Zelensky announces Kursk offensive as one of the "steps to conclude the conflict"
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the offensive in the Russian region of Kursk forms part of the "steps to put an end to the conflict." "The Kursk operation has no connection with any of the aspects of the (Ukrainian) peace agreement," Zelensky stated. "Is the Kursk operation related to the second peace summit? Yes, it is. Because the Kursk operation is one of the parts of the Ukrainian victory strategy."
19:52 Russia constructs additional floating bridges in KurskFollowing Ukraine's destruction of several bridges in the Kursk area, Russia is implementing measures to safeguard its supply lines using floating bridges. Satellite photos taken on Monday show that Russian forces have constructed a makeshift bridge over the Sejm close to a destroyed bridge. Ukraine continues to attempt to destroy these Russian crossings over the water using various means, including long-range artillery.
19:17 Zelensky to propose plan to conclude war to Biden, Trump, and HarrisUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to present his plan for a triumphant conclusion to the war against Russia to departing US President Joe Biden in September. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will also be briefed on the plan, as mentioned by Zelensky. The Kursk offensive is already included in the plan, which encompasses military, diplomatic, and economic initiatives, although Zelensky did not disclose specifics.
18:44 Ukrainian authorities document 136,000 Russian war crimesUkrainian law enforcement agencies have chronicled 136,000 war crimes perpetrated by Russian aggressors since the inception of the large-scale invasion in 2022. The prosecutor's office has since investigated a total of 660 suspects, of whom 126 have been convicted, according to Ukrainian authorities. Andriy Kostin, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, noted that these numbers may be incomplete due to inaccessible occupied territories.
18:20 Russian FSB scrutinizes Deutsche Welle correspondents and a Ukrainian journalistThe Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has launched an investigation against a Deutsche Welle correspondent and a Ukrainian journalist, accusing them of unlawfully entering the Russian region of Kursk, as reported by the FSB. Nick Connolly, an employee of the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW), and Natalia Nagornaya, an employee of the Ukrainian channel 1+1, are reportedly reporting from Ukrainian-controlled areas in Kursk.
17:51 Zelensky: Ukraine can manufacture up to two million drones this yearUkraine is capable of producing 1.5 to 2 million drones this year, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, financing is lacking, mentioned Zelensky. The war can only be ended through dialogue. To achieve its vision of peace, the government in Kyiv needs to be in a strong position during the conference scheduled for later this year, stated Zelensky.
17:25 Grossi: Proximity of Kursk nuclear power plant to conflict zone 'extremely serious'The proximity of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia to the nuclear power plant in the Russian border region of Kursk is extremely perilous, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "A nuclear power plant of this type so close to a conflict zone or military front line is an extremely serious matter," says Rafael Grossi after visiting the facility. "The fact that we have military activity just a few kilometers, just a few miles away, makes it an immediate concern," he adds. "Ultimately, it may all sound very logical and straightforward: avoid attacking a nuclear power plant." The nuclear power plant is currently functioning under 'nearly normal' conditions, he adds.
16:51 Syrskyj: Russia deploys 30,000 troops to KurskOne of the objectives of the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region is to divert Russian troops from other areas, particularly from the regions of Pokrovsk and Kurachovo in the Donetsk region. According to Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, Russia is already deploying 30,000 troops to the Kursk region. "And this number is growing," says Syrskyj. Consequently, Russia is reducing its activities in southern Ukraine. However, the pressure remains high in the focus region of Pokrovsk. There, Moscow is accumulating its strongest troops, states Syrskyj.
16:25 Russian rocket attack results in death and injuries in Kharkiv regionRussian forces bombarded the city of Bohoduchiw in the Kharkiv region with rockets. One person lost their life, and six others were wounded, as reported by the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office. Their information indicates that one of the rockets hit a bus stop, resulting in the death of a 71-year-old woman. The Russian attacks also caused damage to industrial and residential facilities and numerous vehicles.
