Moscow's mayor acknowledges: This incident was among the most substantial drone assaults ever targeted at the city capital.
Latest Ukrainian Drone Strike on Moscow Assessed as One of the Biggest since Conflict's 2.5 Year Duration
Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, labeled the most recent Ukrainian drone assault on the city as one of the largest since the conflict commenced 2.5 years earlier. A few drones were destroyed in the region surrounding Podolsk, a city located approximately 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin, where the incident took place, according to a message Sobyanin posted on Telegram. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported 11 objects heading toward the capital region being neutralized. In total, over 45 drones were obliterated across Russia. In retaliation, Russia launched nearly 70 drones against Ukraine overnight, with the majority allegedly being intercepted by the Ukrainian air force. Meanwhile, clashes continue in eastern Ukraine and the Russian border area of Kursk. "This marks one of the largest attempts to assault Moscow with drones," Mayor Sobyanin stated, although the attack was ultimately thwarted without reporting any damage.
16:20: Ukrainian Orthodox Church Encourages Switch for Loyalists
The head of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius, has encouraged believers of the outlawed Moscow-supportive Orthodox Church to make the switch. The Ukrainian parliament outlawed all religious organizations associated with Russia on Tuesday. "This law enables all religious institutions that haven't already to completely disassociate themselves from Moscow's control," Epiphanius explained on Ukrainian news television. "We, in turn, urge all Orthodox Christians in Ukraine who haven't already to shed this Russian yoke forever."
15:54: Indian PM Modi Asks for Peace before Ukraine Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his inaugural trip to Eastern Europe, has arrived in Warsaw. Modi marks a historic first, as he is the first Indian head of government to visit Poland in 45 years. On Friday, Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine. Prior to his departure, Modi called for peace to be restored in Ukraine. As a "friend and ally" of Kyiv, India hopes for a speedy return of peace and stability in the region, he wrote on digital media.
15:28: Kursk Elections Postponed in Seven Municipalities
In response to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, Russia postponed local elections in seven municipalities of the region. "The Central Election Commission endorses the proposal of the Kursk region election commission to postpone the elections in seven municipalities," the commission announced. Elections will be held once "full security guarantees for voters" can be ensured, the commission added. In the remaining areas of Kursk, voting will proceed as planned between August 28 and September 8 to elect the region's governor. The Ukrainian military entered the Russian region of Kursk in an offensive that began on August 6, claiming to control numerous settlements. According to Russian sources, over 120,000 civilians have evacuated the area.
15:07 Ukrainian Troops Confirm Use of Western Weapons on Russian Soil
Ukraine claims to have utilized US HIMARS rockets to target replacement bridges over the Seim River in Russia. "Where are the pontoon bridges in the Kursk region disappearing to? Deployment forces ... are destroying them precisely," Ukrainian special troops stated via the Telegram messaging service. US HIMARS rocket systems are being employed. This marks the first time Ukraine has confirmed using such western weapons in its offensive on Russian territory. Countries like the US and Germany have not objected. However, Russia has condemned it as an escalation of the conflict. Military experts have speculated that HIMARS rockets played a role in the demolition of at least three original bridges over the Seim. The destruction makes it harder for the Russian army to supply the area and launch a counteroffensive.
14:52 Ten Ukrainian Drones Shot Down Near Moscow
Drones from Ukraine are once again approaching the Russian capital. Several video clips show shootdowns and large fireballs in the air, as the Russian army claims to have destroyed at least ten aerial vehicles. The extent of any damages or casualties remains unclear.
14:25 German Foreign Office: "Russia Unwilling to Negotiate"
According to the German government's analysis, Russia demonstrates no readiness to negotiate an end to the conflict. "Russia is not interested in negotiations," states a spokesperson for the German Foreign Office in Berlin. Instead of engaging in peace talks with Ukraine, the Russian government is demanding the annexation of territories that Russian forces do not even control. Moreover, Russia has the power to end the war at any time. To counter the unlawful invasion, Ukraine needs suitable weapons, the spokesperson emphasizes, referring to demands in the ongoing election campaigns in Thuringia and Saxony to halt deliveries and pursue diplomatic solutions more aggressively.
