Riga is dedicated to implementing initiatives to strengthen its border protection measures.
Latvia Prolongs Enhanced Border Security until Year's End Due to Safety Concerns
Latvia will prolong the enhanced security of its border with nearby Belarus until the end of the year due to safety reasons. The government of the Baltic EU and NATO nation made this decision in Riga. The reason behind this action is the continued disproportionately high number of attempts to unlawfully cross the border. The extension of the special rule, which was initially valid until September, also takes into consideration the escalating risk factor of Russia's conflict against Ukraine, which is backed by the authoritarian leadership in Minsk. With this rule, additional powers are granted to the border guard in six regions in the east of the Baltic EU and NATO country.
15:25 Ukraine Boosts Weapon Manufacturing
Ukraine is significantly boosting its weapon production this year, as per government data. "In the first eight months of 2025, we have doubled our weapon production compared to 2024," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv. Ukraine aims to produce over one million drones by the year's end. "We are making progress. The drone production is on the rise," said Shmyhal.
15:02 Military Expert Praise Scholz's "Proactive" Decision
Chancellor Scholz proposes peace negotiations with Russia. The proposal is met with strong opposition from certain political circles. However, military expert Ralph Thiele commends the Chancellor's proposal and encourages urgency. After the Kursk offensive, Ukraine faces a potential breakthrough of its defense lines.
14:30 Kiel Institute Warning: Defense Spending "Inadequate"
The defense spending of the federal government is "inadequate" given the threat situation posed by Russia, according to researchers at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. "Despite the 'turning point' rhetoric, the gap between Germany's military capabilities and Russia's continues to widen," explains the institute. The researchers call for a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. "Russia is growing into an increasingly concerning security threat to NATO. At the same time, we are only making slow progress with the required weapons for deterrence," says study author Guntram Wolff. According to this, the federal government is currently barely able to replace the weapons being sent to Ukraine. The stock of air defense systems and artillery howitzers is even significantly depleted.
13:05 "Striking Difference" Between Putin and Lavrov
Ukraine frequently requests from the EU and the USA the authorization to use weapons on Russian territory. Now, the Netherlands grants permission, including promised fighter jets.
13:40 Russia Claims Capture of Four More Towns in Donetsk
Russia asserts that it has seized four more towns in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, according to its own statements. The Southern Group of Forces took control of Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group of Forces captured Wodiane, and the Central Group seized Halyzynivka, the Russian Ministry of Defense reports. The claims cannot be independently verified. Ukrainian military observers have at least marked three of the affected towns - all except Hryhoriwka - as occupied. Ukraine is confronting heavy pressure on the eastern front of the nation.
13:00 Moscow Only Engages with One Negotiating PartnerA peace conference was held in Switzerland without Russia in June. Now, Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicates readiness for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shows diplomatic efforts, but not with Europe, says ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
12:25 Kyiv: Russia Increasingly Uses Chemical WeaponsUkrainian officials caution that Russian forces in Ukraine are increasingly using chemical weapons. The Ukrainian military command writes on Facebook that Russian forces used ammunition containing hazardous chemicals and chemical warfare agents 447 times in August alone, and 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian military command also states that Kremlin troops are delivering ammunition containing prohibited chemical warfare agents and using unidentified chemical compounds. It further states: "Russia is thus flagrantly violating the rules of warfare and disregarding the norms and commitments of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction."
11:50 Presidential Office in Kyiv: Permission to Attack Russian Weapon Depots GrantedThe head of the Ukrainian presidential office reiterates his country's demand to its Western allies to allow the use of their weapons against targets deep in Russian territory. Andriy Yermak explains that one must be able to attack rocket depots in Russia. "Defense is not escalation." It is about using Western weapons to prevent terror, Yermak writes on Telegram. Western countries are hesitant to allow Ukraine to use the weapons they have provided on Russian territory, citing worries about being pulled into the conflict.
