Ukraine dismisses alleged nuclear assault claim: Russia has potential to initiate "nuclear provocation" independently
15:46 EU's Gas Storage Reaches 90% Cap, Two Moons Ahead of Schedule
The European Union's gas storage facilities have reached a 90% capacity, smashing the target date of November 1 by two months. The EU Commission celebrates the EU's preparedness for the upcoming winter. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the 27 member states agreed in summer 2022 to fill their gas storage facilities to an average of 90% by November 1. According to data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, some variations exist among countries: Spain leads with 100%, while Latvia barely clocks in at around 69%. Germany's storage currently hovers at 93.6%. The EU aims to minimize its reliance on Russian natural gas, opting to import more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and gas from Norway instead.
15:21 Putin Claims Ukraine Tried to Strike Russian Nuclear Plant
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of attempting to target the nuclear power plant in Kursk. "The enemy made an attempt to attack the nuclear facility last night," Putin declares, failing to present any proof. "We've informed the International Atomic Energy Agency," Putin adds during a televised cabinet meeting. Earlier, the IAEA had voiced concerns about the potential effects of hostilities on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise extreme caution." Check out more here.
14:50 IAEA Head to Visit Kursk Nuclear Plant Next Week
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, intends to visit the Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk next week. An IAEA spokesperson confirmed the visit is planned for "the coming week." In early August, the Ukrainian military launched a surprise attack on the Russian region of Kursk. Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, then warned of the threat posed by Ukrainian attacks to the nuclear power plant, located roughly 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:21 Russia: 115k People Evacuated from Threatened Border Areas
Russia has evacuated 115,000 people from endangered regions along the Ukrainian border, as per Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov. He shared this information during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and senior officials. The damage inflicted on agriculture and industry from the Ukrainian offensive is now being assessed, Manturov revealed. Putin opened the meeting by stating, "I've called this session to discuss the current situation in Russia's border regions."
14:00 Tusk: India Might Mediate in Ukraine Conflict
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk views Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict in a positive light. "I'm delighted that Premier Modi has expressed his readiness to personally work towards a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution to the conflict," Tusk says in Warsaw following meetings with Modi. Modi's offer to mediate is particularly significant, Tusk notes, since Modi will visit Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India has maintained neutrality in Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has refrained from imposing Western sanctions on Moscow. Read further.
13:40 "At this point, does not appear to be a 'limited' Kursk intrusion"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes the Ukrainian advance into Russia is "a spatially and temporally limited operation." However, according to ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald, there isn't much to suggest this is true at the moment. "Conversely," she notes in her latest report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine.
13:20 Multiple Russian Military Aircraft Reportedly Destroyed in Assaults on Savasleyka
Several Russian military aircraft were reportedly destroyed in Ukrainian attacks on the airbase Savasleyka. The Ukrainian state broadcaster, Suspilne, reports this, citing intelligence sources. According to these sources, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were destroyed on August 16, and about five aircraft (likely MiG-31K/I) were damaged. In an attack on August 13, a fuel and lubricant depot was hit, and another MiG-31K/I was damaged.
13:06 Russian Intelligence Investigates CNN Journalists
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has initiated criminal investigations against several foreign journalists, including a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists, for covering events in the region controlled by Ukrainian forces in Kursk. The FSB alleges the journalists illegally crossed the border to film in the Ukrainian-controlled town of Sochi. The FSB is set to issue international arrest warrants, and the journalists may face up to five years in Russian prison. Recently, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was released from Russian custody in a prisoner exchange after being sentenced to 16 years in a labor camp on espionage charges. Read more here.
12:34 Zelenskyy in Border Region: "Exchange Fund" Restocked
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the border region of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops have advanced into Russia over two weeks. He announced that another town had been seized in the Kursk region and that the "exchange fund" was replenished. In Zelenskyy's words, this refers to the capture of Russian soldiers, with future prisoner swaps with Russian forces held by Ukraine in mind. Zelenskyy claimed that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and civilian casualties there have decreased. He published a video featuring him with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who filled him in on reinforcements in eastern Ukraine, where Russia continues its advance.
12:06 Potential Surveillance of Critical Structures? Report of Suspected Russian Drones in BrunsbüttelReports suggest Russian drones have been repeatedly spotted flying over Brunsbüttel, which houses the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. As per "Bild" newspaper, these drones have been flying at high speeds over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating due to suspected espionage, potentially with intentions of sabotage. Internally, the police state that the flight ban zone was repeatedly violated. An unidentified object, allegedly a military drone, was detected. According to "Bild", these drones may be linked to Russian agents and could be launched from civilian ships in the North Sea. Learn more about this here.
