Zelensky expresses optimism about Ukraine receiving the pledged billions in financial assistance
Ukraine Eagerly Awaits Speedy Distribution of Promised Western Assistance, Including Funds Derived from Locked-Up Russian Assets
President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his hopes for the prompt distribution of the massive aid pledged by the West, which will also be funded by revenues derived from immobilized Russian government assets. Despite the myriad political rationales proffered by Zelensky's allies, he stated during his nightly video address, "However, we require a practical solution." Ukraine relies on revenues from Russia's frozen assets to counter Russian aggression. "The dialogues have been ongoing for far too long, and we demand decisive actions now," he asserted.
The Group of Seven (G7) major industrial powers agreed on fresh financial aid for Kyiv during their summit in June. A significant loan of $50 billion will be secured through earnings from interest on frozen Russian assets.
21:52 Putin Extols Closely Aligned Trade Relations with China
Russian President Vladimir Putin extolled the strengthened cooperation with China, declaring, "Our commercial ties are progressing favorably (...). The interest both governments show in trade and economic relations is bearing fruit," during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin. China and Russia have "broad-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian domains," Putin continued. Li expressed, according to the Kremlin, that Chinese-Russian relations are at an "unprecedented apex." The strategic partnership between Russia and China has deepened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, China serves as a prominent trading partner amidst Western sanctions. China portrays itself as impartial regarding the Ukrainian conflict. However, NATO described China as a "key actor" in Russia's offensive in July.
21:20 Bulgakov's Appeal Rejected: Russia's Former Deputy Defense Minister Remains in Custody
Russia's former Deputy Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakov will remain in custody on corruption charges. His petition for house arrest under strict conditions and his appeal against detention were dismissed, reported TASS. Bulgakov was responsible for the procurement for the Russian military before his dismissal. Additionally, the Moscow court ordered the detention of two alleged associates of Bulgakov. Their company is attributed to having secured nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024, resulting in damage of approximately €500,000.
21:00 Zelensky: Reinforcing Units in Pokrovsk
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is beefing up its forces in the hotly contested region of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. He stated during a televised address that they are cognizant of the Russian troops' intentions in the area. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk persists, with some areas under Ukrainian control. Zelensky did not offer any further details.
20:41 Ukrainians in Hungary Threatened with Loss of Refugee Accommodation After Decree
Following the implementation of a decree in Hungary that excludes general asylum status for Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians in Hungary face the possibility of losing their accommodation. Private refugee shelters have already commenced evicting Ukrainians, as claimed by the organization Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, approximately 120 refugees were compelled to leave a guesthouse under police supervision, as observed by an AFP photographer. The majority were Roma women and children from the Transcarpathian region of western Ukraine, where there is a significant Hungarian minority.
20:14 Scholz Commits to Comprehensive Support for Ukraine's Neighbor Moldova
Despite the upheaval in his coalition, Scholz, shortly after his summer vacation, embarked on his first foreign journey. In the Ukraine's neighboring country Moldova, which is grappling with significant attempts at destabilization by Russia, Scholz affirmed Germany's solidarity and pledged further aid for the EU candidate country, as well as ongoing support for Ukraine. However, an agreement with Moldova aimed at curbing irregular migration, which the German government is pursuing, could not be signed during the visit. "We will aid the Republic of Moldova to the best of our ability," Scholz said after a meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in the capital Chisinau. He noted that Russia and pro-Russian actors in the former Soviet republic were attempting to destabilize the country.
19:36 Borrell Advocates for Allowing Ukraine to Utilize Western Weapons on Russian Territory
In light of the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has recommended permitting Kyiv to deploy western weapons on Russian soil. Such a move, he wrote on X, would "enhance Ukraine's self-defense, saving lives and minimizing destruction in Ukraine."
19:10 Ukrainian Air Force Bombards Targets in Kursk
Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschchuk reported victories by his fighter aircraft during the offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Precision bombs primarily struck Russian positions and groupings. Although Russian troops have started incorporating abandoned houses into their defensive lines, they cannot escape the attacks, Oleschchuk wrote on Telegram. "We see everything, we know everything. Our precision bombs will locate you anywhere." Precision bombs refer to glide bombs that can be guided remotely by pilots. During the advance in the Kursk region, two crucial bridges over the Seim River were destroyed by fighter aircraft. Oleschchuk did not specify which types of aircraft Ukraine employed in its attacks. According to Ukrainian military experts, the F-16 fighter jets supplied by the West have yet to be deployed.
