The Dutch Government Pledges 28 Tank Units to Kyiv
The Netherlands Plans to Dispatch 28 Amphibious Armored Vehicles to Ukraine
The Netherlands is set to dispatch 28 amphibious armored vehicles of the Viking Bandvagn S10 type to Ukraine. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed this on the X platform. According to Brekelmans, the Dutch Marine Corps has trained Ukrainian troops to operate these vehicles. The Viking Bandvagn S10, equipped with rubber tracks, weighs around 11 tons and can move on various surfaces, including water. "Ukraine urgently needs our assistance in its battle against the Russian aggressor. Our support for Ukraine remains instrumental in keeping Russia at bay," the minister wrote. He did not specify the delivery's timeline.
00:35 Former US General Slams Biden's Ukraine Policy as "Disastrous"
Former US General Ben Hodges criticized the Western policy of preventing Ukraine from launching attacks on Russia. Hodges argued during the Globsec Forum in Prague, as reported by the "Kyiv Independent," that the West has no "clear objective." The recent pressure increase by invading the Russian oblast of Kursk has not swayed the White House position, although some US politicians support Kyiv's demands. "This disastrous policy, which actually better protects Russian airfields than Ukrainian civilians, highlights the absence of a clear objective," Hodges said. According to the ex-US commander, the Biden administration fails in its "primary responsibility - achieving our goals."
23:25 Zelensky Pushes for Approval of Attacks on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is increasing pressure on his allies to approve strikes on Russia. "Clearing the Ukrainian sky of Russian cruise missiles is a significant step towards compelling Russia to seek an end to the war and a just peace," Zelensky said in his nightly address. "We require the authority to effectively safeguard Ukraine and the Ukrainians. This necessitates both approval for long-range capabilities and the provision of long-range ammunition and missiles." Without revealing specifics, he said his delegates had communicated all the necessary details to Ukraine's partners. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov informed US broadcaster CNN that partners had been shown that Russian airfields, from which Ukrainian cities are bombed, fall within the range of long-range weapons.
22:15 Estonia and Latvia Celebrate Russian Troop Withdrawal Anniversary 30 Years Ago
Estonia and Latvia celebrated the 30th anniversary of Russian troops withdrawing from their countries with commemorative events. Over half a century since Soviet Red Army occupation, the last Russian troops left the then-EU and NATO member states on August 31, 1994, during the night. Presidents Alar Karis (Estonia) and Edgars Rinkevics (Latvia) in Tallinn and Riga emphasized the symbolic, political, and legal significance of the events three decades prior. Without the troop withdrawal, neither genuine independence nor the path to EU and NATO membership in 2004 would have been feasible, they emphasized during meetings with individuals involved in withdrawal negotiations with Russia at the time. Currently, the Baltic states stand among Ukraine's most active defenders against Russia. Since the start of the conflict, concerns have arisen in the region of becoming Russia's next target.
21:03 Ukrainian Kickboxing World Champion Dies in Action
Ukrainian kickboxing world champion Roman Holovatiuk has fallen in action in Ukraine. The Committee for Youth and Sports of the Ukrainian Parliament confirmed this. Holovatiuk hailed from the western Ukrainian city of Kamjanez-Podilskyj. At the age of 22, he gained recognition with a medal at the World Games in Poland in 2017. Subsequently, he continued his successful career, becoming a Master of Sports in WAKO kickboxing. He was also a World Games finalist, world champion, multiple cup winner, and multiple Ukrainian champion. After the Russian invasion in February 2022, he chose to join the military voluntarily.
19:41 Regions 'Dealing with Challenges': Putin to Take Personal Control
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly personally managing all social issues in the "challenging" regions, according to the state news agency TASS, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Putin is said to engage in daily, and even hourly, phone conversations with regional leaders and department heads, in regions experiencing difficulties. "In these challenging regions, the president maintains control over all issues related to social welfare," Peskov said. This intense work, alongside constant military reports, takes place around the clock, every day, according to Peskov. Recently, Ukraine has captured numerous Russian towns, and Russian border areas are regularly assaulted from the air.
