"What's the necessity for Armenians," questioned Lukashenko at 18:40.
Alexander Lukashenko's Comments on Armenia Lead to Protests
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashanako's remarks on Armenia have prompted protests. Protesters pelted the Belarusian embassy in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, with eggs on Wednesday, calling for the ambassador's expulsion, according to Ukrainian news outlets. Prior to this, Lukashanako had criticized Armenia's pro-Western stance on Russian state TV, saying, "What use are Armenians? No one needs them. Let them develop their economy and rely on their own resources. Tomorrow, when Macron is gone, nobody will remember the Armenians," he stated, alluding to the French president. Relations between Armenia and Russia, its long-time ally, have been growing increasingly tense since Azerbaijan seized the Nagorno-Karabakh region in a September military offensive, ending three decades of Armenian separatist control.
18:03 Deaths Reported in Glide Bomb Attack in Ukraine
Two individuals lost their lives in the Sumy region, near the border with Russia's Kursk region, following an attack using two glide bombs, Ukraine's prosecutor's office reveals. The Russian bombs targeted critical infrastructure facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had visited Sumy earlier in the day and asserted that assaults on the city had decreased since parts of Kursk were seized.
17:28 Fuel Tanker Ablaze in Russian Port After Alleged Ukrainian Attack
A fuel tanker is ablaze in the Russian port of Kavkaz in the Krasnodar region, east of Crimea, according to local officials. This comes in the wake of an alleged Ukrainian attack. various Russian media outlets release photographs and videos purportedly showing the blaze and dense smoke plumes. Ukrainian forces also share such images on social media, with a caption "Neptune pays a visit to the port of Kavkaz" on their Telegram channel. Rumors from Russian Telegram channels suggest the ship was hit by a Neptune anti-ship missile. However, the weapon's official range is 300 kilometers, and the front line is further away. Moscow heavily relies on the port to supply its troops in its conflict against Ukraine.
16:41 Russian Army Claims Gain in Ukraine; Ukraine Reports Success in Kursk
The Russian army claims to have seized another village near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, with troops now approximately 10 kilometers from the city, an essential logistics hub. Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had announced plans to reinforce troops in the Pokrovsk area. He now reports a success in the Russian Kursk region, with troops capturing another village and "filling the exchange fund" - capturing more Russian soldiers. According to these reports, Ukrainian troops control 94 villages and over a thousand square kilometers of land in Kursk. However, these claims are not substantiated.
16:12 Ukraine Denies Attempted Nuclear Power Plant Attack; Russia May Conduct "Nuclear Provocation"
The Ukraine denies the Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Ukrainian troops attempted to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant last night. "This is a complete fabrication," Andrii Kovalenko, head of the department for combating disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, writes. The allegation follows numerous false claims by Russia that Ukraine was planning a "nuclear provocation" at the Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. However, all indications suggest that Russia may carry out this provocation itself, Kovalenko adds. He considers the "possibility of a nuclear provocation by Russia" to be genuine, given that Putin himself is involved.
15:46 EU Gas Storage Facilities 90% Full
Two months ahead of the target date, gas storage facilities across the European Union are now 90% full. The EU is "fully prepared for the upcoming winter," the EU Commission claims. After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, the 27 member countries agreed in the summer of 2022 that gas storage facilities in the EU should on average be 90% full by November 1. According to data from the Gas Infrastructure Europe portal, there are differences between countries: the highest fill level is in Spain at 100%, and the lowest is in Latvia at approximately 69%. In Germany, storage facilities are reportedly 93.6% full. The EU aims to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas by increasing imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and natural gas from Norway.
15:21 Putin Accuses Ukraine of Attempting to Attack Russian Nuclear Power Plant
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant. "The enemy made an attempt to attack the nuclear plant last night," the Kremlin chief says without providing evidence. "The International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed," Putin shares during a cabinet meeting broadcast on television. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had previously warned of the potential impact of the fighting on the power plant and urged "all parties to exercise maximum restraint." Read more about this here.
14:21 Russia: 115,000 Individuals Evacuated From Dangerous Regions115,000 individuals have been evacuated from perilous Russian regions close to the Ukrainian border, as reported by Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Currently, the damage to agriculture and industry due to the Ukrainian offensive is being assessed, he explains during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and top representatives of the administration. "I have convened you all to discuss the current developments in Russia's border regions," Putin says at the beginning of the meeting.
14:00 Tusk: India Could Play a Role in Mediating Ukraine Conflict
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk views India's potential role in mediating the Ukraine conflict positively. "I'm delighted that the Prime Minister has confirmed his willingness to personally contribute to a peaceful, fair, and swift resolution to the conflict," Tusk says in Warsaw after talks with Modi. Modi's mediation offer is particularly significant as he will travel from Poland to Kyiv, where he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India maintains neutrality towards the Russian invasion and does not support Western sanctions against Moscow. Read more here.
