Seoul suggests potential supply of six million grenades from North Korea to Russia.
Up to 6 Million Artillery Shells Supplied by North Korea to Russia According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing a military intelligence report, North Korea has shipped over 13,000 containers from its port of Najin since mid-2022. These containers could potentially be used for transporting weapons, suggest estimates.
Ukraine Plans to Resume Chornobyl-type NPP Construction Ukraine's state nuclear energy agency, Energoatom, is considering resuming construction work on an unfinished Chornobyl-type nuclear power plant located in Tschyhyryn. The most promising site for the plant's construction is nearby Tschyhyryn, near the city of Orbita in the Cherkasy region. The US company Westinghouse is set to equip the plant with reactors.
Ukraine Relies on 170 Different Types of Drones in the War Against Russia As per Ukrainian Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces Vadym Sukharevskyi, Ukraine has utilized around 170 types of drones in its fight against Russian troops. The Ukrainian military heavily relies on unmanned aerial vehicles in its defensive efforts, and continues to develop and produce new models capable of reaching deep into Russian territory.
Ukraine's Second Peace Summit Could Be Held in a Global South Country Ukrainian presidential advisor Andrij Jermak stated that Ukrainian leadership would like the second Ukraine peace summit to be held in a country within the global South. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for Ukraine's territorial integrity during his recent visit to Kyiv, suggesting a potential host country.
USA Condemns Killing of Reuters Employee by Russia The White House condemned a rocket attack on a hotel in Ukraine that resulted in the death of a Reuters security advisor and injuries to two other Reuters journalists. The US expressed its deepest condolences to Reuters for the loss and extended its strongest condemnation for the attack.
Zelenskyy Identifies Kursk Offensive as a Stage to End the War Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified the offensive in the Russian region of Kursk as one of the "stages to end the war." The Kursk operation is not related to any of the points of the Ukrainian peace formula, but Zelenskyy indicated that it is related to the second peace summit plan.
Russia Builds New Ponton Bridges in Kursk After Ukraine destroyed several bridges in the Kursk region, Russia is constructing makeshift ponton bridges to secure its supply lines. Satellite images suggest that Russian forces are building a ponton bridge over the Sejm river near a destroyed bridge in the region.
Zelenskyy to Present War End Plan to Biden, Trump, and Harris Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to present his war end plan to outgoing US President Joe Biden in September and to brief Donald Trump and Kamala Harris about the plan. The Kursk offensive will be part of the plan, which includes military, diplomatic, and economic initiatives.
Ukrainian Law Enforcement Registers Over 136,000 Russian War Crimes Since the start of Russia's large-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have registered over 136,000 war crimes committed by the aggressor. The Prosecutor's Office has investigated 660 suspects, with 126 convicted. However, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin notes that the numbers may be incomplete due to inaccessible occupied territories.
Russian Intelligence Investigates Deutsche Welle Correspondents The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a case against a Deutsche Welle correspondent and a Ukrainian journalist, charging them with illegally entering the Russian region of Kursk. Nick Connolly, a DW employee, and Natalia Nagornaya, an employee of the Ukrainian channel 1+1, are reportedly reporting from Ukrainian-controlled areas in Kursk.
Ukraine Can Produce Up to Two Million Drones This Year Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine can produce 1.5 to 2 million drones this year, but funding is needed. The president pointed out that dialogue is required to end the war, but a strong position is crucial for advancing Ukraine's vision of peace in the planned conference later this year.
17:25 Grossi: Battle Close to Kursk Nuclear Power Plant "Extremely Alarming"The closeness of combat between Ukraine and Russia to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is extremely risky, as per the leader of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi. "Having a nuclear power plant of this sort so close to a conflict zone or military front is an extremely concerning situation," he stated following his visit to the plant. "Given that we have military activity simply a few kilometers away, it immediately becomes a concern," Grossi further added. "In essence, it could all seem quite rational: avoid attacking a nuclear power plant." The nuclear power plant is presently operating under almost normal conditions, he noted.
16:51 Syrskyj: Russia Deploys 30,000 Troops to KurskOne of the objectives of the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region is to divert Russian troops from other sectors, particularly from the regions of Pokrovsk and Kurakhovo in the Donetsk region. As per Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, Russia has already deployed 30,000 troops to the Kursk region. "And this number is rising," says Syrskyj. Therefore, Russia is presently scaling back its activities in southern Ukraine. However, the pressure remains high in the key region of Pokrovsk. There, Moscow is concentrating its most potent troops, says Syrskyj.
