The 20:28 Brigade Declares Advancement of Counter-Attack in Kharkiv Region: Progress of Two Kilometers
18:03 Ukraine Reports Casualties from Glide Bomb AssaultTwo individuals lose their lives in the Sumy region, which borders Russia's Kursk region, due to an attack involving two glide bombs, as reported by Ukraine's prosecutor's office. The Russian ordnance focused on critical infrastructure components. On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Sumy and stated that attacks on the region had decreased since parts of Kursk were seized.
18:40 "Why Bother with Armenians?" - Lukashenko Sparks OutrageBelarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's comments about Armenia provoke protests. Demonstrators hurled eggs at the Belarusian embassy in Yerevan on Wednesday, demanding the ambassador's expulsion, according to Ukrainian media. Earlier, Lukashenko lambasted Armenia's pro-Western stance on Russian state TV: "Why the hell do we need Armenians? No one does. Let them develop their economy and rely on their own resources. Who's France? Who's Macron? Tomorrow, when Macron is gone, no one will remember the Armenians," he said, alluding to the French president. Relations between Armenia and Russia, its longtime ally, have been strained since Azerbaijan's military onslaught captured the Nagorno-Karabakh region in September, ending three decades of Armenian separatist rule.
19:16 Lithuania Reports Reduction in Russian Ground Troops in KaliningradThere has been a decrease in the number of ground troops stationed in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, located between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, according to Lithuania's military chief, Raimundas Vaikšnoras, as reported by the news portal "Delfi". He attributes this to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. During the war against Ukraine, an observable amount of equipment and personnel were relocated from Kaliningrad, the commander reported. Although soldiers have returned after their rotations, a reduction in ground troops is now noticeable.
20:00 Alleged Hacking of Russian TV Channels by Ukrainian Intelligence AgencyThe Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) is reported to have successfully hacked several Russian TV channels and showcased a video about the war in Ukraine instead. "HUR has hacked Russian television and presented the reality of the war to the population," a source in the Ukrainian intelligence service told the "Kyiv Post" newspaper and the RBC Ukraine news agency. The video aired three times during prime time on Tuesday. Channels affected included Pervouralsk, Evraziya 360, and Pervyj Kanal TV. Consequently, nine channels temporarily halted their programming, sources reported.
17:28 Russian Authorities: Oil Tanker in Flames After Ukrainian AssaultAccording to local authorities, an oil tanker is ablaze in the Russian port of Kavkaz in the Krasnodar region east of the Crimea. This stems from a Ukrainian assault, they claim. Several Russian media outlets publish images and videos of the fire and plumes of black smoke. The Ukrainian military also shares such videos on social media, captioning them "Neptune visits the port of Kavkaz" on their Telegram channel. Unverified reports from Russian Telegram channels suggest the ship was hit by a Neptune anti-ship missile of Ukrainian origin. However, the weapon's official range is 300 kilometers, and the frontline is further away. Moscow heavily utilizes this port to supply its troops in its conflict against Ukraine.
Update at 18:39: According to the crisis center of the Krasnodar region, the ship has sunk after igniting. It is reported to have carried 30 fuel tanks. Read more here.***
16:41 Russia Reports Progress on Pokrovsk, Ukraine Claims Triumphs in KurskThe Russian military reports capturing another village near Pokrovsk's city in eastern Ukraine, with troops now just 10 kilometers from the city, an essential logistics hub. Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had announced plans to reinforce the Pokrovsk area's troops. Now, he reports success in the Russian region of Kursk, with troops capturing another village and "filling the exchange fund" - capturing more Russian soldiers. According to these reports, Ukrainian troops now control 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
16:12 Ukraine Denies Attempted NPP Attack: Russia Could Engage in "Nuclear Provocation"Ukraine dismisses Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Ukrainian soldiers attempted to assault the Kursk nuclear power plant last night. "This is a total fabrication," writes Andrii Kovalenko, head of the department for countering disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. These fabrications follow previous Russain lies about Ukraine preparing a "nuclear provocation" at the Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Instead, all evidence points toward Russia potentially executing this provocation itself, Kovalenko contends. He considers the "possibility of a nuclear provocation by Russia" real, given Putin's involvement.
15:46 EU Gas Storage at 90% Occupancy Two months prior to the target date, gas storage facilities across the European Union are currently at an 90% occupancy rate. The European Commission has declared the EU to be "prepared for the upcoming winter." Back in summer 2022, the 27 member states agreed that EU gas storage should maintain an average of 90% capacity by November 1st. As per data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, countries show varying capacities - Spain is at 100%, while Latvia hovers around 69%, with Germany at 93.6%. The EU is aiming to decrease its reliance on Russian natural gas, instead importing more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and natural gas from Norway.