13:40 Progress of Kursk Advance Unclear
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz anticipates the Ukrainian advance into Russia to be a "spatially and temporally limited operation." However, according to observations by ntv correspondent Nadja Kriewald, this is not evident at the moment. "Quite the opposite," she says in her current situation report from Sumy in eastern Ukraine.
13:20 Russian Aircraft Destroyed in Sawaslejka Attack
Several Russian aircraft were reportedly destroyed in Ukrainian attacks on the airbase Sawaslejka. The public broadcaster Suspilne reports this, citing information from the intelligence service. According to this, in an attack on August 16, a MiG-31K supersonic interceptor and two Il-76 strategic airlifters were destroyed, and about five aircraft, presumably 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 domestic intelligence service FSB has initiated criminal proceedings against several foreign journalists over reports in the Russian region of Kursk, where the Ukrainian army controls several settlements. Proceedings have been opened against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists for the "illegal crossing of the state border," the FSB said. According to the FSB, the journalists had made video recordings in the town of Sudzha, controlled by Ukrainian troops. The intelligence service has announced that it will issue international arrest warrants shortly. The three journalists face up to five years in prison in Russia. Recently, the American journalist Evan Gershkovich was able to return to his homeland as part of a prisoner exchange after being sentenced to 16 years in a labor camp for alleged espionage. Read more here.
12:34 Zelenskyy in Border Region: "Exchange Fund" Restocked
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the border region of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, from where Ukrainian troops advanced into Russia more than two weeks ago. There, another location in the Kursk region has been captured, Zelenskyy reports. He also states that the "exchange fund" has been replenished, referring to the capture of Russian soldiers for a future exchange with Ukrainians held in Russian captivity. Zelenskyy emphasizes that since the Kursk offensive, attacks on Sumy and the number of civilian deaths there have decreased. He publishes a video showing him with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian troops, Olexander Syrskyj, who informed him about the reinforcement of troops in the east of Ukraine, where Russia is advancing further.
12:06 Suspicion of Spying: Report of Allegedly Russian Drones in Brunsbüttel
Allegedly Russian drones have been spotted over the largest industrial park in Schleswig-Holstein. This is reported by the "Bild" newspaper. In recent days, drones have been repeatedly seen flying over the decommissioned nuclear power plant and the LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel at high speeds, violating the flight ban zone multiple times. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating on suspicion of espionage with the aim of sabotage. Internally, a police report states: "The flight ban zone was repeatedly violated by flying over the nuclear power plant." An enemy object, allegedly a military drone, was detected. As "Bild" further reports, the drones are said to be assigned to Russian agents and may have been started from civilian ships in the North Sea. Read more here.
11:40 US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of Attacks in Coming Days
The American Embassy in Kyiv warns of an increased risk of air attacks ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday. In the coming days and over the weekend, there is an increased danger that Russia will attack Ukraine with drones and missiles, the embassy says on its website. Ukraine celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. Since the start of the war in Ukraine two and a half years ago, this holiday has taken on greater significance for Ukrainians. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers unexpectedly entered Russian territory in the border region of Kursk. Russian President Vladimir Putin called this a provocation and threatened an "appropriate response."
A blaze erupts at a military establishment close to Marinovka in the southern Russian province of Volgograd. Locals recount blast-like noises. Local officials attribute the inferno to a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assault. No injuries are reported.
10:41 Russia Now Relying on Portable Shelters in Kursk
As stated by local authorities, portable concrete sanctuaries are being installed for the populace in the Russian border district of Kursk. "Upon my instructions, the Kursk city administration has appointed central locations for the installation of modular portable bunkers," explains regional governor Alexei Smirnov through Telegram. These will be erected at bustling areas, such as at 60 bus stops. Smirnov shares a photo of a truck transporting one of the modules. Bunkers are also being established in two other locations, including Kursk, where the Kursk region's nuclear power plant is situated. Russia alleges Ukraine of planning to attack the facility, an assertion Ukraine denies.
10:10 Ukraine Shares Evidence of Inroads in Kursk
Ukraine reports over 40 incidents of Russian forces assaulting the front near the city of Pokrovsk, with most being repelled. President Zelenskyy vows to reinforce the troops in the region. Additionally, Ukraine claims advancement in the Kursk district continues.
