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Russian populace's appreciation for Putin is waning following the Kursk offensive.

Russian populace's appreciation for Putin is waning following the Kursk offensive.

According to a survey conducted by a Russian polling organization, support for and trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin have decreased following the Ukrainian military's operations in the Kursk region. This information was reported by Meduza, a Russian media outlet based in Latvia, who cited data from the Russian polling organization's website. The survey found that Putin's approval rating dropped by 3.5% to 73.6% between August 12 and 18 compared to the previous week, while trust in him decreased by 2.6% to 78.2%. This represents the steepest decrease in support since the beginning of Russia's conflict with Ukraine.

16:24 Moscow claims to be open to negotiations

The British Defense Intelligence alleges that despite statements by high-ranking Russian officials claiming to be open to negotiations, other statements indicate that Russia remains highly determined to achieve its initial objectives in Ukraine. The British Defense Ministry references a statement made by Dmitry Rogozin, a former Russian deputy prime minister and "senator" from the occupied territory of Saporischschja, who recently bragged about destroying Ukrainian books. Rogozin advocates for the complete elimination of all things Ukrainian and suggests that any ceasefire would result in "certain death for our children." "These statements are part of a long line of Ukrainophobic remarks by high-ranking Russian officials that undermine and threaten Ukrainian identity and culture," states the British Defense Intelligence in their report. It is likely that there are many within the Russian state who pursue extreme objectives for the war, including the destruction of Ukrainian culture, identity, and sovereignty, the report adds. "And this is despite the alleged Russian openness to negotiate, which Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeatedly stated on July 1, 2024."

15:50 Ukraine uses new drone missile for the first time

For the first time, the Ukrainian army has attacked the Russians using a new weapon, the Palianytsia drone missile, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky during Independence Day celebrations. "This is our new method of retaliation against the aggressor. The enemy has been defeated. I thank everyone who made this possible. All developers, manufacturers, and our soldiers. I am proud of you," Zelensky said. It will be challenging for Russia to determine exactly what the missile or drone has hit. It is a weapon of a "entirely new class."

15:31 Ukraine Refugees Retain Claims as Late Resettlers

The Federal Ministry of the Interior has announced that Ukraine refugees will retain their right to claim late resettler status. This will be ensured by a new regulation, as stated by State Secretary Juliane Seifert of the Federal Ministry of the Interior during the "Day of Homeland" event of the Federation of Expellees (BdV) in Berlin. This regulation will apply retroactively from the day the war began for refugees from Ukraine, and even those who had previously unsuccessfully applied for late resettler status can now reapply if they meet the further legal requirements of the Federal Expellees Act.

14:56 Zelensky Threatens Putin, Russia Could Become "Buffer Federation"

In his speech on Ukraine's Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the people's right to self-determination. "We will not allow our land to become a gray zone where the blue and yellow flag (national flag of Ukraine) can continue to fly legally," Zelensky said in his speech. The Ukrainians will return all the suffering inflicted upon them to the aggressor - proportionally, Zelensky warned. He told Russian President Vladimir Putin that anyone who wants to turn Ukraine into a buffer zone should be cautious, lest their own country becomes a "buffer federation," referring to the recent offensive in the Kursk region.

14:28 Civilian deaths in eastern Ukraine

At least five civilians were killed in a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine, according to official reports. Police and rescue services are on the scene in the city of Kostjantyniwka, as announced by the governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filaschkin, on the Telegram platform. He again urged residents to seek safety. Kostjantyniwka is located near the front, where Russian forces have gained territory in recent months and have repeatedly attacked the nearby city of Pokrowsk, which serves as an essential logistics hub for Ukrainian forces.