15:21 Putin Accuses Ukraine of Attempted Nuclear Power Plant Attack Russian President Vladimir Putin alleges that Ukraine attempted to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. "The enemy attempted to assault the nuclear facility last night," Putin claims during a televised cabinet meeting, without presenting evidence. Putin also mentions that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been notified. Lastly, the IAEA had previously warned about the potential impact of fighting on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise the utmost restraint." [Read more here.]
14:50 IAEA Chief to Visit Kursk Nuclear Power Plant The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, intends to visit the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk later this week. An IAEA spokesperson confirms the visit, which can take place "next week." In early August, the Ukrainian army launched a surprise offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. The Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom then warned of a potential threat to the nuclear power plant from Ukrainian attacks, which is located about 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Over 115,000 Russians Evacuated from Endangered Border Regions Russia's deputy prime minister, Denis Manturov, reports that approximately 115,000 people have been evacuated from areas near the Ukrainian border. He has shared that damage to agriculture and industry due to the Ukrainian offensive is now being calculated during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and key administrators. "I've convened you all here to discuss the current developments in Russia's border regions," Putin begins the meeting.
14:00 Tusk Discusses Potential Indian Mediation in Ukraine Conflict Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomes India's potential role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. "I'm particularly happy that the Prime Minister has reaffirmed his intention to actively participate in facilitating a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution to the conflict," Tusk says after conversing with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. Modi's proposed mediation has become even more crucial as he is set to visit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India has maintained a neutral stance towards the Russian invasion and does not support Western sanctions against Moscow. [Read more here.]
13:40 "No signs of limited operation" in Kursk, according to Scholz While German Chancellor Olaf Scholz views the Ukrainian advance into Russia as a "temporally and spatially limited operation," there seems to be no evidence supporting this theory, as reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald. "On the contrary," she states in her current report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine.
13:20 Several Russian Military Aircraft Destroyed in Attacks on Sawaslejka It appears that Ukrainian attacks on the Sawaslejka airbase have damaged or destroyed several Russian aircraft, according to public broadcaster Suspilne, which cites information from the Ukrainian security service. On August 16, an MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were believed to have been destroyed. Additionally, about five aircraft, possibly MiG-31K/I, were damaged. In an attack on August 13, a fuel and lubricant depot was struck, resulting in more damage to an MiG-31K/I.
13:06 Russian Security Service Investigates CNN Journalists The Russian domestic security service, the FSB, has initiated criminal proceedings against several foreign journalists for allegedly violating Russia's border by producing footage in Kursk, where Ukrainian troops currently control several settlements. CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists are among those facing charges of crossing the state border illegally. The FSB has announced that it will soon issue international arrest warrants. These journalists face up to five years in Russian prisons for the alleged crime. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was released from Russian custody as part of a prisoner swap, having been sentenced to 16 years for alleged espionage. [Read more about this here.]
12:34 Zelensky Visits Border Region: "Exchange Fund" Enhanced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Sumy border region in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops have advanced into Russia more than two weeks ago. He reported that another location in Kursk had been seized, and the "exchange fund" had been restocked. Referring to the capturing of Russian soldiers, which could facilitate future exchanges of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian custody. Zelensky also highlighted that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and the number of civilian casualties there have decreased. He posted a video of himself and Ukrainian military commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who briefed him on the strengthening of troops in eastern Ukraine, where Russia has continued its advance.
12:06 Alleged Russian Spying Over Critical Infrastructure in BrunsbüttelSuspected Russian drones have reportedly been flying over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. These drones were spotted over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel at high speeds, violating the flight ban zone. The State Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating possible espionage or sabotage activities. Internally, the police state that the flight ban zone was repeatedly violated by flying over the nuclear power plant. Authorities suspect a hostile object, potentially a military drone, was detected. According to "Bild", these drones may be linked to Russian agents and were possibly launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 Potential Threat of Attacks at US Embassy in KyivThe American Embassy in Kyiv warns of an increased risk of air attacks ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday. The embassy anticipates an elevated threat of Russia attacking Ukraine with drones and missiles during these days and over the weekend. Ukraine commemorates its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine two and a half years ago, the holiday has gained significant importance for Ukrainians. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly entered Russian territory in the border region of Kursk. Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized this as a provocation and promised an "appropriate response".
11:13 Fire at Military Base in VolgogradA fire broke out at a military base in Marinovka, Volgograd Oblast. Local residents reported explosions. Local authorities blame a Ukrainian drone strike for the blaze but no casualties were reported.
