The 20:28 Brigade initiates advancement push in the Kharkiv region, progressing approximately two kilometers.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Make Gains in Kharkiv RegionThe Ukrainian military has declared an advance in the Kharkiv region. Troops have pushed forward two kilometers at the frontline, as stated by the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. The primary objective of this operation was to decrease the offensive capacity of the 20th Army of the Russian Federation, which the Ukrainian forces believe they have accomplished. However, this development cannot be authenticated independently.
8:00 PM Alleged Russian TV Channel Hacking by Ukrainian SpiesUkrainian military intelligence (HUR) is rumored to have cracked the broadcast of several Russian TV stations and showed a clip about the conflict in Ukraine instead. "HUR has hacked Russian television and exposed the truth of the war [to the public]," an insider from the intelligence agency told the "Kyiv Post" newspaper and RBC Ukraine media outlet. The clip was displayed three times during prime time yesterday. Channels affected included Pervouralsk, Evraziya 360, and Pervyj Kanal TV. As a consequence of the assault, nine channels had to briefly halt their programming.
7:16 PM Decrease in Russian Troops in Kaliningrad, Lithuania ReportsThe number of ground troops deployed in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad has reportedly decreased, according to the commander of the Lithuanian armed forces, Raimundas Vaikšnoras, who spoke to "Delfi". He attributes this to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. When the conflict against Ukraine commenced, it was observed that a substantial amount of equipment and personnel were moved from Kaliningrad, the commander mentioned. Soldiers have returned after a rotation, but a reduction is now being noticed among the ground troops.
6:40 PM "What's the Point of Armenians?" – Lukashenko Sparks OutrageBelarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's comments about Armenia have sparked outrage. Crowds hurled eggs at the Belarusian embassy in the Armenian capital Yerevan on Wednesday, demanding the ambassador's expulsion, as per Ukrainian media reports. Prior to this, Lukashenko criticized Armenia's pro-Western stance in Russian state television: "What's the use of Armenians? Nobody needs them. Let them build their economy and rely on their own resources. Who's France? Who's Macron? Tomorrow, when Macron is out of the picture, no one will remember the Armenians," Lukashenko stated, referring to the French president. Tensions between Armenia and its long-standing ally Russia have grown since Azerbaijan seized the Nagorno-Karabakh region in a swift military operation in September, ending three decades of Armenian separatist rule.
6:03 PM Sumy Region Deaths from Glide Bomb Attack Reported by Ukrainian Prosecutor's OfficeTwo people were killed in an attack utilizing two glide bombs in the Sumy region, which shares a border with the Russian region of Kursk, according to the Ukrainian prosecutor's office. The Russian bombs targeted infrastructure components. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had visited Sumy on Thursday and stated that since capturing areas of Kursk, attacks on Sumy have decreased.
17:28 Russian Port Kavkaz Fuel Tanker Fire Following Ukrainian AttackLocal authorities declare that a fuel tanker is ablaze in the Russian port of Kavkaz in the Krasnodar region east of Crimea. Preceding this incident, the Ukrainian forces are accused of launching an attack. Several Russian media outlets disseminate images and videos displaying the fire and smoke plumes. Ukrainian forces also publish such media on social media, captioning them as "Neptune visits the port of Kavkaz" on their Telegram channel. Unverified reports from Russian Telegram channels suggest that the ship was struck by a Neptune anti-ship missile of Ukrainian origin. However, the weapon's official range is 300 kilometers, and the frontline is farther away. The port plays a crucial role in supplying Russia's forces in their conflict against Ukraine.
Update at 18:39: According to the Krasnodar region's crisis center, the ferry has sunk following the fire. It is reported to have been carrying 30 fuel tanks. For more details, click here.**
16:41 Russian Advance on Pokrovsk, Ukraine Reports Success in KurskThe Russian military claims victory over another village near Pokrovsk's city in eastern Ukraine, with their troops now around ten kilometers from the city, a significant logistics hub. Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced reinforcements for his troops in the area. Now, he claims success in the Russian region of Kursk, with his troops capturing another village and "depleting its militia" - apprehending more Russian soldiers. According to the reports, Ukrainian troops now control 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, this development cannot be confirmed independently.
16:12 Ukraine Refutes Attempted Nuclear Power Plant Assault Claim by PutinUkraine debunks Russia's claim by President Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant last night. "This is nothing but a lie," asserts Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation department at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. This claim follows previous false accusations by the Russians that Ukraine is planning a "nuclear provocation" at the Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Instead, all evidence suggests that Russia might be the instigator of this provocation, Kovalenko concludes. He considers the "threat of a nuclear provocation by Russia" genuine, given that Putin himself is involved.
