Moscow seeks to bolster its defensive strategies following the Kiev drone assault.
18:07: Initial Casualty in Moscow Region AttacksLarge-scale Ukrainian drone assaults have led to the first death in the Moscow region during the ongoing conflict against Russia. As reported by regional governor Andrei Vorobyov via Telegram, a 46-year-old woman was killed after a drone struck a residential building in Ramensky, situated on the southwestern outskirts of the city.
17:23: Putin: Russia Needs to Anticipate Threats from Multiple DirectionsIn addressing participants of the "Ocean-2024" strategic command exercise, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of preparing to ward off potential military aggression from any direction. He stated, "Russia must be ready for any possible scenarios. Our military must protect the sovereignty and interests of Russia effectively and defend against any potential military aggression from all angles, including both inland and coastal territories." He further highlighted the significance of the navy in tackling this challenge.
16:51: Germany, France, and UK Prepare to Impose Sanctions on IranGermany, France, and the UK condemned Iran's delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. The joint statement declared, "This is another escalation of Iran's military cooperation with Russia's war against Ukraine." The three nations warned that Iranian missiles could reach European territories, intensifying the suffering of the Ukrainian population. They threatened additional sanctions, including the suspension of bilateral aviation agreements, directed at Iran Air, and individuals and organizations involved in these activities.
16:32: Negotiations with Ukraine Off the Table While Troops Remain on Russian LandRussia's Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu, ruled out any discussions with Ukraine about a peace agreement as long as Ukrainian troops continue to occupy Russian territory. "We won't engage in talks until they've left our territory," Shoigu told Russian state television. Since August, Ukraine has launched an offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, resulting in the first-ever incursion of Ukrainian ground troops onto Russian soil since the conflict commenced. Shoigu argued that the incursion aimed to force Russia into discussions on Ukrainian terms and the withdrawal of its forces from the Donbass.
16:04: Ex-prison Guard Turned Frontline Commander in the 59th BrigadeTo maintain a consistent flow of soldiers, both Russia and Ukraine are conscripting inmates for service on the front lines. In a testimonial captured on video, Oleksandr, who was once a prison warden, now leads the 59th Brigade. "They'll do whatever it takes to stay alive," Oleksandr observed. The men speak of their dangerous experiences during battle.
15:38: Kremlin Acknowledges Russian Strategic Plan to Expel Ukrainian Forces from Kursk RegionAccording to the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, the Russian military has developed a strategy to displace Ukrainian troops from the Russian territories bordering Kursk. However, Peskov would not provide further details about the execution timeline of the operation. Kremlin sources report that, beginning on August 6, Ukrainian soldiers have launched a massive attack on Kursk, resulting in substantial territorial gains.
15:13: Latvia Extends Temporary Border Security Measures Through Year's EndIn response to ongoing security concerns, Latvia has decided to maintain heightened border security with Belarus until the end of 2024. In Justification, the government cited the high volume of illegal border crossings and the continued threat of Russia's actions in Ukraine. As part of the extended measures, the border guard will be granted additional powers to enforce security in eastern Latvia.
14:47: Ukraine Increases Weapon Production by 100% in 2024According to government statistics, Ukraine has doubled its weapon production in 2024, compared to the previous year. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine aims to manufacture more than a million drones by year's end. He reportedly said, "We are progressing, and drone production is growing."
14:23: Military Analyst Approves Scholz's Call for Peace Negotiations with RussiaMilitary analyst Ralph Thiele supports Chancellor Olaf Scholz's proposal for peace negotiations with Russia. Thiele, however, emphasizes the urgency of initiating these talks, pointing out the potential for a Ukrainian breakthrough in its defensive positions after the Kursk offensive. Thiele maintains that Scholz's initiative should be pursued without delay.
13:52: Kiel Institute Warns: EU Defense Spending "Inadequate"
Federal government spending on defense is "totally inadequate" against the threat posed by Russia, assert researchers at the Kiel Institute for World Economy. Notwithstanding the language of a "turning point," the chasm between Germany's and Russia's military capabilities continues to widen, as per the institute. The researchers propose maintaining a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. Russia emerges as an escalating and serious security threat to NATO. Simultaneously, progress towards essential fortification for deterrence is occurring at a snail's pace. At present, the federal government barely manages to replace armaments headed to Ukraine. The inventory of air defense systems and artillery howitzers is significantly depleted.
12:25 Discerning Distinction Between Putin and LavrovUkraine repeatedly urges the EU and US to allow weapon use on Russian territory. Now, the Netherlands grants consent, including promised fighter jets.
12:59 Russia Announces Capture of Four More Towns in DonetskRussia claims capturing four more towns in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Southern Group of Forces has seized Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group Wodiane, and the Central Group Halyzynivka, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Independent verification of these claims is illusive. Ukrainian military observers have marked three of the towns (all except Hryhoriwka) as seized. Ukraine is encountering pressure on the eastern front.
