Russian authorities are currently scrutinizing the activities of CNN journalists.
15:14 FSB Initiates Legal Actions Against Foreign Journalists in Kursk Region
The Russian security agency, FSB, has initiated legal actions against various foreign journalists due to their reports in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have control over several settlements. Investigations are ongoing regarding a CNN correspondent and two Ukrainian journalists for allegedly crossing the state border illegally, as claimed by the FSB. According to the agency, the journalists recorded footage in Sudja, a town under Ukrainian military control. The FSB warns of issuing international arrest warrants soon. The journalists face the possibility of serving up to five years in prison in Russia. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was released from a Russian labor camp after being convicted of spying and was sent back to his home country under a prisoner exchange deal.
12:34 Zelensky in Sumy Region: "Prisoner Swap Fund" Restocked
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Sumy border region in eastern Ukraine, from where Ukrainian troops have advanced into Russian territory over two weeks ago. Zelensky announced the capture of another location in the Kursk region. He also mentioned the restocking of the "prisoner swap fund," referring to the capturing of Russian soldiers for a potential future exchange of Ukrainian prisoners being held in Russia. Zelensky highlighted that the Kursk offensive has led to a decrease in attacks on Sumy and a significant reduction in civilian casualties. He shared a video showing him with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who briefed him on the strengthening of troops in the east of Ukraine, where Russia is continuing its advancement.
12:06 Suspected Russian Spy Drones Overwatching Critical Infrastructure in Brunsbüttel
German newspaper "Bild" reports the presence of suspected Russian drones over Brunsbüttel's largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. In the past week, drones have been spotted flying quickly over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel. Local prosecutors are investigating potential espionage aimed at sabotage. Official reports indicate that the flight restriction zone was repeatedly violated by drones flying over the nuclear power plant. A foreign object, likely a military drone, was detected. According to "Bild," the drones are believed to be controlled by Russian agents and potentially launched from civilian ships in the North Sea.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Enhanced Attack Threat in Upcoming Days
The US embassy in Kyiv has issued a warning of an elevated risk of aerial attacks in the coming days before Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day on August 24. The embassy predicts that Russia may attack Ukraine using drones and missiles in the upcoming days and over the weekend. Ukraine commemorates the 33rd anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union. The holiday carries greater significance for Ukrainians since the war in Ukraine began about two and a half years ago. Recently, Ukrainian troops unexpectedly crossed the border into Russian territory in the Kursk region, which Putin called a provocation, threatening a suitable response.
11:13 Military Base in Volgograd under Attack by Ukrainian Drones
A fire broke out at a military support facility near Marinovka in the Volgograd region of southern Russia. Local residents reported hearing explosions. Authorities attribute the fire to the actions of Ukrainian drones. No reported casualties have been reported.
10:41 Russia Constructs Prefabricated Shelters in Kursk
Following orders from regional governor Alexei Smirnov, Kursk city officials are setting up concrete defensive structures for the city's residents. Smirnov explained that temporary prefabricated bunkers would be installed at strategic locations such as 60 bus stops. Pictures of one such unit being delivered have been released. Two other locations, including Kursk, home to the Kursk region's nuclear power plant, are also receiving bunker installations. Russia accuses Ukraine of planning to attack the power plant, while Ukraine denies these claims.
10:10 Ukraine Reports Advance in Kursk
Ukraine reports over 40 attacks from Russian troops close to the city of Pokrovsk, most of which have been successfully repelled. President Zelensky vows to reinforce troops in the region. The Kursk region's advancement continues.
