Many Ukrainian refugees in Hungary are required to vacate their refugee accommodation facilities.
Following the implementation of a decree in Hungary that denies Ukrainian refugees basic protection, numerous Ukrainians are at risk of losing their housing. Privately-owned refugee housing facilities have commenced evicting Ukrainians, as reported by Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees were forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision, according to an AFP photographer. The majority of them were Romanian women and children hailing from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, which has a significant Hungarian minority.
20:14 Scholz commits to providing extensive support to Moldova's neighbor, Ukraine, despite the turmoil in his coalition. Scholz made his first foreign trip post-vacation to Moldova, a small nation bordering Ukraine, which is in the midst of significant destabilization efforts by Russia. Scholz affirmed Germany's solidarity and pledged further support for the EU candidate, as well as continued backing for Ukraine. However, an agreement aimed at reducing illegal immigration could not be signed during the visit. "We will support the Republic of Moldova to the fullest extent possible," Scholz stated after a meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau. He pointed out that Russia and pro-Russian forces were attempting to destabilize the former Soviet republic.
19:36 Borrell advocates for enabling Ukraine to use western weapons on Russian soil. In response to the Ukrainian assault in the Russian border region of Kursk, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has endorsed Kyiv's right to utilize western weapons on Russian territory. Such a decision would strengthen Ukraine's self-defense capabilities and thereby lower fatalities and damage in Ukraine, Borrell wrote on X.
19:10 Ukrainian military strikes targets in Kursk. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschchuk announced successful missions by his fighters during the offensive in the western Russian region of Kursk. Guided munitions were primarily used against Russian positions and troops concentrations. Although Russian soldiers have started using abandoned homes for defense, they remain vulnerable to attacks. "We see everything, we know everything," Oleschchuk wrote on Telegram. "Our guided munitions will locate you everywhere." Guided munitions refer to precision-guided bombs that can be remoted controlled by pilots. During the offensive in the Kursk region, two critical bridges over the Seim River were destroyed by fighter aircraft. Oleschchuk did not specify which types of aircraft Ukraine employed in its strikes. According to Ukrainian military experts, Western F-16 fighter jets have not yet been deployed.
18:44 Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine: Villagers flee due to increased attacks. As a result of the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine, many villagers have abandoned their homes near the front lines. Residents of the village of Myrnohrad, located ten kilometers away from the combat zones, informed the AFP news agency that increasing attacks from Russia had convinced several people to flee. AFP reporters on the scene observed several houses in Myrnohrad catching fire due to Russian attacks.
18:04 Russia and China Discuss Energy CooperationDuring a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Moscow, both nations discuss closer energy sector collaboration. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told Li Qiang that Russia is already the largest oil supplier to China. "In the near future, we will also take the lead in natural gas," Mishustin said, as reported by the state news agency TASS. Li Qiang emphasized the growing scale and quality of energy cooperation. Although Beijing views Russia's conflict with Ukraine as a disruption of the international order, it continues to support Russia in this matter.**
17:33 Ukraine Joins International Criminal Court with a ReservationUkraine has joined the International Criminal Court but requests a temporary exemption for its military from its jurisdiction. The Ukrainian parliament voted 281 to 1 with 22 abstentions to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, according to MP Yaroslav Shelesnyak on Telegram. Ukraine had signed the Rome Statute in January 2000 but had not ratified it until now. The Rome Statute forms the basis for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, which handles crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. However, the agreement now passed states that Ukraine will not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction over war crimes involving Ukrainian civilians for seven years due to concerns that the army's actions against Russian forces may be classified as war crimes.**
17:15 Only Russia Declines Swiss UN InvitationRussia is the only country to decline an invitation from Switzerland for United Nations Security Council members to visit Switzerland on August 25 and 26. Diplomats from the other 13 countries will travel to Geneva, a spokesperson for the Swiss Foreign Ministry stated. The Russian delegation in New York informed them that they would not participate without providing reasons. Moscow has labeled Switzerland an "unfriendly state" since it adopted EU sanctions against Russia over the attack on Ukraine. Switzerland serves as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the first time, alongside the five permanent members - Russia, China, the United States, UK, and France - and the current non-permanent members Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. The term of non-permanent members lasts two years. The visit aims to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.**
16:49 Moscow Mayor's Statement: Major Drone Attack on CapitalThe recent drone assault on Moscow, orchestrated by Ukraine, has been labeled as one of the largest since the war's commencement almost three years ago by Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin. Some drones were taken down in the vicinity of the city of Podolsk, approximately 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin. Sobyanin relayed this information through a Telegram post. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 11 objects targeted at the capital region were successfully neutralized. The total number of drones downed across Russia surpassed 45. In retaliation, Russia deployed near 70 drones towards Ukraine overnight, with the majority reportedly intercepted by Ukrainian air defense forces. Battles continue in eastern Ukraine and on the Russian border region of Kursk. "This is thus far, the largest attempt to attack Moscow with drones," Mayor Sobyanin clarified. Fortunately, the attempt was thwarted, and no damages or casualties were reported.
