The Russian government appears to be readying Russians for a supposed "new situation"
Ukrainian Incursion Testing Moscow's Propaganda ShieldWhile the Ukrainian assault on Kursk appears geographically distant, a source connected to the Kremlin spoke with the autonomous Russian publication Meduza, stationed in Riga. This source acknowledged, "Even the breach into Russian territories and the seizure of control over villages is a new and quite displeasing event." To alleviate the rising concerns, the Kremlin aims to prepare the Russians for life in a "new reality" and "new normality." The message is clear: The enemy has indeed infiltrated Russian territories, is on the verge of defeat - but the recapture of these territories will take time, and the Russians must be patient. In the interim, the citizens are encouraged to "transform negativity and shock into a positive outlet" - specifically, by offering aid to the Kursk region. Based on conversations with Meduza, all officials are convinced that the conflict in Kursk could continue for several months. A government source even suggested this prediction is "remarkably optimistic - provided everything proceeds smoothly."
07:30 Volgograd Military Facility Engulfs in FlamesRussian authorities have acknowledged reports that a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd has been consumed by flames following a Ukrainian drone strike. Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov confirmed the drone had impacted the facility via Telegram, without specifying which facility was affected. Bocharov mentioned that Marinovka was targeted during the assault, a village which houses a Russian airbase.
06:56 McMaster: Putin Pulled Strings on TrumpIn the recently published book "Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World" by former U.S. National Security Advisor, General Herbert Raymond McMaster, it is revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin effectively manipulated former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to The Guardian, McMaster stated that Putin "successfully exploited" Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery. Putin referred to Trump as "an outstanding person, talented, unquestionably." McMaster, who served as Trump's national security advisor for approximately one year, claimed Putin held an almost-hypnotic influence over Trump. McMaster cautioned Trump, "Mr. President, he's the world's best liar." He surmised that Putin believed he could "manipulate" Trump and achieve a relaxation in sanctions and a low-cost withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Explosions Rock Russian Airport in VolgogradVarious Russian Telegram channels reported several explosions in the Russian city of Kalach on the Don in the Volgograd region overnight. These apparent drone strikes have ignited a fire at a nearby airport. The Volgograd region is located approximately 900 kilometers south of Moscow. The bombings likely targeted the Marinovka airbase in the Oktyabrsky village, about 20 kilometers from Kalach on the Don. Witnesses in the vicinity reported hearing between six and ten loud explosions, accompanied by drone-like noises, according to Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany Prepared to Provide Extra Support for Ukraine
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has vowed additional aid for Ukraine. If it proves impossible to distribute the intended billions from Russian assets, Germany will offer further financial assistance, Klingbeil stated in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. He emphasized, "We mustn't reached a point where it's said: 'There's no more money for Ukraine.' In this situation, 'we are naturally committed to seeking funding within Germany,' Klingbeil asserted. 'We hold a duty of care towards Ukraine. Solutions will be found, and we will find them.'
04:27 Ukraine Addresses Drone Attacks in Russia
The Ukrainian military intelligence agency HUR has commented on the targets of the drone attacks in Russia overnight. They were aimed at Moscow's Ostafyevo airport, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, according to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov, speaking with military news outlet "The War Zone." Budanov stated that approximately 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being evaluated. Russian authorities reported that 45 drones were shot down over Russian territories in the morning.
03:09 Kursk Regions Gears Up for Early Regional Elections
In the tense Russian border region of Kursk, Russia is planning to equip election workers with bulletproof vests and helmets for the early regional elections. Furthermore, additional polling stations will be established in other regions for displaced individuals, as stated by Tatiana Malachova, head of the regional election commission, to Russian news sources. The region is under a state of emergency, and elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled for numerous Russian regions from September 6 to 8. The central election commission in Moscow decided that residents of border regions could vote early, including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, has spoken out against what he sees as pressure from Western democracies on their opinions. He believes that those who deviate from consensus on major foreign policy issues are unfairly pressured and threatened with isolation, as stated in a release on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion. Fico equates this to the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by troops from the Warsaw Pact, with current opinion pressure in Europe. Fico is critical of the EU's aid to Ukraine's military and has been labeled pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine reports 46 Russian attacks near Pokrovsk in a day
Ukraine claims to have successfully fended off 44 out of 46 Russian attacks along the frontline near Pokrovsk, a city in the country's east, overnight. Fighting persists at the remaining two areas as of 9 PM CET. As per the General Staff, 238 Russian soldiers were either killed or wounded. There's been no report of Ukrainian casualties. Russia has yet to comment on the matter.
23:09 Russia: Ukrainian Incursion into Bryansk Foiled
Russia claims its intelligence agency FSB and military forces thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk region, which borders Kursk. According to Bryansk's governor, Alexander Bogomaz, on Telegram, the Ukrainian "reconnaissance-sabotage group" was stopped by Russian forces. The governor added that the enemy was subdued by gunfire, and the situation is now under control.
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine Awaits Promised Billion-Dollar Aid
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is hopeful for the swift disbursement of the billion-dollar aid pledged by the West. This aid, along with funds from frozen Russian assets, is essential to counter Russian aggression, Zelensky stated in his evening address. Although there are numerous political commitments from Ukraine's partners, a reliable mechanism for dispersing the funds is required, Zelensky noted.
21:52 Putin Praises Close Trade Ties with China
Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the strengthening partnership between Russia and China. Putin, speaking at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin, highlighted the success of the countries' trade relations and expressed optimism for future cooperation. Li reportedly said that Chinese-Russian relations are at an unprecedented high level. The strategic alliance between Russia and China has grown stronger since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with China serving as a crucial trading partner for Russia under Western sanctions.
21:20 Ex-Vice Defense Minister Remains in Custody
Russia has decided to keep former Vice Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov in custody on corruption charges. His petition for house arrest and appeal against detention were denied, according to Russian news agency TASS. Bulgakov, formerly responsible for procurement for the Russian armed forces, was dismissed for his alleged involvement in corruption. Two of his alleged accomplices were also ordered to remain in custody. According to reports, their company received nine contracts worth around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros) from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024.
21:00 Ukraine Reinforces Units in Pokrovsk
Ukraine is beefing up its forces in the contested Pokrovsk region in the eastern part of the country, as per President Volodymyr Zelensky. He revealed during a televised address that they are aware of the Russian troops' plans in the city. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian advance in the Russian region of Kursk is ongoing, Zelensky added, with some areas now under Ukrainian control. Zelensky did not provide further details.
20:41 After Decree: Many Ukrainians in Hungary Face Eviction from Refugee Shelters
In the wake of a decree in Hungary that denies general protection to Ukrainian refugees, many refugees there are now at risk of losing their accommodation. Private refugee shelters have already begun evicting Ukrainians, according to Migration Aid. In Kocs, a town north of Budapest, around 120 refugees, under police supervision, were forced to leave a guesthouse. Most of those affected were Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, home to a significant Hungarian minority.
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The European Union has expressed concern over Russia's actions in Ukraine, calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Despite this, the European Union's response to the ongoing crisis has been criticized by some as insufficient.
In light of the ongoing conflict in the Kursk region and the reported incursions into Russian territories, the European Union has urged Russia to respect international law and avoid any further escalation. The European Union has also pledged its support to Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid and advocating for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
