Russian authorities have formulated a strategy to eject Ukrainian military personnel from the Kursk region.
The Russian military, as per the Russian government's claim, has a strategy to push back Ukrainian troops from the Russian border region of Kursk. This information is shared by the TASS news agency, mentioning Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stating, "While the military undoubtedly has all the necessary plans, I don't believe these plans can be discussed publicly." This comment was made in response to a question regarding the exact timeline for expelling Ukrainian troops from Russian territory. Ukrainian troops conducted a significant attack on Kursk on August 6, resulting in large parts of the region being under their control.
15:13 Latvia Tightens Border Security Measures Until Year EndLatvia has chosen to prolong its enhanced border security with neighboring Belarus until the end of the year due to increasing instances of illegal border crossings. The government in Riga made this decision, citing the continuing high number of such incidents. The extension of the special regulations initially set to expire in September takes into account the additional risk factor from Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which is supported by the authoritarian regime in Minsk. With this measure, Latvian border authorities will be granted additional powers in six eastern regions.
14:47 Ukraine Increases Weapons Production SignificantlyAccording to official figures, Ukraine is boosting its weapons production by a substantial amount this year. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced from Kyiv that Ukraine has doubled its weapons production in the first eight months of 2024 when compared to 2023. Ukraine aims to manufacture over a million drones by the year's end. Shmyhal stated, "We are progressing well. Drone production is continuing to grow."
14:23 Military Analyst Praises Chancellor Scholz's InitiativeChancellor Scholz advocates for peace talks with Russia, an initiative that has faced criticism from certain political circles. However, military analyst Ralph Thiele expresses support for the Chancellor's initiative and encourages swift action. After the Kursk offensive, Ukraine's defenses are on the brink of collapse.
13:52 Kiel Institute Warns: Germany's Defense Spending "Wholly Inadequate"The Kiel Institute for the World Economy claims that Germany's defense spending is "wholly inadequate" in the face of the present threat from Russia. Regardless of the "Zeitenwende" rhetoric, the research institute argues that the gap between Germany and Russia's military capabilities continues to widen. The authors of the study advocate for a permanent defense budget of at least 100 billion euros, stressing that Russia poses an increasingly serious threat to NATO. The federal government is grappling to keep pace in replacing the weapons being sent to Ukraine, as the stock of air defense systems and artillery howitzers decreases.
12:25 Netherlands Allows Use of Weapons on Russian TerritoryThe Netherlands has granted permission for the use of weapons on Russian territory, following Ukraine's repeated calls for Western nations to permit such action. The Dutch government's approval includes promised fighter jets.
12:59 Russian Military Claims Capture of Four More Settlements in DonetskRussian military reports claim the capture of four more settlements in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Southern Group of Forces took control over Krasnohoriwka and Hryhoriwka, the Eastern Group took Wodjane, and the Central Group captured Halyzyniwka. However, these statements cannot be independently confirmed. Ukrainian military observers mark several affected settlements, with the exception of Hryhoriwka, as being under Russian control. Ukraine is experiencing intense pressure on its eastern front.
12:20 Russia Recognizes One Negotiating Partner OnlyChancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed his interest in holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a peace conference that did not include Russian participation in June. However, the Kremlin's response remains uncertain. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov maintains diplomatic efforts, but not with Europe, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Ukrainian Officials Warn of Increased Use of Chemical Weapons by RussiaUkrainian authorities have issued warnings about the rising use of chemical weapons by Russian forces in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command reported 447 instances of chemical weapon use in August alone, and over 4,000 incidents between February 15, 2023, to August 24, 2024, on their official Facebook page. Ukrainian officials accuse Russian forces of using ammunition containing hazardous chemicals and chemical warfare agents, in violation of international rules and agreements.
