Scholz affirmatively declines the provision of Taurus cruise missiles at 19:20.
18:29 Stoltenberg: NATO could've provided more weapons to deter Russia's attack on UkraineNATO could've given Ukraine more weaponry to potentially thwart a Russian invasion, as stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with "FAZ". "Now, we're sending military equipment for the battle - we could've sent military equipment to avert the battle," Stoltenberg said. The day the conflict began marked his worst experience in his 10-year tenure, according to him. Stoltenberg will step down as NATO Secretary-General on October 1, passing the mantle to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
17:50 Scholz seeks clarity on PCK refinery ownership in Schwedt by year-endGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz is hopeful that a resolution will be reached by the year's end regarding the future ownership structure of the PCK refinery in Schwedt. "We're aiming for clarity by year's end," Scholz said during a citizen's dialogue in the Brandenburg town of Prenzlau. It has been clarified that Rosneft, the Russian co-owner, must sell its stake under German government trusteeship. Scholz is kept informed about ongoing "plausible" negotiations. In reference to a potential Qatari investor, Scholz stated that "we know who's talking to whom and about what." Additionally, Kazakhstan has been supplying oil to Schwedt through a Russian pipeline, replacing Russian oil following Russia's attack on Ukraine. Initially, the German government extended Rosneft's trusteeship by half a year, considering the ongoing negotiations. The alternative is the expropriation of the Russian stake, which is deemed legally challenging.
17:24 Scholz maintains objection to extended-range weapon use against Russia by UkraineChancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that Ukraine would not be permitted to utilize weapons with extended ranges, supplied by Germany, for strikes on Russian targets deep within the country. "That still applies," the SPD politician said during a citizen's dialogue in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. "As a result, I will stick to my stance, even if other nations take a different approach," Scholz added, referring to the United States. "I won't do so because I view it as an issue." The farthest-reaching weapon delivered by Germany to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, having a range of up to 84 kilometers.
16:57 Hofreiter warns of potential influx of "hundreds of thousands of refugees" from UkraineAs border controls are being expanded in Germany, Bundestag European Affairs Committee Chairman Anton Hofreiter is advocating for a unified approach with Poland and others. "Without continuous support for Ukraine, we should expect hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Russian aggressive action in Ukraine in the coming years," Hofreiter stated to the "Tagesspiegel", referring to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's criticism of additional border controls in Germany. Hofreiter emphasizes the need for a European migration policy solution. He cautions that individual member states' imposition of their own border controls could spell the end for the EU. Hofreiter expects that Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Tusk will maintain close coordination moving forward.
16:32 British intel reveals Ukrainian-destruction of bridges in Kursk regionThe British intelligence service has disclosed images of Seim River bridges that were ruined by the Ukrainian army during their operations in the Kursk region. "Ukraine continues to obstruct Russian logistics in the Kursk region through a series of attacks that have destroyed road and pontoon bridges over the Seym River," the British Ministry of Defense declared on X. The images were captured in mid-August and late August. Ukraine launched its attack in the Russian region of Kursk on August 6 and made inroads into Russian territory by several kilometers.
16:05 Injured in Ukrainian attack on Belgorod regionAt least five people have been injured in a Ukrainian attack on the southern Russian region of Belgorod, as per official reports. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed that numerous shells hit a road stretch between Belgorod and Shebekino, wounding four individuals and damaging several vehicles. In Vosnesenskoye, a nearby village, a woman was injured when a drone struck a private residence. The credibility of this information remains disputed. Russia often targets civilian areas in neighboring Ukraine. The Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, approximately 30 kilometers from the border, is frequently struck with Ukrainian artillery and military drones, including locations within the southern Russian region of Belgorod. During the summer, Russia launched an offensive on Kharkiv with the stated aim of establishing a buffer zone. However, the Russian attacks stalled just a few kilometers beyond the border.
3:26 Hollywood A-lister Michael Douglas Tours Kyiv Children's AreaAmerican actor Michael Douglas explored the "Iron Land" kids' zone at Kyiv Central Station on a Friday. Ukrzaliznytsia, the Ukrainian state railway company, announced this on their Facebook page. According to the post, the Hollywood legend wandered through the station and chatted with passengers. Prior to this, he had a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena, acting as a UN ambassador, along with his son Dylan.