18:45 Air Force Chief Dismissal Unrelated to F-16 Crash: Umerov
The dismissal of Air Force Chief Mykola Oleschuk is not connected to this week's fatal F-16 fighter jet crash, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told CNN in an interview. Oleschuk's removal occurred a day following Ukrainian military confirmation of an F-16 combat aircraft crash while repelling a massive Russian drone and missile attack on August 26. "I would likely categorize it as a rotation," Umerov said. "These two issues are separate and should not be associated at this point in time."
18:06 Kyiv Reports Over 100 Battles along Eastern FrontGovernment forces in Kyiv clashed frequently with invading Russian troops throughout the day along the eastern border. The General Staff reported a staggering 109 armed conflicts happening across the region. The primary focus of the hostile actions remains around Pokrovsk, a town located near Donbass's edge. Russian soldiers attempted 23 attacks backed by artillery fire on Ukrainian defensive positions. The attempts were thwarted, it was reported. Additionally, Russian assaults were reported near Kuracheve, a village situated nearby.
17:28 Civilians Killed in Russian Airstrike, Charkiv RegionAs per Ukrainian sources, two individuals perished due to a Russian aerial raid in the Charkiv region. A residential building in the village of Cherkaska Losova was targeted by guided bombs, according to Regional Governor Oleh Sinehubov. Eight people sustained injuries as a result. Emergency services are presently on the scene. Just one week ago, a bomb blast in Charkiv's city center killed seven people and wounded dozens.
16:50 Washington Hesitates: No Americans for Ukraine’s Military Equipment MaintenanceThe Biden administration rejected a proposition to send American personnel to Ukraine to maintain western military gear, such as F-16 fighter jets, as revealed by "The Washington Post". Since the beginning of the war, the debate over dispatched American civilians to a war-torn nation to assist in the maintenance of western gear has been simmering. This topic has gained more intensity in recent times due to the arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine. The first six out of 80 F-16s landed in Ukraine at the end of July. American intelligence agencies voiced concerns about the prospect of Russia targeting American contractors in Ukraine, according to a U.S. official.
16:14 Kolesnikova's Plight: Belarusian Opposition Accuses Prison of 'Medieval Cruelty'The Belarusian opposition raised concerns regarding the health of jailed opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova. According to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the ousted Belarusian opposition leader, the information coming from Kolesnikova's fellow prisoners is alarming. Kolesnikova currently weighs only 45 kilograms, is reportedly starving, and faces inhumane conditions in solitary confinement. Tikhanovskaya accused the prison administration of committing "medieval cruelty" and "slowly murdering" Kolesnikova, a prominent government critic.
15:36 Arms Production: Ukrainian Officials Discuss Joint Production, Investments, and Enhanced Air Defense with Western PartnersA Ukrainian delegation headed by Economy Minister Julia Svyrydenko and Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, met with security advisors from the US, UK, France, and Germany in Washington. Topics during the meeting included collaborative weapon manufacturing, potential future investments in Ukraine's defense industry, and the importance of bolstering Ukraine's air defense and safeguarding its energy system. "Now is the time to intensify our efforts to aid Ukraine in achieving victory. It's essential to use this opportunity correctly," Yermak said.
14:56 Moscow's Deception: War Obfuscated by Parties and BlossomsThe war between Russia and Ukraine continues unabated on the frontlines, but the citizens of Moscow are largely oblivious to the drone attacks, flaming oil depots, and civilian casualties. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz demonstrates how Moscow conceals the conflict through every means possible.
14:25 Donbass Area: Five Civilians Killed in Russian Attack on Chasiv YarAt least five civilian victims were reported following a Russian assault on the city of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region's front lines, as per the Donetsk region's governor, Vadym Lyashko. The fatalities included males aged between 24 and 38. The attack occurred in the early hours, with shells striking a private house and a high-rise building.