16:25 Russian Rockets Kill One in Kharkiv RegionThe Russian forces targeted the city of Bohoduchiw in the Kharkiv region with rockets. One individual was killed and six were injured, as reported by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office. According to their information, one of the rockets struck a bus stop, killing a 71-year-old. The Russian attacks also impacted industrial and residential facilities and numerous vehicles.
15:57 Shmyhal Predicts Ukraine's $15 Billion Budget DeficitPrime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs an additional $15 billion to cover its budget shortfall in 2025. The news agency Reuters quoted him as saying that the Ukraine forecasts the budget deficit for the following year at a total of $35 billion, with plans to cover $20 billion. According to the Ukrainian government's estimates, the deficit in 2024 was approximately $38 billion. Shmyhal stated that the government plans to raise taxes and increase borrowing on the domestic debt market to raise additional funds for the conflict against Russia. The parliament will discuss these proposals in September.
15:32 Ukraine Investigates Development of Own Weapon SystemsUkraine reports the largest bomb and rocket attack by the Russian army since the start of the conflict. The heavy attacks continue unabated, even at night. Therefore, Ukraine is now exploring new ways to defend itself against Russian attacks without relying on Western weapons aid.
15:11 Zelensky: Ukraine's First Homegrown Ballistic Missile Successfully TestedAccording to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has successfully tested its first ballistic missile for the first time. "The first Ukrainian ballistic missile has been successfully tested," says Zelensky. He congratulates "our defense industry" but refuses to provide further details about the missile.
14:45 Moscow: US Participation in Ukrainian Offensive in Kursk is FactualRussian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov considers the involvement of the USA in the incursion of Ukrainian troops into the Russian region of Kursk "a fact." The response from the government in Moscow could potentially be much harsher than before, says Ryabkov, according to the state-owned Russian news agencies RIA and TASS. He does not provide details or evidence to support his statements. The White House has stated that it had no prior knowledge of the unexpected incursion of Ukrainian troops into Kursk on August 6.
14:19 Zelensky: F-16s Down Russian MissilesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reports that the new F-16 fighter jets have already successfully intercepted Russian missiles. "During this large-scale missile attack, we shot down some missiles with the assistance of F-16s," Zelensky said. The aircraft were reportedly used, among other things, to repel the devastating air attack on Monday. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have pledged more than 60 of these fighter jets to Ukraine, produced in the United States.
13:59 Air Alert near Russian Nuclear Plant KurskThere was a brief air alert in the city of Kursk in the Russian region of Kursk in the afternoon. Sirens warned of a threat from a missile, as reported by a Reuters reporter. The Kursk nuclear power plant, which is currently being inspected by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, is situated in Kursk.
13:44 Russian Army Claims Capture of Another Village near PokrovskThe Russian army claims to have captured another village near the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. The soldiers have "liberated" the village of Orlowka in the Donetsk region, as reported by the Russian Defense Ministry on Telegram. Orlowka is the Russian name for the Ukrainian village of Orliwka. Despite ongoing fighting against the Ukrainian army in the Russian region of Kursk, Moscow is continuing its offensive in Donetsk. The Defense Ministry regularly reports the capture of new villages. The region around the important logistics hub of Pokrovsk is also in focus.
13:21 Lavrov throws down the nuclear gauntletRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov perceives Ukraine's request to its allies to potentially use weaponry supplied by the West even in the case of a Russian invasion as extortion. Lavrov warns that it's dangerous for Western nuclear powers to "play with fire." Russia is reevaluating its nuclear strategy. Details were not disclosed. The strategy includes the utilization of nuclear weapons if Russia's sovereignty or territorial integrity is challenged.
13:04 Syrskyj: Progress in Kursk - Troubles in PokrovskAs per Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, Ukrainian troops are making headway in the Russian region of Kursk. However, Russian forces are advancing towards the city of Pokrovsk in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The overall situation there is challenging.
12:42 Munz: Elevated assaults on Ukraine imminentFollowing the recent drone attacks, Russia is increasing its missile attacks on Ukraine once more. The timing is not coincidental, explains ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. Since the autumn and heating season is approaching, energy resources are at a premium.