15:57 Schmyhal estimates Ukraine's budget deficit in billionsPrime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs an extra $15 billion to offset its budget deficit in 2025. The news agency Reuters quoted him as stating that Ukraine estimates its budget deficit for the upcoming year at a total of $35 billion, with plans to cover $20 billion. According to the Ukrainian government's projections, the deficit in 2024 was around $38 billion. Shmyhal stated that the government plans to raise taxes and increase borrowing on the domestic debt market to raise additional funds for the war against Russia. The parliament is expected to debate these proposals in September.
15:32 Ukraine Looks into Creating Own Defense Systems Ukraine experienced the largest bombing and rocket assault by the Russian military since the conflict began. These attacks continued relentlessly throughout the night. Consequently, Ukraine is currently investigating different strategies to shield itself against Russian attacks without relying on foreign military assistance.
15:11 Zelenskyy: Ukraine Succesfully Tests Initial Ballistic Missile Based on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's declaration, Ukraine has successfully launched its first ballistic missile for the first time. "The first Ukrainian ballistic missile has been effectively tested," he stated. He applauded "our defense sector," though avoided providing any additional details regarding the missile.
14:45 Moscow: US Involvement in Ukrainian Incursion into Kursk Area is Confirmed Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov considers the role of the US in the Ukrainian troops' incursion into the Russian region of Kursk as undeniable. He suggests that the Russian government's response might become more severe in the future, according to state-owned Russian news agencies RIA and TASS. However, he fails to provide any evidence or specifics to back up his allegations about US involvement. The White House declared that it had no prior knowledge of the surprise incursion of Ukrainian forces into Kursk on August 6.
14:19 Zelenskyy: F-16s Down Russian Missiles Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reports that the recent F-16 fighter jets have already effectively intercepted Russian missiles. "During this large-scale missile attack, we managed to shoot down some missiles with the help of F-16s," Zelensky said. The aircraft were reportedly employed not only to thwart the immense air assault that occurred on Monday but especially to oppose the devastating air attack. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have pledged to provide Ukraine with more than 60 of these US-produced fighter jets together.
13:59 Air Alert in Kursk City Near Russian Nuclear Power Plant A brief air alert occurred in the city of Kursk in the Russian region of Kursk in the afternoon. Sirens indicated the presence of a missile threat, as reported by a Reuters journalist. The Kursk nuclear power plant, which is being investigated by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, is situated in Kursk.
13:44 Russian Army Says it Captured Additional Village Near Pokrovsk The Russian army claims to have taken control of another village nearby the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. The ministry of defense announced on Telegram that Russian soldiers had "freed" the village of Orlowka in the Donetsk region. Orlowka, also known as Orliwka in Ukrainian, is the Russian name for the Ukrainian village. Despite continuous clashes against Ukrainian forces in the Russian region of Kursk, Moscow is proceeding with its offensive in Donetsk. The ministry of defense frequently publishes information about the capture of new villages. The region surrounding the vital logistics hub of Pokrovsk remains a focus.
13:21 Lavrov Threatens Use of Nuclear Weapons Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regards the Ukrainian demand that its allies employ weapons supplied by the West to invade Russia as blackmail. He cautions that engaging in such behavior is highly risky for nuclear powers. Russia is adjusting its nuclear doctrine, he claims, without disclosing specifics. The doctrine permits the usage of nuclear weapons if Russia's sovereignty or territorial integrity is under threat.
13:04 Syrskyj: Ukrainian Forces Advance in Kursk - Situation in Pokrovsk Challenging According to Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, Ukrainian troops are progressing in the Russian region of Kursk. However, Russian forces are pushing towards the city of Pokrovsk in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Overall, the situation is challenging.
12:42 Munz: Russian Attacks on Ukraine to Increase Following the recent drone assaults, Russia is reportedly intensifying its missile assaults on Ukraine once more. Munz, an ntv correspondent, explains that the timing of these activities is not a coincidence. Autumn and the winter heating season are approaching.
12:33 Ukrainian Forces Capture 594 Russian Prisoners of War in Kursk According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Olexander Syrskyj, Ukrainian forces have captured a total of 594 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. This is the first time he has provided a specific number. Earlier in the week, it was reported that the "Washington Post" had identified at least 247 Russian prisoners of war through photo and video analysis.