10:41 Focus on Prefabricated Bunkers in Kursk, RussiaAccording to local authorities, prefabricated concrete shelters are being constructed for the population in the Russian border region of Kursk. Regional governor Alexei Smirnov announced on Telegram that central locations have been designated for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers. Bunkers are being constructed at busy locations, such as at 60 bus stops. Smirnov also shared a photo of a truck delivering one of the blocks. Bunkers are being installed in two other locations, including Kursk, where the regional nuclear power plant is located. Russia alleges that Ukraine is planning an attack on the plant, which Ukraine denies.
10:10 Advance of Ukrainian Troops in Kursk RegionUkraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops near the city of Pokrovsk, most of which were repelled. President Zelensky promises to reinforce troops in the area. The advance in the Kursk region continues.
09:42 Russian Army Repelling Ukrainian Air StrikesThe Russian army is reportedly repelling several Ukrainian air strikes in the western part of the country. According to the governor of Volgograd region, Andrei Bocharov, "most drones were destroyed" near the village of Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the border region of Kursk, governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were destroyed by Russian air defense." In the southern region of Rostov, governor Vasily Golubev reports that "an attack with five drones was repelled." Drones were also said to have been destroyed in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons against Russian Targets: Kyiv Seeks US ApprovalUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov hosted a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. According to the ministry in Kyiv, Republican representative Rob Wittman and Democratic representative David Trone discussed the situation at the front and Washington's policy on the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. Umerov emphasized the need to quickly obtain permission from allies to fully use long-range weapons against targets in Russia to protect peaceful cities and villages.
08:36 Campaign Launch for Mine-Clearing Robots in UkraineUS actor Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars", and Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, launched a fundraising campaign for mine-clearing robots in Ukraine. They aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. The robots can clear mines even in hard-to-reach areas, keeping operators safe. "One of the worst atrocities Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines," said Snyder. "I've visited unoccupied areas near the front where people must take risks to help others return to their farms and homes. With these robots, mines can be cleared, and lives can be saved." The mine clearance in Ukraine is expected to take decades.
08:01 Kremlin preparing Russians for "new reality"
The Ukrainian attack on Kursk presents a predicament for Moscow's propaganda machine. Although the regions are geographically distant, a source with ties to the Kremlin informed the independent Russian news outlet Meduza, situated in Riga, "Nevertheless, the infiltration into Russian territory and the acquisition of control over villages is a brand-new and particularly displeasing development." To alleviate the escalating unease, which has grown significantly more apprehensive since the Kursk incursion, the Kremlin is working to prepare the Russian populace for residing in a "new reality" and a "new normal." The message conveyed is: The adversary has certainly penetrated Russian territory; they are teetering on the verge of defeat – yet the reclamation of the territory will necessitate time, and the Russian people must exercise patience. Meanwhile, citizens are motivated to "transform the negativity and shock into a favorable outlook" – specifically by supplying humanitarian aid for the Kursk region. Generally, all officials interviewed by Meduza suspect that the fighting in the Kursk region may persist for several months. A government-affiliated source adds that this estimate is "unsurprisingly optimistic – if things unfold smoothly."
More details can be found here**
07:30 Russian official confirms blaze at military base
Russian authorities have confirmed that a military facility situated in the southern Russian region of Volgograd suffered a fire following a Ukrainian drone assault. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced through Telegram that the drone had collided with the facility. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Bocharov declined to specify which military facility was affected; however, he disclosed that the village of Marinovka was the intended target of the attack, where Russia maintains an air base.
06:56 Ex-advisor: Putin exerted a near-hypnotic influence over Trump
Former US security advisor, General Herbert Raymond McMaster, claimed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin succeeded in manipulating former US President Donald Trump. McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by the "Guardian," attests to Putin's ability to sway Trump with flattery and exploit his ego and insecurities. Putin praised Trump as "a truly outstanding person, extremely gifted, beyond doubt." Putin allegedly had an almost hypnotic effect on Trump. McMaster, who served as Trump's security advisor for about a year, reportedly cautioned Trump, "Mr. President, he is the world's best liar." He hinted that Putin believed he could "play" with Trump and attain the relaxation of sanctions and a swift withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of Blaze at Russian Airbase in Volgograd
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Explosions were reportedly heard overnight in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region. According to various Russian Telegram channels, these events appear to be the result of a drone assault. A fire broke out at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is roughly 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The target was likely the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, situated approximately 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing several loud explosions accompanied by the distinctive sounds of drones, according to Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany Stands Ready to Provide Additional Aid to Ukraine if Necessary
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has pledged further support to Ukraine. If it becomes impossible to supply the planned billions from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany will provide additional funds, he said in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We can't let it reach a point where we say, 'Now there's no more money for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil said. "In that case, we are, of course, obligated to look for a solution within Germany. We have a responsibility to Ukraine, and we'll find a way."