13:53 Mourning the Victims: Kharkiv Residents and Families Grieve Following Russian AttackFollowing a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, relatives and onlookers are expressing their grief at the loss of lives. According to the Kharkiv region's Governor, Oleg Synegubov, the Friday evening raid resulted in seven fatalities and 97 injuries, including more than 20 minors. The youngest victim was identified as a ten-month-old boy. Among the deceased is said to be Ukrainian artist Veronika Kozhushko. Renowned Ukrainian artist Serhiy Zhadan commented on her passing on Facebook, writing, "The Russians continue to annihilate our future. There is no forgiveness."
13:28 Ukrainian Defense Minister: Departure of Air Force Commander's Post "Regrettable"In an interview with CNN, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Ummerov commented on the dismissal of the Air Force commander, stating, "Probably I would say it’s a rotation, but it's regrettable." He emphasized that the commander's departure and the ongoing investigation into the fighter jet loss were two separate issues. "I don't want to speculate," Ummerov said.
As reported by "European Pravda," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen spoke at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague, stating that Ukraine should emerge victorious in its conflict against Russia. She claimed, "It's a natural progression." There's no tolerable outcome for Ukraine losing. If Russia emerges victorious, not only will Ukraine be defeated, but so will Europe. Frederiksen highlighted that this view is widely shared across the European Union. "Europe has never been more unified than it is now (...). Occasionally, we engage in internal debates. (...) But it's 26 to 1," referencing the entirety of Europe against Russia, according to "European Pravda."
12:15 Russia Claims Control Over Kirove in Donetsk Region
Russian Defense Ministry sources in Moscow declared that Russian forces had seized the village of Kirove in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Russian troops have been advancing at a steady pace on the frontline in the east for some time. Donetsk, along with Luhansk, forms the industrially significant Donbass. The two regions, together with Zaporizhzhia and Kherson further south in Ukraine, were allegedly annexed by Russia in September 2022, despite Russian troops not possessing complete control over these territories. Ukraine aims to reclaim all territories, including the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed in 2014 and lies south of Kherson.
11:45 Russia Reports Ukrainian Attacks on Belgorod
Russian reports suggest Ukrainian bombardments on the Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, resulting in casualties. The governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, announced this information on his Telegram channel. A evening aerial assault on the city of Belgorod led to three fatalities and over 30 injuries, including three children. More than a dozen residential buildings and 47 vehicles reportedly suffered damage.
11:10 Expert Triebel: Russia Tries to Influence Moldovan Elections
Moldova is scheduled to hold presidential elections on October 20, along with a referendum intending to enshrine EU membership in the constitution. This is meant to hinder future governments from wavering on the EU process. Russia is attempting to interfere in the elections through misinformation and fake news, according to Brigitta Triebel, head of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung office in Chisinau. "Moldovans are being told: If you don't want to get embroiled in a war like Ukraine, vote for pro-Russian parties," she said, emphasizing the exploitation of individuals' fears.
10:49 Ukraine: 24 of 52 Russian Drones Intercepted
The Ukrainian air force claims to have repelled 24 Russian drones. Altogether, Russian forces dispatched 52 drones at Ukrainian targets throughout the night from Friday to Saturday, impacting eight regions across Ukraine, the air force stated on Telegram. 25 drones of the Iranian Shahed type crashed on their own, while three more veered towards Russia and Belarus. No reports of casualties or significant damage have surfaced. The Russian attack's target included Kyiv, where this was the fourth drone assault this week. All drones targeting Kyiv were successfully intercepted.
10:16 Russian Military Bloggers: Ukrainian Forces Destroy Bridge in Kursk
Russian military bloggers distributed videos on their Telegram channels of an alleged Ukrainian strike on a convoy of Russian military equipment at the entrance to the village of Swannoje in the Kursk region. Russian news outlet Radio Free Europe (RFE/RL) also shared the video on Telegram. The video is said to depict the destruction of military vehicles and a crumbled floating bridge over the Seym River in Kursk.
09:34 Russian Authorities Report Ukrainian Attack on Shebekino
Authorities in the city of Shebekino in the Russian region of Belgorod reported Ukrainian shelling. One woman was injured on Saturday. Shebekino is situated near the Ukrainian border.
