Moscow Patriarchate denounces proposed prohibition of churches in Ukraine as "unlawful"
19:12 Additional Gathering at Ramstein to Aid Ukraine ArrangedU.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has summoned the so-called Ukraine Contact Group to another meeting at the U.S. Air Force base Ramstein in Rhineland-Palatinate. Scheduled for September 6, this is the largest U.S. airbase located outside the United States that's announced the gathering. During this session, defense ministers and military officials will deliberate over augmented assistance for Ukraine. Comprising around 50 nations, the contact group includes Germany, with non-NATO countries also invited.
18:36 Russian Forces Create Border Units Around UkraineThe Russian army has recently established three new divisions to safeguard the border with Ukraine. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov made this announcement. Named after Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk, these formations were established to maintain border security. Two weeks ago, a significant number of Ukrainian soldiers penetrated the Russian region of Kursk and currently hold the occupied territories.
18:10 Catastrophic Fire in Russian Oil Depot Spreads UncontrollablyA major fire erupted in an oil depot in Proletarsk following a Ukrainian drone attack. The flames have become unmanageable, and despite efforts for over two days, firefighters have failed to put it out. Satellite images reveal the magnitude of the disaster.
17:36 Speculations of a Second Crimean Bridge Under Construction by RussiaSatellite images hint at Russia potentially building a second bridge parallel to the 19-kilometer-long Crimean Bridge, connecting the Russian mainland with Crimea. Online platform "Ukrajinska Pravda" reported a "parallel construction" that may be a bridge. After comparing satellite images from June, July, and August, NTV.de confirmed the presence of construction work. "Ukrajinska Pravda" stated that Russian efforts aim to bolster the security of both the new bridge construction and the Crimean Bridge, which has repeatedly faced attacks.
16:58 Zelensky Admits Tough Conditions on Eastern FrontAs per The Guardian, President Volodymyr Zelensky described the eastern front line of Ukraine as challenging, particularly close to the strategic logistics center of Pokrovsk and near Toretsk. The Ukrainian General Staff reported on Facebook that battles had been reported in these areas since morning, with 14 conflicts reported near Toretsk and 34 in Pokrovsk's sector.
16:36 Russia Expresses Concern over Dating Apps in Kursk RegionThe Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs advised residents in three adjacent Ukrainian areas to deactivate dating apps and surveillance cameras. The ministry stated that the enemy was manipulating IP addresses and remotely accessing unguarded cameras in private homes and strategically crucial areas like roads and highways. It also recommended not utilizing online dating platforms, as they could potentially collect data.
16:20 Russia Reports 17 Civilian Casualties in Past Week Due to Ukrainian IncursionTass, a Russian news agency, reported, citing rescue services, that the incursion into Kursk resulted in 17 civilian fatalities and over 235 injuries within the last week.
15:54 Reporter Describes Intense Russian Attacks near Pokrovsk"In the past 24 hours, there were 63 attacks by Russian troops in the Pokrovsk front," reported an ntv journalist from eastern Ukraine. She consulted with emergency responders en route to rescue a Ukrainian village, but the operation was reportedly abandoned - the Russian army had already occupied the town.
15:33 Russia Blames U.S. for Journalist's Illegal Entry into Kursk RegionRussia has called in a senior U.S. diplomat, accusing American journalists of unlawfully entering the Kursk region. Ukrainian troops invaded the Russian region two weeks ago, and Russia intends to prosecute these journalists, it said.
15:10 German Commissioner Criticizes Russian Propaganda in East GermanyThe federal government's commissioner for eastern Germany, Carsten Schneider of the SPD, denounced some Germans' prejudices towards Ukraine. "It's appalling how Ukraine and the Ukrainians are sometimes spoken about, both in the east and the west," he said to the New Berlin Editorial Society. "Unfortunately, Russian propaganda often infiltrates even in eastern Germany," he added. He advocated for defending Ukraine, emphasizing its significance for the country's existence, which even some AfD and BSW politicians overlook.
14:48 Ammunition Shortage Contributes to Russian Advance in Eastern UkraineAs per a Ukrainian commander, the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine is partly due to Kiev shifting resources to the north. Consequently, his troops are once again rationing ammunition for their weapons–something they hadn't had to do since the US Congress halted Ukraine aid. The ammunition was allocated to troops escorting the Russian foray into the Kursk region.
14:26 Kremlin Analyst: Kursk Incursion Impacts Moscow's Power RelationsKremlin expert Rainer Münz suggested that the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk could expedite or at least bring to light shifts in power dynamics within Moscow's decision-making framework. He, however, insisted that President Putin's power remained unchallenged.
