Prisoner swap with Russia: 115 Ukrainian soldiers regain freedom
115 Ukrainian soldiers have left Russian captivity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this via Telegram.
11:45 Prisoner exchange negotiations between Russia and Ukraine ongoing Further prisoner exchanges are being discussed between Russia and Ukraine: 115 prisoners are to be exchanged on each side today, according to a representative from the mediating United Arab Emirates (UAE). This would be the first such action since Ukraine initiated its offensive within Russia this month. The Russian news agency RIA confirmed this, citing the Ministry of Defense in Moscow. Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine during its offensive in the Kursk region are reportedly in Belarusian territory. This would mark the seventh such exchange mediated by the UAE since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The UAE, a close security ally of the US, has maintained good relations with Moscow throughout the conflict, despite the discontent of Western governments. However, relations with Kyiv have also strengthened.
11:21 Polish President Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyte attend celebrations in Kyiv Ukraine celebrates its 33rd Independence Day today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hosting Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on this occasion. The Ukrainian Presidential Office released several photos from the celebrations in Kyiv:
11:02 Latvia to provide Ukraine with $126 million in military aid in 2024 Latvia has pledged $126 million (€112 million) in military aid to Ukraine this year and will contribute to expanding the Drone Coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov shared this information on Facebook. Umerov previously met with a Latvian delegation, led by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds. "Strengthening the Drone Coalition is a particularly significant issue," Umerov said. In total, Latvia will provide Ukraine with several thousand drones to aid in repelling large-scale Russian aggression. Umerov also stated that dozens of countries are already part of the coalition.
10:40 Zelenskyy begins the process for Ukraine's accession to the ICC Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has initiated the process for his country's accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by signing a law ratifying the Rome Statute. This move is considered an important step towards Ukraine's integration with the EU. The parliament had previously approved this action. The ICC has issued international arrest warrants, including for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
10:00 Zelensky signs law banning the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church To mark his country's independence day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law banning the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church. By doing so, Zelensky stressed, Ukraine is taking a significant step towards strengthening its independence. The law, which was passed in the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday, prohibits religious organizations with ties to Moscow. Russia strongly protests this move. The law sets a deadline for religious organizations to sever their ties with Russia, a process that could take several years.
09:42 Media reports: Russian ammunition depot on fire after drone strike Ukraine appears to have targeted a military facility in Russia: according to independent news portal Astra, a Russian ammunition depot in the Voronezh region was allegedly hit by Ukrainian drone strikes. The specific target was reportedly a warehouse near the town of Ostrogoshsk, approximately 100 kilometers south of Voronezh. While Russian officials have not yet confirmed the incident, Governor Alexander Gusev declared a state of emergency in three settlements due to the aftermath of a fire and the detonation of explosives. No civilian buildings were damaged, Gusev emphasized, but emergency measures were required in three settlements. Approximately 200 people were evacuated, and two women were injured, one of whom was hospitalized.
09:00 War has "returned to Russia," according to Zelensky The war has "returned to Russia," as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his video message marking Ukraine's independence day, Zelensky suggested that Russia had intended to "destroy" Ukraine with its invasion. However, Ukraine is now celebrating its 33rd independence day, Zelensky stated, and the consequences of the conflict have returned to their source. According to Zelensky, the video message was recorded in the border region from which Kyiv launched its offensive in Russia on August 6.
08:30 Russia declares state of emergency in part of the Voronezh region Russia has declared a state of emergency in parts of the Voronezh region following an overnight drone strike. Governor Alexander Gusev announced the emergency on Telegram, stating that five drones had been intercepted, but falling debris had sparked a fire and caused the detonation of explosives. No civilian buildings were damaged, Gusev stressed, but emergency measures were necessary in three settlements. More than 200 people were evacuated, and two women were injured, one of whom was hospitalized.
Latest reports suggest substantial casualties on the Russian side in Kyiv: 1160 Russian soldiers have either been killed or rendered incapacitated within a single day. According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, this brings the total number of Russian soldiers "neutralized" since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022 to an astounding 606,490. The Ministry's daily report on Russian losses also indicates that the enemy has lost an additional 9 tanks (bringing the total to 8,542) since the onset of the Russian invasion. Ukraine claims to have counted over 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones that are no longer under Russian control or have been destroyed. However, these figures remain unverified as Moscow maintains a policy of silence concerning its own losses in Ukraine.
08:48 Zelensky: "We're gradually driving the Russian army out of Kharkiv"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the Russian forces are being pushed back from the Kharkiv region. In his evening address, Zelensky, in conversation with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, praised the resilience of Kharkiv, a city known for its spirited people and vibrant life. "Since early May, our defense forces have successfully fended off Russian attempts to advance on Kharkiv and destroy our city and the entire Kharkiv region," Zelensky stated. "We're gradually driving the Russian army out of Kharkiv."
08:10 Casualties Reported in Russian Shelling of Kherson Oblast
Ten individuals suffered injuries due to Russian shelling in the Kherson Oblast, according to Ukrinform, quoting Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the military administration of Kherson Oblast.
07:54 Russian Rockets Attack Grain Facilities in Sumy Oblast
Russian rockets hit several agricultural facilities in Ukrainian Sumy Oblast, as reported by the regional prosecutor's office. The Russian military conducted a rocket attack on agricultural infrastructure in the afternoon, the statement revealed.
07:29 Drone Strike Damages Munitions Depot in Russian Voronezh Oblast
A drone strike overnight in Russian Voronezh Oblast resulted in a fire and an alleged detonation of explosive devices, according to "Kyiv Independent," citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. According to Russian air defense units, several unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down over the region, leading to a fire and explosion at an unspecified location. The Russian Telegram channel Astra reported that the blast occurred at a munitions depot in Ostrogozhsk. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone attacks targeting Russian military infrastructure and its energy sector.
