by a UAE government representative. This marks the first such exchange since Ukraine initiated its operations within Russia this month. The Russian news agency RIA, referencing the Russian Defense Ministry, has also confirmed this. It's reported that Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine during its operations in the Kursk region are presently in Belarusian territory. This will be the seventh such arrangement mediated by the UAE since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The UAE, a close security ally of the US, has maintained positive relations with Moscow despite the ongoing conflict, causing frustration among Western governments. Simultaneously, relations with Kyiv have also strengthened.
13:16 Polish President Duda and Lithuanian PM Simonyte Join Kyiv CelebrationsToday marks Ukraine's 33rd Independence Day, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcoming Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte to the celebrations in Kyiv. Photos from the event were shared by the Ukrainian Presidential Office.
12:56 Umerov: Latvia Supports Ukraine with 126 Million Dollars in 2024 Military AidLatvia has pledged to contribute 126 million dollars (112 million euros) in military aid to Ukraine this year and is also planning to expand the drone coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this on Facebook. Umerov previously met with a Latvian delegation led by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds. According to Umerov, a key topic of discussion was the strengthening of the drone coalition, with Latvia taking a leading role in this regard. Latvia will provide Ukraine with thousands of drones to aid in repelling significant Russian aggression. As of now, the coalition includes numerous countries, Umerov mentioned.
12:16 Zelensky Greenlights Ukraine's Entry into the International Criminal CourtUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved Ukraine's accession to the International Criminal Court by signing a law that ratifies the Rome Statute. This is seen as a significant milestone towards Ukraine's integration into the EU. The Ukrainian parliament had previously endorsed this move. The court has issued international arrest warrants for individuals such as Russian President Vladimir Putin.
11:38 "Escape from Moscow's clutches": Zelensky Signs Law Banning Kremlin-backed Orthodox ChurchUkraine's Independence Day saw President Volodymyr Zelensky signing a law that outlaws the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Zelensky described this step as a means to reinforce Ukraine's sovereignty. The text of the law was published on the Ukrainian parliament's website today. Parliamentarians had supported the bill on Tuesday, which prohibits religious organizations with ties to Moscow. Russia denounced the measure. The law mandates religious organizations to sever ties with Russia by a certain date. Upon implementation, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church may achieve freedom from Moscow's influence, as per Zelensky's statement.
11:02 Media: Russian Ammunition Depot Burns after Drone AttackIt appears that Ukraine has successfully targeted a Russian military site. A Russian ammunition depot in the Voronezh region was allegedly hit by Ukrainian drone strikes, according to Astra, an independent news portal. The strike targeted a warehouse near Ostrogoshsk, about 100 kilometers south of Voronezh. Local officials have not mentioned a munitions depot, but Governor Alexander Gusev has declared an emergency situation in three villages due to the fire and explosion debris. No civilian buildings were damaged, but emergency measures were needed in three settlements, with 200 people evacuated. Two women were injured, one of whom was hospitalized.
10:26 Zelensky: War "Returns" to RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the war has "returned" to Russia. In his Independence Day message, Zelensky declared that Russia had attempted to "destroy" Ukraine through its invasion, but instead, Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd Independence Day. "And what the enemy inflicted on our land has now returned to its source," Zelensky said. According to Zelensky, the video message was filmed in the border region where Kyiv initiated its surprise attack on Russia on August 6.
09:54 Russia Declares State of Emergency in Part of Voronezh Region Due to Drone AttacksRussia has declared a state of emergency in parts of the Voronezh region bordering Ukraine following nocturnal drone attacks. The local governor, Alexander Gusev, announced this on Telegram. Russian forces intercepted five drones, but the ensuing debris caused a fire that led to the detonation of explosives, resulting in emergency measures in three settlements. Approximately 200 people were evacuated from these areas, and two women were injured after the incident. No civilian buildings were harmed, but the situation required immediate attention.
08:48 Zelensky: "We're incrementally driving back the Russian army from Kharkiv" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that the Russian army is being pushed back from the Kharkiv region. In his evening video address, Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces have effectively repelled Russian attempts to advance on Kharkiv and destroy the city and the entire Kharkiv region since early May. "We're incrementally driving back the Russian army," Zelensky declared.
08:10 Authorities report 10 wounded in Russian shelling of Kherson Oblast Ten individuals suffered injuries due to Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast the previous day, according to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, which cited Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson Oblast's military administration.
07:54 Grain facilities in the Sumy Oblast under missile assault Russian missiles have struck multiple grain infrastructure facilities in the Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. The regional prosecutor's office announced this, as reported by Ukrinform. Yesterday afternoon, Russian troops initiated rocket attacks on grain infrastructure facilities, the statement said.
07:29 Report: Explosion at Russian munitions depot in Voronezh caused by drone strike A drone strike in the Russian Oblast of Voronezh led to a fire and the detonation of explosive materials yesterday night, according to the "Kyiv Independent" citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. Russian air defense units allegedly shot down several unmanned aerial vehicles over the oblast, resulting in a fire and an explosion at an unidentified location. A Russian Telegram channel called Astra claimed that the explosion occurred at a munitions depot in Ostrogoschsk. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have conducted a series of drone strikes targeting Russia's military infrastructure and oil industry.
