Lukashenko delivers a sarcastic salute, underscoring "respect and warmth" towards Ukrainians
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has chosen to extend a goodwill message to the Ukrainian people on their Independence Day, despite deploying a substantial portion of his military forces along the border with Ukraine. Through the regime's propaganda channel, Pul Pervogo, Lukashenko expressed his warm sentiments towards the industrious and amicable Ukrainian population. He emphasized the shared history, kinship, and desire for peaceful coexistence between the two nations. Lukashenko further asserted that under the current challenging circumstances, it is essential to communicate in the language of peace, thereby benefiting the present and future generations of Slavic peoples. He underscored Belarus' commitment to promoting regional security as soon as feasible.
17:49 Scholz and Zelenskyy engage in a phone conversation - and Scholz makes a pledgeGermany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz assures Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Germany's unwavering backing in a phone conversation. According to government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, Scholz and Zelenskyy discuss the military and humanitarian status in Ukraine on Ukraine's Independence Day. Scholz reaffirms Germany's persistent and unshakeable solidarity with Ukraine, in response to Russia's ongoing aggression, as explained by Hebestreit. Zelenskyy expresses gratitude to the German government for its continuous military assistance, specifically in air defense. The two leaders concurred on the significance of the Swiss summit process and its continuation, as suggested by Hebestreit.
17:02 Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval ratings see a decline after the Kharkiv offensiveA survey by a Russian polling agency reveals a decrease in approval ratings and trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin following the Ukrainian military's actions in Kharkiv. Meduza, a Russian media outlet situated in Latvia, cites this report from the Russian media outlet Agentstvo. The survey reveals that Putin's approval rating fell by 3.5% compared to the previous week, reaching 73.6%. Trust in Putin decreased by 2.6% during the same period, marking the most significant drop since the beginning of Russia's conflict with Ukraine.
16:24 London: The Kremlin feigns the intention to negotiateThe UK's Defence Intelligence Service reports that despite senior Russian officials' claims about their intent to negotiate, a series of other statements indicate that Russia remains highly motivated to achieve the Kremlin's initial objectives for Ukraine. The UK's Ministry of Defence cites a statement from Dmitri Rogozin, a former Russian Deputy Prime Minister and "Senator" from the occupied part of Saporischschja, who recently boasted about destroying Ukrainian books. Rogozin calls for the elimination of everything "Ukrainian at its roots" and asserts that any ceasefire with Ukraine would mean "certain death for our children." The UK's Defence Intelligence Service notes that these statements are part of a longer trend of Ukrainophobic statements by high-ranking Russian officials that threaten and undermine Ukrainian identity and culture.
15:50 Zelensky: Ukraine deploys a new drone missile for the first timeUkraine's military has employed a novel weapon for the first time against the Russians, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, during Independence Day celebrations. Zelensky described the Palianytsia drone missile as a new method of retaliation against the aggressor, noting their success. Zelensky conveyed his gratitude towards both developers, manufacturers, and soldiers involved in this achievement, describing himself as proud of them.
15:31 Ukraine refugees maintain their claims as late repatriatesAccording to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Ukraine refugees will retain their potential claims as late repatriates, with a corresponding regulation being established. Announcing this at the Federation of Expellees (BdV) "Day of Homeland" in Berlin, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Juliane Seifert, revealed that this regulation will apply retroactively from the war's inception for refugees who fled Ukraine due to Russian attacks years ago. Even individuals who had previously submitted unsuccessful late repatriate claims as a result of their flight due to the conflict can now reassert their claims given they meet the further legal requirements of the Federal Expellees Act.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underlines the public's desire for liberty in his Independence Day address. He declares, "We won't let the soil become a neutral zone where the blue and yellow flag (Ukraine's national symbol) continues to wave legally," Zelensky mentions in his speech. Ukrainians will retaliate against the adversary with all the atrocities - proportionally, Zelensky warns. Those who seek to transform Ukraine into a buffer zone should beware that their nation might morph into a "buffer federation," he advises, implicating Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the counteroffensive in the Kursk region.
