Ukrainian border guards stop a truck with 48 conscripts
16:21 Russia: Up to 1000 Ukrainian Troops Involved in Border AttackAccording to the Russian General Staff, "up to 1000" Ukrainian soldiers were involved in the attack by Ukrainian forces on the border region of Kursk in western Russia. This was announced by Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov during a meeting with President Putin, broadcast on Russian television, following the start of the attack the previous day. "The enemy's deep penetration into our territory was halted by strikes from the air force and artillery," Gerasimov added.
16:02 Von der Leyen: EU Provided 108 Billion Euros in Aid Since War BeganAccording to the President of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, the EU has provided 108 billion euros in aid to Ukraine since the start of the large-scale war. "The EU has been standing by Ukraine since the first day of the Russian war of aggression," she writes on X. "Ukraine will prevail in this struggle for survival. And the EU will stand by Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary," she added.
15:32 Report: Ukrainian Soldier Killed in Russian CaptivityOleksandr Ischchenko, a soldier of the Azov Brigade who died in Russian captivity nine days ago, was reportedly killed. The 55-year-old Ukrainian died from blunt force trauma to the chest. This was reported by "Kyiv Independent" citing a forensic medical report published by the deputy commander of the Azov Brigade, Sviatoslav Palamar. Palamar described Ischchenko's death as "another brutal murder of a Ukrainian prisoner of war." The published report indicated that the soldier's death was due to multiple rib fractures and shock. Ischchenko, 55, was from Mariupol and joined the Azov Brigade shortly after the invasion. He was captured in 2022 during the fighting in Mariupol. Ischchenko was one of the 24 Ukrainians who were put on trial in Russia last year. He was being held in a detention center in Rostov-on-Don.
14:44 Attacks on Kursk: Putin Calls it a "Large-Scale Provocation"In response to the ongoing attacks by Ukrainian forces on the western Russian border region of Kursk, Putin accused Kyiv of a "large-scale provocation." "As you know, the Kyiv regime has carried out another large-scale provocation," Putin said in a meeting with government officials broadcast on television. "Ukraine is firing indiscriminately, using various types of weapons, at civilian buildings, residential homes, and ambulances."
14:25 Russian Defense Ministry confirms ongoing combat operations in KurskThe Defense Ministry in Moscow confirms reports of ongoing combat operations in Kursk. "The operation to destroy the formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues," the ministry in Moscow states. According to the ministry, there have been skirmishes in border areas on Russian territory against Ukrainian infiltrators. Just the day before, the Defense Ministry had claimed that an attempt to break through the border had failed. Now it is said that a deep incursion on Russian territory has been prevented. According to the Defense Ministry, soldiers are fighting together with border guards in the area against the infiltrators.
13:35 Russia: Thousands flee Kursk - Putin takes control of situationThousands of people have already fled from the border towns attacked by the Ukrainian side in the Russian region of Kursk, according to official figures. The citizens have left their homes in private vehicles, said the head of the regional administration, Alexei Smirnov, in a video message. Additionally, 200 people have been evacuated from the shelled towns in transport vehicles and buses. Smirnov said he had spoken with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin by phone the night before. The president has taken the situation under personal control. Emergency shelters with around 2,500 places have also been set up. Psychologists are also on duty there.
12:57 "Hidden by occupiers" - Partisan group reports discovery of legendary ship in CrimeaThe pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh, active in the Russian-occupied Crimea, has reportedly discovered two Russian ships. They are said to be landing ships of project 775, many of which have been sunk or damaged by Ukraine. "The occupiers hide their ships in the bays, hoping to save them," Atesh writes on Telegram. The two 775s are said to be in the Bay of Kilen. One of them is the well-known "Konstantin Olshansky", captured and stolen by the Russians in 2014. The legendary ship has a colorful history in the ranks of both conflict parties and was reportedly damaged in an attack by Ukraine a few months ago. Previously, the "Konstantin Olshansky" served as a parts warehouse. The partisan group says it has shared the information about the locations with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "There is no doubt that the next ships will sink in the near future."
12:24 Russian military blogger sentenced to long prison termIn Russia, military blogger Andrei Kurshin has been sentenced to six and a half years in a labor camp. He is said to have spread false information about the armed forces, according to the investigating authority. Kurshin ran the Telegram channel "Moscow Calling", which supported the goals of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Kurshin criticized the way the military leadership was conducting the campaign. Analysts at the Institute for Strategic Research described Kurshin at the time of his arrest in August 2023 as an "ultranationalist on the extreme fringe" who had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Russia's war efforts.