16:20 Ukrainian Orthodox Church's Request to Orthodox ChristiansMetropolitan Epifaniy, the head of the autonomous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, implored followers of the Moscow-loyal orthodoxy to disassociate. This mandate came after the Ukrainian parliament prohibited all religious organizations with ties to Russia on Tuesday. Epifaniy explained on Ukrainian television, "The law permits religious structures yet to do so, to fully detach themselves from Moscow's influence." He further appealed to all Orthodox Christians in Ukraine who have yet to sever ties with Russia to finally do so.
15:54 Indian PM Modi's Call for Peace Before Ukraine VisitIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, entering uncharted territory by visiting Poland, marked his first trip in 45 years, has touched down in Warsaw. Modi will then become the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine, on August 6th. Before departing, Modi echoed a message of peace for Ukraine, stating, "We, as a 'friend and partner' of Kyiv, hope for a swift return of peace and stability in the region."
15:28 Election Postponement in Russian Border RegionDue to the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk border region, local elections have been delayed in seven municipalities. The Central Election Commission agreed, echoing the Kursk Region Election Commission's proposal to delay the elections in seven settlements until the safety of voters could be guaranteed. Elections are still set to occur in the remaining areas of Kursk, including the election of the region's governor, between August 28th and September 8th, as originally planned.
15:07 Ukrainian Troops Confirm Western Weapon Use on Russian TerritoryUkraine claims to have utilized US-supplied HIMARS rockets to target replacement bridges over the Seim River in Russia. "Where have the Seim River bridges vanished to? Our forces... have destroyed them accurately," the Ukrainian special troops declared via the Telegram messaging service. The first admission of Western weapons usage in Ukraine's aggressive campaign on Russian territory. While countries such as the United States and Germany have not objected, Russia has denounced this development as an escalation in the conflict. Russia's military strategists had speculated that HIMARS rockets played a role in destroying at least three Seim River bridges. The destruction has consequently made it more challenging for the Russian military to supply the region and mount a counterattack.
14:52 Ukrainian Drones Approach Moscow: Multiple Shootdowns ReportedUkrainian drones persistently targeting the Russian capital were once again detected. Various clips show drone downings and large explosions in the sky, with the Russian military asserting responsibility for the destruction of at least ten aerial vehicles. The extent of any damages or casualties is still unknown.
14:25 German Foreign Office: Russia Unwilling to Negotiate PeaceGerman Foreign Minister's office has conveyed their assessment that Russia is unresponsive to negotiating a ceasefire. "Russia demonstrates no willingness to engage in negotiations for a just peace," a representative stated. Instead, the Russian government continues to demand territorial annexation, areas they do not even control, and the war could be ended instantaneously. The Minister emphasized that Ukraine should be equipped with suitable weapons in order to protect against the unlawful invasion. This assertion is echoed in ongoing campaign debates in Thuringia and Saxony, advocating for a stronger emphasis on diplomacy instead of weapon supply ceasements.