12:33 Kyiv: 594 Russian soldiers apprehended in KurskAccording to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyj, Ukraine has apprehended a total of 594 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. This is the first time a number has been disclosed. Earlier reports had identified at least 247 Russian prisoners of war using photo and video analysis by the "Washington Post."
12:09 Power outages and restrictions to carry on for several more daysIn the aftermath of Russia's largest attack on Ukraine since the war's commencement, power outages and "critical" power limitations are expected to last for another one to two weeks, according to Ivan Plachkov, president of the Ukrainian Energy Association, in an interview with Kyiv24 TV. Plachkov stated that the Russian extensive assault on Monday was "one of the most significant attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure" aimed at triggering a "total blackout inside the power system."
11:46 Roth: Russia aims to trigger EU refugee influx with assault wavesAccording to SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, Russia's extensive attacks on Ukrainian supply facilities aim to induce a refugee exodus to Europe. Roth stated that the attack series heralds "a new destruction campaign against Ukrainian energy infrastructure." The aim is to disable Ukrainian arms production and render life in Ukraine intolerable, thereby triggering new refugee movements to the EU. Roth advocated for assistance during the upcoming "harsh winter," such as backup power generators, and permission for the use of long-range weapons against the airfields from which Russian bombers take off.
11:21 Ukrainian Border Guard: No military movements in BelarusThe Ukrainian Border Guard has reported no discernible military movements in Belarus. Border Guard spokesman Andrij Demtschenko reported on Ukrainian television that no movement of soldiers or military equipment has been detected near the border. However, the risk of an attack from the Belarusian border remains imminent. Recently, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Belarus had amassed troops and equipment near the border. Belarus maintains close ties with Russia.
10:56 Russian governor confirms Ukrainian advances in BelgorodVyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, announced on Telegram that "reports have emerged of the enemy attempting to penetrate the border." This corresponds to reports from Russian Telegram channels (see entry from 10:02). "According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the position at the border remains complex but controllable," Gladkov said. "Please remain calm and only rely on official information sources." The governor reported that Ukraine had assaulted the region with more than 20 drones within the past 24 hours. Kyiv has yet to comment on the alleged incidents.
More details can be found here.
10:50 Report: Ukraine creates new heavy combat formationsAccording to a report by the independent Ukrainian portal "MilitaryLand," Ukraine is establishing new mechanized brigades for defensive warfare against Russian aggression, which could be battle-ready by 2025. Recruitment for the units is expected to come from Ukrainians residing abroad and partially trained there. A mechanized brigade typically comprises approximately 2,000 soldiers and is equipped with a substantial amount of heavy military hardware, such as tanks.
More details can be found here.
10:44 Grossi Inspects Russian Nuclear Power Plant in KurskThe Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has arrived at the Kursk nuclear power plant in the Russian border area with the same name, according to a report by the Russian state news agency TASS. Grossi announced the previous day that he would personally inspect the facility near Kursk city due to the urgent situation. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers launched a surprise attack in the Kursk region on August 6. Russia accuses Ukraine of repeatedly attacking the facility. Kyiv has not yet officially responded to the accusations.
10:23 Russian FSB Begins Criminal Investigations Against Deutsche Welle Journalist and ColleagueThe Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has reportedly initiated criminal investigations against two foreign journalists. They are accused of illegally crossing the Russian border to report from the Kursk region following the Ukrainian invasion. Reuters reports this, citing the Russian news agency Interfax. The journalists in question are a reporter for Deutsche Welle and a correspondent for the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1. The FSB has reportedly initiated criminal investigations against at least seven foreign journalists who have reported from Kursk.
10:02 Ukrainian Forces Attempt to Infiltrate Russian Border in Belgorod RegionIt appears that Ukrainian forces are trying to break through the Russian border in the southern Belgorod region. Currently, fighting is taking place, according to The Guardian, which cites Russian Telegram channels. The Telegram channel Mash reports that around 500 Ukrainian soldiers have attacked two checkpoints in Nechoteyewka and Shebekino in Belgorod, and that fighting is ongoing at both locations. Belgorod shares a border with the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have been occupying Russian territory since early August.