04:27 Ukraine Addresses Overnight Drone Attacks in Russia
The Ukrainian intelligence service HUR has commented on the targeted drone assaults in Russia overnight. They focused on the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, according to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow in an interview with military news outlet "The War Zone." Around 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being assessed. Russian authorities reported bringing down 45 drones over Russian soil during the morning hours.
03:09 Kursk Region Elections: Bulletproof Vests and Helmets for Kursk Election Workers
In the disputed Russian border region of Kursk, election workers will be furnished with bulletproof vests and helmets for the early regional elections. Additional polling stations will also be established in other locations across the country to accommodate people who have fled the region, according to the head of the regional election commission, Tatjana Malachova, as reported by Russian news agencies. The region is presently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled for numerous regions of Russia from September 6 to 8.
01:34 Fico Underpressure from Public Opinion in Foreign Policy DecisionsSlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico whines about feeling under public opinion pressure in Western democracies. He claimed that those who diverge from the international consensus on important foreign policy concerns are "arbitrarily subjected to pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. In a statement commemorating the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico analogized the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to the existing public opinion pressure he perceives in contemporary Europe. Fico opposes EU military aid for Ukraine and faces accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine reports 46 daily Russian attacks around Pokrovsk, 44 repelledUkraine records 46 assaults by Russian forces around Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country within a day. A majority of these, 44 to be precise, are thwarted, according to the General Staff's report. As of 9 PM CET, conflicts persist at the remaining two locations. The confrontations lead to the demise or injuring of 238 Russian soldiers, with no updates on Ukrainian casualties. Russia has yet to voice its thoughts.
23:09 Russia alleges halt to Ukrainian intrusion in BryanskRussia alleges successful prevention of an incursion by Ukrainian "operation teams" in the Russian Bryansk region border with Kursk. This infiltration attempt by the "Ukrainian scouting-sabotage group" is claimedly dismantled through actions by the Russian FSB security service and Russian military forces, as declared by Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz. He indicates that the adversaries encountered gunfire. The situation is now supposedly under control.
22:15 Zelensky relays Ukraine's hope for prompt aid disbursementUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses desire for immediate allocation of the billions in aid pledged by the West, derived partially from seized Russian state assets. While numerous political commitments are made, Zelensky emphasizes in his evening address that "we require an operational mechanism." Ukraine requires the benefits gained from Russian frozen assets to counteract Russian aggression. "Discussions concerning such have been prolonged excessively, and we need resolutions now," Zelensky notes. At the June G7 summit, the countries agreed to provide fresh financial assistance to Kyiv, encompassing a sizable $50 billion loan secured by revenue from confiscated Russian assets.
21:52 Putin commends enhanced trade ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin lauds the augmented collaboration with China. "Our trade interactions are flourishing (...). The attention bestowed on trade and economic relations by both governments is yielding benefits," Putin asserted in a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia boast "ambitious joint strategies and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin added. Li declares that Chinese-Russian relations stand at an "unprecedented peak," as per the Kremlin. The strategic partnership between Russia and China has deepened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a major trading ally amid Western sanctions.
21:20 Request rejection: Bulgakov to remain in custodyThe former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov, under investigation for corruption, will stay detained. His plea for home confinement under strict vigilance and his appeal against detainment are dismissed, according to state news agency TASS. Bulgakov managed the procurement of supplies for the Russian military before his removal. The Moscow court also orders the incarceration of two presumed Bulgakov associates. Their firm received nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. Estimated damages stand at approximately 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros) according to proxies.
21:00 Ukraine reinforces positions in Pokrovsk regionPresident Volodymyr Zelensky reveals that Ukraine is reinforcing its troops in the contentious Pokrovsk region of the east of the country. In a broadcast address, he acknowledges Russian troop arrangements in the area. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk persists, Zelensky mentions. Some territories are under Ukrainian control. Zelensky does not provide additional details.
20:41 Post decree: Many Ukrainian refugees in Hungary face evacuation from sheltersFollowing a decree in Hungary that denies overall protection for Ukrainian refugees, numerous refugees there face the imminent likelihood of losing their housing. Private refugee shelters have already initiated the expulsion of Ukrainians, as stated by human rights organization Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, about 120 refugees, overseen by police, were required to vacate a guesthouse. Most of them hailed from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, where a large Hungarian community resides.
- Military personnel are reportedly being relocated from Kaliningrad due to the reduction in ground troops, according to Lithuania's military chief.
- The Ukrainian military is accused by Russian authorities of setting an oil tanker on fire in the Russian port of Kavkaz, leading to its sinking with 30 fuel tanks.
