Residents of Kursk expressing Discontent: "Individuals Fend for Themselves"
As conflicts persist in the Russian region of Kursk, discontent among locals intensifies: With authorities, they feel overlooked and forgotten; with the Ukrainian military, they see a threat, yet they're also critical of their own forces. A 28-year-old local told the "Moscow Times," "No one gives a damn about us." She further explained, "For Russia, we're merely a part of the map. For the Ukrainians, we're collaborators supporting Putin's regime. Everybody's on their own here." Another resident accused authorities of concealing the truth and downplaying the situation, stating there's no reason for concern. The residents place blame on Ukraine for the attacks, yet they question Russia's military prowess as well. A 32-year-old observer noted, "How did they fail to predict the accumulation of Ukrainian troops at the border?" She went on to say, "Those who previously held pro-Ukraine sentiments or remained neutral have now turned into fury." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk expressed that she doesn't harbor resentment towards Ukraine because, "they're merely puppets in this situation."
20:12 Berlin apprehensive about intensified attacks on Kyiv: The German government presumes an escalation of Russian attacks on Ukrainian capital Kyiv ahead of the country's independence day on Saturday. The Federal Foreign Office expresses concern over potentially increased rocket and air assaults on major cities, including Kyiv. Short-term lockdowns could be instated in affected urban areas. The government continues to urge German citizens to evacuate the country promptly.
19:39 Pokrovsk serves as the epicenter of conflict: The Ukrainian military reports repelling multiple Russian assaults throughout the day. A total of 79 Russian attacks were documented from various frontlines across Ukraine, with some aided by artillery and air support. Once more, Pokrovsk's periphery emerged as the primary conflict zone. Russian forces attempted to consolidate their gains and expand their territory there. Reports suggest around 20 assaults occurred within a few hours. Similarly violent clashes were reported in the vicinity of Torez. The objective of these Russian attacks was to exert full control over the Donbass region.
19:07 US imposes additional sanctions on Russian supply chains: In response to Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, the United States has levied additional sanctions against Moscow. The sanctions are targeted at approximately 400 companies and individuals, as announced by the U.S. Treasury Department. Among them are around 60 technology companies centered around defense, whose products and services contribute to Russia's military endeavors. The sanctions aim to disrupt Russia's supply chains. The affected entities are based not only in Russia but elsewhere as well. Consequently, their assets within the United States are frozen, and Americans are prohibited from conducting business with them.
18:38 Russian Oil Flow through Ukraine reportedly boosted: Russia has reportedly augmented its oil deliveries through Ukraine in July, as per findings from the Kyiv-based consultancy firm ExPro. The volume of Russian oil flowing via the "Friendship" pipeline to EU countries climbed to 1.09 million tons in July from 540,000 tons in June. Hungary and Slovakia had previously expressed concerns over restricted oil flow, warning of potential fuel shortages beginning from September. Nonetheless, the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, criticized both countries for lacking alternative solutions to Russian oil supplies, which have been under embargo since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The aforementioned countries enjoy exemptions. Read more here.
17:56 Search for Missing Conscripts in Kursk: The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region resulted in numerous Russian conscripts being captured or missing, according to news reports. Approximately 81 conscripts are still unaccounted for, whereas 38 have been identified in videos disclosed by the Ukrainian military. The information is gathered from online appeals by the conscripts' families. Before initiating its invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin had guaranteed that only contract soldiers and volunteers would be deployed in the war zone. However, the Kremlin refrains from disclosing its losses in Kursk, considering it not part of the "military special operation." Read more here.
17:19 Authenticity of flying drones over Brunsbuettel under investigation: The German military is collaborating with investigators to probe into alleged suspicious drone activities around industrial facilities in Schleswig-Holstein. Officials from the Territorial Command confirmed offering radar data to the police upon request. Other companies involved, namely Covestro and Holcim, have also committed to investigating the drone flights over the industrial complex in Brunsbuettel. The State Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is conducting a probe into the drone activities in relation to possible espionage aimed at causing sabotage.