12:09 Power Outages and Restrictions to Extend for Several More Days Owing to the largest Russian attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, power outages and "severe" power restrictions are expected to persist for several more days. Iwan Plachkow, President of the Ukrainian Energy Association, informed the Kyiv24 TV channel that they may last another one to two weeks. Plachkow stated that the Russian attack on Monday was "one of the most substantial attacks on the energy infrastructure" aimed at causing a "complete blackout in the energy system".
11:46 Roth: Russia aims to provoke refugee influx to EU via attack waveBased on intel from SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, Russia seems to be planning to initiate a refugee migration to Europe through its extensive attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Roth mentioned this to Politico, stating that these attacks signify the commencement of a new destructive campaign against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The primary aim is to hinder Ukrainian weapon production and make life in Ukraine so unbearable that it leads to a new wave of refugees heading towards the EU. Roth suggested preparing for the approaching "harsh winter" with emergency power generators and sought permission from the US to use long-range weapons against Russian bomber bases.
11:21 Ukrainian Border Guard: No confirmed troop movements in BelarusUkrainian Border Guard spokesperson Andrij Demtschenko shared that there have been no recognized military movements in Belarus. However, there persists a general threat from the Ukraine-Belarus border. Recently, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry highlighted Belarus's deployment of troops and equipment to the border in vast quantities.
10:56 Russian governor affirms Ukrainian infiltration attempts in BelgorodRussian Belgorod region governor Wjatscheslaw Gladkow confirmed on Telegram that there are reports of Ukrainian forces attempting to breach the border. This confirms previous reports from Russian Telegram channels. Gladkow reported that the situation remains challenging, yet controllable, as per the Russian Ministry of Defense. He instructed residents to remain calm and rely solely on official sources for info. According to Gladkow, Ukraine attacked the region with more than 20 drones within the previous 24 hours. Ukrainian authorities have yet to acknowledge these alleged incidents.
10:50 Ukraine to generate new heavy troop unitsReports suggest that Ukraine is forming new mechanized brigades for definitional combat against Russian aggression, which may be operational by 2025. These units will recruit personnel primarily from Ukrainian expats abroad and partly train them there. A mechanized brigade generally comprises around 2000 soldiers and includes heavy military equipment such as tanks.
10:44 Grossi inspects Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in RussiaInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi visited the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia, as per Russian state news agency TASS. Grossi announced plans to inspect the facility due to the ongoing serious situation in the region. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers invaded Kursk region in a surprise attack on August 6. Russia alleges that Ukraine repeatedly attacks the facility. Kyiv has yet to comment officially on this.
10:23 FSB charges Deutsche Welle reporter and 1+1 correspondentRussian Federal Security Service (FSB) reportedly initiated criminal proceedings against two foreign journalists for allegedly crossing the Russian border illegally to cover events in Kursk after the Ukrainian invasion. The accused journalists include a Deutsche Welle reporter and a Ukrainian 1+1 correspondent. The FSB has reportedly prosecuted at least seven foreign journalists in Kursk.
10:02 Ukrainian troops attempt to breach border in Belgorod regionIt appears that Ukrainian forces are attempting to infiltrate the Russian border in the southern Belgorod region, according to Russian Telegram channels reported by The Guardian. Telegram channel Mash claims that around 500 Ukrainian soldiers assaulted two checkpoints in Nechoteyewka and Shebekino in Belgorod, and combat continues at both locations. The Belgorod region shares a border with the Russian Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have captured Russian territory since early August.
09:45 Kyiv reports heavy Russian casualtiesUkrainian General Staff claimed that Russia lost 1280 soldiers in a single day. With these casualties, estimates of Russian soldiers killed or rendered unable to fight since the war's start have increased to 610,100. According to the General Staff, within the previous 24 hours, Russia lost 12 tanks, 19 armored vehicles, 52 artillery systems, 120 drones, 103 rockets, and one multiple rocket launcher. These numbers cannot be independently verified, and Russia remains silent about its losses.