12:20 Moscow Only Regards One Negotiating PartnerA peace conference was held in Switzerland in June without Russia. Now, Chancellor Olaf Scholz signals readiness for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, how does the Kremlin respond? Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov showcases diplomatic endeavors, but not with Europe, reports ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Kyiv: Russia Progressively Utilizes Chemical WeaponsUkrainian officials caution that Russian forces in Ukraine are increasingly resorting to chemical weapons. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command writes on Facebook that Russian forces deployed hazardous ammunition and chemical agents 447 times in August alone, and 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command also claims that the Kremlin soldiers furnish chemical weapons and employ unidentified chemical compounds. It further alleges, "Russia cynically violates the rules of warfare and disregards the norms and commitments of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction."
11:19 Presidential Office in Kyiv: Attacks on Russian Weapons Depots AppropriateThe head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office underlines his country's demand to its Western allies to permit the use of its weapons against targets deep in Russian territory. Andriy Yermak explains that one must target rocket depots in Russia. "Defense is not escalation." It's about employing Western weapons to prevent terror, Yermak writes on Telegram. Western nations hesitate to sanction Ukraine to use the weapons they've distributed on Russian territory, citing concerns about being drawn into the conflict.
10:53 Scar Tissue and Injuries - Russia Attacks with Multiple Drones and Two MissilesAt least three individuals sustained injuries, and structures caught fire, causing damage, in Russian drone and missile attacks, according to regional authorities. Air defense intercepted 38 of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions, the air force reports on Telegram. Russia also deployed two missiles in its attack. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions also endured strikes, the energy ministry in Kyiv reports, causing disruptions to high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 Shattered Icon - Putin's Children's Rights Ombudsman Marries OligarchMaria Lwowa-Belova, Russia's children's rights ombudsman, who was once admired as the embodiment of Russian womanhood, has been married to an Orthodox priest since 2003. She and her husband propagated conservative values, Christian faith, and their household experiences raising numerous children through propaganda media. Yet, her bond with her priest spouse may not be as robust as earlier thought. According to the independent portal Verstka, she has wed oligarch Konstantin Malofeey, with whom she has been close for some time. However, this union still maintains some orthodoxy, as Malofeey is the founder of the Kremlin-affiliated Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and an avid proponent of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Ukraine Launches Wave of Attacks on MoscowA Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow resulted in a woman's death, according to the local governor. Videos display explosions in residential locations. Russian sources also claim that 144 drones were thwarted.
09:32 Russia's Fleet Initiates 'Ocean-2024' ExercisesRussia's navy has inaugurated its strategic 'Ocean-2024' maneuvers in various waterways of the world's largest country by area. Over 400 warships, including submarines, and more than 90,000 personnel from various naval units will be involved in the drills till September 16, the defense minster in Moscow disclosed. The drills are taking place in the Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, where Russia has a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Two Lives Lost in Oil Pipeline Fire in Russian Region of OrenburgTwo individuals have met their demise in a blaze at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, as reported by TASS news agency. An investigation into the origin of the fire is underway. The exact time when the fire began remains unclear. Unverified reports concerning the incident circulated on some Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Russia Rules Out DialogueRussia refuses to engage in negotiations with Ukraine until their troops evacuate Russian territories, according to TASS news agency, citing Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Previously, Kremlin spokesman Peskov had also rejected the prospect of negotiations.
08:14 Operations Resume at Moscow AirportsFlights at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports have been reinstated, Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsiya announced via Telegram. Flights were momentarily halted due to Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow region.
07:43 Scholz Sets Condition for Russian Participation in NegotiationsGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz ties Russian involvement in a potential Ukraine peace conference to certain requirements. During an SPD event on Monday evening, he highlights the need for essential military assistance for Ukraine against their aggressor, Russia. He also proposes exploring methods to exit the war situation. He shares the Ukrainian leadership's ambition for another peace conference that involves Russia's participation. "That's hardly feasible if the individual who's supposed to sit down is simultaneously stating 'I'm going to continue attacking'," Scholz comments, alluding to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin, he adds, even expresses a desire for additional Ukrainian territory in the context of a peace plan. "I believe we require what's always critical in politics: clarity, determination, and character. That's what's necessary to secure peace and security in Europe," the Chancellor emphasizes.
07:18 Fico Accuses Ukrainian Military of Fascism - Kyiv ProtestsUkraine responds to accusations of pro-Russian sentiment from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fico urged Kyiv to remove "fascism" from its military, as reported by Reuters. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issues a statement, stating: "Ukrainian soldiers are defending their families, homes, and land, as well as all of Europe and the free world against Russian invaders marked with the letter 'Z' - a symbol of modern Russia's fascist aesthetics." The ministry adds that the Ukrainian people suffered "millions of losses" fighting Nazism in the 20th century. Fico's "fascism" allegation is reminiscent of Russian propaganda that often labels the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. In reality, far-right parties amassed a mere 2.4% in the 2019 Ukrainian elections. Historian Timothy Snyder, however, acknowledges fascist attributes in Putin's system.