10:53 Incidents and Damage - Russia Launches Swarms of Drones and Missiles in UkraineAs per official reports, at least three individuals suffered injuries and buildings were damaged, causing fires in various locations of Ukraine, during a series of Russian drone and missile attacks. The Ukrainian air defense managed to shoot down 38 out of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions, as stated by the air force via Telegram. Moreover, Russia deployed two missiles during its attack. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions also faced disruptions following the assault, according to the Kyiv-based energy ministry, affecting high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 Conclusion of the Symbol of Russian Womanhood: Putin's Children's Rights Commissioner Marries an OligarchLong regarded as the epitome of Russian womanhood, Maria Lwowa-Belova, the Russian children's rights commissioner, was married to an Orthodox priest since 2003. The couple frequently spoke about conservative values, Christian faith, and their experiences raising numerous children in pro-government media. However, it appears that her devotion to tradition, particularly her priest-husband, may not be as profound as previously believed. Independent media outlet Verstka disclosed that she has tied the knot with oligarch Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she had been romantically involved for a while. Interestingly, this union remains somewhat traditional, given that Malofeew is the founder of the Kremlin-aligned Christian TV channel Tsargrad TV, and a staunch advocate for monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Attack on Moscow - Woman Fatally Wounded in Ukrainian Drone Assault on Russian CapitalA woman perishes in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian capital, Moscow, as reported by the region's governor. Videos circulate online, depicting explosions in residential areas. Russian sources claim that 144 drones were intercepted.
09:32 Naval Exercises - Russia Commences 'Ocean-2024' Strategic ManeuversRussia's navy embarks on a series of strategic exercises termed "Ocean-2024" in various waters of the largest country by area. Over 400 warships, including submarines, and more than 90,000 personnel from various naval units are expected to participate in the drills until September 16, as announced by the Moscow-based defense ministry. The maneuvers are being conducted in the Baltic Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, where Russia maintains a military base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Fatal Accident in Oil Pipeline Fire in Russian Region of OrenburgTwo lives are lost in a fire at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, as reported by TASS news agency. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, with the exact time of its commencement remaining unclear. Unconfirmed reports about the incident were circulated on certain Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Negotiations on Hold - Shoigu Rules Out Talks with UkraineRussia will not enter into negotiations with Ukraine until its troops withdraw from Russian territories, as announced by TASS news agency, quoting Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Peskov also echoed this stance.
08:14 Airport Operations Resume - Flights Reroute in MoscowFlights at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo airports have resumed, according to Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya, on Telegram. The disruptions were caused by Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow region, forcing flight diversions.
07:43 Scholz's Conditions for Russian Participation in Peace ConferenceGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz links the Russian participation in a potential Ukraine peace conference to certain preconditions. He emphasized the need for military support for Ukraine against the Russian aggressor and exploring ways to bring an end to the conflict during an SPD event on Monday evening. Scholz believes that it is unfeasible to invite the person responsible for continuing attacks to the conference and called for clarity, steadfastness, and character to secure peace and stability in Europe.
07:18 Fascist Accusations - Slovak Prime Minister Fico Alleges 'Fascism' in Ukrainian MilitaryUkraine reacts to the pro-Russian accusations made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who urged Kyiv to address the alleged presence of 'fascism' within its military. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry refutes Fico's claims, emphasizing that Ukrainian soldiers are defending their families, homes, and land against Russian invaders, while shedding light on the millions of lives lost in the country's fight against Nazism in the 20th century. Fico's rhetoric mirrors Russian propaganda that often labels the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. However, far-right parties only attained 2.4% of the votes in the 2019 Ukrainian elections, as reported by Reuters. Scholar Timothy Snyder, on the other hand, views clear fascist traits in the Putin system.
06:25 Greenpeace to Probe Environmental Misdeeds by Russia in Ukraine Greenpeace reestablishes an office in Kyiv with a mission to expedite reconstruction projects in Ukraine and scrutinize and report on environmental transgressions triggered by Russian aggression, the environmental advocacy group announces. They're collaborating with local environmental organizations to realize this goal. "Our job is to assist Ukraine in the eco-friendly reconstruction of public facilities utilizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power," asserts the new office head, Natalia Hosak. Greenpeace consistently draws attention to environmental damage in Ukraine resulting from Russian hostilities. Among other instances, they're monitoring the state of affairs at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Child Death in Moscow Region After Ukrainian Drone Attack Following a Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow's region, Russian reports claim a child's demise. Regional governor Andrei Vorobyov discloses on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were knocked down in the capital region overnight. One of these drones ignited a fire that firefighters are presently extinguishing. "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child perished," Vorobyov adds. The crash of another drone in the capital region led to at least one injury, as debris fell on an apartment building. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially reported that 11 drones had been downed near the Russian capital.