10:27 Fires and Injuries - Russia Attacks with Several Drones and Two MissilesAccording to local authorities, at least three people were injured and buildings were damaged and fires started in Ukraine during Russian drone and missile attacks. The air defense shot down 38 of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions during the nighttime attack, the air force said on Telegram. Russia also used two missiles in its attack. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions were also targeted, the energy ministry in Kyiv said, causing disruptions to high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 The End of Maria Lwowa-Belova's Reputation: Marriage to an OligarchOnce hailed as the embodiment of Russian womanhood, Maria Lwowa-Belova, the Russian children's rights envoy, was wed to an Orthodox priest since 2003. Together, they frequently appeared in propaganda media, discussing conventional values, religious faith, and their experiences raising numerous children. However, it appears her dedication to tradition, particularly her priestly husband, may not be as substantial as once perceived. Independent source Verstka reports that she has tie the knot with oligarch Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she had a lengthy relationship. Interestingly, their relationship maintains a certain orthodoxy, as Malofeew is the creator of the Kremlin-aligned Christian TV channel Tsargrad TV and an ardent supporter of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Ukrainian Aerial Assault on Moscow: Casualty ReportedA woman loses her life in a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, as per the region's governor. Footage reveals explosions in residential areas. Russian sources also claim the interception of 144 drones.
09:32 Ocean-2024 Naval Exercises Begun by RussiaRussia initiates strategic maritime drills titled "Ocean-2024" across various territories within its borders, which span the world's largest nation by area. Over 400 warships, including submarines, and over 90,000 personnel from various naval departments will be participating in the exercises until September 16, as announced by the Moscow defense ministry. These exercises are taking place in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian seas, as well as the Mediterranean, where Russia maintains a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Two Lives Lost in Orenburg Oil Pipeline FireTwo lives are claimed in a blaze at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, as per the TASS news agency. An investigation into the origin of the fire has been launched. The precise timeline of the fire's outbreak remains unverified. Unconfirmed reports regarding the incident had been circulating on some Russian Telegram channels since Monday.
08:43 Negotiations on Hold for Now, Says ShoiguRussia will postpone discussions with Ukraine until its troops abandon Russian territories, according to TASS news agency, referencing Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Previously, Kremlin spokesman Peskov had likewise ruled out negotiations.
08:14 Resumption of Operations at Moscow AirportsFlights at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports have resumed, as per Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsiya via Telegram. The services had been momentarily halted due to Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow area.
07:43 Scholz Sets Prerequisites for Russian Participation in Peace ConferenceGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz links Russian involvement in a potential Ukraine peace conference to specific stipulations. At an SPD event on Monday evening, he emphasizes the importance of providing adequate military assistance to Ukraine against the aggressor Russia, alongside exploring exit options from the conflict's situation. He desires another peace conference featuring Russian participation, he says. "However, this is unattainable if the individual intended to participate continues to assert ‘I will persist in attacking’, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin, he suggests, even expresses a desire for more Ukrainian territory for peace negotiations. "I believe that in this situation, what is always crucial in politics is clarity, resilience, and character. These attributes are essential for securing peace and security in Europe," the Chancellor emphasizes.
07:18 Fico's булгарскија увреда на Кијев: Словенскија влада се насока ка чишћењу совјетскихсимбола из војске - Кијев протестујеUkraine is finding the accusations made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico perplexing. As reported by Reuters, he has urged Kyiv to implement measures to eradicate "fascism" from its military. In a statement issued by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, it states: "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 the fascist aesthetics of modern Russia." The ministry adds that the Ukrainian people suffered "millions of losses" in the struggle against Nazism in the 20th century. Fico's "fascism" claim echoes the Russian propaganda that frequently labels the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. In reality, far-right parties managed to secure only 2.4% in the 2019 Ukrainian elections. Historian Timothy Snyder, however, sees evident fascist characteristics in the Putin system.
06:56 Correction of Fatality Numbers in Moscow Drone Attack by Russian Regional GovernorIn a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, one woman is killed and three civilians are injured, according to the region's governor, Andrei Vorobyov. He shared this information via Telegram. Initially, he reported the death of a child, which he later failed to establish as factual. According to him, 43 people have been temporarily housed in emergency shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace to Investigate Ecological Wrongs by RussiaGreenpeace is revitalizing an office in Kyiv. The ambition is to expedite restoration projects in Ukraine and to probe and record ecological violations due to the Russian invasion, the environmental advocacy group declared. They're already collaborating with local environmental groups for this purpose. "Our objective is to aid Ukraine in the eco-friendly renovation of social infrastructure by utilizing the pure energy of sunlight and wind," expresses the new office head, Natalia Hosak. Greenpeace frequently highlights ecological harm in Ukraine resulting from the Russian invasion. Among other matters, the organization is monitoring the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Russia Confirms Death of Child in Moscow RegionFollowing a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region, Russian reports reveal that a child has perished. Regional governor Andrei Vorobyov disclosed on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region overnight. One of these drones ignited a fire that's now being extinguished by firefighters. "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child lost their life," Vorobyov added. The interception of another drone in the capital region is reported to have injured at least one individual when the debris struck a residential building. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially reported that 11 drones had been intercepted near the Russian capital.