13:17 Kyiv Makes Request for Long-range Attacks: "Biden's Decision Seems Unwavering"Retired Colonel Ralph Thiele predicts that the issue of Ukrainian long-range attacks on Russia will once again come under debate, possibly leading to discussions on Taurus deliveries. The military analyst believes that the US will remain firm in their stance.
12:58 Zelensky Confirms Release of Another Group of 103 Prisoners of WarUkraine has confirmed another prisoner exchange with Russia, with 103 individuals returning to Ukrainian territory, according to President Zelensky's statement. Among the returned are soldiers as well as personnel from the National Guard, border patrol, and police. They are defenders of regions such as Kyiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Saporischschja, Kharkiv, and Mariupol, as well as the Azovstal plant.
12:38 US Approves Sale of Top-notch Fighter Jets to RomaniaThe US government has approved the sale of 32 advanced F-35 fighter jets to Romania, a NATO ally and neighbor to Ukraine. US Ambassador to Bucharest Kathleen Kavalec explains, "Romania is a key ally in the NATO alliance, committed to security and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond." With the acquisition of these stealth, multi-purpose combat aircraft from Lockheed Martin, Romania will acquire "unprecedented air defense capabilities," Kavalec reveals. The first delivery is scheduled for 2031. The total value of the deal is estimated at up to $7.2 billion.
11:52 Russia Reports over 200 Prisoners of War Exchanged with UkraineRussia claims that it has exchanged over 200 prisoners of war with Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Each side released 103 individuals, the ministry reports. The Russian soldiers are now receiving psychological and medical aid in Belarus, the ministry says in a Telegram message. The ministry also reports that the Russian soldiers were taken captive in Kursk. The Ukrainian side has not yet responded to Russia's statements on the exchange. On Friday, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the return of 49 prisoners of war from Russia. It remains unclear if these were part of the exchange reported by Russia.
11:22 Russia Announces Capture of Village in Eastern UkraineIn eastern Ukraine, the Russian army has declared the capture of another village. "The village of Yelannoe Pervoe (Yelanne Perche in Ukrainian) has been recaptured," the Russian Defense Ministry reports. The tiny village is located in the vicinity of the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk, which is under threat from the Russian advance. The Russian army has made significant progress in the Donetsk region recently. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously stated that the main objective of the Russian army was the capture of the industrial region of Donbass, which includes Donetsk.
11:00 Medvedev Threatens Total Destruction of Kyiv with Non-nuclear WeaponsRussian former President Dmitri Medvedev threatens the complete annihilation of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv using non-nuclear Russian weaponry. Russia has a legitimate reason for using nuclear weapons due to Ukraine's incursion into the Russian region of Kursk, although it has yet to do so. In response to Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles, Russia could transform Kyiv into a "gigantic molten spot" using newer non-nuclear Russian weaponry, Medvedev suggests. Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, has repeatedly issued strong condemnations of the West and Ukraine.
10:30 Intense Fighting Continues Around Kurakhove in Eastern UkraineHeavy combat is currently taking place around the city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine. The use of European long-range weapons is causing resentment among the local population. ntv reporter Kavita Sharma reports from Dnipro.
10:02 Drone Attacks Cause Damage in Odessa's Black Sea RegionDetails are emerging about the large-scale drone strike that took place in Odessa's Black Sea region last night: Russia launched a total of 76 combat drones, according to the Ukrainian air force. Of these, 72 drones were shot down. The air force does not provide details about the aftermath of the attack. The governor of Odessa's Black Sea region reports significant damage to several buildings in a suburb of Odessa's capital. The buildings in the Ismajil district, through which Ukraine ships some of its grain, were hit by drone debris. In Kyiv, various debris parts fell, as reported by government sources. A municipal facility was impacted, but there were no fires.