13:53 No Unconditional Friendship: "Kadyrov Assuages Putin in Chechnya"
For the first time in 13 years, President Vladimir Putin is visiting the Russian republic of Chechnya. He is greeted by strongman Ramsan Kadyrov. The two autocrats publicly acknowledge their loyalty to each other, with Kadyrov presenting Putin with a gift. However, the friendship is not unconditional, according to ntv reporter Rainer Munz.
13:30 Moscow Reports Capture of Another Village in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk RegionThe Russian military claims to have conquered another village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The Russian troops declare victory over the village of Shelanne, as reported by the Russian defense ministry in its daily briefing. The village is situated northeast of the city of Donetsk, which is currently under Russian control. Approximately 20 kilometers away from Shelanne lies the city of Prokhorovka, considered a significant logistics hub. However, the Conflict Intelligence Team, an independent organization monitoring the situation in Ukraine, suggests that the location was already taken on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine Approves Accession to International Criminal CourtThe Ukrainian parliament votes to ratify the Rome Statute, paving the way for Ukraine to join the International Criminal Court. This decision marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's effort towards European Union integration. The Court has issued international arrest warrants for several individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
12:45 Ukraine Fights Off Large-Scale Drone Attack from RussiaUkraine's air force reports successfully downing 50 Russian attack drones in a nighttime assault. An additional 16 drones were likely taken down by electronic countermeasures, according to military intelligence. One drone is reported to have returned to Russia. In total, Ukraine was under attack by 69 drones, with one additional drone originating from Belarus. Russia also employed two ballistic missiles and a cruise missile during the attack, but only the cruise missile was intercepted. No information regarding casualties or damages has been disclosed. Moscow has yet to issue a statement on the incident.
12:22 Russian Troops Pressure Ukrainian Defenses in East UkraineUkrainian forces continue to face relentless attacks from Russian troops in the eastern part of the country, according to military intelligence. The General Staff in Kyiv reports that there were 66 Russian assaults on the Pokrovsk frontline on Tuesday, with all attacks being repelled. Heavy fighting persists in numerous villages along the route towards Pokrovsk, located about ten kilometers away. Commander-in-Chief Olexander Syrsky acknowledges the challenging circumstances. On the Russian front, it is reported that the Ukrainian defenses in Pokrovsk are faltering. Russian military bloggers claim victory for their troops.
11:50 Medvedev: No Dialogue with Ukraine until Enemy is DefeatedFormer Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, now serving as vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, indicates that dialogue between Ukraine and Russia is highly unlikely. Medvedev, who has become increasingly radical in recent years, asserts that given Ukraine's recent gains in Kursk, negotiations between the two sides are impossible. "No talks will take place between Moscow and Kyiv until Ukraine is completely defeated on the battlefield," Medvedev writes on his Telegram channel. "The tedious chatter of self-proclaimed mediators about the noble topic of peace has come to an end. Everyone acknowledges the reality of the situation, despite their inability to speak openly about it," Medvedev concludes.
11:22 Wagner Mercenaries' Involvement in Africa's Conflicts RisesRussian mercenaries continue to exert significant influence in Africa, one year after the death of Wagner's leader, Yevgeniy Prigozhin. According to analysts from the conflict data organization Acled, "Despite Prigozhin's demise and the subsequent rebranding to the Africa Corps, Wagner's presence in Africa is likely to expand further." In the first half of 2024, there were more incidents involving political violence linked to Russian mercenaries in Africa than throughout Prigozhin's lifetime. Wagner mercenaries fought in Ukraine, Syria, and various African nations, acting in Russia's interests. In June 2023, Wagner led a rebellion against the Kremlin. On August 23, 2023, Prigozhin's plane crashed, killing him and his closest associates.