05:31 Kyiv Fends Off Russian Drone Assault Ukrainian air defense units have repelled a Russian drone assault on Kyiv, according to the city's military administration via the Telegram messaging service.
04:36 Debris from Russian Drone Lands on Tula Energy Complex Debris from a drone shot down by Russian air defense in the Tula region landed on a fuel and energy plant, reports Russian news agency TASS. "There were no casualties," TASS quotes Tula authorities. The operational process and resource supply to consumers remained untouched. The situation is under control.
03:29 Ukrainian Drones Target Moscow Area After two Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Moscow's Domodedovo district, emergency services have been dispatched to the crash site, as per Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No details about potential damage or casualties are provided. The Domodedovo district, located about 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, houses one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russian Air Defense Downs Drones Bound for Moscow Russian air defense units have reportedly downed a drone aiming for the Russian capital, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin. "Preliminary reports suggest no damage or injuries at the landing site," Sobyanin says on Telegram. No statement has been issued from the Ukrainian side.
00:12 Zelensky Expresses Gratitude to Sweden for New Aid Package Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Sweden for a defense package valued at $445 million. "This significant aid, which includes air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions to address Ukraine's urgent needs, will boost our defensive capabilities," Zelensky writes on X. According to Swedish reports, the package also includes spare parts for Gripen fighter jets to prepare for potential future aircraft delivery.
22:17 Foreign Ministry: Russia Pose Threat to Peace on NATO's Eastern Border Following Russian drone intrusions into Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Ministry has designated Russia under President Vladimir Putin as "the greatest danger to peace and security." "Unfortunately, Putin's Russia currently poses the greatest threat to peace and security directly on NATO's eastern border," the ministry writes on X. "This has once again been demonstrated by the recent drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." "We collaborate with our alliance partners and stand by their side," the Foreign Ministry continues regarding the drones. Over the weekend, NATO and EU member states Latvia and Romania each reported the Russian drone infiltration into their territory.
21:42 US Unable to Validate Claims of Iranian Missile Shipments to Russia The US government cannot verify reports that Iran has furnished Russia with ballistic missiles, states John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council.
21:28 Zelensky Advocates for Timely Implementation of Western Aid Commitments Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged expedited implementation of aid pledges from the West. "The course of the conflict depends directly on the quality of logistics in deliveries and adherence to all commitments from our partners," Zelensky said in his evening video message. Weapons and equipment must be delivered promptly to be effective. "What's required in September should be dispatched to our troops in September."
20:52 Russian Opposition Politician Urges Against Offering Putin 'Winning Exit' from Ukraine War Leading Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa admonishes the West against granting Russian President Vladimir Putin a "victorious exit" from the Ukraine conflict. "It's crucial that Vladimir Putin does not emerge victorious from this war against Ukraine," Kara-Mursa asserts. "It's essential that Vladimir Putin does not gain an advantageous exit from this war in Ukraine." About a month following his release in a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa observes there is "fatigue" concerning the conflict in Western societies. However, Putin must "be defeated." He adds, "If, tragically, the Putin regime can present the outcome of this war as a victory for itself and remain in power, we'll be discussing another conflict or calamity in a year or 18 months."
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The President of the Council in Latvia announced the extension of their enhanced border security measures with neighboring Belarus until the end of the year due to increasing instances of illegal border crossings. The new regulations take into account the additional risk factor from Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine and are supported by the authoritarian regime in Minsk.
In the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, discussions about The President of the Council's role often revolve around their decisions and strategies to maintain national security, which directly impacts borders and relations with neighboring countries.