13:53 Chechnya's Strongman Kadyrov Assures Putin's SupportAfter a 13-year absence, President Putin traveled to Chechnya to receive the warmth of strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. The two autocrats assured one another of mutual backing, with Kadyrov presenting Putin with a token of appreciation. However, their relationship is not unconditional, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
13:30 Moscow Announces Capture of Another Village in Eastern UkraineThe Russian military states that they have seized another village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The Russian forces claim to have "liberated" the village of Shelanne, as reported by Moscow's defense ministry in their daily bulletin. The village is situated to the northeast of Donetsk city, which is under Russian control. Approximately 20 kilometers from Shelanne is Prokhorovka, a key logistics hub. However, sources from the Institute for the Study of War suggest that the location was already conquered on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine's Parliament Plans to Join the International Criminal CourtThe Ukrainian parliamentaries voted to ratify the Rome Statute, paving the way for Ukraine to join the International Criminal Court. This move signifies a significant step in Ukraine's integration with the EU. The court has issued international arrest warrants, including for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
12:45 Russia Launches Attack on Ukraine with Drones
The Ukrainian air force reports that they shot down 50 Russian assault drones during the night. An additional 16 drones are believed to have been downed by electronic jammers, the military reports. One drone managed to return to Russia. In total, Ukraine was attacked by 69 drones, with one coming from Belarus. Russia also employed two ballistic missiles and one cruise missile, but only the cruise missile was intercepted. No information is available regarding damages or casualties. No statement has been issued from Moscow yet.
12:22 Russian Pressure on Ukraine's Troops at PokrovskUkrainian forces are under intense pressure from Russian attacks in the country's eastern region, as per military reports. The Ukrainian General Staff in Kyiv reports 66 Russian assaults on the Pokrovsk front on Tuesday, all of which were repelled. Fighting persists in many villages surrounding Pokrovsk, around 10 kilometers away. Commander-in-Chief Olexander Syrsky acknowledges the challenging situation. Russian military bloggers suggest that the Ukrainian defense at Pokrovsk is weakening, as their troops have reportedly made progress.
11:50 Medvedev: "Negotiations are Impossible Until the Enemy is Completely Defeated"According to Russian former President Dmitri Medvedev, there might not be any prospect of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Medvedev, now vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, expressed this opinion on his Telegram channel. Given Ukraine's advance in Kursk, Medvedev believes that there is no chance for negotiations between the two sides. Medvedev asserts that there will be no negotiation with Moscow and Kyiv until Ukraine is completely defeated on the battlefield.
11:22 Wagner Mercenaries' Violence Grows in AfricaRussian mercenaries continue to have a substantial impact in Africa, one year after the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Analysts at the conflict data organization Acled suggest that Prigozhin's death and rebranding to the Africa Corps will not diminish Wagner's presence on the continent. In the first half of 2024, there were more incidents of political violence linked to Russian mercenaries in Africa than during Prigozhin's lifetime. The businessman had built a private army from 2014, and Wagner mercenaries fought not only in Ukraine but also in Syria and mainly on the African continent to serve Russian interests. In June 2023, Wagner launched an armed uprising against the Kremlin. On August 23, 2023, Prigozhin's plane crashed, killing him and his closest associates with no survivors.
10:50 Kursk Funeral Director Urges Men to FightIs it patriotism or self-interest? In a video posted on Telegram, a man in military uniform from Kursk criticizes the male population for fleeing. However, this man is not a military officer but a 39-year-old funeral director, Kirill Suworow, from St. Petersburg, as reported by the Russian opposition news agency Agentstvo. In his video, Suworow lambasts the local men for abandoning their region: "What in the world are you all doing? Where are you going, my dear men?" He also encourages them to pick up weapons instead and "dig trenches for the boys." Suworow also encourages locals to hand over their cars to the military rather than fleeing. When asked by investigative site Agentstvo, Suworow reiterates his criticism of the men of Kursk. When prompted if he would take part in the war personally, he remains silent.