05:31 Ukraine Fends off Drone Attack on KyivThe Ukrainian military administration of the capital has disclosed that Ukrainian air defense units have repelled a Russian drone assault on Kyiv via the Telegram messaging service.
04:36 Russia: Drone Debris Hits Energy ComplexAccording to the Russian news agency TASS, debris from a drone shot down by Russian air defense over the Tula region landed on an energy facility. "No casualties were reported," TASS cited Tula authorities as saying. The operational process and supply of resources to consumers remained unaltered, and the situation was under control.
03:29 Ukraine Bombards Moscow with DronesFollowing the interception of two Ukrainian drones over the Domodedovo district of Moscow, emergency services were dispatched to the crash site, as per Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No information regarding potential damage or casualties was provided. The Domodedovo district, located about 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, is home to one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russia's Air Defense Downs Drone Headed for MoscowRussian air defense units have demolished a drone heading for the Russian capital, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. "Preliminary data suggests no damages or casualties where the debris fell," Sobyanin stated on Telegram. No statement has been made from the Ukrainian side.
00:12 Zelensky Praises Sweden for New Aid PackageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended Sweden for a defense aid package worth $445 million. "This essential assistance, which includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions to meet Ukraine's urgent needs, will strengthen our defense capabilities," Zelensky said on X. According to Swedish reports, the package also includes spare parts for Gripen fighter jets to prepare for a potential future delivery of the aircraft.
22:17 Foreign Office: Russia " Major Threat to Peace" directly on NATO's eastern flankFollowing the encroachment of Russian drones into Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Office characterized Russia under President Vladimir Putin as "the Major Threat to Peace and Security." "Unfortunately, Putin's Russia is presently the Major Threat to Peace and Security directly on NATO's eastern flank," the ministry wrote on X. "This fact has been underscored not least by the recent drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." "We collaborate with our alliance partners and stand by their side," the Foreign Office continued in relation to the drones. On the weekend, NATO and EU member states Latvia and Romania each reported the intrusion of a Russian drone into their territory.
21:42 US Unable to Confirm Iranian Rocket Delivery Reports to RussiaThe US government cannot confirm reports that Iran has supplied Russia with ballistic rockets, according to John Kirby, spokesperson for the US government's national security.
21:28 Zelensky Urges prompt Execution of Aid AgreementsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the swift implementation of aid agreements with the West. "The course of the war hinges directly on the efficacy of logistics in deliveries and the execution of all promises by partners," Zelensky said in his evening video address. Weapons and equipment must arrive in a timely manner to be effective. "What is required in September must be delivered to our troops in September."
20:52 Russian Opposition Politician Warns Against Granting Putin a "face-saving exit"Leading Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa warns the West against granting Russian President Vladimir Putin a "face-saving exit" from the Ukraine war. "It is crucial that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious in the war against Ukraine," says Kara-Mursa. "It is crucial that Vladimir Putin does not locate a face-saving exit from this war in Ukraine." Approximately a month after his release in an exchange, Kara-Mursa notes that there is "fatigue" about the war in Western societies. However, Putin must "be defeated." He adds: "If, God forbid, the Putin regime is able to publicize the outcome of this war as a victory for itself and remain in power, we will be discussing another conflict or another catastrophe within a year or 18 months."
You can catch up on all previous developments here.
Due to the escalating risk factor of Russia's conflict against Ukraine, Latvia decided to extend its enhanced border security measures, which initially ended in September, until the end of the year. This cybersecurity move comes as a response to the increased attempts of unlawful crossings and the suspected use of cyberwar tactics by Russia to breach Latvia's defenses.