06:53 US imposes sanctions on over 400 organizations and individuals The United States is levying sanctions on more than 400 organizations and individuals, as per the US Department of State, for allegedly supporting Russia's conflict in Ukraine. "Today's actions target Russia where it hurts," said Aaron Forsberg, director of economic sanctions policy at the US Department of State. The measures target various sectors, including Russia's energy sector and companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. They also include Chinese companies suspected of aiding Moscow in bypassing Western sanctions and strengthening its military, such as the import-export department of the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group, which reportedly supplied dual-use goods worth $4 million to Russian companies. A representative of the Chinese embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, expressed China's opposition to unilateral sanctions, stating that normal commercial dealings between China and Russia should not be disrupted.
06:18 Belarus and China strengthen security ties Belarus and China have agreed to intensify cooperation in the field of security, according to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent". Apart from enhancing military cooperation, the countries also aim for closer ties in the financial and energy sectors. They also seek to intensify collaboration in industrial supply chains.
04:38 British PM Starmer vows lasting support to Ukraine on its national day British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised continued help to Ukraine on its national day. "My message to all Ukrainians, whether at the front or residing in their second home in the United Kingdom, is crystal clear: we are with you now and forever," Starmer stated in a message of goodwill. He reiterated his commitment in his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, when he visited London a few weeks ago. Not only the British government, but the entire country, supports Ukraine, Starmer said. "We support you as long as you need us." The Prime Minister concluded his message with the Ukrainian greeting "Slawa Ukrajini" (Glory to Ukraine).
01:29 Norway Grants Ukraine Permission for 155-mm Grenade Production and Funding
Norway has approved Ukraine's request for producing 155-mm grenades. Moreover, Norway has pledged to fund the project. Norwegian company Nammo entered into an agreement with a Ukrainian defense company for the licensing of artillery grenade production at Norway's expense. "Norway is currently assisting by providing ammunition from its own stockpiles and directly from industries. Now, Nammo wishes to share its plans with Ukraine, enabling the Ukrainian armed forces to replenish more quickly," stated Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
23:54 Kiesewetter on Incident at NATO Base Geilenkirchen: Are They Targets of Russian Hybrid Warfare?
Following an escalation in the warning level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen and reports of potential Russian drone attacks, German security politicians are urging caution. "We must recognize that Germany has long been a target of Russia's hybrid warfare, making military installations and particularly those pertaining to NATO in Germany a focus of possible sabotage and espionage attempts," said CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter to the "Tagesspiegel". Previously, the security level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen had been temporarily raised to the second-highest level, Charlie, due to a potential threat. According to Kiesewetter, the airbase in Geilenkirchen is a significant facility for NATO because the airborne early warning and control system AWACS is stationed there. "The Charlie security level suggests that NATO is taking suitable precautionary measures, like countering potential drone flyovers, and there are indications of potential hazards," Kiesewetter further stated. However, the heightened threat situation and danger of Russian attacks are not new.
Latvia has revealed its largest drone delivery to Ukraine to date. A total of 1400 drones, manufactured in Latvia, are now ready, as confirmed by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds on various platforms. This completes the acquisition of over 2700 drones from Latvia's own industry. Alongside the UK, Latvia is spearheading an alliance to supply Ukraine with a million drones. Other alliance members like Germany have pledged to support drone production and supply Ukraine with drones and spare parts.
9:34 PM: Biden Promises Additional Military Aid to Ukraine - Focusing on Air Defense
American President Joe Biden has announced a fresh military aid package for Ukraine during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As per the White House, the aid package includes air defense missiles, drone protection equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reiterated the US's unwavering support for the Ukrainian people to Zelenskyy. The financial specifics of the new aid were not disclosed.
9:29 PM: Zelensky Pleads for Immediate Weapons Deliveries
Ukraine's military is critically reliant on international assistance. President Zelensky is urgently appealing to Ukraine's Western allies to deliver the promised weaponry shipments. "On the battlefront, we're battling with shells and equipment, not with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'," he stated in his evening address via video. According to him, Ukraine is anticipating weapons or equipment deliveries that have been promised and approved but not yet delivered. He did not provide further details.
8:58 PM: Kursk Residents Feel Neglected: "Everyone is on Their Own"
As combat persists in the southern Russian region of Kursk, the residents there appear to be growing increasingly disgruntled: with authorities who they believe have deserted them, with the Ukrainian military, and even with their own military. A 28-year-old shared her thoughts with the "Moscow Times", saying, "To Russia, we're just a piece of the map. To the Ukrainians, we're supporters of Putin's regime. Everyone here is on their own." She accused authorities of deceit and downplaying the need for concern. A 32-year-old pointed out how people blame the Ukraine for the attack and question the Russian military's competence, "How could they overlook the assembly of such a large number of Ukrainian troops at the border?" If there were individuals who previously sympathized with Ukraine or were neutral, their stance has now transformed into intense anger, she said. Another Kursk resident added, "Ukraine is certainly not our ally at this moment." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk claimed she has no animosity towards Ukraine, viewing them "simply as victims of the situation".
Revisit earlier developments here.
The President of the Council of the European Union, after convening a special meeting, expressed solidarity with Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and reaffirmed the EU's support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Given the unique role of the Council of the EU in international diplomacy, it is crucial that The President of the Council continues to advocate for Ukraine's interests on the global stage, especially in light of Russia's persistent commitment to Ukrainian objectives.