16:20 NATO Base in Geilenkirchen Clears AlertThe NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen has cleared its alert. Following a heightened security status last night due to a potential threat, the situation has now returned to normal, as reported by a base spokesperson. This means the safety measures at the airport have reverted back to the same level that has been in effect since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine. The source declined to disclose specifics concerning the nature of the threat. A second-highest security status within NATO terminology indicates either an incident has occurred or there's plausible evidence suggesting an impending terrorist attack against the alliance. As a preventive measure, as many staff members as possible were sent home towards the end of the workday.
16:01 Federal Prosecutor Examines Freed Rico KriegerThe Federal German Prosecutor's Office is currently examining German citizen Rico Krieger, who was released as part of a prisoner exchange agreement with Belarus. An official statement from the prosecutor's office indicates Krieger is being investigated under charges of triggering an explosion using explosives. Krieger was sentenced to death in Belarus on allegations of terrorism and mercenary activities, but later received a pardon and was handed over to Germany. As per "Die Welt am Sonntag," Krieger claimed he applied to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment," a Ukrainian volunteer brigade supporting Ukraine's forces fighting against the Russian invasion. This reportedly led to his arrest by the Belarusian security forces. Krieger denies the claims.
15:44 Modi Urges Zelensky to Reach Out to MoscowIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in diplomatic talks with Russia to reach a resolution to the conflict. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi suggested acting as a "mediator" in efforts to secure peace. "The path to resolution can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy. Let us proceed in this direction without delay," Modi said. He encouraged both sides to meet and find a way to overcome the crisis, without explicitly demanding the troop withdrawal by Russia. Read more here.
15:22 Wagner Group Fragmented Post Prigozhin's DemiseOne year after the death of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private army, Wagner, reportedly faces internal fragmentation, according to British intelligence assessments. Since the plane crash, numerous influential figures withdrew from the organization, the British Defense Ministry reports. "With approximately 50,000 personnel in 2023, Wagner now likely has around 5,000 personnel remaining in its deployments in Belarus and Africa," the ministry stated. Many ex-Wagner fighters moved to join the Russian armed forces or paramilitary units controlled by the Ministry of Defense, according to military analysts. Exactly a year ago, Prigozhin died in a plane crash, following an attempted mutiny against Russian military leadership. All nine other individuals on the plane also perished. Read more here.
14:38 ISW: Kyiv Offensive Forces Russia to Retract ForcesDue to the advance of Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk, analysts estimate Russian military forces are exiting neighboring Ukraine. The Russian military allegedly moved some units from the southeastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to support Kursk's defense, according to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It draws upon entries by deployed soldiers on social media. However, Russia attempts to preserve the main axis of its attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Read more here.
13:59 Trust in German Ukraine Aid ErodesThe financial disagreements within the German government are reportedly causing erosion of trust in the reliability of German aid to Ukraine, according to security expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Politics. He highlights Germany's suggestion of providing financial support to Ukraine through interest-free loans from frozen Russian assets as damaging to international relations. "Germany has essentially shot itself in the foot with this proposal, causing significant harm to its reputation," Mölling stated during an interview with the "Der Spiegel" podcast "Die Lage". The difficulty of implementing this plan and achieving clarification on the delivery method for aid have led to uncertainty within the public.
13:31 Modi Embraces Zelensky in KyivRecently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an embrace during a visit to Kyiv. Modi paid tribute at a memorial honoring children who were casualties of the conflict, and laid a teddy bear as a gesture of empathy. India, with its massive population, maintains a neutral stance in the conflict and does not enforce Western economic sanctions against Russia. Modi has not yet presented any concrete proposals for resolving the issue, but advocates for a diplomatic solution.
12:20 Russia Insider: "Eventually, We'll Uncover Putin's Response to Provocation"Russian President Vladimir Putin appears unfazed by Ukrainian military victories in Kursk, his typical response to adversity, says Russian political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann. Other Russian analysts suggest that the Kremlin is studying potential responses. Putin often takes his time when making significant decisions, they say. "Eventually, we'll discover Putin's retaliation strategy," warns Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41 Russian Fuel Storage Site in Proletarsk Still Smoldering
The Russian fuel storage site in Proletarsk, located in the southern Russian region of Rostov, is still sparking. According to NASA's Fire Monitoring Program, the facility is still burning, and the Telegram channel Baza, in connection with Russian investigative bodies, reports that the fire is still burning fiercely. According to Baza, the depot was targeted again by a Ukrainian drone during the night.