14:06 Ukrainian Anarchist Nestor Makhno's home destroyed in Zaporizhzhia attack

In a Russian attack on the Zaporizhzhia region, the historic home and family estate of Ukrainian anarchist fighter Nestor Makhno in Hulyaipole was destroyed. The Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reported this, citing the Ukrainian National Police. The house of this famous 20th-century revolutionary had been converted into a museum. After the Russian attack, the building was reduced to its foundations. According to the National Police, the Russian military launched 306 attacks on nine front settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region overnight, causing damage or destruction to several buildings and infrastructure. No civilians were injured or killed.

115 combatants from Ukraine have been released from Russian custody. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this through Telegram. "We remember each one of them. We are making every effort to bring everyone back," wrote the Ukrainian head of state. He expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for facilitating negotiations with Russia. Additionally, Zelenskyy shared pictures of the released prisoners on Telegram. According to his statement, these individuals include personnel from the Ukrainian army, national guard, navy, and border guard.

13:25 Upcoming Joint Release of Prisoners Between Russia and Ukraine

A prisoner exchange agreement between Russia and Ukraine is imminent: Both countries are expected to release 115 prisoners today, according to a representative of the mediating UAE. This would be the first such action since Ukraine's recent offensive within Russian territories this month. The Russian news agency RIA, citing the Russian Defense Ministry, confirmed this. Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russian troops in the Kursk region are reportedly located in Belarusian territory. This exchange would mark the seventh such instance mediated by the UAE since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The UAE, a close ally of the US, has maintained friendly relations with Moscow despite Western governments' disapproval. Conversely, connections with Kyiv have also intensified.

13:16 Polish President Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyte Attend Independence Day Celebrations in Kyiv

Ukraine is celebrating 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 shared several photos from these celebrations in Kyiv.

12:56 Latvia Commits to Providing €112 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine in 2024

Latvia has pledged €112 million in military aid to Ukraine this year and has agreed to join the drone coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this on Facebook, following his meeting with a Latvian delegation led by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds. Umerov highlighted that strengthening the drone coalition is a priority, with Latvia taking a leading role. Latvia is expected to provide Ukraine with numerous drones to help fend off large-scale Russian aggression. According to Umerov, approximately 40 countries are already part of this coalition.

12:16 Zelenskyy Eases Ukraine's Path to Joining the International Criminal Court

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has initiated his country's entry into the International Criminal Court (ICC) by signing a law ratifying the Rome Statute. This is seen as a significant step towards Ukraine's integration into the EU. Ukraine's parliament had previously approved this measure. The ICC has issued international arrest warrants, among others, for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

11:38 Zelensky Bans Russia-friendly Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law prohibiting the Russia-supporting Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the occasion of his country's Independence Day. He stated that this would strengthen Ukraine's autonomy. The text of the law was published today on the Ukrainian parliament's website. Parliamentarians voted for this bill on Tuesday, which stipulates a ban on religious organizations with links to Russia. Russia criticized this measure. The law sets a deadline for religious organizations to sever ties with Russia. Implementation of the law may take many years. In his address, Zelensky declared that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is "making strides towards liberation from Moscow's demons."

11:02 Media: Russian Ammunition Depot Engulfed in Flames After Drone Strike

Reports indicate that Ukraine might have struck a military target: A Russian ammunition depot in the Voronezh region reportedly encountered drone attacks, according to media sources. The target was a warehouse near Ostrogoshsk, a town about 100 kilometers south of Voronezh. While officials have yet to confirm this was an ammunition depot, Governor Alexander Gusev declared an emergency situation in three villages due to the explosion and fire damage.

10:26 Zelensky: War Has "Returned to Russia"

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the conflict has "revisited Russia." With its invasion of Ukraine, Russia aimed to "destroy" Ukraine, Zelensky said in a video message marking Ukraine's Independence Day. Instead, Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd Independence Day, he added. "And whatever the adversary brought into our lands has now returned to its source." According to Zelensky, his video message was recorded in the border region from where Kyiv launched its recent offensive in Russia. Ukrainian troops entered the Kursk border region on August 6.