10:26 Pentagon: Ukraine Has "Caused Trouble for Russia"
According to the US Department of Defense's evaluation, Russia is finding it challenging to respond to Ukraine's counteroffensive in western Russia's Kursk region. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder states that there are indications that Moscow is transferring a minimal number of units into the area. "However, overall, I would say that Russia is truly struggling to react," Ryder emphasizes. The Ukraine is reportedly advancing further into the area. With the counteroffensive launched about two weeks ago, Ukraine has, for the first time, shifted the war onto Russian territory. Ryder highlights that Ukraine's counteroffensive in Kursk does not alter US support for Kyiv.
10:03 Three Times More Russians at the Eastern Front than Ukrainians
Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledges a challenging situation at the Eastern Front. Reportedly by ntv journalist Nadja Kriewald from the area, the situation is described as "serious," with Russian soldiers significantly outnumbering Ukrainians. Moreover, the Kremlin seems to disregard its own losses.
09:37 Kyiv: Ukrainian Military Targets Russian Air Defense System in Rostov
The Ukrainian military declares they have struck an air defense system in the southern Russian region of Rostov. As per the General Staff, it's a system of S300 air defense missiles. Russia has employed this type of missile in attacks against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian attack was aimed at a missile system near the settlement of Novoshakhtinsk. Explosions were detected at specific target points, and the accuracy of the hit is under investigation. Governor of Rostov, Vasili Golubev, reports that the Russian air force has destroyed a rocket fired from Ukraine over the region. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense does not mention this in its daily situation report.
09:09 Drone Attack Causes Temporary Restrictions at Moscow AirportsDue to a drone attack on Moscow, temporary restrictions were put in place for three of the city's airports for four hours until 6:30 AM local time. Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo airports were affected, while the main airport, Sheremetyevo, remained unaffected. The Russian air force destroyed eleven drones heading towards Moscow. Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described it as one of the largest drone attacks on the city.
08:41 Roth: Putin, the Imperialistic Giant, Can Be DefeatedSpd Foreign Policy Spokesperson Michael Roth calls for strong support for Ukraine, especially during this "difficult period." "The only method to bring Putin to the negotiation table is if he realizes he cannot conquer Ukraine. And that can only occur if we, Germany, Europe, the US, and various allies continue to equip Ukraine as effectively as possible, militarily," the SPD politician stated on ntv's early show. Roth was also pleased with the successes on Russian soil, claiming that the "imperialistic giant" Putin can be defeated.
08:12 Woidke Raises Concerns Over Citizen's Allowance for Ukrainian RefugeesBrandenburg's Minister President, Dietmar Woidke, is questioning the citizen's allowance for Ukrainian refugees. "The decision was appropriate at the time as we had to assist quickly. However, we must now ask if this form of assistance remains relevant," he told "Stern." In other EU countries, more Ukrainians are employed than in Germany. "We need to address this. It would benefit our economy - we need workers - and promote integration," said Brandenburg. Brandenburg is set to hold new state elections in September.
07:40 Ukraine Estimates Number of Rockets and Drones Russia Has FiredSince the start of the war, Russia has reportedly fired over 9,600 rockets and nearly 14,000 attack drones against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports cited by "Kyiv Independent." Most of the rockets, 5,197, were targeted at civilian areas, with S-300/S-400 rockets being the most commonly used, striking a total of 3,008 times. The second most frequently used weapons were Kh-555/Kh-101 cruise missiles, with 1,846 registered attacks.
07:08 German Armed Forces Increase Security Measures at BarracksThe German Armed Forces are enhancing security measures at all barracks. According to "Der Spiegel," barracks have been instructed to thoroughly inspect the outer fences of all facilities for any gaps and monitor them more closely, especially at night. Soldiers are also being encouraged to pay attention to unauthorized persons in security areas and report any suspicions immediately. This response comes after reports of intruders in sensitive security areas. A high-ranking general admitted to "Der Spiegel" that the protection of German barracks is still operating in "peacetime mode," with entry and exit controls often handled by private service providers, as well as patrols along the barracks' fences.
