Tusk suggests India as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict.
13:40 "At the moment, it doesn't appear to be a 'restricted' Kursk incursion as per Scholz's statement"Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz sees the Ukrainian advance into Russian territory as a spatially and temporally limited operation. However, according to the observations of ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald in Sumy, eastern Ukraine, there's currently no evidence to support this claim. Instead, Kriewald points out that the situation seems to be escalating.
13:20 Russian aircraft apparently destroyed during attacks on SawaslejkaReports suggest several Russian aircraft were destroyed during Ukrainian attacks on the airbase Sawaslejka. Suspilne, the Ukrainian public broadcaster, reports this information, which was obtained from the security service. The incident reportedly occurred on August 16, with a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters being destroyed. On August 13, a fuel and lubricant depot was hit, causing damage to another MiG-31K/I. Around five more aircraft, believed to be MiG-31K/I, were also reportedly damaged.
13:06 Russian intelligence agency investigates foreign journalists in Kursk regionThe Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has initiated criminal proceedings against several foreign journalists due to reports about the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces control several settlements. According to the FSB, legal proceedings have been initiated against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists for allegedly crossing the state border illegally. Filming in the town of Sudcha, under Ukrainian control, is believed to have triggered the investigation. The FSB has announced it will shortly issue international arrest warrants. The journalists could face up to five years in prison if found guilty in Russia. Notably, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was recently released from a Russian labor camp as part of a prisoner exchange after being sentenced to 16 years for alleged espionage.
12:34 Zelenskyy in border region: "Exchange fund" replenishedUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the border region of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops have advanced into Russian territory over two weeks ago. He announced the capture of another location in the Kursk region and the replenishment of the "exchange fund," referring to the exchange of Russian prisoners for Ukrainian captives. Zelenskyy emphasized that the frequency and number of civilian casualties in Sumy have decreased after the Kursk offensive. He shares a video of himself with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who discusses troop reinforcements in the eastern part of Ukraine, where Russia is pushing further.
12:06 Suspected Russian drone activity over critical Schleswig-Holstein infrastructureAlleged Russian drones have reportedly been spotted over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. The "Bild" newspaper reports that drones have continued to fly at high speeds over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating the case, suspecting espionage with the aim of sabotage. The police record multiple violations of the flight ban zone over the nuclear power plant. The drones are rumored to be Russian agents, potentially launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. For more details, click here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv issues warning of imminent air attacksThe American Embassy in Kyiv has issued a warning of an increased risk of air attacks before Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24. The embassy indicates that Russia might conduct drone and missile attacks in the coming days and over the weekend. Ukraine commemorates its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union during this celebration. Russia has denounced the unprovoked advance of Ukrainian troops into the border region of Kursk as a provocation, threatening an appropriate response.
11:13 Military airbase in Volgograd ablazeA fire has occurred at a military support point in Marinovka, a town in the southwestern Russian region of Volgograd. Residents report hearing explosions. Authorities accuse Ukraine of causing the fire using a drone attack. No casualties have been reported.
10:41 Russia now constructing bunkers in Kursk region in response to Ukraine threatsAccording to local authorities, prefabricated concrete shelters are being erected across the Russian border region of Kursk for the population. Regional governor Alexei Smirnov explains that local authorities have designated central locations for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers. Bunkers are being constructed at bus stops and other strategic spots, including Kursk, where a Russian nuclear power plant is located. Russia alleges that Ukraine intends to attack the facility and denies the claim.