09:42 Russia Detects Drone Attacks in Multiple Regions
The Russian military intercepts several Ukrainian aerial attacks in the western part of the country, as per official statements. In the Volgograd region, governor Andrei Bocharov reports that most drones were destroyed in an attack near Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the Kursk border region, governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were shot down by Russian air defense." In the Rostov region to the south, governor Vasily Golubev reports that five drones were repelled in an attack. Drones were also reportedly shot down in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons Against Russian Targets: Kyiv Sought US AuthorizationUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov conversed with a group of US House representatives, comprising Republican Rob Wittman and Democratic David Trone, in Kyiv. According to a declarative from Umerov's ministry, they discussed the ongoing situation and the American approach regarding the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. Umerov stated, "We urgently need approval from our allies so we can fully utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets. It's about safeguarding our tranquil urban areas and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Legend and Ukraine Aid CrusaderPopular Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, famed for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker, is fundraising for mine-clearing robots to assist Ukraine. Collaborating with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, they aim to raise $441,000 through a project called "Safe Terrain." These robots can operate in hard-to-reach zones, a safe distance from the operators. "One of the most heinous acts Russia has committed in Ukraine is scattering mines everywhere," Snyder said. "I've visited deserted territories close to the front where people take risks to aid others in returning to their farms and houses. These robots can clear mines and save lives." Mine clearance in Ukraine is projected to take decades.
08:01 Kremlin Regroups Russians for 'New Normal'The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a problem for Moscow's propaganda, as per an anonymous source from the Kremlin communicating with the autonomous Russian portal Meduza based in Riga. Even though the regions are distant, the source stated, "the infiltration into Russian land and the control over villages is a new and very unpleasant event." To quell the growing public anxiety, the Kremlin is trying to prepare Russians for living in a "new normal" and a "new reality." The message is: Adversaries have entered Russian territory, will be defeated shortly, but reclaiming the territory will take time. Russians are encouraged to "turn negativity and shock into a positive direction" by aiding the Kursk region while they wait. According to Meduza interviewees, the fighting in Kursk could continue for several months.
07:30 Volgograd Military Facility Fire ConfirmedRussian authorities confirmed a fire in a military facility situated in the southern region of Volgograd following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov announced on Telegram that the drone crashed into the facility, with no resulting casualties. Bocharov did not disclose the affected military facility, but the village of Marinovka was targeted. Russia operates an airbase in Marinovka.
06:56 Ex-Advisor: Putin Spun Trump with Deceptive CharmFormer US Security Advisor, General Herbert Raymond McMaster, claimed that Rudolf Putin successfully manipulated ex-US President Donald Trump. In his book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," unveiled by "The Guardian," McMaster describes Putin as "an extraordinary person, talented, beyond any doubt." He artfully flattered Trump and exerted a nearly hypnotic influence on him. McMaster, who served as Trump's security adviser for around a year, warned Trump on multiple occasions, "Mr. President, he is the best liar in the world." McMaster also speculated that Putin confidently anticipated he could 'deceive' Trump and induce the relaxation of sanctions, as well as a cheap withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Unconfirmed Reports of a Russian Airbase Fire in VolgogradAllegations of several explosions were heard in the Russian city of Kalach on the Don in the Volgograd region during the night. Various Russian Telegram channels reported the incidences as likely results of a drone attack, and there were fires on a close-by airbase. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers south-east of Moscow. The target was believed to be the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrskiy, 20 kilometers from Kalach on the Don. Local witnesses claimed to hear 6-10 loud explosions, accompanied by the sounds of drones.
05:44 Germany Prepared to Offer Additional Aid for UkraineSPD leader Lars Klingbeil has pledged further support for Ukraine. If it is not feasible to unlock the planned billions of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, Germany will provide additional financial backing, Klingbeil announced on Paul Ronzheimer's podcast, deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief. Klingbeil emphasized, "We should avoid reaching a point where it's said: 'There is no more money for Ukraine.' In such instances, 'we of course will examine potential funding sources within Germany,' Klingbeil added. 'We share a responsibility toward Ukraine. Solutions must be found, and we will find them.'"
03:09 Regional Elections in Russia: Body Armor and Headgear for Poll Workers in KurskIn the contentious Russian border area of Kursk, Russia intends to outfit poll workers with body armor and helmets for the initial regional elections. Furthermore, additional polling stations will be established in various locations across the nation to accommodate individuals who have relocated from the region, as per Tatjana Malachowa, the head of the regional election commission, as relayed by Russian news agencies. The region is presently under a state of emergency. Upcoming elections for governors and regional legislatures are slated for September 6 to 8 in numerous Russian regions.