10:31 Stoltenberg Speaks on Pre-War Diplomacy: Russians Presented Falsified NATO Maps Outgoing NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg discusses last-ditch attempts to dissuade Russia from invading Ukraine prior to the February 2022 conflict in an interview. The latest NATO-Russia Council meeting, which Stoltenberg led, occurred in January. Russia demanded the removal of all NATO troops from its eastern area, Stoltenberg told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." This demand was unacceptable, but dialogue was maintained, resulting in another meeting. The Russian deputies of foreign and defense ministries asserted that they had no war plans and were threatened instead by Ukraine. They provided maps to demonstrate Russia's surrounding by NATO, but these maps contained inaccuracies. For instance, Denmark was not marked as NATO territory. The authenticity of this blunder remains uncertain. Looking back, Stoltenberg laments that NATO and its allies could've bolstered Ukraine militarily earlier, potentially raising the invasion's threshold.
10:03 Wiegold on Lithuanian Deployment Agreement: "Lithuania Views German Combat Brigade as Aid" Germany and Lithuania formalize a government agreement: It guarantees the Baltic NATO state that a combat-ready German brigade will be stationed within the country. Military analyst Thomas Wiegold provides insights into this agreement's background and implications in an interview with ntv.
09:28 Kim Aspires to Augment Cooperation with Moscow According to state media reports, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed intentions to enhance cooperation with Russia. Following talks between Kim and Russian Security Council chairman Sergei Shoigu in North Korea, North Korean media affirm that substantial discussions were held regarding strengthening the strategic dialogue between both countries and fortifying mutual security interests, as well as regional and global situations. Ukraine, the US, and South Korea accuse North Korea of providing Russia with weapons and missiles for the Ukraine conflict. Pyongyang dismisses these allegations as preposterous.
08:59 Extended Weapons for Ukraine? Starmer and Biden to Revisit Discussion at UN General Assembly Imminently, a discussion will ensue over whether Ukraine can employ extensive Western weapons against Russian targets. British Prime Minister Starmer announced this after a meeting with US President Biden, where they postponed a decision regarding this matter. Biden and Starmer will discuss this issue at the UN General Assembly in New York next week "with a larger group of individuals," Starmer states. British press report that Biden is prepared to authorize Ukraine to utilize British and French missiles with US technology, but not US-made missiles.
08:23 Zelensky Addresses Trump's Alleged Plan: "Campaign Promises are Campaign Promises" US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump repeatedly claims he could conclude the Ukraine conflict in a day, yet has never disclosed a plan. In a CNN interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is asked about his interpretation of Trump's statement. "Today, I cannot comprehend it due to lack of detailed understanding and context," Zelensky responds, referencing the ongoing US election campaign. "And campaign promises are campaign promises," he continues. Zelensky also mentions he spoke with Trump two months prior. During their conversation, Trump assured his support for Ukraine, Zelensky claims, adding that it was a positive encounter.
07:27 ISW: Russia Requires Further Troops in Kursk to Repel Ukrainians Russia continues counterattacks in the Kursk region, but the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) does not recognize a full-scale operation to expel the Ukrainians from Kursk. The ISW, based in Washington, reports that Russian authorities have relied primarily on poorly trained and under-equipped conscripts, along with small segments of the regular Russian armed forces and other security forces in the border region. In an evaluation, the think tank asserts, "A Russian counteroffensive to reclaim the territory seized by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk Oblast will likely necessitate more personnel and resources than Russia has already amassed in this region - particularly if most of the units already deployed lack combat experience."
06:49 Ukraine Undergoes Intense Drone Assaults All Night
According to the Ukrainian military, Russia has bombarded Ukraine with Shahed drones throughout the night. Russian forces launched multiple groups of attack drones, the Ukrainian air force reported. Air raid alerts were initiated in almost all Ukrainian regions, including Odessa, where navy forces shot down nine drones. Explosions were reported in Odessa, but no casualties have been confirmed yet.
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has suggested forming an international contact group to initiate peace talks in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He believes that it's the right time for Western allies to establish this group, as both the German Chancellor and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agree that efforts for peace negotiations should be intensified. Mützenich suggests nations like China, India, Turkey, and Brazil should take responsibility in this contact group, as they share the conviction that the Russian invasion is becoming a burden.
05:41 EU Considering New Approach to Extend Russia Sanctions
EU diplomats reveal that the EU Commission is exploring three possibilities to prolong the sanctions against Russia. These scenarios were presented to European diplomats on a recent occasion. The focus is on the frozen Russian central bank assets, which are crucial for granting a 50 billion dollar credit to Ukraine by G7 countries. These assets have been frozen since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
03:40 Drone Debris Hits Kyiv City Buildings
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported via the Telegram messaging app that debris from drones struck a city building in Kyiv. The incident occurred in the district of Obolon, north of the city center, early in the morning. Klitschko mentioned that emergency services were on their way to the scene. Previously, Klitschko had reported that air defense units were active in the capital.