14:01 After Russian assault on Ternopil: Local officials caution of elevated chlorine levels in the atmosphereFollowing a Russian strike on an industrial site in Ternopil, a city in western Ukraine, officials are warning of heightened chlorine levels in the air. As per the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent", Oksana Chaichuk, head of the local health department, is advising residents to reduce outdoor activities and keep their windows shut. The chlorine concentration in the atmosphere is reportedly between four to ten times higher than typical levels, Chaichuk announced at a press conference, according to the report.
The overnight incident is thought to have focused on a fuel and lubricant storage facility. A blaze then erupted at an unidentified plant due to the strike. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.
13:39 Moscow: Russian troops seize town of New York in DonetskRussian troops have claimed control of the town of New York in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, as reported by the Russian Defense Ministry. The military has taken hold of "one of the largest settlements in the vicinity of Torez, the strategically vital logistics center of Nowgorodskoje," the ministry said, utilizing the former Soviet name. The name New York, dating back to German settlers, was changed to Nowgorodskoje in 1951 but was later restored to its original name in 2021 following a campaign by Ukrainian protesters to return it. The town is located approximately 6 kilometers south of Torez, which has been the target of Russian attacks for weeks.
13:01 Military intel: Russian soldier turned informant for UkraineA Russian soldier who defected to Ukraine was working as an informant for the country and injured his commander, according to Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR). The Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reports that a journalist at a press conference stated that the man, codenamed "Silver", defected as part of a joint operation by the "Freedom of Russia" legion and Ukraine's "I Want to Live" project of military intelligence (HUR). Before leaving, the man is said to have injured his commander with a grenade. The incident occurred in the city of Ocheretyne in the Donetsk Oblast. The soldier reached out to the legion in early 2024 after allegedly witnessing numerous illegal activities by his unit and its commanders, according to military intelligence. "Silver" then provided the legion with information about the location of Russian troops and plans for military operations.
12:23 Ukrainian parliament votes to prohibit Russian-aligned churchUkraine is moving forward with a ban on the Russian-backed Ukrainian Orthodox Church. According to legislators, the Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv has passed a corresponding bill, initially prohibiting operation of the Russian Orthodox Church on Ukrainian territory. A ban on religious organizations linked to the Russian Orthodox Church is also sought, but this would still need court confirmation. The Ukrainian government considers the Ukrainian Orthodox Church a source of Russian influence in the country and a supporter of Ukraine's invasion.
11:51 Over 500 firefighters battle oil depot blaze in Russian RostovMore than 500 firefighters are attempting to contain a massive blaze at an oil depot in Russia's Rostov region, caused by a drone strike from Ukraine. The fire has engulfed 10,000 square meters, affecting several diesel tanks, according to Proletarsk's governor, Valery Gornitsky, as reported by TASS. "There's no risk of explosion, no danger to people, and no evacuations," he added. Four firefighting aircraft and over 520 firefighters are present at the scene. The aircraft are needed since vehicles cannot approach the fire as a result of the intense heat, Gornitsky said. At least 41 firefighters have sustained injuries, with 18 being hospitalized.
11:08 Industrial facility hit in Ukrainian Ternopil during bombingsAn industrial facility in Ternopil, Ukraine, endured a strike during Russia's recent bombing of energy infrastructure, with a fuel tank being hit, authorities confirmed. Ukrainian television broadcast massive plumes of black smoke rising over Ternopil, with local authorities advising residents to shelter indoors. Nearly 90 firefighters are involved in managing the blaze, with control over the situation being reported by Ternopil's regional administration.
10:41 Former Russian diplomat Bondarev criticizes Putin as a "cowardly pretender"Russian President Vladimir Putin is acting "like a cowardly pretender," writes Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat, in a guest commentary for ntv.de. Putin's reputation as an invincible opponent has been undermined since the onset of the war in Ukraine. The quick conquest within days never materialized, while Moscow recently seemed stunned and outmaneuvered by the Ukrainian attack on the Russian region of Kursk. "Putin has no idea what to do when faced with a serious challenge and doesn't even put up a struggle, not even as a cornered animal ready to fight," Bondarev said. The former diplomat, who dissented from the Putin regime in protest against the war, also harshly criticizes Western politicians for their approach to prohibiting weapons use on Russian territory. "One must confront Putin with the language of force." He dismisses the West's fear of "escalation" as groundless. "The 'escalation' is already present - Putin's adversary has entered Russian territory! But he's not responding at all," Bondarev wrote.