11:40 Alert Issued by US Embassy in Kyiv for Upcoming AttacksThe US Embassy in Kyiv has issued an alert due to an increased risk of air attacks ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24. In the days leading up to the celebration, there's an increased threat of drone and missile attacks from Russia, as stated on the embassy's website. The independence day holds significant importance for Ukrainians since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, exactly two and a half years ago. On a recent occasion, Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly entered Russian territory in the border region of Kursk. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled it a provocation and threatened retaliation.
11:13 Fire Breaks Out at Russian Military Base in VolgogradReports indicate a fire at a military base near Marinovka in Volgograd's southern region. Residents have reported explosions. Authorities claim the fire was caused by a Ukrainian drone attack. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported.
10:41 Preparations for Shelters in Russian Border Region of KurskAccording to local authorities, prefabricated concrete shelters are being installed for the population in the Russian border region of Kursk. As explained by regional governor Alexei Smirnov on Telegram, "Central locations have been designated for the installation of modular prefabricated bunkers," on Smirnov's instructions. Bunkers are being installed at bustling locations such as bus stops. Smirnov shares a photo of a truck delivering one of these blocks. Bunkers are also being installed in two other locations, including the location of Kursk's nuclear power plant, which Russia accuses Ukraine of planning to attack. Ukraine denies these claims.
10:10 Ukrainian Advance Continues in Kursk RegionUkraine reports over 40 attacks by Russian troops near the city of Pokrovsk, most of which were repelled. President Zelensky vows to strengthen troops in the area. The offensive in the Kursk region also persists.
09:42 Russian Military Fends Off Air Strikes in Multiple RegionsRussia is reportedly countering multiple Ukrainian air strikes, according to government sources. As detailed by Volgograd Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov on Telegram, "Most drones were destroyed near Marinovka (see entry at 07:30)" and in the border region of Kursk, "two Ukrainian missiles and one drone were destroyed by Russian air defense." In the southern region of Rostov, "An attack with five drones was repelled," and drones were also reportedly destroyed in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Request for Approval for Long-Range Weapons Against Russian Targets in KyivUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives in Kyiv. The discussions focused on the frontline situation and Washington's approach to employing long-range weapons against Russian targets. Umerov expressed his urge for immediate authorization to fully utilize long-range weapons for the protection of Ukrainian peaceful cities and villages.
08:36 Star Wars Actor Launches Campaign for Mine-Clearing Robots in UkraineRenowned US actor Mark Hamill, famed for his character Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars," has initiated a fundraising campaign for mine-clearing robots to aid Ukraine. In association with Eastern Europe expert Timothy Snyder, they aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. These robots are designed to deactivate mines in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring the safety of operators. Snyder emphasized, "One of the gravest crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines." Mine clearance could take decades without these advanced robots.
08:01 Russia might be preparing people for a "changed situation"The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a problem for Moscow's propaganda. Even though the areas are distant, a Kremlin-connected source told the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "But even the intrusion into Russian territory and control over villages is a new and rather unfortunate event." To ease the increased unease, the Kremlin is trying to prepare Russians for living in a "new reality" and a "new norm." The message is: The enemy has indeed entered Russian territory, they are close to defeat - but returning the territory will take time, and the Russians must be patient. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to "change the negativity and shock into something positive" - such as collecting aid goods for the Kursk region. Officials interviewed by Meduza believe the fighting in the Kursk region could last several months. A government-linked source adds that this estimate is "very optimistic - if everything goes well."
07:30 Fire reported in a military facility in VolgogradRussian authorities confirm reports that a military facility in the southern Russian region of Volgograd has caught fire after a Ukrainian drone attack. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov announced on Telegram that the drone struck the facility. There were no casualties. Bocharov did not specify which military facility was affected. However, he reported that the village of Marinovka was targeted in the attack, where Russia maintains an airbase.
06:56 Putin allegedly controlled Trump with flatteryAccording to former US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian leader Vladimir Putin manipulated then-US President Donald Trump with flattery. This information is found 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 is quoted as saying. Putin called Trump 'an extraordinary person, talented, beyond any doubt.' He had a strong influence on Trump. McMaster, who served as Trump's national security advisor for about a year, had warned Trump at the time: "Mr. President, he is the best liar in the world." He suspected that Putin was confident he could "manipulate" Trump and achieve easing of sanctions and cheap US withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Reports of an airbase fire in VolgogradExplosions were reportedly heard in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region overnight, allegedly due to a drone strike, according to various Russian Telegram channels. 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.
05:44 Germany may offer additional Ukraine aid if necessarySPD leader Lars Klingbeil has promised further support to Ukraine. If it proves impossible to make the planned billions in frozen Russian assets available to Ukraine, Germany will provide additional funds, he said in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We must not arrive at the point where we say, 'There's no more money for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil said. "In that case, we are of course obligated to find funds in Germany. We have a duty towards Ukraine. Solutions must be found, and we will find them."