11:38 British Intelligence Comments on Sunk Russian Submarine
The British Ministry of Defence has released an intelligence update on the sinking of the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" off the coast of Crimea a few days ago. "Unlike some reports, the submarine was likely not fully repaired from a previous attack on Crimea in September 2023," the update from London states. The latest attack is "highly likely to be the last chapter for the submarine, as it is likely more cost-effective to build a replacement." The intelligence service notes a morale boost for Ukrainian forces from the attack, but it is unlikely to have significant impacts on Russia's long-range attacks on Ukraine from the Black Sea fleet. "However, the attack highlights the increasing risks for Russian forces on the Crimean peninsula and will likely force Russia to reconsider all plans to redeploy significant naval forces to the peninsula."
11:03 Strategy Shift or Diversion? Ukraine "Unnerves the Enemy" with Unclear Kursk Situation
The Ukrainian military is facing significant pressure in the Donetsk region, with Russians "advancing every day," as reported by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald. Meanwhile, there are reports of Ukrainian advances in the north, but Kyiv is keeping the details vague.
10:34 Moscow Reports Injuries from Ukrainian Incursion into Russian Region of Kursk
According to the Russian Ministry of Health, 24 people, including six children, were injured in the Ukrainian attack on the border region of Kursk, as reported by the state-run Russian news agency Interfax.
10:07 Russia Attacks with Drones - Ukraine Reports Perfect Shoot-Down Rate
The Ukrainian air force claims to have intercepted and destroyed 30 Russian drones, all of which were fired by Russian troops overnight towards targets in seven regions, according to the Ukrainian air force's Telegram channel.
09:29 ISW: Russia's Ex-Defense Minister Shoigu "Grossly Exaggerates" Territorial Gains
According to Russia's former defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, Russian forces have captured 420 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since June 14. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) calls this "grossly exaggerated" and estimates the figure to be 290 square kilometers, or approximately 0.05% of Ukraine's total territory of around 600,000 square kilometers. The Russian military has repeatedly inflated its territorial gains in Ukraine, often claiming to capture villages that are largely destroyed. Despite this, Russia's advance over the past few months remains slow. Ukrainian forces often withdraw from areas to protect their soldiers.
08:55 Russia: Kursk Targeted by Ukrainian Air Strikes AgainA day after Ukrainian attacks on the western Russian region of Kursk left several dead, the area has again been targeted by Ukrainian air strikes, according to regional authorities. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down by air defense systems, Governor Alexei Smirnov said on Telegram. Yesterday, Russia reported attempted attacks by Ukrainian forces in Kursk, involving around 300 soldiers, 11 tanks, and about 20 other armored vehicles, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
08:22 Russia Intercepts Drones in Several Border RegionsRussia's air defense has intercepted 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The affected regions are Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod, and Rostov, all of which border Ukraine, state news agency RIA reported, citing the ministry.
07:47 Pro-Ukrainian Channel Deepstate Wants Contact with Ukrainian Units in Russian KurskThe pro-Ukrainian military channel Deepstate also hints at a possible incursion into the Russian border region of Kursk. In a brief statement, it said it would not provide an update on the situation in the border area to ensure the safety of defense personnel. "We are closely monitoring the events there, maintaining contact with some units, and will provide information as accurately as possible, but only when the time is right. Everyone feels like a strategist – that's normal – but for now, it's important not to hinder the guys and military leadership in decisions that could determine the fate of all," it said.
07:06 Alleged Attack on Russian Region Kursk: Speculations about Far-Right Russian UnitRussian military bloggers claim that the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops onto Russian territory involved the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) found no confirmation of this, and a source from the Ukrainian military intelligence service told the media outlet Voice of Ukraine that the RVC was not involved. The Russian Volunteer Corps consists of Russian far-right extremists and nationalists fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russia. In Kyiv, they have distanced themselves from the group in the past, stressing that it acts independently. The RVC has occasionally drawn attention with alleged incursions into Russian border regions. Critics have seen these mainly as media stunts. According to ISW, another similar unit, the Legion for the Freedom of Russia, has not commented on its involvement. Both groups often report on their actions on their Telegram channels, but there are no indications of involvement in Kursk.
06:23 Ukrainian Troops Infiltrated Russian Territory? Possible Attack Raises Many Questions
There are still many unanswered questions surrounding the alleged incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russian territory in the Kursk border region. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), geolocated footage shows damaged and abandoned armored vehicles about seven kilometers north of the border. However, the ISW cannot confirm whether these armored vehicles are Russian, Ukrainian, or both. Similarly, the Russian Ministry of Defense's claim that the Achmat special unit of Chechnya was involved in repelling the attack cannot be confirmed. "Russian military bloggers published footage allegedly showing the aftermath of the supposed Ukrainian raids, although the majority of the damage shown can be attributed to routine Ukrainian shelling and does not indicate any ground activity in the area."