09:42 Multiple Regions in Russia Under Drone AttackThe Russian army is reportedly defending against multiple aerial assaults by Ukraine in the western part of the country. As per the governor of Volgograd region, Andrei Bocharov, most drones were destroyed near the village of Marinovka. In the border region of Kursk, governor Alexei Smirnov reports that two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were intercepted by Russian air defense. In the southern region of Rostov, governor Vasily Golubev states that an attack with five drones was repelled. Drones are also said to have been destroyed in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 US House Delegation Discusses Long-Range Weapons Use Against Russian Targets with Ukrainian Defense MinisterUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is discussing with a bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. According to the ministry, Republican representative Rob Wittman and Democratic representative David Trone are discussing the situation on the front lines and Washington's policy on the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. Umerov mentioned, "I emphasized that we need to secure immediate approval from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia. It's about safeguarding our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Campaign Launched to Provide Mine-Clearing Robots to UkraineAmerican actor Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," is raising funds for mine-clearing robots for Ukraine. In collaboration with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, they are aiming to raise $441,000 through their "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots can clear mines even in challenging areas, allowing operators to stay safe at a distance. As per Snyder, "One of the worst crimes Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines." He further stated that in unoccupied areas near the front lines, people have to take risks in order to help others return to their farms and homes. These robots would enable mines to be cleared and save lives. The Ukraine is heavily mined, and its clearing could take decades.
08:01 Russians Prepared for "New Reality" due to Ukrainian Attack on KurskThe Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a challenge for Moscow's propaganda. A Kremlin-linked source told an independent Russian portal, Meduza, based in Riga, "But even the penetration into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and very unpleasant event." To soothe the growing anxiety among Russians, the Kremlin is trying to prepare them for a "new reality" and a "new normality." The message is: The enemy has indeed entered Russian territory, it is on the verge of defeat - but the return of the territory will take time, and the Russians must wait. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to "turn the negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by contributing aid supplies for the Kursk region. Most officials interviewed by Meduza believe that the fighting in the Kursk region could last several months. A government-linked source specifies that this estimate is "quite optimistic - if everything goes well."
07:30 Russian Military Facility in Volgograd Suffers Fire Due to Ukrainian Drone AttackRussian authorities have confirmed that a military facility in the southern region of Volgograd was set on fire following a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced on Telegram that the drone had crashed into the facility. There were no casualties. Bocharov did not specify which military facility was affected. However, he stated that the village of Marinovka was targeted during the attack, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Former US Security Advisor: Putin Manipulated TrumpAccording to former US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian leader Vladimir Putin successfully manipulated then-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 ruthless former KGB man, played on Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster reportedly said. Putin called Trump 'a truly outstanding person, talented, beyond any doubt.' Putin had a near-hypnotic influence on Trump, according to McMaster, who worked as Trump's security advisor for about a year. McMaster had reportedly warned Trump: "Mr. President, he is the best liar in the world." He suggested that Putin was confident he could "play" with Trump and achieve a relaxation of sanctions and a cheap withdrawal of US forces from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reported Fire at Russian Airbase in Volgograd
Explosions were reportedly heard in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region overnight. Various Russian Telegram channels suggest these were due to a drone strike. A fire is said to have occurred at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The target was likely the Marinovka airbase in the village of Oktyabrsky, about 20 kilometers from Kalach-on-Don. Witnesses in the area reported hearing six to ten loud explosions accompanied by the distinctive sounds of drones, Telegram reports further.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has vowed additional backing for Ukraine. In the event that it's impracticable to distribute the planned billions from confiscated Russian funds towards Ukraine, Germany will offer extra funds, Klingbeil mentioned in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We shouldn't reach a point where we comment: 'There's no more coin for Ukraine.' In that scenario, we're of course required to seek sources of money in Germany," Klingbeil warned. "We hold accountability towards Ukraine. We must find solutions, and we will."
04:27 Ukraine Discusses Targets of Nighttime Drone Attacks
Ukraine's military intelligence agency HUR has spoken about the objectives of the overnight drone strikes in Russia. They were targeted at Moscow airport Ostafyevo, Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow revealed to military news site "The War Zone." Around 50 drones were utilized. Current assessment of any damage is ongoing. Russian authorities claimed downing 45 drones over Russian territory the following day.