09:21 "Everything headed towards Kyiv has been destroyed"Ukraine's air force reports annihilating five Russian missiles and 60 drones. Russia attacked Ukraine with a total of ten missiles and 81 drones, the air force said on Telegram. Around 15 drones and several missiles were intercepted near Kyiv, according to Kyiv's military administration chief Serhiy Popko. "Everything headed towards Kyiv has been destroyed." As of 9 am local time (8 am CEST), ten drones were still airborne over Ukraine, while others had crashed. Three hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles and two Iskander missiles could not be intercepted, Ukraine's air force commander Mykola Oleschchuk reported on Telegram. These figures may not be fully corroborated but provide insights into the attack's magnitude.
Russia conducted consecutive nighttime assaults on Ukraine, employing various weaponry types. According to preliminary Ukrainian officials' reports, at least four individuals lost their lives – two from a missile attack on a Kryvyi Rih hotel and two more due to drone strikes in Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine's air force alleges that Russia utilized long-range bombers to launch cruise missiles and deployed hypersonic Kinzhal missiles as well.
08:33 China Advocates for Broader Peace Plan Support
China is pushing for wider endorsement of its peace plan. China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, discussed diplomatic agreements with Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa following a meeting. Li declared that these countries have strong impact on global peace promotion and have communicated with both Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized their commitment to achieving a political solution through dialogue and negotiations. China and Brazil published a joint peace plan earlier in the year, urging a peace conference involving warring parties and an end to additional battlefield expansion. However, China and Russia missed a peace conference in Switzerland in June, as they were not invited and decided against attending.
08:05 Russian Forces Allegedly "Liberate" Two Kursk Settlements
Russian military representatives claim to have "liberated" two more settlements in the ongoing battles in the Russian region of Kursk. Major General Apti Alaudinow, Commander of the Chechen special unit Achmat and Deputy Head of the Main Military Political Department of the Russian Armed Forces, stated that the Russian Arbat unit had completely cleared Nishnaya Parovaya and Nechayev, and the 1427th regiment was advancing. Alaudinow reported that the enemy took heavy losses on the day, attacking continuously. The ISW confirmed that Monday's satellite imagery showed Ukrainian forces operating near Nechayev.
07:37 Biden Denounces Recent Russian Attacks as "Unconscionable"
U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the recent Russian attacks as "unconscionable." He expressed strong opposition to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and its attempts to leave the Ukrainian people in darkness. The German Foreign Office asserted that Russia was targeting Ukraine's vital resources with attacks and trying to obliterate supplies. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the Russian attacks "cowardly."
07:05 ISW: Unlikely Belarus will Invade Ukraine
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) continues to believe that a Belarusian invasion of Ukraine is unlikely. The US think tank argued that from a recent report by Frontline Insight and Rochan Consulting, Belarusian combat units seldom operate at more than 30-40% of their designated strength and rely on mobilization to pad their units. Moreover, no mobilization has occurred. Though it is plausible that Belarus intends to divert Ukrainian attention away from other frontline regions to provide support to Russian forces, the present number of Russian forces in Belarus is insufficient to initiate a synchronized invasion through the Gomel region border. Furthermore, a Belarusian invasion or involvement in the conflict may jeopardize President Alexander Lukashenko's capacity to safeguard his regime, potentially intensifying domestic resentment. The 2025 presidential elections are scheduled for February.
06:32 Gabbard Endorses Trump: Ex-Democratic Presidential Candidiate Calls for U.S. to "Retreat from Brink of War"
Former Democratic presidential candidate and congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who subsequently distanced herself from her party, has pledged support for Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming November election. Gabbard intends to provide her utmost effort to ensure his reelection, stating that if elected, Trump would first work to withdraw the U.S. from the brink of war. Gabbard ran under the Democratic banner during the 2020 elections but had limited chances of success and ultimately endorsed Joe Biden, who defeated the Democrats. As a former National Guard soldier, Gabbard suggested that if re-elected, Trump would focus on pulling the U.S. off the edge of war.