05:52 Ukraine Orders One Million Drones
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine plans to expand the production of drones as a crucial tool in its war effort. "We have already ordered one million drones from our manufacturers for this year," Zelenskyy said in his evening video address. Next year, the number is expected to be significantly higher. "We are not disclosing all the details at this time, but our drone production capacity is steadily increasing, and we are working with both state funds and partners to invest in our drone production." The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles is due to the refusal of Western partners to allow the Ukrainian military to use the heavy weapons they have supplied against targets on Russian territory.
05:06 Russia Reports Five Civilian Deaths in Kursk Clashes
Five civilians, including two medics, were killed in a clash with Ukrainian soldiers in the Russian border region of Kursk, according to Russian reports. Governor Alexei Smirnov also reported at least 20 injured in a Telegram message. Two missiles were also launched over the region early in the morning.
02:30 Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine
Following Mali, Niger has also severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine. The reason given is the alleged support by Kyiv for a rebel attack in Mali. At the end of July, Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. They then posted a photo allegedly showing them with the Ukrainian flag. However, according to investigations by the independent Russian investigative portal iStories, this is likely a montage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently traveling in southern African states and Mauritius to rally support for Kyiv's stance against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia is expanding its influence in Sahel states through the Wagner Group.
23:23 Russia: Ukrainian Attack on Kursk RepelledRussia claims to have repelled Ukrainian advances on the Russian region of Kursk. "After suffering significant losses, the remnants of the sabotage group retreated to Ukrainian territory," the Moscow Defense Ministry reports. Russia employed artillery, combat aircraft, and drones to fend off the attack. Ukrainian military authorities in the Sumy region, across the border from Russian Kursk, claim Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian ballistic missile, two drones, and a helicopter in the region. However, the Ukrainian General Staff's regular update does not mention any Ukrainian attacks in the border region.
22:22 Kremlin Pressure - Activist Ends Protest for Return of Russian SoldiersUnder increasing pressure from the Kremlin, a leading activist in the campaign for the return of Russian soldiers from the front lines has stepped down. Maria Andreyeva, one of the leaders of the group "Put' Domoy" (Return Home), told the AFP news agency that she would stop her public appearances and "go underground." She explained on Telegram that she had been labeled a "foreign agent." "Foreign agents are not only disenfranchised but also deprived of their livelihood." The group "Put' Domoy" consists of wives and mothers who repeatedly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring back their men and sons fighting in Ukraine. After initially tolerating or ignoring the demonstrators, the Kremlin has increasingly cracked down on them.
21:39 Zelensky: Ukraine Invests More in Domestic Rocket ProgramUkraine is allocating additional funds for its domestic rocket program, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The move aims to reduce the gap with Russia, which possesses a range of long-range weapons, Zelensky wrote on Telegram. "Additional funds have been allocated for our rocket program. More domestically produced rockets are coming." He did not provide further details. In July, the Ukrainian president stated that Kyiv was working to reduce its dependence on rockets supplied by its allies, including those for air defense.
20:54 Russian Spy Couple Speaks Out After ReleaseA Russian spy couple has spoken out publicly after their return to Russia as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange. "When I saw the honor guard from the window of the plane, I had to cry," Anna Dushvina described the moment of her return to Russia in an interview on Russian state television. Dushvina and her husband Artem lived as Russian spies in Slovenia for five years before being arrested in 2022. "We told the children that we are Russians, that they are Russians, and that we are the Dushvinas," said mother Anna Dushvina, who reportedly only spoke Spanish with her children. Dushvina said she wants to "continue serving Russia."
20:04 Moscow Declares Moldovan Diplomat 'Persona Non Grata'
In response to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat due to a spy scandal, Moscow has declared a Moldovan diplomat persona non grata, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. It stated that it had summoned the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to "strongly protest against the ongoing hostile steps" by Chisinau against Moscow. A member of the Moldovan embassy in Russia has been declared persona non grata. Last week, Chisinau accused an employee of an unnamed embassy in the country of communicating with two officials suspected of conspiring against the Moldovan government and passing information abroad. Shortly after, the Russian diplomat was expelled from the country.
19:15 Shoigu: Window for Negotiations Closing for Kyiv
Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urges Ukraine to start peace talks. "The window of opportunity for Ukraine is getting smaller," says the Secretary of the Security Council on state television. The longer Ukraine hesitates, the more territory it will lose, he adds. Moscow has stressed that talks can only take place if Ukraine cedes a fifth of its territory and abandons any plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects this.
Catch up on earlier developments here.**
The European Union has been providing significant aid to Ukraine since the start of the war, with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Union, announcing that the EU has provided 108 billion euros in aid.
Given the current situation and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is crucial for international organizations like the European Union to provide assistance and support to affected countries. This includes providing financial aid, humanitarian aid, and military aid, if necessary, to help Ukraine defend its territory and protect its citizens. The European Union's commitment to Ukraine is a testament to their belief in the importance of upholding international law and promoting peace and stability in the region.