06:40 Habeck: If G7 Aid Doesn't Come, Ukraine Must Be Supported DifferentlyGerman Economics Minister Robert Habeck assures continued support for Ukraine, regardless of whether the planned multi-billion dollar aid from G7 nations materializes. "The G7 has set everything in motion: Ukraine will receive money in the future to purchase urgently needed weapons systems," the Green politician told the Funke media group. "This is right and will come by the end of the year - as far as I'm aware," said Habeck. Ukraine would then receive 50 billion, with an additional 4 billion from the federal budget in 2025. If this doesn't happen, "we must reconsider," Habeck demands. The commitment to Ukraine "remains unchanged," Habeck stresses. Then, support "must be provided differently." Habeck acknowledges that transitioning to the planned G7 model could be challenging "if new orders can no longer be placed because the existing budget allocations have been exhausted." He suggests a practical solution. "It would be essential to ensure that the weapons systems are ordered now and paid for later from the G7 funds." It would be extremely dangerous if Ukraine were to lose this war, as it would threaten Europe's freedom.
06:08 Russian Allegations: West Accused of Mastermind Behind Kursk IncursionAs per a newspaper report, Russia points fingers at Western intelligence services for orchestrating the latest Ukrainian infiltration into the Russian region of Kursk. According to Russia's foreign intelligence service SVR, cited by "Izvestia" newspaper, the Ukrainian military operation in Kursk was reportedly aided by the USA, UK, and Poland's intelligence services. The combat operations are said to have been rehearsed in training centers in Britain and Germany. Military advisors from NATO countries are also suspected of leading Ukrainian troops that crossed into Russian territory, along with assisting in the usage and management of Western weapons and military equipment by the Ukrainians. Furthermore, it's alleged that the alliance countries provided the Ukrainian military with satellite reconnaissance data on Russian troop movements within the operational area.
05:39 Russian Sources: All Three Sejm River Bridges Destroyed or DamagedAccording to Russian sources, Ukrainian forces have either damaged or destroyed all three bridges spanning the Sejm River in western Russia. The destruction of the Sejm bridges in Kursk could potentially surround Russian troops between the river, the Ukrainian advance, and the border of both countries. Preliminary reports suggest that this has slowed down Russia's response to the Kursk offensive, which began on August 6.
04:30 Russian Reports: Large-Scale Ukrainian Drone AttackRussia claims a significant Ukrainian drone attack on various regions. Authorities state that three drones were brought down about 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin and 15 more in the Bryansk border region. Earlier reports suggested that three drones were intercepted over Podolsk, located near Moscow. There are yet no reports of damages or casualties in Bryansk and Podolsk. Similar incidents have been reported from the Tula and Rostov regions, but there are no reported damages or injuries as of now. The specific number of launched drones and rockets remains unclear.
03:50 Putin and Kadyrov Inspect Troops in ChechnyaFor the first time in 13 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the Chechnya region. Together with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Putin inspects troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine. Putin encourages the troops by saying, "As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely invincible." The visit comes against the backdrop of recent Ukrainian advances into the Russian region of Kursk. Kadyrov reports that Chechnya has sent over 47,000 fighters to Ukraine since the war's outset, including about 19,000 volunteers.
02:44 Russian Air Defense Intercepts Drone Attack Over MoscowRussia claims to have intercepted a drone attack on its capital, Moscow. According to the message from Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, three drones launched from Ukraine were shot down by air defenses. Initial reports had no recorded damages or casualties due to falling debris.
01:50 Alleged Treason Admission: FSB Confirms Scientist's ArrestThe Russian security service FSB confirms the arrest of a scientist on suspicion of treason. The suspect reportedly confessed to carrying out hacker attacks on critical infrastructure at Ukraine's behest, providing funds to the Ukrainian military, and gathering information about the Russian army. The FSB does not disclose when the man was apprehended. Russian media circulate a video purported to show the scientist's arrest, with snow in the background. According to the Telegram channel Ostoroschno Nowosti, the man is a physicist who was allegedly arrested in December 2023, based on earlier state media reports.