01:35 Closer Cooperation with Russia Promised by Kim Jong Un
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged closer cooperation with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. According to the state news agency KCNA, the two men discussed various topics during Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang and reached a consensus on numerous issues, including closer cooperation to protect shared security interests. Shoigu, who had served as the Russian defense minister until May, had initiated closer relations between North Korea and Russia last July, when he visited Pyongyang.
23:36 Zelensky to Present "Victory Plan" to Biden in September
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a meeting with US President Joe Biden in September. Zelensky plans to present a strategy for achieving victory during this meeting. This strategy involves an interconnected decision system aimed at providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to push the war towards peace. According to Zelensky, successful conflicts can be brought to an end in various ways, either through force or diplomacy. This approach will ensure the true independence of the country, and Kyiv relies on US support for the required strong position.
22:59 Shift in Attack Direction by Russia
Heavy fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian military. There were 115 skirmishes, as reported by the General Staff in Kyiv in their evening situation report. The most intense fighting occurred in the direction of Kurachove, with Russian forces also active in the direction of Lyman and Pokrovsk. Kurachove is a small town south of Pokrovsk. Russian troops have been unable to make significant gains in the Pokrovsk area in recent times and have instead expanded their attack axis southwards to capture Hirnyk, a mining town near Kurachove.
22:18 Desired Relief in Kursk, According to Zelensky
Ukraine's advance into the Russian region of Kursk is reportedly yielding positive results, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the Charkiv region, the enemy has been held back, and in Donetsk, the Russian offensive has slowed down, Zelensky claims. Although Russia claims to have recaptured 10 of the 100 occupied villages in Kursk, its counterattack in this region has yet to achieve any substantial success. Experts had expressed doubts regarding the deployment of larger Russian troop formations from other regions to Kursk.
21:46 "West is Afraid" - Zelensky's Blunt Assessment of Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticizes the West for showing fear when discussing Ukraine's need for assistance in intercepting Russian missiles and drones. He asks, "If the allies jointly shoot down missiles and drones in the Middle Eastern regions, why is there still no similar decision to jointly shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian Shaheds in the Ukrainian sky?" Zelensky further states that this is "shameful for the democratic world."
21:30 Russia Has Deployed Over 8000 Iranian Drones
Ukraine's government alleges that Russia has deployed 8060 Iranian Shahed drones against Ukraine since the beginning of the war. No confirmation has been received from either Russia or Iran. Ukraine first accused Tehran of supplying these kamikaze drones to Russia in the fall of 2022.
In the heart of Washington D.C., British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and American President Joe Biden are scheduled for a chat. Folks are buzzing about potential announcements concerning the authorization of long-range weapon usage for Ukraine. Insiders from The Guardian claim that the U.K. has given green lights for Ukraine to launch attacks with Storm-Shadow missiles. However, according to reports, this topic might be kept under wraps during their meeting today. As per the reports, the Communications Director of the National Security Council, John Kirby, mentions, "I don't foresee an announcement today about the deployment of extended-range weapons within Russia – not from the U.S." He does, however, specify that discussions with the U.K., France, and other allies regarding the weaponry to be supplied to Ukraine are still ongoing. When confronted about potential shifts in U.S. policy, Kirby seems coy, stating, "I'm not keen on diving into a speculative conversation about what we might or might not declare at some point."
After NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg suggested that NATO could have provided more weapons to deter Russia's attack on Ukraine, one may wonder if Ukrainian forces could have utilized such weaponry to defend themselves from the invasion.
The situation in Germany's PCK refinery in Schwedt raises questions regarding the future ownership structure due to Rosneft's Russian co-ownership, which must be sold under German government trusteeship. This creates uncertainty in light of Russia's attack on Ukraine and the potential implications for energy security in Europe.
In response to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's stance against Ukraine using weapons with extended ranges for strikes on Russian targets, it is important to consider the potential effects of a different approach by other nations and its impact on the ongoing conflict.