11:12 "Ukraine Seeks Symbolic Alignment with Modi"
Although India, as a BRICS member, has close ties with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in hopes of mediation to bring an end to the conflict. Due to the Kherson offensive, the Ukrainians are reportedly more interested than ever in peace negotiations, reports ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:45 Ukrainian Air Defense System Active in Multiple Regions
The Ukrainian military claims to have downed 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched during the night. "The air defense system was active in the regions of Cherkassy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," the air force reports.
10:16 Ukraine Comments on Sinking of Cargo Ship in Kavkaz
The Ukrainian navy comments on the destruction of a cargo ship in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another undeniably military target was taken out," says navy spokesman Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The cargo ship was intended to supply the enemy with fuel. The cargo ship has sunk, and the port is currently inoperable. Local authorities report that the attack took place on Thursday, with the cargo ship catching fire. The port of Kavkaz on the Black Sea supplies fuel, among other things, to Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
09:44 Russian Envoy: "No Buffer Zone will be Established on Russian Soil"
Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, comments on the Kherson offensive and Kyiv's declared goal of establishing a buffer zone there: "That's impossible. No buffer zone will be established on Russian soil," TASS state news agency quotes him. Simultaneously, he warns that Moscow will not consult Washington to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kherson region. He accuses the US of "continually testing Russian patience" and trying to provoke "emotional, hasty decisions."
09:10 Web Analysis Suggests: Discontent with Putin Growing in Russia
Given that Ukrainian troops have breached Russian territory two weeks ago, dissatisfaction towards President Vladimir Putin seems to be on the rise across Russia. According to an analysis by FilterLabs AI, reported by the "New York Times", many online posts suggest that the Ukrainian advance is a failure of the Russian government and Putin specifically. "Putin's response to the incursion was at best inadequate and at worst offensive," says Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs. The company tracks opinions in Russia by analyzing social media.
08:36 Modi Arrives in Kyiv
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Ukraine, according to both Indian and Ukrainian media. He is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine seeks India's support, which is a significant voice in international politics. However, Kyiv harbors doubts about India's declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Images of Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin embracing were disturbing in Ukraine and many Western countries.
08:05 Russian Warning on Nuclear Plant Attacks "Is Only Rhetoric"
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. However, ntv reporter Rainer Munz estimates the actual risk of a nuclear disaster due to the war.
07:33 China and Belarus Plan Increased Cooperation - Including Security
China and Belarus have agreed to intensify cooperation in areas such as trade, security, energy, and finance, according to a joint statement following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They also aim to improve cooperation in industrial supply chains and further facilitate trade to reduce costs for both parties. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and the largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army Criticizes Poorly Trained Conscripts
Ukrainian commanders and soldiers criticize the poor training of new conscripts and Russia's evident advantage in the air and ammunition at the eastern front. "Some people don't want to shoot. They see the enemy in firing position in the trench and don't open fire. That's why our men are dying," says a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't use the weapon, they're useless." Since May, when the government enacted a controversial mobilization law, reportedly tens of thousands of new recruits are being drafted each month, with the greatest demand in the infantry. However, there are logistical challenges in training, equipping, and paying so many new people.
According to Russia's ambassador to the US, Russia expects the US to soon lift all restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. Anatoli Antonov, as reported by RIA news agency, stated that the current administration is acting dangerously, extending a hand in one instance while hiding a dagger in the other. They are preparing to lift all existing restrictions without much thought, Antonov claimed. He added that a genuine dialogue with the US is only possible if they end their hostile policy towards Russia. Antonov also mentioned that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month is unlikely.
06:09 Harris: Trump Encouraged Putin to Invade Europe
Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has shown her support for NATO and has promised to continue aiding Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia. During her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, she stated, "I will stand firmly with Ukraine and our NATO allies." Her opponent, Donald Trump, however, had threatened to abandon NATO and even urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe, according to Harris.