04:27 Ukraine comments on drone strikes in RussiaThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the drone strike targets in Russia overnight. They were aimed at the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow told the military news site "The War Zone". Around 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being assessed. Russian authorities reported shooting down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
03:09 Kursk poll workers to receive body armor for electionsIn the disputed Russian border region of Kursk, Russia plans to outfit poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets for the early regional elections. Additionally, extra polling stations will be set up in other regions of the country for people who have fled the area, said Tatyana Malakhova, chairwoman of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The region is under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled in numerous regions of Russia from September 6 to 8.
01:34 Fico feels pressured by opinions in foreign policySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expresses feelings of oppression by opinion in Western democracies. He says that anyone who deviates from the consensus on important foreign policy questions is "arbitrarily subjected to pressure and threats of isolation" by Western democracies. In a statement released on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico compares the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to the existing opinion pressure in today's Europe. Fico is opposed to EU arms aid for Ukraine and has faced accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine reports 46 Russian assaults around Pokrovsk within a day Ukraine reports 46 Russian assaults taking place along the border near Pokrovsk, a city located in the eastern part of the country, during the day. Out of these, 44 were fairly handled, as reported by the General Staff. As of 9 pm CET, conflicts are still ongoing at two other sections. In total, 238 Russian soldiers reportedly suffered injuries or casualties in these clashes. No information regarding Ukrainian casualties is disclosed. Russia has yet to comment on the matter.
23:09 Russia: Ukrainian intrusion into Bryansk prevented The Russian government claims to have effectively thwarted an infiltration attempt by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Bryansk border region, which shares a border with Kursk. The alleged infiltration of the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was successfully confronted, according to Governor Alexander Bogomaz of Bryansk, who mentions that the "enemy was hit by fire." The situation, fortunately, has been brought under control.
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine anticipates delivery of promised billions in aid Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses his hopes to receive the greatly anticipated billions in aid promised by international allies. A portion of this financial assistance will be derived from the revenues generated by seized Russian state assets. Despite numerous political declarations by Ukraine's partners, additional commitments are expected, Zelensky suggests in his nightly video address. "But we demand a practical tool." Ukraine urgently needs the earnings from Russian assets to combat Russian hostilities. "The negotiations concerning this matter have apparently gone on for far too long, and we require decisive actions now." The G7 countries agreed upon offering fresh financial support to Kyiv at their June summit, with a massive loan of $50 billion intended to be secured through earnings from frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin commends strengthening trade ties with China Russian President Vladimir Putin applauds the growth of cooperation with China, stating, "Our trade exchanges are advancing satisfactorily (...). The focus that both governments are placing on trade and economic exchanges is producing positive results." At a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kremlin, Putin underscores the presence of "major-scale joint plans and initiatives in the economic and humanitarian sectors." Li acknowledges that Chinese-Russian relations are currently at an "unprecedented peak," according to the Kremlin. Since the Russian conflict in Ukraine, the strategic partnership between Russia and China has strengthened, with China serving as Russia's significant trading partner due to Western sanctions.
21:20 Request dismissed: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister remains in custody The former Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Dmitri Bulgakov, who has been implicated in corruption charges, will remain in custody. Bulgakov's petition for house arrest under strict supervision and his appeal against his confinement have both been dismissed, as reported by the Russian state news agency, TASS. Prior to his dismissal, Bulgakov handled the procurement of materials for the Russian armed forces. Additionally, two individuals alleged to be associates of Bulgakov and their company, which obtained nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, have also been detained by the Moscow court. Damage estimated at around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros) is attributed to this company.
21:00 Ukraine augments defenses in Pokrovsk In a televised address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discloses that Ukraine is bolstering its military presence in the highly contested area of Pokrovsk, a city in the eastern part of the country. He mentions that Ukraine has knowledge of the operation plans by the Russian troops in the region. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian offensive in the neighboring Russian region of Kursk persists. Some territories are currently controlled by Ukraine, though Zelensky does not disclose specifics.
20:41 Eviction threats loom for numerous Ukrainians in Hungarian refugee shelters Following the execution of a decree in Hungary that revokes general refugee protection for Ukrainians, many Ukrainians residing in Hungary now face the possibility of being evicted from their shelters. Private facilities have started evicting Ukrainians, says the aid organization Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, primarily Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, which has a sizable Hungarian minority, were forced to vacate a guesthouse under police supervision.
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The European Union has achieved a 90% capacity in its gas storage facilities, surpassing the target date by two months due to the collective efforts of its 27 member states following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European Union's Gas Storage Reaches 90% Cap, Two Moons Ahead of Schedule
Following the announcement of the European Union reaching its gas storage target, the EU Commission continues to emphasize the importance of minimizing reliance on Russian natural gas and importing more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and gas from Norway instead. The European Union aims to further strengthen its energy independence.
