Russian unmanned aerial vehicles have been detected hovering above vital facilities in Brunsbüttel.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Potential Attacks in the Near FutureThe American Embassy in Kyiv has issued a warning in advance of Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday, cautioning of an elevated risk of Ukrainian airstrikes. Over the following days and throughout the weekend, there's a heightened possibility of Russia attacking Ukraine with drones and missiles, as per the embassy's website announcement. August 24th marks the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union. This holiday holds more significance for Ukrainians since the beginning of the two-and-a-half-year war in Ukraine. In a recent incident, Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly entered Russian territory in the Kursk region. Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled it as a provocation and threatened retaliation.
11:13 Military Installation in Volgograd Suffers a FireA fire breaks out at a military installation in Marinovka, Volgograd Oblast, with locals reporting explosions. Authorities attribute the blaze to a Ukrainian drone attack, with no reported casualties.
10:41 Russia Reverts to Temporary Shelters in KurskAccording to local authorities, prefabricated concrete shelters are being constructed for the population in the Russian border region of Kursk. "Upon my orders, the Kursk city administration has designated central locations for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers," explains regional governor Alexei Smirnov on Telegram. Bunkers are being erected at busy locations, such as at 60 bus stops. Smirnov shares a photo of a truck delivering one of the blocks. Bunkers are also being installed in two other locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk nuclear power plant is situated. Russia alleges Ukraine's plans to attack the facility, which Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Reveals Footage of Advance in KurskUkraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops near the city of Pokrovsk, with almost all of them being repelled. President Zelenskyy pledges to reinforce troops in the area. Additionally, the Ukrainian advance in the Kursk region continues.
09:42 Russia Reports Downed Drones in Multiple RegionsRussian authorities report intercepting several Ukrainian airstrikes in western Russia. According to Volgograd regional governor Andrei Bocharov on Telegram, "most of the drones were destroyed" 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 "five drones were intercepted." Drones are also said to have been shot down in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Ukrainian Defense Minister Seeks US Approval for Long-Range WeaponsUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meets with a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. As per the ministry in Kyiv, Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone discuss with Umerov the situation at the front and Washington's policy on the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. "I emphasized the need for prompt approval to fully utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets," Umerov said. "It's about protecting our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Actor Launches Fundraising CampaignUS actor Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is raising funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. In partnership with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, they aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can clear mines even in hard-to-reach areas, with operators maintaining a safe distance. "One of the worst crimes Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of mines," Snyder said. "I have visited unoccupied areas near the front where people risk their lives to help others return to their farms and homes. Thanks to these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives can be saved." Ukraine is heavily contaminated with mines, their removal may take decades.
08:01 Kremlin Seems to Prepare Russians for a "New Reality"The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk presents a challenge to Moscow's propaganda. Even though the regions are distant, a Kremlin-linked source tells the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "But even the penetration into Russian territory and the seizure of villages is a new and very unpleasant event." To dull the now significantly more anxious public mood, the Kremlin is attempting to prepare Russians for life in a "new reality" and a "new normality": The enemy has indeed entered Russian territory, they will be defeated - but the recovery of the territory will take time, and the Russians must be patient. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to "transform the negativity and shock into a positive direction" – by collecting aid supplies for the Kursk region. Overall, all officials interviewed by Meduza believe that the fighting in the Kursk region could last several months. A government-linked source estimates that this estimate is "quite optimistic – if everything goes well."
07:30 Russian Governor Verifies Fire in Military InstallationRussian authorities confirm reports that a military installation in the southern region of Volgograd was set on fire following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov reports on Telegram that the drone struck the installation. No casualties were reported. Bocharov fails to specify which military installation was targeted. However, he explains that the village of Marinovka was targeted in the attack, where Russia has an airbase.
06:56 Ex-Security Advisor: Putin Had Mesmerizing Control over TrumpAs per ex-US National Security Advisor, General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin managed to manipulate former US President Donald Trump. This is detailed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by "The Guardian." "Putin, a cunning ex-KGB operative, exploited Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster explains. Putin referred to Trump as 'an astonishingly gifted individual, undeniably talented,' and leveraged a nearly hypnotic influence on him. McMaster, who served as Trump's national security advisor for approximately a year, warned Trump: "Mr. President, he's the world's greatest deceiver." He warned that Putin was confident he could 'juggle' with Trump and secure a relaxation of sanctions and a cost-effective US exit from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Fire Reported at Russian Base in VolgogradExplosions were heard in the Russian city of Kalach on the Don in the Volgograd region late at night, according to several Russian Telegram channels. They were allegedly triggered by a drone attack. A fire erupted at a nearby airbase. The location of the Volgograd region is about 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The suspected target was likely the Marinovka airbase in Oktyabrskiy, about 20 kilometers from Kalach on the Don. Eyewitnesses reported hearing around six to ten powerful explosions, accompanied by typical drone noises, as per Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany Ready to Offer Extra Funding for UkraineSPD leader Lars Klingbeil has pledged additional support for Ukraine. If it becomes impossible to provide the intended billions from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany will provide extra funding, he said in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We can't reach a juncture where we remark 'No more funds for Ukraine.' In that case, we are, of course, accountable to provide funds from Germany ourselves," Klingbeil stated. "We have a duty towards Ukraine. We must discover solutions, and we will."