05:38 Head of Network Agency: "Federal Government Still on High Alert"
Despite fully stocked gas storage facilities, the head of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, continues to urge caution in gas consumption. Speaking to Augsburger Allgemeine, Müller said, "The federal government is still on high alert. We must still be mindful." He also mentioned the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory, which could worsen the situation. According to Müller, the area around the natural gas infrastructure is a war zone on both sides. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, located near the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and a crucial distribution point for natural gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi Visits Kyiv: "No Problem Can Be Solved on the Battlefield"
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Ukraine for the first time today. He is scheduled to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, as announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India has maintained a neutral stance towards the Russian invasion and does not impose Western sanctions on Moscow. It has also become one of the world's largest buyers of cheap Russian oil. Modi often advocates for a resolution through dialogue. "India is of the belief that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the greatest challenge for humanity," Modi said in Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk encouraged Modi to act as a mediator in the conflict.
03:31 Sources: USA to Send New Military Aid
Sources have reported that the USA plans to send additional military aid to Ukraine, worth approximately $125 million. The new aid package includes air defense missiles, ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, and a variety of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity and the official announcement is expected today. The weapons will be delivered from Pentagon stocks, allowing for swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a Day
The Ukrainian military reported 53 Russian attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine throughout Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk is the main goal of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. No statement has been released yet from the Russian government. According to available information, Russian troops have been gradually advancing towards Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Chairwoman: Without weapons deliveries, Ukraine would be "wiped off the map"Before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD leader Saskia Esken reaffirmed her support for military aid to Ukraine against Russia. She told the Funke media group newspapers, "As long as Putin does not abandon his war aims against Ukraine, peace cannot be achieved diplomatically." Esken criticized the BSW party leader Sahra Wagenknecht, saying, "If, like Frau Wagenknecht and others, we stopped delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the country would be conquered tomorrow and erased from the map the day after. This would have catastrophic consequences for security throughout Europe, which would not lead to less armament and not to peace."
23:56 Ukraine fears harshest winter in its historyGiven the destruction of Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure by Russian attacks, the country is expecting a harsh and dark winter. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko said at a video conference, "We are facing the harshest winter in our history." This winter will be even harder than the previous one due to the damage caused by ongoing Russian attacks, Haluschtschenko added. The Russian army is using various weapons in combined attacks to cause maximum damage, he said. In a mild winter, electricity consumption is around 18 gigawatts, while in a cold winter it is 19 gigawatts. Moreover, reserves of one gigawatt must be created, Haluschtschenko stated. Russian attacks have destroyed around 9 gigawatts of capacity.
10:08 NATO boosts security at Geilenkirchen airbase Due to a potential danger, NATO is upgrading its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Non-essential employees have been sent off home, as confirmed by the base's spokesperson. The justification for this move is classified intelligence signaling a potential risk. "This isn't a reason to panic and is merely a preventive measure to ensure we can carry on with our vital operations." The cops are present on-site. More details, such as the strength of the deployed troops, remain undisclosed.
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20:07 Ukraine announces attack on Kursk backup site The Ukrainian military reports another assault on Russian troops in the Kursk area. Using guided US munitions, they targeted a Russian logistics hub in the afternoon, as explained by air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk. "A remote control drone command center, radio-electronic warfare unit, gear, weaponry, and approximately 40 Russian military personnel were impacted," Oleshchuk mentions in a video detailing the attack.
19:43 Swiss Peace Conference holds debut follow-up gathering In the wake of the Peace Conference held in Switzerland in June, the initial follow-up meeting has taken place, as reported by Ukraine. Reps from over 40 countries and organizations joined the virtual session. Future get-togethers of working groups are planned.
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14:38 The European Commission expresses concern over the escalating tensions in Kursk and calls for a peaceful resolution.
Following these developments, The Commission urges all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further intensification of the conflict.
These sentences contain the word "The Commission" and follow from the given text in the context of international politics and diplomacy.