09:42 Russia Reports UAVs in Multiple RegionsThe Russian military allegedly repels multiple Ukrainian aerial assaults in the western part of the nation. According to the Governor of Volgograd region, Andrei Bocharov, "most UAVs were destroyed" near the village of Marinovka. In the border district of Kursk, Governor Alexei Smirnov reports that "two Ukrainian missiles and one UAV were destroyed by Russian air defense." In the southern region of Rostov, Governor Vasily Golubev says that an attack using five UAVs was "thwarted." UAVs are also reported to have been neutralized in the Russian regions of Voronezh and Bryansk.
09:09 Long-Range Weapons vs. Targets in Russia: Kyiv Seeks US AuthorizationUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meets with a bipartisan delegation of US House representatives in Kyiv. According to the ministry in Kyiv, Republican Representative Rob Wittman and Democratic Representative David Trone discus the situation at the front and Washington's policy on the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. "I stressed the need for us to get immediate approval from our allies to fully utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia," Umerov said. "It's about protecting our peaceful cities and villages."
08:36 Star Wars Actor Initiates CampaignAmerican 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 aim to raise $441,000 through the "Safe Terrain" campaign. The robots are intended to neutralize mines in hard-to-reach locations, at a safe distance from the operators. "One of the worst atrocities Russia has committed in Ukraine is the scattering of millions of mines," Snyder said. "I've visited unoccupied areas near the front where people have to take risks to assist others in returning to their farms and homes. Thanks to these robots, mines can be disposed of and lives can be saved." The Ukraine is heavily mined, and its disposal could take decades.
08:01 Kremlin appears to be preparing Russians for "new reality"The Ukrainian attack on Kursk poses a challenge for Moscow's propaganda. While the regions are remote, a Kremlin-linked source told the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, "But even the incursion into Russian territory and the seizure of control over villages is a new and very unpleasant event." To alleviate the unease, which has increased significantly since the Kursk invasion, the Kremlin is attempting to prepare the Russians for life in 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 recapture of the territory will take time, and the Russians must be patient. In the meantime, the residents are encouraged to "turn the negativity and shock into a positive direction" - namely by collecting aid supplies for the Kursk region. In general, all officials interviewed by Meduza are confident 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."
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07:30 Russian governor confirms fire in military installationRussian authorities verify reports of a military installation in the southern Russian region of Volgograd being engulfed in flames after a Ukrainian UAV assault. Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov announced through Telegram that the UAV struck the facility. No casualties were reported. Bocharov did not specify which military installation was involved. He explained, however, that the village of Marinovka was targeted in the attack, where Russia has an airbase.
06:56 Ex-security advisor: Putin had mesmerizing impact on TrumpAs per former US security advisor, US General Herbert Raymond McMaster, Russian president Vladimir Putin had a substantial impact on former US President Donald Trump. This is disclosed in McMaster's book "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," as reported by the "Guardian." "Putin, a cunning ex-KGB member, exploited Trump's ego and insecurities with flattery," McMaster is quoted as saying. Putin described Trump as 'an extraordinary individual, talented, undeniably so.' He exerted a mesmerizing influence on Trump. McMaster, who served as Trump's security advisor for about a year, had cautioned Trump at the time: "Mr. President, he is the world's best liar." He suggested that Putin was confident he could "play" with Trump and secure a relaxation of sanctions and a cheap withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
06:20 Alarms of Fire at Russian Airbase in Volgograd
There were screams of explosions reportedly throughout the night in the Russian city of Kalach-on-Don in the Volgograd region. Various Russian Telegram channels attribute these to a drone assault. A blaze is said to have broken out at a nearby airbase. The Volgograd region is approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The target was most 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, according to Telegram.
05:44 Klingbeil: Germany to Provide Additional Funds if Ukraine Aid from Frozen Russian Assets Fails
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has promised further backing to Ukraine. If the planned disbursement of billions in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine falls through, Germany will step up with extra funds, he said in a podcast with deputy "Bild" editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer. "We cannot reach a point where we say, 'Now there's no more money for Ukraine,'" Klingbeil said. "In that case, we are certainly obligated to look within Germany for the financing. We bear a responsibility towards Ukraine, and we will devise solutions."
04:27 Ukraine Comments on Drone Attacks in Russia
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR has commented on the objectives of the drone assaults in Russia throughout the night. They were aimed at the Moscow airport Ostafyevo, the Millerovo airbase in the Rostov region, and a radio communications center, HUR chief Kyrylo Budanow informed military news outlet "The War Zone". Around 50 drones were involved. The extent of any damage is currently being evaluated. Russian authorities reported shooting down 45 drones over Russian territory in the morning.