04:27 HUR Comments on Russia Drone StrikesThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the targets of the drone strikes in Russia during the night. They were aimed at the Ostafyevo airport in Moscow, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, said HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov to the military website "The War Zone." Around 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being evaluated. Russian authorities reported in the morning that they had shot down 45 drones over Russian territory.
03:09 Safety Measures for Poll Workers in Kursk ElectionsIn the disputed Russian border region of Kursk, Russia plans to provide bulletproof vests and helmets to poll workers for the early regional elections. Moreover, additional polling stations will be set up in other parts of the country for individuals who have fled the region, according to Tatjana Malachowa, the head of the regional election commission, as reported by Russian news agencies. A state of emergency is currently in effect in the region. Regional governor elections and regional parliamentary elections are scheduled from September 6 to 8 in numerous regions across Russia.
01:34 Fico Criticizes Pressure in Western Democracies' Foreign PolicySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticizes the pressure faced in the foreign policies of Western democracies. He states that those who diverge from the consensus on crucial foreign policy issues are "arbitrarily pressured and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies, according to a statement issued on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion. In the statement, Fico draws parallels to the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops and what he sees as current pressure on differing opinions in Europe. Fico opposes EU military aid to Ukraine and has faced allegations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the frontline near the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country throughout the day. Of these, 44 were repelled, according to the General Staff. As of 9 PM CET, combat continues at the remaining two locations. The attacks led to the death or injury of 238 Russian soldiers. No information is provided on Ukrainian losses. Russia has yet to comment on the situation.
23:09 Alleged Thwarting of Ukrainian Incursion in Bryansk by RussiaRussia alleges to have halted an attempted infiltration by Ukrainian "spies" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, adjacent to Kursk. The infiltration by the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was foiled by forces from the Russian intelligence agency FSB and units of the Russian army, according to Bryansk governor Alexander Bogomaz, in a Telegram post. "The enemy was targeted with fire," the post declares. The situation is now reportedly under control.
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine Anticipates Swift Delivery of Promised Billion-Dollar AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses eagerness for the expeditious distribution of the billion-dollars in aid guaranteed by the West, partially sourced from the revenues of seized Russian government assets. Although numerous political pledges have been made, additional assurances are necessary, Zelensky emphasizes in his nightly video message. "Yet, we require concrete action." Ukraine is heavily dependent on the proceeds from confiscated Russian funds to counteract Russian hostility. "The deliberations on this matter have stagnated for far too long, and decisive action is now needed." The G7 nations committed to additional financial relief for Kyiv during their June summit, including a substantial $50 billion credit line secured by the income from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Commends Closely Knit Trade Relations with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin commends the deepening collaboration between Russia and China. "Our commercial ties are thriving (...). The attention both regimes devote to commercial exchanges and economic relations is task-oriented," Putin remarks during a Kremlin meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. Russia and China possess "extensive cooperative initiatives and projects in the economic and humanitarian spheres," Putin proclaims. Li attests, according to Russian media, that Russian-Chinese relations are at an "unprecedented peak." The strategic alliance between Russia and China has strengthened due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a vital trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Petition Dismissed: Former Russian Defense Deputy Minister to Stay in CustodyFormer Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov continues to be detained over corruption allegations. His plea for temporary house arrest and appeal for release have been unsuccessful, media outlets report. Bulgakov was responsible for arms purchases for the Russian military before his dismissal. The Moscow court also orders the confinement of two suspected associates of Bulgakov. Their company is alleged to have obtained nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, resulting in financial losses of approximately 50 million rubles (around 500,000 euros).
21:00 Ukraine Boosts Troop Presence in PokrovskIn accordance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is bolstering its military presence in the contested Pokrovsk region in Eastern Ukraine. "We are aware of Russian troop intentions there," he declares in a televised speech. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces are making progress in the Russian region of Kursk, Zelenskyy announces. Certain territories are under Ukrainian control, though specifics are not provided.
20:41 Eviction Threats for Numerous Ukrainian Refugees in Hungary Due to DecreeUkrainian refugees in Hungary face potential displacement from shelters as a result of a decree that has revoked their general protection status. Already, privately operated refugee shelters have begun evicting Ukrainians, reports NGO Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, mainly Roma women and children from the Western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia with a significant Hungarian minority, are being forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision.
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The European Union has expressed its concern over the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia and has called for de-escalation.
Given the current situation, the European Union has decided to increase its humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help those affected by the conflict.