09:00 Ukraine Publishes Figures on Russian Losses
The Ukrainian General Staff revealed new loss figures for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to their data, Russia has suffered around 614,950 casualties since February 24, 2022, including 1,360 in the prior 24 hours. During this period, eight tanks, 42 artillery systems, and 18 drones were reportedly destroyed. Since the initiation of the large-scale invasion, Russia has reportedly lost 8,582 tanks, 17,614 artillery systems, 368 aircraft, 328 helicopters, 14,471 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, according to Ukraine. Western estimates put the loss figures lower - though these are likely to be underestimates.
08:35 Russia: Video Allegedly Shows Ukrainian Attack on Russian Belgorod
According to local authorities, a Ukrainian attack late Friday night in the southwestern Russian city of Belgorod led to five fatalities (see entry 23:19). 46 individuals were injured, with 37 hospitalized, including seven children, according to Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region. A video circulating on social media purportedly captured from a vehicle's dashboard, shows another vehicle exploding during its journey. Seconds later, an explosion is visible across the street. The authenticity and veracity of such footage and reports of combat cannot be independently verified.
07:48 Media Statement: At Least 66,000 Russian Troops Lose Lives in UkraineAt least 66,471 Russian military personnel have reportedly perished in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as suggested by an independent Russian media outlet named Mediazona. In conjunction with BBC News Russian, Mediazona has amassed the identities of these fallen soldiers through rigorous open-source investigation. Journalists stress that the figure only includes those whose names have been publicly revealed through open sources, and the actual casualties could potentially be far higher. The Ukrainian General Staff claims over 600,000 Russian troops have met their end, with Western sources corroborating these figures.
07:15 Ukraine: Casualty Count Climbs to 7 Following Russian Assault on KharkivSeven individuals, including over 20 minors, were killed and 97 were wounded, including numerous minors, due to a Russian military operation on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Detailed information about this occurrence on Friday originates from Oleg Synegubov, the regional governor of Kharkiv. The Russian attack included the use of a UMPB D-30 SM-Lenkluftbombe, resulting in a fire that persisted into the early hours of Saturday.
06:27 ISW: Russian Approval Ratings Plummet to Historic LowThe Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported a surge in Russian populace dissatisfaction towards their government and President Vladimir Putin in its latest issue. Following Ukraine's incursion into the Russian oblast of Kursk, a survey conducted by the Russian state-owned Public Opinion Foundation revealed that 28% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction or strong displeasure with the Russian authorities' actions. In the final week of August, Putin's approval rating plummeted by 3.5%, reaching a new all-time low of 73.6% since the initiation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to data from the Russian Center for Public Opinion Research (VCIOM). ISW speculates that these surveys illustrate the Kremlin recognizing a significant rise in public discontent since the commencement of Ukraine's invasion of Kursk.
05:40 Venezuela Handover: Two Colombians Detained for Serving in UkraineRussian security service FSB has announced the detention of two Colombian nationals who served in Ukraine's military forces, according to their statement. The apprehensions took place in Venezuela upon the deportation of the accused individuals, Alexander Ante and Jose Aron Medina, after their arrest at Caracas airport during a layover while returning to Colombia. Spanish media reported that they enlisted in Ukraine's International Legion during the summer of 2023. The FSB presently possesses evidence confirming their involvement in the conflict and Ukrainian military attire upon their capture at the Caracas airport in mid-July.
04:47 Czech President: Russian Advance Unrelated to Ukraine's Operation in KurskCzech President Petr Pavel asserts that the progression of Russian forces at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region is not linked to Ukraine's operation in the Russian oblast of Kursk. "In my opinion, there is no direct connection between the swift Russian advance on the Pokrovsk frontline and the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk territory," said Pavel during an interview with Radio Liberty. He highlighted the Russian government's continued ambition to gain control over all four oblasts—Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Kherson—which they perceive as their own territories, adding that they aim to achieve their objectives in favorable weather conditions.