10:50 Funeral Director in Kursk Offers Unconventional AdviceA man purporting to be a military officer in a video distributed over Telegram castigates men who are fleeing from Kursk. However, the man is not an active-duty soldier but rather 39-year-old funeral director Kirill Suworow, a resident of St. Petersburg, as reported by Russian opposition news outlet Agentstvo. In his video, Suworow confronts Kursk's men, accusing them of cowardice. He urges them to join the fighting or at least contribute to the war effort by digging trenches. Suworow also encourages locals to donate their vehicles to the military instead of leaving the area. When interviewed by Agentstvo, Suworow confirmed his criticism and refused to disclose whether he would participate in the war himself.
10:03 At the Eastern Front, a Three-to-One Advantage for Russians Over Ukrainians Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledges a challenging situation at the eastern front. As reported by ntv journalist Nadja Kriewald from the region, the situation is "grim," with Russian troops significantly outnumbering Ukrainian forces. Moreover, Russian leadership appears indifferent to its own casualties.
09:37 Kyiv: Ukrainian Military Strikes Russian Air Defense System in Rostov The Ukrainian military claims to have struck an air defense system in the southern Russian region of Rostov. According to the General Staff, it was a system of S300 anti-aircraft missiles. Russia has utilized this type of missile in attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian strike targeted a missile system near the settlement of Novoshakhtinsk. Blasts were detected at certain target areas, and the precision of the hit is under investigation. The Rostov governor, Vasili Golubev, reveals that Russian air force destroyed a missile launched from Ukraine over the region. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense does not mention this in its daily situation report.
09:09 Drone Assault Cripples Moscow Airports A drone attack on Moscow necessitated temporary limitations on the operation of three of the city's airports for four hours overnight. According to air traffic control on Telegram, these restrictions impacted Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo airports, but not the main airport, Sheremetyevo. The Russian air force eliminated eleven drones approaching Moscow. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described it as one of the largest drone assaults on the city.
08:41 SPD Foreign Policy Spokesperson: "This Imperialistic Behemoth Putin Can Be Overthrown" SPD Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael Roth advocates for robust support for Ukraine, especially during this "difficult phase." "The only way to force Putin to the negotiating table is for him to recognize his inability to dominate Ukraine. And that can only happen if we, Germany, Europe, the US, and various other allies continue to stockpile Ukraine as amply as possible, militarily," Roth stated in an early ntv interview. He also expressed delight over Russian soil achievements, asserting that Ukrainians can finally draw courage from the fact that "this imperialistic behemoth Putin can be overthrown."
08:12 Woidke Raises Concerns over Refugee Allowances for Ukrainians Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke is questioning the refugee allowances for Ukrainians. "The choice was correct at the time because we had to act quickly. Now, we must question if this type of support is still relevant," he told "Stern." In other EU countries, many more Ukrainians are working than in Germany. "We need to revise that. It would benefit our economy - we require labor - and encourage integration," Woidke declared. Brandenburg will hold new state elections in September.
07:40 Ukraine Estimates: This Many Rockets and Drones Russia Has Already Used Since the conflict's inception, Russia has deployed over 9,600 rockets and almost 14,000 attack drones against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian sources cited by "Kyiv Independent." Of these, 5,197 rockets targeted civilian areas, with the nation primarily attacked with S-300/S-400 rockets, impacting 3,008 times. The second most commonly used weapons were Kh-555/Kh-101 missiles, with 1,846 documented attacks.
07:08 German Army Bolsters Security Measures in Barracks The German army is significantly enhancing security measures for all barracks. As reported by "Der Spiegel," the barracks have been instructed to thoroughly inspect the outer fences of all facilities for any openings and to monitor them more closely, especially at night. Soldiers are also being sensitized to take note of unauthorized persons in security areas and to report any suspicions immediately. This move comes in response to reports of intruders in sensitive security areas. According to "Der Spiegel," a high-ranking general admits 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 the patrols along the barracks' fences.