15:46 EU Gas Storage at 88% EquivalencyAlmost two months prior to the designated period, gas storage facilities across the European Union exhibit an 88% fill rate. The European Commission publicizes the EU's preparedness for the forthcoming winter. In summer 2022, after Russia's attack on Ukraine commenced, the 27 EU member states reached an agreement that gas storage should reach an average of 90% capacity by November 1. According to data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, country-wise variations exist: Spain leads the pack with 100%, while Latvia hovers around 69%, whereas Germany's storage capacity stands at 93.6%. The EU aims to lessen its reliance on Russian natural gas, importing more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and natural gas from Norway instead.
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15:21 Putin: Ukrainian Attempt on Russian Nuclear PlantRussian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of planning to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. "They attempted to assault the nuclear facility last night," Putin alleges, without presenting any evidence. "The International Atomic Energy Agency has been notified," he alleges during a televised cabinet meeting. The IAEA had previously warned about the potential consequences of warfare on the power plant and requested that "all parties should exercise maximum self-restraint." More details here.
14:50 IAEA Chief to Visit Kursk Nuclear PlantRafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), intends to pay a visit to the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk the following week. An IAEA press representative confirms the visit could be scheduled "the following week." In early August, the Ukrainian military staged a sudden offensive in the Russian area of Kursk. Russian state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, subsequently raised concerns about the nuclear power plant being vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks, positioned some 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Russia: 115,000 People DisplacedRussia's Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov, discloses that 115,000 residents have had to evacuate from perilous areas near the Ukrainian border. He mentions that the damage inflicted on agriculture and industry from the Ukrainian offensive is being evaluated during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and top administrative officials. "I've gathered you to address the existing situation in Russia's border areas," Putin begins the meeting.
14:00 Tusk: India's Potential Mediation in Ukraine ConflictPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praises the possibility of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi serving as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. "I'm thankful that the Prime Minister has reiterated his willingness to personally work towards a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution to the conflict," Tusk remarks in Warsaw, following discussions with Modi. Modi's mediation offer becomes particularly significant as he intends to visit both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. India maintains neutrality in regard to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and abstains from supporting Western sanctions against Moscow. Read more here.
13:40 "Appears to be more than just a 'limited' Kursk incursion"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz views the Ukrainian advance into Russia as "an operation having both spatial and temporal limitations." However, as observed by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald, there isn't sufficient evidence to support this viewpoint. "On the contrary," she explains in her current report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine.
13:20 Several Russian Military Aircraft Destroyed in Attacks on SawaslejkaMultiple Russian aircraft reportedly met their demise in Ukrainian assaults on the Sawaslejka airbase. Public broadcaster Suspilne shares this information, citing intelligence from the security service. According to this, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor, along with two Il-76 strategic airlifters, was destroyed on August 16, and around five planes, presumably MiG-31K/I, were damaged. In an attack on August 13, a fuel and lubricant depot was struck, and another MiG-31K/I was damaged.
13:06 Russian Intelligence Agency Investigates Foreign JournalistsThe Russian FSB domestic intelligence agency has launched criminal investigations against several foreign journalists due to reports produced in the Russian region of Kursk, where the Ukrainian army holds control over several settlements. Investigations have been initiated against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian female journalists for "illegally crossing the national border," the FSB explains. According to the agency, the journalists had filmed in the town of Sudscha, which is currently under Ukrainian control. The FSB announces that international arrest warrants will be issued soon. These journalists face up to five years in prison in Russia. Recent events saw the return of American journalist Evan Gershkovich to his homeland as part of a prisoner exchange, having been sentenced to 16 years in a labor camp for alleged espionage. More details can be found here.
12:34 Zelensky in border region: "Exchange resources" renewedUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the border region of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, from where Ukrainian forces pushed into Russian territory more than two weeks ago. He announced that another location in the Kursk region had been captured and that the "exchange resources" had been renewed, referring to the capture of Russian soldiers with a plan for a future exchange for Ukrainians held in Russian captivity. Zelensky emphasized that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and the number of civilian casualties there had decreased. He shared a video of himself with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who informed him about the reinforcement of troops in the east of Ukraine, where Russia is continuing its advance.
12:06 Suspected Russian Drones Spying on Key Infrastructure? Alleged Sightings in BrunsbüttelThere are reports of suspected Russian drones flying over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. The "Bild" newspaper reports multiple drones spotted flying at high speeds over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel. The Regional Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating potential espionage with sabotage intentions. Internally, police report that the no-fly zone over the nuclear power plant was violated repeatedly. An unidentified object, suspected to be a military drone, was detected. According to "Bild", the drones are allegedly related to Russian agents and may be launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
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11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Air Attacks Coming UpThe American Embassy in Kyiv warns of an increased risk of air attacks prior to Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday. In the coming days and over the weekend, there is an elevated threat that Russia will attack Ukraine with drones and missiles, the embassy states on its website. Ukraine celebrates its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, now two and a half years ago, the holiday has gained significance for Ukrainians. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly entered Russian territory in the Kursk border region. Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a provocation and promised a "proper response."