09:54 Russia Declares Emergency in Voronezh Region Following Overnight Drone Attack

Russia has declared an emergency in part of the Voronezh region bordering Ukraine following an overnight drone attack. Governor Alexander Gusev announced this on Telegram. According to him, the Russian military intercepted five drones. The resulting debris ignited a fire that triggered the detonation of explosives. The incident did not damage any civilian buildings, Gusev emphasized. However, emergency measures were required by authorities in three settlements. Approximately 200 people were evacuated, and two women were injured by the blasts, one of whom needed hospitalization.

09:31 Kyiv: 1160 Russian Soldiers "Neutralized" in a Day

Official numbers from Kyiv show significant losses on the Russian side: 1160 Russian soldiers were either killed or incapacitated within a day. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, a total of 606,490 Russian soldiers have been "neutralized" since the start of the war in February 2022. The ministry's daily report on Russian casualties also states that the enemy lost 9 more tanks (8,542 in total). Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has accounted for over 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones, either captured or destroyed by the Russian military. However, these figures cannot be independently verified as Moscow remains silent on its own losses in Ukraine.

08:48 Zelensky: "We're Pushing Back the Russian Army from Kharkiv"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the Russian army is being driven back from the Kharkiv region. He made this statement in his evening video address after speaking with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. "Kharkiv is truly a heroic city, a city of people and life. Since early May, our defense forces have successfully repelled Russian advances on Kharkiv and protected our city and the entire Kharkiv region. We're gradually pushing back the Russian army."

08:10 Authorities Report 10 Injured in Russian Shelling of Kherson Oblast

Ten people were injured in Russian shelling in the Kherson Oblast the previous day, according to a report by the state news agency Ukrinform, citing Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the military administration of the Kherson Oblast.

07:54 Russian Rocket Strike Targets Grain Facilities in Sumy Oblast

Russian rockets struck several grain infrastructure facilities in the Ukrainian Sumy Oblast, according to a statement by the regional prosecutor's office reported by the state news agency Ukrinform. The Russian troops launched rocket attacks on grain infrastructure the previous afternoon.

07:29 Reports: Drone Strike Damages Munitions Depot in Russian Voronezh Oblast

A drone strike last night in the Russian Voronezh Oblast caused a fire and an "explosion of explosive objects," according to "Kyiv Independent," citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. Russian air defense units reportedly shot down several unmanned aerial vehicles over the oblast. Falling debris allegedly sparked a fire and explosion at an unnamed location. The Russian Telegram channel Astra reported that the explosion occurred at a munitions depot in Ostrogozhsk. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes targeting Russia's military infrastructure and oil industry.

06:53 USA Imposes Sanctions on over 400 Organizations and IndividualsThe USA, as stated by the U.S. Department of State, has imposed sanctions on over 400 organizations and individuals for alleged support of Russia's war in Ukraine. "Today's actions hurt Russia," says Aaron Forsberg, director of economic sanctions policy at the U.S. Department of State. The measures target, among others, the Russian energy sector and companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. They also include Chinese companies suspected of helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions and build up its military. For instance, the import-export department of the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group is said to have supplied dual-use goods worth $4 million to Russian companies. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stated that Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions and normal trade between China and Russia should not be undermined.

06:18 Belarus and China Strengthen Security CooperationBelarus and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of security. As reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," Beijing and Minsk not only intend to strengthen cooperation in security but also in the financial and energy sectors. The countries also agreed to bolster cooperation in industrial supply chains.

04:38 On Ukrainian National Day: British PM Starmer Promises Long-Term SupportBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised the Ukraine long-term support from his country on its national day. "My message to all Ukrainians, whether you're on the frontline or here in your second home in the United Kingdom, is clear: we are with you today and forever," Starmer said in a message of greeting. He had also reaffirmed this in his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he was in London a few weeks ago, Starmer said. Not only the British government, but the whole country stands behind Ukraine. "We are here for you as long as you need us." The Prime Minister ended his message with the Ukrainian greeting "Slawa Ukrajini" (Glory to Ukraine).