06:40 Habeck: If G7 Aid Doesn't Materialize, Ukraine Must Be Supported Differently Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck guarantees continued support for Ukraine, regardless of whether the anticipated multi-billion dollar aid from the G7 countries materializes. "The G7 have set everything in motion: Ukraine will receive money in the future, allowing it to purchase the urgently needed weapons systems," the Green politician told the Funke media group. "That's correct and will arrive by year's end - as far as I hear." 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 unwavering." Then, the support "must be ensured differently." Habeck acknowledges that transitioning to the planned G7 model could prove challenging, "if new orders cannot be placed because the existing budget allocations have been exhausted." He proposes a practical solution. "It would be necessary 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. Then, Europe's freedom would be at risk.
06:08 Infiltration in Kursk: Moscow accuses Western spy agenciesAs reported by a newspaper, Russia believes Western spy agencies are the architects behind the latest Ukrainian intrusion into the Russian region of Kursk. "The Ukrainian military operations in the Kursk region were orchestrated with the involvement of the intelligence services of the USA, Britain, and Poland," the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" cites Moscow's foreign intelligence service SVR. The forces involved are claimed to have coordinated their combat tactics in training centers in Britain and Germany. Military advisors from NATO nations are said to have guided Ukrainian military units that crossed into Russian territory, as well as helping them manage Western weapons and military equipment. The allied nations are also alleged to have provided the Ukrainian military with satellite surveillance data on Russian troop deployment in the operational area.
05:39 Russian sources: All three Seim Bridge constructions damaged or destroyedThe Ukrainian military has either damaged or demolished all three bridges crossing the Seim River in the west of Russia, as stated by Russian sources. The Ukrainian attacks on the Seim bridges in Kursk might lead to the encircling of Russian troops between the river, the Ukrainian advance, and the borders of both nations. These attacks appear to be slowing down Russia's response to the Kursk offensive, initiated by Ukraine on August 6.
04:30 Russia Announces Extensive Ukrainian Drone Attack
Russia has reported a wide-ranging Ukrainian drone assault on a number of regions. According to officials, three drones were shot down approximately 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin, and 15 more in the Bryansk border region. Earlier, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that three drones heading towards Moscow were intercepted over the city of Podolsk. No harm or injuries have been reported in Bryansk and Podolsk. Similar reports of intercepted attacks emerge from the regions of Tula and Rostov, with no reports of harm or injuries. The exact number of launched drones and missiles remains unspecified. Ukraine generally refrains from commenting on such occurrences.
03:50 Putin and Kadyrov Visit Troops in Chechnya
For the first time in 13 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the North Caucasian republic of Chechnya. Alongside Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, he inspects troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine. "As long as we have men like that, we are absolutely invincible," Putin tells the troops at the Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, as reported by the Kremlin's website. The unannounced visit takes place amid recent Ukrainian advances into the Russian region of Kursk. Kadyrov informs Putin that Chechnya has sent over 47,000 fighters to Ukraine since the start of the war, including around 19,000 volunteers. Kadyrov often refers to himself as "Putin's foot soldier."
02:44 Russian Air Defense Thwarts Drone Attack Over Moscow
Russia claims to have thwarted a drone attack on the capital, Moscow. According to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's Telegram post, three Ukrainian-launched drones were shot down by air defense. Initial reports do not indicate any damage or injuries from falling debris.
01:50 Alleged Traitor's Confession: FSB Verifies Scientist's Arrest
The Russian FSB verifies the arrest of a scientist on suspicions of treason. The unnamed individual is said to have confessed to carrying out hacker attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, sending money to the Ukrainian military, and gathering information on the Russian army. The FSB does not reveal when the arrest occurred. Russian media distribute a video that is claimed to show the arrest, with snow visible in the background. According to the Ostoroschno Nowosti Telegram channel, the man is a physicist who was allegedly arrested in December 2023, as per earlier media reports.