11:13 Military Base in Volgograd on FireA fire broke out at a military base in Marinovka, in the southern Russian region of Volgograd. Residents reported hearing explosions. Local authorities blame the fire on a Ukrainian drone attack. No casualties were reported.
10:41 Russia Now Focuses on Portable Shelters in KurskAccording to local authorities, portable concrete shelters are being set up 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 portable shelters," explained regional governor Alexei Smirnov on Telegram. Shelters are being constructed at busy locations, such as at 60 bus stops. Smirnov published a picture of a truck delivering one of the blocks. Shelters are also being set up in two other locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is located. Russia accuses Ukraine of planning to attack the facility, which Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Releases Images of Advance into KurskUkraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian forces on the front near the city of Pokrovsk, most of which were repelled. President Zelenskyy promises to strengthen troops in the area. The advance in the Kursk region continues.
09:42 Russia Reports Drones in Multiple RegionsThe Russian army claims to be repelling several Ukrainian air attacks in the west of the country, according to official statements. In the Volgograd region, Governor Andrei Bocharov announced via Telegram that "most drones were destroyed" near the village of Marinovka (see entry at 07:30). In the border region of Kursk, Governor Alexei Smirnov reported that "two Ukrainian rockets and one drone were destroyed by the Russian air defense." In the southern Rostov region, Governor Vasily Golubyev announced that an attack with five drones was "repelled." Drones were also reportedly destroyed in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons Against Targets in Russia: Kyiv Seeks US ApprovalUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is meeting in Kyiv with a bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives. According to the ministry in Kyiv, Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone are discussing the situation at the front and Washington's policy on the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets with Umerov. "I emphasized that we must urgently obtain approval from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," Umerov said. "It's about protecting our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Hamill and Snyder Push for Mine-Clearing Robots FundraiserAmerican actor Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is attempting to gather funds for mine-clearing robots to aid Ukraine. He's collaborating with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, aiming to collect $441,000 as part of the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can efficiently clear mines even in difficult-to-reach locations, maintaining a secure distance from the operators. As per Snyder, one of the worst atrocities Russia has committed in Ukraine is scattering millions of mines. "I've witnessed unoccupied zones near the front line where people risk their lives to help others return to their farms and homes. With these robots, mines can be eradicated, resulting in lives being saved," Snyder stated. The Ukraine is heavily contaminated with mines, and their removal might take several decades.
08:01 Kremlin Prepares for Russia Acceptance of "New Reality"The Ukrainian attack on Kursk presents a hurdle for Moscow's propaganda. A Kremlin-associated source informed independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "Regardless of the distance, the infiltration into Russian territory and control over villages is a new and discomforting occurrence." To alleviate the escalated unease, the Kremlin is striving to prepare the Russians for life in a "new reality" and "new normal." The message conveyed is: The adversary has intruded into Russian territory, although victory is imminent - but the return of the territory will require patience, and the Russians must wait. In the interim, residents are urged to transform the negativity and shock into a constructive outlet - specifically focusing on gathering aid supplies for the Kursk region. Most officials interviewed by Meduza believe that the battle in the Kursk region might continue for several months. A government-affiliated source states that this estimate is "fairly optimistic - should everything go well."
Additional information can be found here**
07:30 Volgograd Military Facility Suffers Fire, Attributed to Ukrainian DroneRussian officials have acknowledged a fire that broke out in a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced the incident on Telegram, mentioning that the drone had crashed into the facility. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Bocharov did not disclose which military facility was affected, but he did imply that the village of Marinovka was targeted, where Russia operates an airbase.
06:56 McMaster Highlights Putin's Influence on TrumpAccording to former US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian leader Vladimir Putin successfully manipulated former US President Donald Trump. This is revealed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by the "Guardian." "Putin, a formidable ex-KGB officer, played on Trump's ego and vulnerabilities with flattery," McMaster said. Putin referred to Trump as 'an extraordinary individual, talented, without a shadow of a doubt.' Putin had a captivating influence on Trump. McMaster, who served as Trump's security advisor for roughly a year, had warned Trump at the time: "Mr. President, he is the greatest liar in the world." He suggested that Putin was confident he could 'manipulate' Trump and achieve a relaxation of sanctions and a less expensive withdrawal of US forces from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of Fire on Russian Airbase in Volgograd
Reports of explosions surfaced during the night in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region. Various Russian Telegram channels suggested that these explosions were a result of a drone attack. A fire occurred at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers south-east of Moscow. The target was likely the airbase Marinovka in the village of Oktyabrsky, approximately 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing six to ten loud explosions accompanied by the characteristic sounds of drones, according to Telegram.