03:09 Safety Measures for Kursk Elections
For the early regional polls in the disputed Russian border area of Kursk, Russia plans to outfit poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets. Additionally, extra polling stations will be established in different regions of the nation for individuals who have escaped the region, alleged Tatiana Malakhova, head of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The region is officially under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments will be held in numerous Russian regions from September 6 to 8.
01:34 Fico Feels "Opinion Pressure" in Foreign PolicySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico laments perceived "opinion pressure" in Western democracies. He contends that those who diverge from consensus on significant foreign policy matters are "randomly subjected to pressure and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. In a statement for the 1968 Moscow invasion's anniversary, Fico compares the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" by Warsaw Pact troops to what he views as existing opinion pressure in today's Europe. Fico disagrees with EU military aid for Ukraine and faces allegations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Assaults Near Pokrovsk in One DayUkraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the frontline near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine over the course of a day. From these, 44 were repelled, the General Staff reports. As of 21:00 CET, armed conflict continues at the other two sections. Here, 238 Russian soldiers were killed or injured in the skirmishes. No data is given on Ukrainian losses. Russia has yet to comment.
23:09 Russia Accuses Ukraine of Incursion into BryanskRussia claims to have repelled an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, which borders Kursk. The incursion by the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was thwarted by Russian intelligence service FSB forces and military units, according to Bryansk governor Alexander Bogomaz in a Telegram post. "Enemy was targeted with fire," it further adds. The situation is currently "under control."
22:15 Zelensky Cites Anticipation for Promised Billions in AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hope for the speedy disbursement of the billions in help promised by the West, which will be partially funded by the revenue from confiscated Russian state assets. While numerous political statements have been made by Ukraine's allies, Zelensky says in his nightly video address that "we need a functional mechanism." Ukraine calls for the proceeds from Russian assets to safeguard against Russian aggression. "The relevant negotiations have been dragging on too long, and we now require choices," Zelensky further stresses. The G7 nations agreed at their June summit to offer new financial aid to Kyiv, with a generous loan of $50 billion to be secured by interest payments from seized Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Pays Tribute to Strategic Ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin highlights the strengthening relationships with China. "Our trade relations are thriving (...). Both governments place priority on trade and economic ties, which is yielding positive results," Putin says at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "ongoing large-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian fields," Putin continues. Li praises Chinese-Russian relations, noting that they are at an "unprecedented high level." The strategic partnership between Russia and China has deepened since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a significant trading partner amid Western sanctions.
21:20 Bulgakov's Bail Request RejectedFormer Russian deputy defense minister Dmitri Bulgakov will continue to be detained following his request for house arrest under strict conditions and his appeal against his incarceration being denied. The Moscow court also ruled in favor of the detention of two alleged accomplices of Bulgakov. Their company was granted nine contracts by Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, resulting in damages of approximately 50 million rubles (500,000 euros) according to intermediaries, the state news agency TASS reports.
21:00 Ukraine Strengthens Presence in PokrovskAs per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's declaration, Ukraine is fortifying its military personnel in the contentious Pokrovsk region, situated in the country's eastern part. Zelensky mentioned in a televised speech that they are well-aware of the Russian troops' strategies in the area. Furthermore, Zelensky asserted that Ukrainian forces are still pushing forward in the Russian territory of Kursk, with certain regions falling under Ukrainian control, although he didn't disclose additional details.
20:41 Post Decree: Numerous Ukrainians in Hungary Need to Depart from Refugee SheltersFollowing the execution of a decree in Hungary which revokes general protection for Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians in Hungary are at risk of losing their refugee shelters. As reported by the organization Migration Aid, private refugee shelters have already commenced evicting Ukrainians. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, predominantly Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, where there is a significant Hungarian minority, were forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision.
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The European Union could potentially impose sanctions on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine, as Russia's incursion into Ukrainian territory has raised concerns among its international allies.
With the situation in the Kursk region continuing to escalate, the European Union might consider further measures to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