06:17 Biden Praises Modi's Ukraine Visit
U.S. President Joe Biden commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine last week. Modi, a proponent of Ukraine's neutrality in the ongoing conflict, tweeted that he had conferenced with Biden about his steadfast support for a swift restitution of peace and stability in Ukraine. According to the White House, Biden lauded Modi's engagement with Ukraine and his trip to Poland, a close ally of Ukraine in Eastern Europe. The U.S. National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, John Kirby, remarked that any additional nation which aligns with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's perspective and seeks to contribute to a just peace is welcomed.
Witnesses account for multiple series of explosions in Kyiv during the recent drone assault, with no initial reports of casualties. The air defense systems in the Kyiv region have been operational throughout the night, working to obstruct incoming missiles and drones aimed at the capital, as per the regional military administration's statement on Telegram. The attacks occur merely a day after the largest Russian air raid in this conflict so far.
05:03 Ukrainian Air Force: Russian Warplanes and Drones Advancing Towards Ukraine
Ukraine's air force confirms Russian warplanes and drones moving towards Ukraine. The Tu-95ms warplanes took off from the Engels air base located in southwestern Russia, the Ukrainian air force mentions on Telegram. Inbound drone attacks are also imminent. Alert cautions have been issued across various regions in Ukraine, as reported by local authorities.
04:04 Tragic Incident in Russian Rocket Strike on Kryvyi Rih
Updates regarding the Russian rocket attack on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih show two causalities, according to Ukrainian sources. Reports indicate a Russian rocket struck a hotel, potentially trapping up to five individuals under the building's debris, with ongoing rescue attempts, as reported by Ukrainian media, citing the local district and city military administrations. According to the local city administration, the hotel was hit by a ballistic missile, although these allegations cannot be independently authenticated.
02:04 Repeated Drone Attack on Kyiv
An additional Russian drone assault in the Kyiv region has been reported, as per Ukrainian media sources. "The detection of hostile UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)" was announced by the Kyiv region military administration on Telegram. "Air defense systems are active in the region."
00:35 Loss of Life in Russian Rocket Strike on Kryvyi Rih
A minimum of one person has died in the Russian rocket strike on a civilian structure in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, local authorities reveal. Five more individuals could possibly be buried under the debris, the authorities mention. Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Kryvyi Rih military administration, reports on Telegram that four individuals have been hospitalized due to injuries. The governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, declares on Telegram that the civilian structure has been destroyed. The veracity of these reports remains unverified.
23:19 Zelensky Issues Warning to Russia for Air Raids
In response to the large-scale Russian air strikes, President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning, hinting at a retaliatory response utilizing the F-16 fighter jets supplied by the West, as he mentions in his evening video address. The specifics of the planned retaliation have not been disclosed, yet he reiterates the ongoing Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have expanded their control and captured more Russian prisoners, improving the prospects for prisoner exchanges.
22:03 U.S. Accuses Russia of Attempting to "Plunge Ukrainian People into Darkness"
In response to the Russian bombardments of Ukraine, the U.S. accuses Russia of attempting to "push the Ukrainian people into darkness as winter approaches," referring to John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council. The Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are deemed "shameful" by Kirby. The U.S. condemns "the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine."
21:20 Urgent Evacuations in Donetsk Region
Ukrainian authorities have mandated evacuations in the Donetsk area due to the Russian advance. The evacuation zone has been broadened due to the deteriorating security situation, and children along with their parents or guardians are required to leave their homes, reports Donetsk Governor Vadym Fillaschkin. A total of 27 settlements in the Kostyantynivka and Selydove areas have been marked. Previously, evacuations were ordered in the Pokrovsk region due to the advance of Russian troops.
To keep up with previous developments, click here.
- Following his proposed meeting with President Biden, Trump, and Vice President Harris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his plan for concluding the war includes the Kursk offensive.
- Russia's construction of additional floating bridges in Kursk highlights the strategic importance of the region in the context of Ukraine's offensive, as part of the Ukrainian president's stated victory strategy.