14:28 Deadly Russian Assault Claims Five Lives in Eastern Ukraine
At least five civilian casualties have occurred in a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine this morning, as reported by authorities. Law enforcement and emergency services are present at the site in Kostiantynivka, as disclosed by Donetsk region governor Vadym Fillaschkin via Telegram. Once more, he encourages locals to prioritize safety. Kostiantynivka is close to the front where Russian troops have made progress recently and have frequently targeted the nearby city of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistical base for Ukrainian forces.
14:06 Historic Home of Ukrainian Anarchist Nestor Makhno Ravaged in Saporischschja Attack
The legendary home and family estate of Ukrainian anarchist revolutionary Nestor Makhno in Hulyaipole has been reduced to ashes following a Russian attack on the Saporischschja region. The Ukrainian National Police confirmed this, citing their records, to The Kyiv Independent. Prior to the attack, the house was transformed into a museum dedicated to the 20th-century figure. In the nighttime assault on nine settlements in Saporischschja, the Russian military launched 306 attacks, damaging or destroying several houses and critical infrastructure. No civilian fatalities or injuries were reported.
13:38 Release of 115 Ukrainian Prisoners from Russian Captivity Announced by Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed via Telegram that 115 Ukrainian prisoners have been freed from Russian custody. "We remember each of them. We're doing our best to rescue everyone," Zelensky penned. He recognized the UAE for facilitating the prisoner swap with Moscow. Zelensky also posted images of the liberated prisoners on Telegram. These photos show members of the Ukrainian military, national guard, navy, and border guard.
13:25 Prisoner Swap Between Ukraine and Russia Expected Today
An exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia is expected to take place today, with each side releasing 115 detainees, according to Mediation Coordinator from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This will mark the first such exchange since Ukraine initiated its offensive within Russia this month. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed this, citing Moscow's records. Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine during the offensive in the Kursk region are said to currently be in Belarusian territory. This will mark the seventh prisoner exchange mediated by the UAE since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
13:16 Polish President Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyte Attend Kyiv Celebrations
Ukraine celebrates its 33rd Independence Day today. Ukrainian President is hosting Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte for the occasion. Several celebratory photos taken in Kyiv were shared by the Ukrainian presidential office.
12:56 Latvia Commits $126 Million (€112 Million) in Military Aid to Ukraine in 2024
Latvia has promised to allocate $126 million (€112 million) in military aid to Ukraine this year and plans to support the expansion of the drone coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this news on Facebook. Umerov held talks with a Latvian delegation headed by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds. "Deepening cooperation in the area of drones is a prominent issue," Umerov stated. Latvia will provide Ukraine with numerous drones to help ward off massive Russian aggression. According to Umerov, over thirty nations are already part of the coalition.
12:16 Zelenskyy advances Ukraine's Joining of International Criminal Court
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken necessary steps to permit his nation's admission into the International Criminal Court (ICC) by ratifying the Rome Statute. Adherence is generally regarded as a significant stride towards Ukraine's integration with the EU. The parliament had previously approved this action. The ICC has issued international arrest warrants, including one against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
11:38 "Deliverance from Moscow's Malevolent Influence": Zelensky Signs Law Outlawing Pro-Kremlin Orthodox ChurchOn Ukrainian Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law proscribing the pro-Russian Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Zelensky stated that this move would fortify Ukraine's independence. The law was published on the Ukrainian Parliament's website today. Parliamentarians passed the law on Tuesday, establishing a ban on religious organizations with links to Moscow. Russia criticized the decision. The law sets a deadline for religious organizations to disconnect from Moscow. Implementation of the law may take several years. In a speech, Zelensky stated, "Today, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is experiencing liberation from Moscow's malevolent grip."
11:02 Media: Russian Munitions Depot Ablaze After Drone AssaultIt appears Ukraine has taken out a significant military objective: A Russian munitions depot in the Voronezh region reportedly sustained damage from Ukrainian drone attacks. The target was a storage facility close to the town of Ostrogoschsk, approximately 100 kilometers south of Voronezh, as per details from the independent online source Astra. Although its official status as an ammunition depot remains unconfirmed, Governor Alexander Gusev reportedly declared a state of emergency in three districts due to the "elimination of fire-related consequences and the detonation of explosive materials." (For more information, check out the 9:54 AM update)
10:26 Zelensky: Conflict Has Resurged in RussiaAs per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the conflict has resurfaced in Russia. With its invasion of Ukraine, Russia aimed to annihilate Ukraine, according to Zelensky in a video message celebrating his country's Independence Day. Instead, Ukraine is now celebrating its 33rd Independence Day, he added. "And what the enemy brought to our land has now returned to its origins." According to Zelensky, his message was recorded in the border region from which Ukraine launched its surprise offensive against Russia. Ukrainian troops crossed into the Kursk border region on August 6.