03:47 Stoltenberg: Ukraine's Curbside Operation on Kursk Considered "Legitimate"NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has characterized Ukraine's military intervention in the Russian oblast of Kursk as legitimate. "Ukraine is entitled to defend itself, and its right to do so does not recognize any territorial boundaries," Stoltenberg expressed during a conversation with Welt am Sonntag. He dismissed Russian allegations that the West had prior knowledge of the invasion, affirming that Ukraine did not divulge its strategy for Kursk to NATO, and NATO played no role in such planning.
02:48 Ukraine Accuses Russia of Systematic Use of Chemical WeaponsSince Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukraine has reported over 4,000 instances of chemical weapon usage on the battlefield, with more than 3,100 incidents occurring since December 2023. The figures indicate a dramatic escalation in the use of illicit chemical weapons when compared to close to 600 incidents in January. Ukrainian databases illustrate that the highest number of reported cases occurred in May 2024, with a record-breaking 715 incidents. Subsequently, the number of reported incidents decreased during the summer months. No new data is currently available for August.
01:49 ICC Calls for Putin's Arrest During Mongolia VisitAn official spokesperson for the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fadi el-Abdallah, has indicated that Russia, as an ICC member state that has ratified the Rome Statute, is obligated to pursue the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin during his scheduled visit to Mongolia on September 3. Putin's visit to an ICC member country—Mongolia—that has ratified the Rome Statute places them under a legal obligation to effectuate the arrest warrant issued against Putin in March 2023 over allegations of forced deportations of children from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.
00:33 Virtual Chat with Biden: von der Leyen Recalls Conflict Day EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the importance of robust transatlantic ties, regardless of the US presidential election results in November. She was honored with the Czech and Slovak Transatlantic Award (CSTA) at the Globsec security conference in Prague. In her speech, she reminisces about a video conversation with US President Joe Biden on the day Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022. "We swiftly concurred on our approach towards Putin's war," says von der Leyen. For the second time, Europe and America stood united, defending the right side of history.
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23:19 Belgorod Attack: At Least Five Fatalities At least five individuals have lost their lives in Ukrainian attacks on Russia's Belgorod border region, as per Russian sources. A woman and four men died instantly due to their injuries, as reported by regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. An additional 37 individuals were injured. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched cluster munitions onto Belgorod city and the surrounding region using multiple rocket launchers, Gladkov adds.
22:01 Ukraine's AI and Missile Ambitions Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov discussed Ukraine's plans to work with weapons manufacturers on developing AI for drone swarms and "affordable missiles" to combat Russian kamikaze drones at the Globsec Forum in Prague. Throughout the Russian invasion, both Ukraine and Russia have prioritized drone technology to transform modern warfare. Fedorov highlights challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers, such as Russian equipment and infantry, ammunition shortages, kamikaze drones, and reconnaissance drones. In response, Ukrainian armed forces are using low-cost first-person-view drones (FPV), reconnaissance drones, small air defense systems, and domestically produced long-range drones to target Russian forces, as per Fedorov. "What challenges require our collective efforts now? How can we invent an effective laser guidance system, develop AI for drone swarms, produce Ukrainian HIMARS, and create affordable Ukrainian missiles to obliterate Shaheds?" asks Fedorov.
21:32 Ukraine Secures Essential Artillery Shells Ukraine receives its first shipment of urgently required 155-mm howitzer ammunition from the U.S.-European coalition, as announced by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky in Brussels. This ammunition will significantly bolster firepower on the front lines. "The Czech ammunition initiative is making good on its promise, and by the end of the year, we will deliver half a million large-caliber projectiles. Around 100,000 pieces were delivered in each of the summer months of July and August," says Lipavsky.
*You can catch up on previous developments here.)
The Ukrainian conflict continues to be a topic of international concern, with various nations offering support to Ukraine against Russian aggression. In light of this, here are two sentences that contain the phrase ['The Ukrainian conflict'] and follow from the provided text:
The Netherlands' decision to dispatch 28 amphibious armored vehicles to Ukraine is a testament to its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its battle against Russia during The Ukrainian conflict.
Former US General Ben Hodges' criticism of the Western policy towards Ukraine is a reflection of concerns over the effectiveness of this approach in The Ukrainian conflict.