00:59 Zelensky Endorses Ban of Moscow-Loyal Orthodox Church in UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauds the parliament for its decision to outlaw a Moscow-allied branch of the Orthodox Church. "I would like to commend the work of the Verkhovna Rada, which has passed a law championing our spiritual independence," says Zelensky in his daily video message. The parliament, after prolonged debates, enacted a ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which had been under Moscow's control for decades. This branch of the church in Ukraine is accused of supporting or even collaborating with the enemy, the crimes committed by Russia against its own people. The church officially distanced itself from Moscow but still recognizes the Moscow Patriarch. The latter supports Russia's war in Ukraine and is a friend of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Finds It Difficult to Counter Ukrainian Advance in KurskBased on the assessment of the U.S. Department of Defense, Russia is experiencing challenges responding to the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, in Washington, asserts that there are indications of Russia moving a few units into the area. "However, overall, I would say that Russia is truly facing difficulties," Ryder adds. The Ukrainian advance has "undoubtedly put its rival on the defensive," Ryder emphasizes. When asked if Washington is publicly supporting the Ukrainian press, Ryder does not offer a direct response but refers to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has stated that the aim is to create a buffer zone. Ryder states that they are in contact with Kyiv to learn more about the specific objectives.
22:10 Zelensky: Importance of Balancing Troop Mobilization and Economy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between mobilizing troops and safeguarding the war-stricken economy. During his trip to an industrial facility in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, Zelensky addresses a worker's query by highlighting that occupied positions play a vital role in paying soldiers' wages and strengthening Ukraine's defense efforts.
21:44 Ukraine Announces Territorial Advance in Kursk Ukraine claims to have progressed 28 to 35 kilometers in the Russian region of Kursk, according to their own reports. Russian forces are reportedly bolstering their positions there with troops from other regions, as per Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky's announcement in a televised address. Moreover, Russian forces are transferring units to Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, where severe combat has recently occurred. Russia has yet to respond to these developments.
21:25 Putin's Return to Chechnya After 13 Years Russian President Vladimir Putin pays a visit to the Russian republic of Chechnya for the first time in 13 years to meet with strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. Photos published by the news agency RIA Novosti show Putin shaking hands with Kadyrov in Grozny. Afterwards, Putin places his hand on Kadyrov's shoulder and hugs him before they depart in a limousine. Kadyrov shares updates on a "packed schedule" of activities, stating that Putin is "brimming with energy despite the exhausting workday and eager to explore several locations in Chechnya."
21:02 Scholz: Ukraine to Receive "Lots of Money, Lots of Money" German Chancellor Olaf Scholz disputes accusations of insufficient support for Ukraine. This year, Ukraine is set to receive more than seven billion euros, making it the highest recipient among European countries, Scholz explains on TV station Sat1. Next year, Ukraine will receive four billion euros from the federal budget - again, the highest allocation among European nations. Additionally, there are the 50 billion dollars that the western G7 nations plan to make available through frozen Russian assets. "Lots of money, lots of money," Scholz stresses. However, the precise timeline for the 50 billion's release to Ukraine remains unclear.
20:14 Putin Draws Parallels Between Beslan School Siege and Ukrainian Advance Russian President Vladimir Putin draws a connection between the 2004 Beslan school siege and the present-day operations of the Ukrainian army in Kursk, a Russian border region. Just as Russia fought "terrorists" in Beslan then, it must now combat "criminals" in Kursk, Putin asserted during his trip to Beslan.
19:43 Moscow Patriarchate Labels Ukrainian Church Ban as "Illegal" The Russian Orthodox Church denounces the Ukrainian parliament's approval of a ban on the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church as an "unlawful act" and a "grave violation of religious freedom and human rights," as per Vladimir Legoida, spokesperson for the Russian Orthodox Church, via Telegram. He forecasts the potential for "massive violence against millions of believers" if the law is implemented. Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church's head, also voiced his concerns, describing these times as "challenging" and justifying opposition due to differing beliefs rather than malice. Kirill is a staunch supporter of the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian parliamentarians had previously passed a bill that called for a ban on religious organizations with ties to Moscow.
The President of the Council may need to address the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia following the Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow. The ongoing conflict and the use of western weapons on Russian soil may have significant implications for international relations.
As Russia postpones local elections in seven municipalities of the Kursk region due to the ongoing Ukrainian offensive, the President of the Council may need to advocate for diplomatic efforts to ensure a peaceful resolution and allow for the safe and fair conduct of elections.