05:44 Germany Commits to New Ukraine Aid, if Needed
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has vowed additional support for Ukraine. If the planned billions from frozen Russian assets cannot be released for Ukraine, Germany will provide further funds, Klingbeil said in the podcast of deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. It must not reach a point where it's stated, "There's no more money for Ukraine." In that case, "we are, of course, responsible for finding funds within Germany," Klingbeil said. "We have a duty towards Ukraine. Solutions must be found, and we will find them."
04:27 Ukrainian Military Intelligence on Overnight Drone Strikes in Russia
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the targets of the overnight drone strikes in Russia. They were directed at the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communication center, according to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow to the military site "The War Zone". Around 50 drones were estimated to be involved. The extent of any damage is being evaluated currently. Russian authorities reported shooting down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
In the heated Russian border region of Kursk, Russia intends to provide bulletproof vests and helmets to election workers in advance of local elections. Moreover, additional polling stations will be established in various parts of the nation for individuals displaced from the area, as per Tatiana Malakhova, the head of the regional election commission, according to Russian media outlets. The area is presently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments have been scheduled in various regions of Russia from September 6 to 8.
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In the disagreement-filled Russian border region of Kursk, Russia intends to equip election workers with bulletproof vests and helmets for the upcoming local elections. Moreover, extra polling stations will be installed in various regions of the country for individuals displaced from the area, as per Tatiana Malakhova, the head of the regional election commission, according to Russian media outlets. The area is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments have been scheduled in numerous regions of Russia from September 6 to 8.
In the fiercely contested Russian border region of Kursk, Russia is preparing to outfit election workers with bulletproof vests and helmets ahead of the local elections. Furthermore, additional polling stations will be set up in various parts of the country for individuals who have fled the region, as per Tatiana Malakhova, the head of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The region is presently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments have been scheduled in various regions of Russia from September 6 to 8.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico alleges facing "opinion pressure" in Western democracies when it comes to foreign policy. He claims that those who deviate from the consensus on significant foreign policy issues are "arbitrarily put under pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. On the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico makes comparisons to what he views as existing "opinion pressure" in contemporary Europe. Fico is opposed to EU military aid for Ukraine and is facing accusations of being pro-Russian due to this stance.
Ukraine reports 46 Russian attacks in and around Pokrovsk, an eastern city, throughout the day. Of these, 44 were successfully repelled, according to the General Staff. Fighting is still ongoing at two other locations, as of 21:00 CET. The clashes resulted in the deaths or injuries of 238 Russian soldiers; no information on Ukrainian losses is provided. Russia has yet to comment on the situation.
Russia asserts it thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk border region, bordering Kursk. The Russian FSB security service and military units allegedly stopped the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group," according to Bryansk governor Alexander Bogomaz. The situation, he claims, is now under control.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes for the prompt allocation of the promised billions in aid from the West, including funds from frozen Russian state assets. While many political statements have been made by Ukraine's partners, more are expected, according to Zelensky. He believes that a real mechanism is required. Ukraine requires the proceeds from Russia's frozen assets to defend against Russian aggression. The G7 countries agreed on new financial aid for Kyiv during their June summit, with a substantial loan of $50 billion secured through interest earnings on frozen Russian assets.
Russian President Vladimir Putin commends the growing cooperation between Russia and China. "Our trade relations are flourishing (...). The attention that both governments pay to trade and economic relations is yielding results," Putin says during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "large-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin continues. Li praises the unprecedentedly high level of Chinese-Russian relations, according to the Kremlin.
The former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov, under corruption charges, will remain in custody. His request for house arrest and appeal against detention have been denied by the court in Moscow. Bulgakov, before his dismissal, was responsible for procuring materials for the Russian Armed Forces. The court in Moscow also ordered the detention of two alleged accomplices of Bulgakov and their company, which was granted nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. The estimated damage is around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros), according to intermediaries.
Ukraine is reinforcing its troops in the heavily contested Pokrovsk region in eastern Ukraine, as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He revealed in a televised address that they are aware of the Russian troops' plans in the area. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian advance in the Russian region of Kursk continues, according to Zelensky. He did not provide any further details.
Since the implementation of a decree in Hungary that denies general protection to Ukrainian refugees, many Ukrainians in Hungary face the risk of losing their accommodations. Private refugee shelters have already started evicting Ukrainians, according to Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees, under police supervision, had to leave a guest house. Most of them were Roma women and children from the west Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, which has a large Hungarian minority.
The Ukrainian military continues to make gains in their offensive against Russian forces in the Kursk region, further depleting the offensive capacity of the 20th Army. The Russian government has not yet confirmed this development.
In an unexpected move, Ukrainian military intelligence is rumored to have hacked several Russian TV stations, replacing their programming with a clip about the conflict in Ukraine during prime time.