09:45 Kyiv Reports Heavy Russian CasualtiesKyiv reports that Russia has suffered 1,280 casualties within the past day. The total number of Russian soldiers killed or incapacitated since the start of the conflict now stands at 610,100. Additionally, Kyiv reports that 12 Russian tanks, 19 armored vehicles, 52 artillery systems, 120 drones, 103 rockets, and one multiple rocket launcher have been destroyed in the past 24 hours. These figures cannot be independently verified. Russia has been tight-lipped about its own losses.
09:21 "Everything Headed Towards Kyiv Has Been Destroyed"According to the Ukrainian Air Force, five Russian-launched missiles and 60 drones have been shot down. In total, Russia targeted Ukraine with 10 missiles and 81 drones, the Air Force said on Telegram. Around 15 drones and several missiles were intercepted around Kyiv, said the head of the local military administration, Serhiy Popko, on Telegram. "Everything headed towards the capital Kyiv has been destroyed." Ten drones were still flying in Ukrainian airspace as of 9 a.m. local time (8 a.m. CEST), and other drones had crashed, said Air Force commander Mykola Oleschchuk on Telegram. The military's figures are not fully verifiable but provide a reasonably accurate account of the scale of the attack.
08:57 Overnight Attacks Result in Multiple Casualties - Russia Uses Kinzhal MissilesRussia has launched heavy air attacks on Ukraine for the second night in a row, employing various types of weapons. Initial reports from Ukrainian authorities suggest that at least four people have been killed - two in a rocket strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih and two more in drone attacks on Saporizhzhia. According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia has once again employed long-range bombers from which cruise missiles were launched. Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were also fired.
08:33 Beijing Proposes Broader Support for Peace PlanChina is urging broader support for its peace plan. Li Hui, China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs, stated after diplomatic talks with Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa that these three countries represent the Global South and have considerable influence in promoting world peace. They have maintained communication with both Ukraine and Russia and are committed to a political solution through dialogue and negotiations, Li said. China and Brazil published a joint peace plan earlier this year that calls for a peace conference involving all parties and no further expansion on the battlefield. China and Russia did not attend a peace conference in Switzerland in June. Russia was not invited, and China decided not to participate.
08:05 Chechen Commander Claims Two Settlements in Kursk "Liberated"Russia's military claims to have "liberated" two more settlements in the Kursk region. Russian state news agency TASS quotes General-Major Apti Alaudinov, deputy head of the military-political main department of the Russian armed forces and commander of the Chechen special unit Achmat, as saying, "I am pleased to report that the Arbat unit has fully cleared the settlements of Nizhnya Parovaya and Nechayev today, and the 1427th regiment is moving in. Thus, this area has also been cleared and brought under control." The situation on the front line has not changed significantly today, Alaudinov says. "The enemy has suffered heavy losses today. He attacked all day and therefore suffered very heavy losses." These claims cannot be independently verified. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirms that geographic imagery published on Monday showed Ukrainian forces operating immediately west of Nechayev.
07:37 Biden Denounces Latest Russian Attacks as "Unconscionable"U.S. President Joe Biden has denounced Russia's recent attacks on Monday as "unconscionable". "I strongly condemn Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine and its efforts to inflict suffering on the Ukrainian people," Biden said. Russia will never succeed in Ukraine, the German Foreign Office stated on Twitter. Moscow is "targeting Ukraine's vital infrastructure" with attacks and trying to "weaken Ukraine's ability to resist." British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has condemned the Russian attacks as "deplorable."
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) continues to believe that a Ukrainian invasion by Belarusian forces is unlikely. The US think tank relies on its latest report, which is derived from an analysis conducted by Ukrianian-based open-source news organization Frontline Insight and Rochan Consulting. This analysis indicates that Belarusian military units usually operate at only 30 to 40% of their full strength and require mobilization to be deployed. No mobilization has been carried out thus far. Instead, it seems that the main objective at present is to divert the attention of Ukrainian forces from other parts of the front line, thereby aiding Russian troops. The current presence of Russian troops in Belarus is not sufficient to execute a coordinated invasion from the Gomel region border. A Belarusian invasion of Ukraine or military participation in the conflict would weaken the ability of leader Alexander Lukashenko to defend his regime. Domestic discontent could drastically increase, particularly given that the next presidential elections are scheduled for February 2025.