01:29 Norway Grants Ukraine License for Grenade Development and Pays for ItNorway has granted Ukraine a license for the development of 155-mm grenades and has committed to financing the project. The Norwegian company Nammo has signed an agreement with a Ukrainian defense company for the granting of a license to manufacture artillery grenades at Norwegian expense. "Norway is currently contributing by providing ammunition from its own stocks and directly from industry. Now, Nammo wants to share its plans with Ukraine. This means that the Ukrainian armed forces can be resupplied more quickly," said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

11:54 Kiesewetter on Incident at NATO Base Geilenkirchen: Is Germany's Target in Russia's Hybrid WarAfter the temporary boost in the alert level at the NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen and suggestions of potential Russian drone assaults, German security officials are urging caution. "We need to be mindful that Germany has been a long-term target of Russia's hybrid warfare, and thus military installations and notably those significant to NATO, like the one in Geilenkirchen, are in the crosshairs of potential sabotage and espionage activities," says CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter to the "Tagesspiegel". Previously, the security level at the NATO air base in Geilenkirchen had been temporarily escalated to the second-highest level, Charlie, due to a potential threat. According to Kiesewetter, the airbase in Geilenkirchen is a crucial facility for NATO as it accommodates the air-based early warning and control system AWACS. "The Charlie alert level indicates that NATO is implementing adequate countermeasures, also against potential drone incursions, and there's evidence of potential imminent hazards," he adds. However, the overall heightened threat level and likelihood of Russian attacks is not novel.

21:21 Latvia Declares Largest Drone Deployment to Ukraine YetLatvia has declared its largest distribution of drones to Ukraine to date. 1400 drones from Latvian manufacturers are ready, writes Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds on X, exceeding the total number of drones procured from its own industry beyond 2700. Latvia, alongside the UK, leads an alliance supplying one million drones to Ukraine. Its members, including Germany, have pledged to invest in drone production and deliver drones and spare parts to Ukraine.

20:34 Biden Pledges New Military Aid to Ukraine, Focusing on Air DefenseUS President Joe Biden has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the White House, the package includes air defense missiles, equipment for drone protection, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reaffirmed the "unwavering support of the US for the Ukrainian people" to Zelenskyy. No details on the financial scope of the new aid were provided.

20:29 Zelenskyy Urges Delivery of Promised WeaponsThe Ukrainian military is urgently seeking international support. President Zelenskyy is pressuring his western allies to deliver the promised weapons packages. "On the frontlines, they are fighting with grenades and equipment, not with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'," he says in his evening video address. According to him, Ukraine is waiting for packages of weapons or equipment "that have been announced and decided, but not yet delivered". He does not provide further details.

18:58 Residents in Kursk Air Their Frustrations: "Everyone is on Their Own"As clashes persist in the southern Russian region of Kursk, residents there appear to be growing increasingly annoyed: with authorities they believe have deserted them, with the Ukrainian military, and even with their own military. No one seems to care about the people, says a 28-year-old to the "Moscow Times". "To Russia, we're just a part of the map. To the Ukrainians, we're adversaries supporting Putin's regime. Everyone here is on their own." She accuses authorities of deceiving and claiming there's no reason to panic. And a 32-year-old explains that while people blame Ukraine for the attack, they also question the competence of the Russian military: "How could they miss the buildup of such a large number of Ukrainian troops at the border?" If there were previously individuals who sympathized with Ukraine or were impartial, their stance has now shifted to fierce animosity, 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 expresses no animosity towards Ukraine, saying they "are also just victims of the situation".

You can review all previous developmentshere.

The European Union has expressed its concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire, according to recent reports.

In response to Russia's claims of openness to negotiations, the European Union has emphasized the need for Russia to fully comply with international law and respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity before any negotiations can be meaningful. The European Union has also reiterated its support for Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression and has pledged to continue providing assistance to Ukraine to help it rebuild and strengthen its defenses.

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