06:56 Russian Regional Leader Corrects Casualty FiguresA single woman was killed, and three civilians were injured in a drone attack by Ukraine in the Russian capital Moscow, according to regional leader Andrei Vorobyov. He announced this via Telegram, rectifying his earlier statement about a child's death which he could not confirm. 43 individuals are reportedly taking refuge in shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace to Investigate Environmental Wrongs Committed by RussiaGreenpeace reopens an office in Kyiv. Its objective is to expedite reconstruction projects in Ukraine and investigate and document environmental violations caused by Russia's invasion, the environmental organization states. It has been collaborating with local environmental organizations for this purpose. "Our task is to help Ukraine rebuild its social infrastructure sustainably by harnessing the clean power of sunlight and wind," says the new office head, Natalya Hosa. Greenpeace frequently highlights environmental damages in Ukraine due to Russia's invasion, including the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Russia Reports a Child's Death in Moscow RegionFollowing a Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region, Russian reports indicate that a child has perished. Regional leader Andrei Vorobyov informs his followers via Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region overnight. One of these drones ignited a fire that is currently being extinguished by firefighters. "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child died," Vorobyov adds. The interception of another drone in the capital region caused at least one injury when the debris fell on a residential building. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially reported that 11 drones had been intercepted near the Russian capital.
05:31 Ukraine Repels Drone Attack on KyivThe Ukrainian air defense units successfully thwarted a Russian drone assault on Kyiv, according to the Ukrainian capital's military administration, as reported via Telegram.
04:36 Russia: Drone Debris Falls on Energy ComplexDebris from a drone shot down by Russian air defense over the Tula region landed on a fuel and energy complex, Russian news agency TASS reports, citing local officials. "There were no casualties," TASS quotes the Tula authorities. The operational procedure and supply of goods to customers remained unaffected. The situation is under control.
02:17 Russian Air Defense Scrambles and Dispatches Drone Over MoscowRussian air defense forces have intercepted and demolished a drone lurking towards Moscow's heart, as reported by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram. Preliminary analysis suggests no harm or casualties where the wreckage descended, Sobyanin adds. The Ukrainian side has yet to acknowledge the matter.
00:12 Zelensky Praises Sweden for New Aid Package Worth $445 MillionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded Sweden for a military aid package valued at approximately $445 million. The President expressed his gratitude on social media, emphasizing, "This crucial aid, which encompasses air defense systems, anti-tank weaponry, and financial assistance to cater to Ukraine's pressing needs, will strengthen our defense capabilities." Swedish sources confirm that the package also contains Gripen fighter jet components, earmarked for potential future aircraft deliveries.
22:17 German Foreign Ministry Names Russia as "Primary Threat to Peace" on NATO's Eastern BorderIn response to the recent Russian drone incursions into Latvia and Romania, Germany's Foreign Ministry has designated Russia under President Vladimir Putin as the "principal menace to peace and stability" directly at NATO's eastern frontier. According to a Foreign Ministry statement, "Regrettably, Putin's Russia is currently the primary menace to peace and stability directly at NATO's eastern border." The statement further cites the most recent drone episodes in Romania and Latvia as evidence. The Foreign Ministry had declared, "We collaborate with our alliance partners and offer our unwavering support."
21:42 US Press Secretary Cannot Confirm Reports of Iranian Rocket Transfers to RussiaJohn Kirby, the US national security spokesperson, shared that the United States government has yet to verify reports indicating that Iran has provided Russia with ballistic missiles.
21:28 Zelensky Urges Prompt Execution of Aid Agreements with the WestUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for expedited implementation of aid pledges from the West. The war's trajectory, according to Zelensky, hinges on the expediency of logistics in deliveries and fulfillment of commitments from partner nations. He underscored, "What is critical in September must be delivered to our troops in September."
20:52 Russian Dissident Politician Warns Against Providing Putin a "Dignified Exit" from Ukraine ConflictProminent Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa cautions the West against offering Russian President Vladimir Putin a "dignified exit" from the Ukraine conflict. Kara-Mursa opines, "It is imperative that Vladimir Putin does not triumph over Ukraine." He highlighted, "It is crucial that Vladimir Putin does not find a face-saving escape route from this conflict in Ukraine." A few weeks after his release in a prisoner swap, Kara-Mursa acknowledges the weariness about the war among Western societies. However, he insisted, "Putin must be defeated." He adds, "If, God forbid, the Putin regime is permitted to characterize the war's outcome as a victory for itself and remain in power, we will be confronted with another conflict or calamity within a year or 18 months."
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In light of the ongoing conflict, Russia's President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of preparing for military aggression from any direction, stating, "Russia must be ready for any possible scenarios. Our military must protect the sovereignty and interests of Russia effectively and defend against any potential military aggression from all angles, including both inland and coastal territories."
Given the ongoing conflict, it is crucial for military operations to anticipate potential threats from various directions to ensure the safety and security of Russia.