10:13 Ukraine: Five civilians killed and over 20 injured in Russian attacksFive civilians lost their lives and at least 22 were injured, including a child, in Russian attacks on Ukraine over the previous 24 hours, regional authorities reported in the morning, according to "Kyiv Independent."
09:37 Russian fuel storage facility engulfed in flames: Satellite image reveals fire's extent
Ukraine utilized drones to assault a large fuel storage facility in Proletarsk, southern Russia, on Sunday morning. The fire remains unabated even a day later, with over 40 firefighters sustaining injuries, as per regional authorities. Satellite images also depict the scale of the conflagration:
Ukraine has been targeting various Russian oil refineries and facilities with drones in recent months. The objective is to obstruct the supply of fuel to enemy troops and decrease Russia's oil industry revenues.
09:16 Kyiv: More than 1300 Russian soldiers reportedly neutralized in a single dayOfficial Kyiv statistics show substantial casualties on the Russian side: 1330 Russian soldiers were either killed or wounded within a day. As per the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, a total of 601,800 Russian soldiers have reportedly been neutralized since the onset of the war in February 2022. The ministry reports that the enemy has also lost an additional 5 tanks (8518 in total). Since the commencement of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has accounted for over 16,500 armored vehicles and over 13,800 drones, either captured or destroyed by the Russian military. These figures cannot be independently verified, and Moscow remains tight-lipped regarding its own losses in Ukraine.
08:47 Biden supports Ukraine's resistance: No president should "kneel to dictators""No president should kneel to dictators," claimed Joe Biden during the first night of the Democratic National Convention, as reported by "Kyiv Independent." "Putin believed he could conquer Kyiv in three days. Three years later, Ukraine remains free." The Democrat contrasted his stance as a staunch supporter of a powerful NATO and a free Ukraine with that of former President Donald Trump, who had praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. "No commander-in-chief should ever kneel to dictators," Biden said.
08:31 Russia bombards Ukraine with overnight airstrikesRussia has once again targeted Ukraine with overnight airstrikes, according to the Ukrainian military. Nine regions in the central, northern, and southern parts of the country were hit, with 3 missiles and 25 drones being shot down, the Ukrainian airforce reported on Telegram. This marked the fifth missile attack on Kyiv this month, the military stated. The capital has been under air alert 41 times in August. The military claimed to have thwarted a drone attack on Kyiv the previous day.
07:52 Military administration: Kyiv rocket attack repelled; no damage or casualties reported so farRussian troops attacked Kyiv from the north once again this morning, as reported by the city's military administration on Telegram. "Preliminary information suggests the enemy targeted the Ukrainian capital from the north, likely employing ballistic missiles such as the Iskander. This was the fifth rocket attack on Kyiv this month!" the message read. The rockets were reportedly destroyed by air defense forces on the outskirts of the city. At present, there are no reported damages or casualties in Kyiv.
07:38 Belarus: Lukashenko sends additional troops and aircraft to Ukraine borderBelarus has deployed additional air defense troops and aircraft to its border with Ukraine, according to Major General Andrei Lukyanovich, commander of the Belarusian air defense forces, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." This disclosure follows Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's statement that he had dispatched a third of the country's army to the border this summer. Lukashenko attributed the troop buildup along the border to a misunderstanding between Belarus and Ukraine. During a national television appearance, Lukyanovich declared that the Belarusian military had deployed aircraft, anti-aircraft missiles, and radio engineering units to the border. Kyiv has not confirmed Lukyanovich's claims about additional Belarusian troops and weapons at the border. The Ukrainian state border service reported over a week ago that there were no signs of a troop buildup along the Belarusian border despite Lukashenko's orders.
07:24 ISW: Russia transfers 5,000 troops to Kursk OblastDue to Ukrainian forces' operations in the Kursk region, Russia is compelled to relocate troops from other frontline sectors there, as per a report by the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). "Russian troops have deployed additional forces to the Kursk Oblast since the first week of the Ukrainian advance and have likely sent over 5,000 soldiers to the region," analysts claim.
06:54 Zelenskyy: Second Peace Summit in Ukraine Must Be Held Before End of YearUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directed his country's diplomats to ensure that the second Peace Summit in Ukraine takes place this year. During a meeting with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Ukraine on the topic of "War Diplomacy: Resilience, Weapons, Victory," Zelenskyy stated, "The initial summit was, in my opinion, an extraordinary triumph for Ukraine. I am grateful to all who contributed to making our summit successful. Now we are preparing for the second Peace Summit and must ensure that it takes place this year. We must take every measure to expand the circle of support for the communiqué of the first summit."