03:09 Russia Prepares Bulletproof Vests and Helmets for Poll Workers in Kursk for Upcoming Elections
For the early regional elections in the disputed Russian border region of Kursk, Russia intends to equip poll workers with bulletproof vests and helmets. Additional polling stations will also be installed in other areas of the nation for individuals who have fled the region, said Tatyana Malakhova, chairwoman of the regional election commission, according to Russian news agencies. The region is currently under a state of emergency. Elections for governors and regional parliaments are scheduled in numerous regions of Russia from September 6 to 8. Voting has been permitted to begin early in border regions, including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
01:34 Fico Accuses Western Democracies of Exerting "Opinion Pressure" on Foreign PolicySlovak Prime Minister Robert Fico complains about feeling suppressed by "opinion pressure" in Western democracies. He claims that those who stray from the consensus on essential foreign policy issues are "arbitrarily pressured and threatened with isolation" by Western democracies. In a statement published on the anniversary of the 1968 Moscow invasion, Fico compares the violent suppression of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 by Warsaw Pact troops to what he sees as existing "opinion pressure" in today's Europe. Fico opposes EU military aid for Ukraine and has faced accusations of being pro-Russian as a result.
00:12 Ukraine Reports 46 Russian Attacks near Pokrovsk in a DayUkraine reports 46 Russian attacks along the front near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country over the course of the day. Of these, 44 were repelled, the General Staff reports. As of 9 PM CET, fighting is still ongoing at the other two sections. 238 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in the skirmishes. No information is provided on Ukrainian losses. Russia has not yet responded.
23:09 Russia: Ukrainian Incursion into Bryansk RepelledRussia asserts that it has thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian "saboteurs" into the Russian border region of Bryansk, which borders Kursk. The incursion by the "Ukrainian reconnaissance-sabotage group" was stopped by forces of the Russian intelligence agency FSB and units of the Russian army, according to the governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz. "The enemy was engaged by fire," he added. The situation is now "under control."
22:15 Zelensky: Ukraine anticipates prompt allocation of pledged billionsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hope for the expedited distribution of the billions pledged in aid by the West. These funds are partly drawn from the proceeds of confiscated Russian state assets. Although numerous political declarations have emerged from Ukraine's partners, more are expected, Zelensky emphasizes in his evening video message. "What we require, though, is a functional system." Ukraine relies on the income from Russia's frozen assets to counter Russian aggression. "The dialogues regarding this have extended for an excessive period, and we necessitate decisive actions now." At their June summit, the G7 nations endorsed fresh financial assistance for Kyiv, with a staggering $50 billion loan contingent on the revenue from frozen Russian assets' interest earnings.
21:52 Putin commends strong trade ties with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin lauds the burgeoning collaboration with China. "Our commercial relationships are seeing substantial progress (...). The focus of both governments on trade and economic interaction is bearing fruit," Putin explains during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia share "extensive joint plans and initiatives in the economic and humanitarian sectors," Putin continues. Li declares that Chinese-Russian relations are at an "unprecedented peak," according to the Kremlin. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the strategic alliance between Russia and China has strengthened, with China serving as a crucial trading partner for Russia under Western sanctions.
21:20 Request rejected: Russia's former deputy defense minister stays in custodyFormer Russian deputy defense minister Dmitri Bulgakov, under investigation for corruption, will remain incarcerated. His plea for house arrest under strict supervision and his appeal against his detention have been rejected, as reported by state news agency TASS. Bulgakov was in charge of acquiring military materials before his dismissal. The Moscow court also ordered the detention of two alleged associates of Bulgakov. Their company allegedly secured nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, causing damages of around 50 million rubles (approximately 500,000 euros).
21:00 Ukraine bolsters units in PokrovskVolodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President, announces that Ukraine is reinforcing its troops in the disputed area of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. He made this disclosure during a televised address, pointing out the Russians' plans in the region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's offensive in the Russian oblast of Kursk is expanding, according to Zelensky. Certain areas are presently under Ukrainian control, albeit he did not provide further information.
20:41 Post decree: Various Ukrainians in Hungary face eviction from refugee sheltersPost the implementation of a decree in Hungary denying general refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, many Ukrainians residing there are at risk of losing their shelters. Private refugee shelters have started expelling Ukrainians, as reported by Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees, primarily Roma women and children from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia with a substantial Hungarian minority, were requested to leave a guesthouse under police supervision.
Catch up on earlier developments here.
The European Union may need to increase its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural gas from Norway due to the current situation in Ukraine, as their gas storage facilities are currently 90% full. This is two months ahead of the target date set by the EU Commission, which aims to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas.
In response to Alexander Lukashenko's comments on Armenia, the European Union could consider strengthening its relationship with Armenia and increasing support for its sovereignty, as Lukashenko's remarks have sparked protests in Armenia and may lead to further tension between Armenia and Russia.