01:34 Fico Experiences 'Stress' in Western Democracies' Foreign Policy PositionsSlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expresses feelings of "stress" due to pressure from Western democracies regarding crucial foreign policy matters. In a declaration commemorating the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico reveals that those who deviate from the "standard viewpoint" in the West are "unfairly subjected to pressure and threats of ostracism." Fico likens the brutal suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to the current pressure he perceives in Europe. Fico is opposed to the EU's military aid to Ukraine and has been accused of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine Repels 44 of 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine claims success in repelling 44 out of 46 Russian attacks in the vicinity of the Pokrovsk city in eastern Ukraine over the span of a day. The General Staff reports ongoing combat at two other locations as of 9 PM CET. The assaults resulted in 238 Russian soldiers being injured or deceased. No information regarding Ukrainian casualties is provided. Russia has yet to comment on the situation.
23:09 Russia: Ukrainian Incursion into Bryansk Remained UnsuccessfulRussia alleges that it thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian "reconnaissance-sabotage units" into the Bryansk border region of Russia, neighboring Kursk. The incursion of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was halted by Russia's security service FSB and Russian army units, as per Bryansk governor Alexander Bogomaz. "The enemy was targeted by gunfire," he stated, concluding that the situation is currently under control.
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine Anticipates Delivery of Promised Billion-Dollar AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announces that Ukraine is hoping for swift delivery of the billion-dollar aid promised by the West, which is expected to be funded in part by profits from frozen Russian state assets. While numerous political commitments have been made by Kyiv's international partners, further action is required, Zelenskyy says in his daily video address. "But we require a functional mechanism." Ukraine requires the proceeds from Russian assets for self-defense against the aggressor, Russia. "The relevant discussions have been ongoing for too long, and we urgently require answers." The Group of Seven (G7) major industrialized nations had agreed at their June summit to provide new financial aid to Kyiv, with a generous loan of $50 billion planned to secure interest payments from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Applauds Strong Economic Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the deepening cooperation with China, stating, "Our trade relations are thriving (...) The attention both governments pay to trade and economic relations is yielding positive results," during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Kremlin. China and Russia possess "extensive joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian spheres," Putin continues. Li, as reported by the Kremlin, praises Chinese-Russian relations, which he claims are at an "unprecedented high level." The strategic partnership between Russia and China has strengthened following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China is a crucial trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Request for Release Denied: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Remains in CustodyFormer Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov remains in custody on corruption charges. His application for house arrest and his appeal against detention have been rejected, as reported by TASS state news agency. Bulgakov supervised procurement for the Russian military before his dismissal. The Moscow court also orders detention for two alleged associates of Bulgakov. Their company stands accused of securing nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, resulting in damages of approximately 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros).
21:00 Ukraine Reinforces Troops in PokrovskIn a televised address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares that Ukraine is reinforcing its troops in the heavily contested Pokrovsk region in eastern Ukraine. He acknowledges knowledge of Russian military plans in the area, while simultaneously mentioning Ukrainian control of certain regions in Russia's Kursk area, without providing specifics.
20:41 Post-Decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary Face Eviction from SheltersFollowing the implementation of a Hungarian decree denying general refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians in Hungary are confronted with eviction from their shelters. Private refugee shelters have already begun evicting Ukrainians, Migration Aid reports. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees, primarily Roma women and children from western Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, which boasts a significant Hungarian minority, are expected to vacate a guesthouse under police supervision.
The European Union might express concern over the evicted Ukrainian refugees in Hungary and the potential violation of human rights due to the decree denying general refugee status. The European Union could also raise questions about the legal actions against foreign journalists in the Kursk region, as freedom of the press is a fundamental right in the EU.