06:53 United States Rolls out Sanctions on Over 400 Entities and Individuals
The United States, as per the U.S Department of State, has imposed sanctions on more than 400 organizations and individuals allegedly associated with Russia's war in Ukraine. "Today's actions strike at Russia where it hurts," stated Aaron Forsberg, director of economic sanctions policy at the U.S Department of State. The sanctions specifically target the Russian energy sector, as well as entities in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. They also include Chinese companies believed to aid Moscow in circumventing Western sanctions and strengthening its military, such as the export-import department of the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group, which is said to have supplied dual-use items worth $4 million to Russian companies. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, denounced the unilateral sanctions, asserting that normal trade between China and Russia should not be affected.
06:18 Belarus and China Consolidate Security Cooperation
Belarus and China have agreed to bolster their cooperation in areas of security, finance, and energy. According to "Kyiv Independent," both countries are committed to strengthening their security ties and fostering collaboration in finance and energy industries. The countries also aim to enhance their cooperation in industrial supply chains.
04:38 Prime Minister Starmer Vows Long-term Support to Ukraine on its National Day
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged enduring support to Ukraine on its national day, stating, "My message to all Ukrainians, whether you're on the frontlines or in the United Kingdom, is clear: we're with you today and forever." Starmer had reiterated this commitment during his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he was in London a few weeks ago, as per Starmer. Both the British government and the public stand in solidarity with Ukraine. "We're here for you as long as you need us." Starmer concluded his message with the Ukrainian greeting "Slawa Ukrajini" (Glory to Ukraine).
01:29 Norway Provides License for Grenade Development in Ukraine and Finances Project
Norway has granted Ukraine a license for the development of 155-mm grenades and has agreed to finance the project. Norwegian company Nammo has struck a deal with a Ukrainian defense firm to grant it a license for gunpowder artillery grenade manufacturing at Norwegian expense. "Norway currently aids Ukraine by providing ammunition from its own stockpiles and directly from the industry. Now, Nammo wishes to share its strategy with Ukraine, allowing the Ukrainian armed forces tobe replenished more rapidly," said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
After a temporary escalation in the caution level at NATO's Airbase Geilenkirchen and rumors of potential Russian drone attacks, German security authorities are advising vigilance. "Germany has long been a target for Russia's hybrid warfare, and consequently, facilities like military ones, particularly those significant to NATO, such as Geilenkirchen, are under potential threat of sabotage and espionage actions," states CDU foreign affairs expert Roderich Kiesewetter to "Tagesspiegel". Previously, the threat level at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen was momentarily heightened to the second-highest level, Charlie, due to a perceived danger. As per Kiesewetter, the airbase is pivotal for NATO as it houses the air-based early warning and control system AWACS. "The Charlie threat level signifies that NATO is implementing precautionary measures, including against potential drone incursions, and there are signs of potential imminent dangers," he adds. However, the enhanced menace level and chance of Russian attacks has been recognized and is not groundbreaking news.
22:21 Latvia Declares Largest Drone Delivery to Ukraine Yet
Latvia has disclosed its most significant drone delivery to Ukraine thus far. 1,400 drones manufactured by Latvian companies are prepared to dispatch, the Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds posts on X. This means Riga has completed procuring over 2,700 drones from its own industry. Latvia, together with the UK, heads an alliance to deliver a million drones to Ukraine. Its members, including Germany, have consented to investing in drone manufacturing and delivering drones and spare parts to Ukraine.
21:34 Biden Vows New Military Aid to Ukraine, with Emphasis on Air Defense
US President Joe Biden has declared a fresh military aid plan for Ukraine during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The package includes air defense missiles, drone defense equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition, according to the US Presidential Office. Biden reiterated the "unwavering support of the United States for the Ukrainian people" to Zelenskyy. The monetary information regarding the new aid is not disclosed.
21:29 Zelenskyy Calls for Delivery of Promised Weapons
The Ukrainian military requires international assistance urgently. President Zelenskyy strongly encourages the Western allies of Ukraine to deliver the promised weapon packages. "At the front, we battle with shells and equipment, not with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'," he says in his evening video message. According to him, Ukraine is waiting for weapon or equipment packages "that have been announced and decided, but not yet delivered." He does not provide specifics.
8:58 PM Residents in Kursk Express Frustration: "Everyone Is on Their Own"
As hostilities persist in the southern Russian region of Kursk, residents seem to be growing increasingly discontented: with the authorities they believe have deserted them, with the Ukrainian military, and even with their own military. No one cares about the people, a 28-year-old informs the "Moscow Times". "To Russia, we're just a section of the map. To the Ukrainians, we're enemies supporting Putin's regime. Everyone [here] is left to fend for themselves." She accuses authorities of deceiving and claiming there's no reason for alarm. And a 32-year-old explains that while people blame the Ukraine for the attack, they also question the competence of the Russian military: "How could they fail to detect the amassing of such a considerable number of Ukrainian troops at the border?" If there were once individuals who sympathized with Ukraine or were neutral, their stance has now transformed into intense anger, she says. Another resident of the Kursk region says: "The Ukrainians are not our friends at the moment." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk says she does not feel anger towards Ukraine. "They're also just victims of the situation."
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The European Union has expressed its support for Ukraine's accession to the International Criminal Court. This move is seen as an important step towards Ukraine's integration with the EU.
Further prisoner exchanges are being discussed between Russia and Ukraine: the UAE is mediating, with 115 prisoners set to be exchanged on each side today. This would be the seventh such exchange mediated by the UAE since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