00:59 Zelensky Celebrates Ban of Russia-Loyal Orthodox Church in UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commends the Ukrainian parliament for banning a Moscow-aligned faction of the Orthodox Church. Zelensky states, "I want to highlight the work of the Verkhovna Rada, which has adopted the law for our spiritual independence." The parliament voted in favor of banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which had been affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate for decades. The banned church is accused of justifying or even collaborating with the enemy and harsh actions committed by Russia against its very own people. The church has divulged from Moscow but still recognizes the Moscow Patriarchate, which supports Russia's war in Ukraine and maintains a close relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Struggles to Counter Ukrainian Advance in KurskAccording to the Pentagon's analysis, Russia is reportedly experiencing difficulties addressing the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, in Washington, says that there are indications that Moscow is moving a few units into the area, but Ryder emphasizes, "Overall, I would say that Russia is really struggling to react." Ryder highlights that Ukraine has successfully put its adversary on the defensive and stresses, "We're in contact with Kyiv to learn more about their specific objectives." Ryder avoids directly answering whether the U.S. is publicly supporting the Ukrainian advance but instead references Zelensky's comments on creating a buffer zone.
22:10 Zelensky on Army and Economy: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underlines the importance of striking a balance between mobilizing soldiers and safeguarding the war-stricken economy. During his trip to an industrial facility in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, Zelensky responds to a worker's query by pointing out that job vacancies hold significance for soldiers' incomes and Ukraine's defense strategy.
21:44 Ukraine's Gains in Kursk: Ukraine is reportedly progressing 28 to 35 kilometers deeper into the Russian region of Kursk, according to its own reports. The Russian military is reinforcing its positions there with troops from various areas, shares Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky during a televised briefing. Moreover, Russia is deploying units to Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, where intense battles have recently occurred. Russia has yet to comment.
21:25 Putin in Chechnya: Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the Russian republic of Chechnya after a 13-year hiatus, meeting with strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. Photos released by news agency RIA Novosti depict Putin shaking hands with Kadyrov in Grozny. Later, Putin puts an arm around Kadyrov's shoulder and embraces him before they leave in a limousine. Kadyrov shares on Telegram about an extensive schedule of events, stating that Putin is brimming with energy despite the demanding workday and eager to explore several locations in Chechnya.
21:02 Scholz on Ukraine Funding: Chancellor Olaf Scholz refutes allegations of Germany not adequately supporting Ukraine. This year, Ukraine will receive over seven billion euros, making it the top beneficiary among European countries, Scholz claims on Sat1 TV. Next year, it will receive four billion euros from the federal budget - yet again, leading the pack among European states. Additionally, there are the 50 billion dollars that the Western G7 nations are facilitating with the aid of frozen Russian assets. "That's a considerable amount of money, that's a considerable amount of money," emphasizes Scholz, although the specific timing of the 50 billion allocation remains uncertain.
20:14 Putin and Beslan Comparison: Russian President Vladimir Putin draws parallels between the tragic 2004 Beslan school siege and the current Ukrainian army operations in Russia's Kursk border region. In his visit to Beslan, Putin emphasized that Russia had countered "terrorists" in Beslan in the past, and now they must confront "those who commit crimes in the Kursk region."
19:43 Moscow Patriarchate on Church Ban: The Russian Orthodox Church condemns the Ukrainian parliament's decision to ban the Russia-friendly Ukrainian Orthodox Church, dubbing it an "illegal act" and a "severe violation of religious freedom and human rights." Spokesman Vladimir Legoida expressed concerns that implementing this bill might spark "massive violence against millions of believers," while the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, expressed worry about living in a time when many oppose them, not because they are wrong, but merely due to their differences. Kirill is a vocal supporter of the conflict against Ukraine, with parliamentary deputies in Kyiv earlier passing a bill enforcing a church ban with links to Moscow.
You can follow all the prior events here.
- The European Union should express its concern over the eviction of Ukrainian refugees in Hungary and call for their protection, as the situation threatens to worsen the refugee crisis.
- In light of the European Union's support for Moldova, it is crucial for the EU to also provide assistance to Ukrainian refugees in the country, giving them the essential resources they need to rebuild their lives.