09:54 Russia Declares Emergency in Voronezh Region Following Nocturnal Drone AssaultRussia has declared an emergency in the Voronezh region of Ukraine's border after a nocturnal drone assault. Local Governor Alexander Gusev confirmed this via Telegram. He cited five drones being intercepted by the Russian military, resulting in a fire that led to an explosion of explosives. The incident did not damage any civilian facilities, Gusev emphasized. However, emergency measures had to be taken in three settlements, necessitating the evacuation of 200 individuals. Two women were wounded by the explosions, with one being hospitalized as a result.
09:31 Kyiv: 1160 Russian Soldiers Eliminated in a Single DayOfficial figures from Kyiv reveal substantial losses on the Russian side: 1160 Russian soldiers were either eliminated or incapacitated within a 24-hour period. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported a total of 606,490 Russian soldiers eliminated since the war's beginning in February 2022. The ministry asserted that the enemy had also lost 9 more tanks (8,542 in total) since the Russian invasion started. The Ukrainian military has accounted for more than 16,600 armored vehicles and approximately 14,000 drones destroyed or no longer in the Russian military's possession. These figures cannot be independently verified since Moscow remains tight-lipped about its own casualties in Ukraine.
08:48 Zelensky: "Slowly but Surely, We're Pushing the Russian Army Out of Kharkiv"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in this evening's video message that the Russian army is being driven back from the Kharkiv region. He made these remarks after a conversation with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. "Kharkiv is indeed a heroic city, a city of people and life. Since mid-May, our defense forces have repelled Russian advancements on Kharkiv and Wyborowa, aiming to destroy our city and the entire Kharkiv region," Zelensky said. "We are gradually pushing the Russian army out."
08:10 Authorities Report 10 Injured in Russian Shelling in Kherson OblastTen individuals were injured during Russian shelling in the Kherson Oblast the previous day, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, quoting Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the military administration in Kherson Oblast.
07:54 Grain Facilities in Sumy Oblast Targeted by RocketsRussian rockets hit several grain storage facilities in the Sumy Oblast, as per a statement from the regional prosecutor's office, according to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. The Russians launched rocket attacks against the grain storage infrastructure in the afternoon, the statement said.
07:29 Reports: Munitions Depot Damaged in Drone Strike in Russian Voronezh OblastA drone strike in the Russian Voronezh Oblast reportedly resulted in a fire and the explosion of "explosive objects," as per a report by "Kyiv Independent," citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. Russian air defense units are said to have shot down several unmanned aerial vehicles over the oblast. Allegedly, falling debris sparked a fire and an explosion at an unspecified location. The Russian Telegram channel Astra reported that the explosion occurred at a munitions depot in Ostrogozhsk. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have conducted a series of drone strikes targeting Russian military infrastructure and energy industry.
06:53 USA Imposes Sanctions on 400 Entities and IndividualsAccording to the U.S. Department of State, the United States is imposing sanctions on more than 400 entities and individuals accused of aiding Russia's war in Ukraine. "Today's actions target Moscow's vulnerabilities," says Aaron Forsberg, Director of Economic Sanctions Policy at the U.S. Department of State. The measures target, among others, the Russian energy sector and Turkish and UAE-based firms. They also include Chinese companies suspected of aiding Russia in circumventing Western sanctions and bolstering its military, such as the import-export department of the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group, which is alleged to have supplied Russian companies with dual-use goods worth $4 million. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stated that China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and that normal commercial ties between China and Russia should not be disrupted.
06:18 Enhancing Security Collaboration: Belarus and ChinaBelarus and China are intent on enhancing their partnership in the realm of security. As reported by the Ukrainian publication "Kyiv Independent", both Beijing and Minsk are aiming to augment collaboration not just in security matters but also in the financial and energy sectors. Moreover, they agreed to boost cooperation in industrial supply chains.