06:32 Ex-Democratic Presidential Candidate Voices Support for Trump, Urges US to Avoid War
Former Democratic presidential nominee Tulsi Gabbard, who has subsequently distanced herself from her party, has announced her support for Republican candidate Donald Trump for the upcoming election. Gabbard has pledged to do everything within her power to assist Trump in his bid for a second term. The former National Guard member contends that, if elected, Trump would prioritize pulling the US "back from the brink of war." Gabbard ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020 but ultimately endorsed Joe Biden, the eventual Democratic victor. Throughout her campaign, Gabbard advocated for a less aggressive US foreign policy. She encountered criticism for her candidacy being backed by Russia, with accusations that her objective was solely to undermine the Democrats.
Read more here.
06:17 Biden Commends Modi's Visit to Ukraine
US President Joe Biden has commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent visit to Ukraine. Modi, whose nation maintains a neutral stance in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, shared on social media his conversation with Biden about India's commitment to promoting a swift resolution to the crisis in Ukraine. The White House cited Biden's acknowledgment of Modi's engagement with Ukraine and his visit to Poland, a close ally of Kyiv in Eastern Europe. Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, expressed appreciation for any country that aligns with the perspective of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and collaborates with him in his pursuit of a just peace.
05:45 Kyiv Witnesses Series of Explosions in Renewed Drone Attack
According to eyewitness reports, a series of explosions have been reported during a new drone attack in the renewed assault on Kyiv. No fatalities or injuries have been reported as of yet. Air defense systems in the Kyiv region have been active throughout the night to repel the rockets and drones targeting the capital, the regional military administration reports on Telegram. The attacks come only a day after the largest Russian air attack during this war.
05:03 Russian Bombers and Drones Approach Ukraine
Russian bombers and drones have reportedly been dispatched towards Ukraine, according to Ukrainian sources. The Russian Tu-95ms bombers took off from their base in Engels, Russia, while drones are also reportedly en route to Ukraine. Air alerts have been issued across wide regions of Ukraine, as local authorities confirm.
04:04 Death Toll Rises to Two in Russian Rocket Attack on Kryvyi Rih
Two people have lost their lives in a Russian rocket attack on a civilian building in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, as reported by Ukrainian sources. Up to five individuals may still be trapped under the debris, according to military administrations of the district and the city. The Russian rocket strike targeted the hotel, and military administrations report that the building has been demolished. These reports remain unverified.
02:04 Renewed Drone Attack on Kyiv
The Kyiv region has reportedly been subject to another Russian drone attack, as confirmed by Ukrainian sources. "Movement of enemy UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) detected," the Kyiv military administration reports on Telegram. "Air defense systems are active in the area."
00:35 Casualties in Russian Rocket Attack on Kryvyi Rih Rise to One
At least one individual has reportedly died in a Russian rocket attack on a civilian infrastructure building in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. Five more individuals might still be trapped under the rubble, according to regional authorities. The head of the Kryvyi Rih military administration, Oleksandr Vilkul, reports on Telegram that four individuals have been hospitalized following the attack. The governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, confirms that the building has been "completely destroyed." These reports remain unverified, and no response has yet been received from the Russian side.
10:03 PM USA: Russia aims to immerse Ukraine in darknessAfter significant assaults in Ukraine, the USA alleges Russia is attempting to "submerge the Ukrainian population in darkness as autumn begins," as indicated by John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council. The strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are considered "disgraceful," Kirby states. The USA denounces "Russia's persistent war against Ukraine."
9:20 PM More evacuations in Donetsk regionAs a result of Russia's progress in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian authorities have commanded additional evacuations. The location for compulsory evacuation has been expanded due to worsening security conditions, Donetsk Governor Vadym Boychenko reveals. A total of 27 settlements in the Konstantinovka and Selidovo regions have been included. Previously, evacuations had been ordered in the Pokrovsk region due to the advancement of Russian troops.
You can learn about all past events [here].
The European Union could potentially express concern over the supply of artillery shells to Russia from North Korea, given its commitment to promoting peace and security in the region.additionally, Ukraine could seek assistance from the European Union in its ongoing efforts to reconstruct and modernize its Chornobyl-type nuclear power plant, which would help strengthen the country's energy independence and improve its energy security.