06:22 Ukraine: Russia Unleashes Another Air Attack on KyivRussia persists in its nighttime assaults on the Ukrainian capital, according to Ukrainian reports. Air defense units were active during the early morning hours to repel another Russian air attack on Kyiv, the military administration of the Ukrainian capital reported on Telegram. Witnesses reported hearing explosions that sounded like the use of air defense systems.
05:11 Kyiv Reports Multiple Drone Attacks Far from the Front
Overnight, several drone attacks were carried out in various Ukrainian regions, far from the frontline, as reported by air defense. Regions such as Sumy, Poltava, Kherson, and Mykolaiv were targeted. Air defense was also active in the Kyiv area, prompting local authorities to urge residents to seek shelter. At the moment, no damages have been reported.
02:23 USA Reaffirms Commitment to Kyiv - Discussion on Kursk OffensiveDespite a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk, the USA remains steadfast in its support for Kyiv. According to a spokesperson from the US Department of Defense, President Biden has affirmed that the USA will continue to support and stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary. The US continues to prioritize providing military equipment to Kyiv. During a conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerow, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the US's commitment to support and expressed a better understanding of Ukraine's objectives with the counteroffensive.
01:07 Germany Delivers Another Weapons Package to UkraineGermany has shipped another arms package to Ukraine, as confirmed by the German Ministry of Defense's overview page. Among the latest deliveries are a third Iris-T-SLS air defense system, thousands of artillery rounds, drones, a Bergepanzer 2, and numerous firearms along with ammunition.
00:20 Zelenskyy Hails Success of Kursk Offensive in Capturing Russian SoldiersPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk as its most significant achievement in capturing Russian soldiers since the beginning of the war. Zelenskyy mentioned that these captured Russian soldiers would eventually be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war. To date, the estimated number of Ukrainian prisoners is greater than that of Russian prisoners.
22:21 Chechen Commander Encourages Russian Soldiers to Fight in Kursk, Calling It a "Path to Heaven"Apti Alaudinov, the leader of the Chechen Achmat Regiment fighting for Russia, reportedly inspired Russian conscripts to go to the frontline in Kursk, saying that those who fall in battle will go to heaven.
21:58 Zelenskyy Claims Ukraine's Incursion into Russia Has Negated Russia's "Red Line" ConceptPresident Zelenskyy asserted that the Ukrainian incursion into Russia, once considered unrealistic and kept secret, had nullified Russia's "red line" concept. According to Zelenskyy, Russia's most important "red line" no longer exists near Sushcha.
21:38 Lithuania Initiates Construction of German Military Support BaseLithuania is building a new military base for the German armed forces, which is estimated to be completed by the end of 2027. Upon completion, the base will house up to 4,000 German troops, marking the first permanent foreign deployment of the Bundeswehr since World War II. The cost of construction is projected to surpass one billion euros.
21:15 Czech President Suggests Partial Russian Occupation of Ukraine Could Lead to NATO MembershipCzech President Petr Pavel expressed his openness to the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO despite ongoing Russian occupation of parts of Ukrainian territory. According to Pavel, Ukraine may negotiate peace with Russia in the coming years, which would result in Russia retaining Ukrainian territory for an unspecified period of time. Under such conditions, Pavel suggested that democratic states could accept Ukraine as a NATO member in control of the territories it held at that time.
20:57 Ukrainian Forces Are within 12 Kilometers of Russian BridgeUkrainian forces have taken control of the town of Wyschnewka in the Russian region of Kursk, putting them just 12 kilometers away from the only available bridge for Russian supply or retreat.
20:36 Pokrovsk Administration Remains Hopeful Despite Advancing Russian TroopsIn the face of advancing Russian troops towards the outskirts of Pokrovsk, the military administration remains optimistic, with the hope that the Russian troops will stop their advance near Pokrovsk's approaches and be repelled by the Ukrainian forces. The potential loss of the city to the Russians would make it the largest urban center captured by the Russians since Bachmut in May 2023.
Catch up on earlier developments here.
In light of the ongoing cyber threats and information warfare, the Cyberwar Agency of Ukraine should beef up its defenses to protect critical national infrastructure against potential Russian attacks following the recent intrusions into Ukraine's digital space. Moreover, international allies should collaborate to establish a unified cybersecurity coalition to jointly defend against and mitigate the impact of such cyberattacks.