04:38 Committing Long-Term Support to Ukraine: UK's Keir StarmerBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledges long-term support to Ukraine on its national day. "My message to all Ukrainians, regardless of whether you're defending your homeland or residing in your second home in the UK, is clear: we are with you today and forever," says Starmer in his message of congratulations. He reaffirmed this during his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he was in London a few weeks earlier, according to Starmer. It isn't just the British government that stands by Ukraine; the entire nation is united in its support. "We are here for you as long as you need us." The Prime Minister ended his message with the Ukrainian greeting "Slawa Ukrajini" (Glory to Ukraine).
01:29 Granting Grenade Development License and Financing to Ukraine: NorwayNorway grants Ukraine a license for the development of 155-mm grenades and commits to funding the project. The Norwegian company Nammo has signed an agreement with a Ukrainian defense company to grant a license for the production of artillery grenades at Norwegian expense. "Norway is currently supporting Ukraine by providing ammunition from its own stockpiles and directly from industry. However, Nammo wants to share its plans with Ukraine. This means that the Ukrainian armed forces can be resupplied more swiftly," says Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
23:54 Kiesewetter after incident at NATO base Geilenkirchen: A Potential Target of Russian Hybrid WarFollowing the temporary elevation of the alert level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen and indications of potential Russian drone attacks, security experts in Germany are calling for vigilance. "Germany has long been a target of Russia's hybrid war, and therefore military facilities, particularly those relevant to NATO in Germany, are in the focus of potential sabotage and espionage activities," says CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter to the "Tagesspiegel." Previously, the security level at the NATO air base 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 very important facility for NATO as it houses the air-based early warning and control system AWACS. "The Charlie security level indicates that NATO is taking appropriate precautionary measures, including against possible drone overflights, and there are indications of potential concrete dangers," Kiesewetter added. However, the increased threat situation and potential for Russian attacks is known and not new.
22:21 Largest Drone Delivery to Ukraine yet: LatviaLatvia has announced its largest delivery of drones to Ukraine so far. 1400 drones from Latvian manufacturers are ready, writes Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds on X, bringing the total number of drones procured from domestic industry to over 2700. Latvia, along with the UK, leads an alliance to deliver one million drones to Ukraine. Its members, including Germany, have pledged to invest in drone production and deliver drones and spare parts to Ukraine.
21:34 New Military Aid to Ukraine: Air Defense Focus: BidenUS President Joe Biden has announced a new military aid package to Ukraine during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the White House, the package includes air defense missiles, drone defense equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reiterated the "unwavering support of the US for the Ukrainian people" to Zelenskyy. The financial details of the new aid are not disclosed.
21:29 Urging Delivery of Promised Weapons: ZelenskyyThe Ukrainian army is in dire need of assistance from abroad. President Zelenskyy strongly encourages Ukraine's international partners to deliver the promised weapons packages. "On the front line, they are engaging in battle with shells and equipment, not with reassurances like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'," he says in his evening video address. According to him, Ukraine is waiting for weapons or equipment "that have been promised and agreed upon but not yet delivered." He does not provide specifics.
21:16 Kursk residents vent their anger: "We're on our own" As the fighting persists in Kursk's southern Russian region, residents' frustration heightens. They voice their discontent towards authorities they perceive as abandoning them, towards the Ukrainian military, and even towards their fellow countrymen in the military. A 28-year-old vented to the "Moscow Times", stating, "For Russia, we're just a piece on the map. For the Ukrainians, we're enemies backing Putin's regime. Everyone here is on their own." She alleges that authorities are dishonest and downplay the need for concern. Furthermore, a 32-year-old resident explains that although they blame Ukraine for the attack, they also second-guess the ability of the Russian military: "How could they overlook the gathering of such a massive Ukrainian force at the border?" Before this, there were individuals who empathized with Ukraine or remained impartial, but their sentiment has now transformed into intense fury, she mentioned. Another Kursk resident commentated, "Ukrainians aren't our allies at the moment." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk shows no animosity towards Ukraine, saying, "They too are merely victims of this situation."
You can stay updated on all the latest developmentshere.
- Amidst the ongoing global concerns about cybersecurity, some experts have raised concerns about the potential for cyberwarfare between Belarus and Ukraine, given the heightened tensions along their border.
- As a precautionary measure, Ukrainian authorities have recommended strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect against potential cyberattacks, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and digital assets.