18:44 Escalating Conflict in Eastern Ukraine: Villagers Flee from Frontline CommunitiesWith the escalation of conflict in eastern Ukraine, numerous residents have evacuated villages situated close to the battlefront. Residents of the village of Myrnohrad, situated some 10 kilometers away from active combat zones, shared with AFP their experiences of being driven out of their homes due to intensifying Russian attacks. On-site AFP reporters witnessed several houses engulfed in flames following Russian assaults.
18:04 Energy Collaboration Discussions between Russia and ChinaDuring Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Moscow, both countries explored closer energy sector collaboration. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin expressed Russia's current position as China's primary crude oil supplier. He further stated, as reported by TASS, that Russia will soon lead in natural gas exports. Li Qiang reportedly stressed the growing scale and enhanced quality in strategic energy partnerships. Although China views the Russian conflict in Ukraine as a disruption in international order, it reaffirms its support for Russia on the issue.
17:33 Ukraine Joins the International Criminal Court with a Specific ConditionUkraine has joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), albeit with a reservation for its military. The Ukrainian parliament, with a vote of 281-1 and 22 abstentions, ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC, as stated by MP Yaroslav Shelesnyak on Telegram. Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but had yet to ratify it. The Statute serves as the basis for the ICC, which handles crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. However, the recently adopted legislation stipulates that Ukraine will not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction over war crimes involving Ukrainian armed forces for seven years. This decision is motivated by apprehensions that military actions against Russian forces may be classified as war crimes.
17:15 Russia is the Sole Country Declining a UN Security Council Visit InvitationRussia is the only nation to decline an invitation extended by Switzerland for UN Security Council members to visit Switzerland on August 25-26. Diplomats representing the 13 additional countries will journey to Geneva, as per a statement by the Swiss Foreign Ministry's spokesperson based in Bern. The Russian embassy in New York has thus far failed to provide an explanation for their decision. Russia has categorized Switzerland as an "unfriendly nation" due to its implementation of EU sanctions against Russia following the Ukraine conflict. Switzerland holds a non-permanent membership seat on the UN Security Council alongside Russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, as well as several other non-permanent members (Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia). Their term spans two years. The purpose of this trip is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
16:49 Moscow Experiences One of the Largest Drone AttacksThe recent drone attack on Moscow, orchestrated by Ukraine, has been characterized by Moscow Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, as one of the most significant since the commencement of the conflict two and a half years ago. Some drones were intercepted in the Podolsk region, around 38 kilometers away from the Kremlin, based on Sobyanin's statement on Telegram. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the neutralization of 11 airborne objects targeting the capital region. The Russian military reportedly destroyed over 45 drones flying over Russia. Counterstrikes from Russia towards Ukraine resulted in nearly 70 drones being intercepted by the Ukrainian air force, with the majority of them being successfully repelled. While the capital remained unscathed, the attack is considered one of the largest attempts to attack Moscow with drones, as stated by Mayor Sobyanin.
16:20 Orthodox Church of Ukraine Urges Switch to Independent Orthodox ChurchThe spiritual leader of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, has petitioned supporters of the pro-Moscow Orthodox church to make the switch. This move follows the Ukrainian parliament's decision to outlaw all religious organizations with ties to Russia. Metropolitan Epifaniy appealed to Orthodox Christians in Ukraine to part ways with Russian influence, asserting that they have the freedom to do so in light of the newly implemented law. He urged them to abandon the Russian religious yoke and join the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
15:28 Elections in Kursk Postponed in Seven AreasIn response to the Ukrainian attack in the Russian border region of Kursk, the Russian government has decided to postpone local elections in seven areas of the region. The Central Election Commission agrees with the proposal from the Kursk Region Election Commission to delay the elections in these settlements. The elections will take place once the "complete security of voters" can be ensured. Elsewhere in Kursk, the scheduled elections for the governor of the region are still set to take place between August 28 and September 8. The Ukrainian army has occupied several areas in Kursk since its offensive started on August 6, causing more than 120,000 civilians to flee.
15:07 Ukraine Confirms Use of Western Weapons in Russia's TerritoryUkraine has admitted to using US-made HIMARS rockets to attack replacement bridges in Russia's Kursk region. Ukrainian soldiers announced via the Telegram messaging service that they had been destroying the bridges actively. This is the first confirmation from Ukraine of using western weapons in its attack on Russian territory. Although countries like the US and Germany have not objected, Russia criticized it as an escalation of the conflict. Military experts had already suspected that HIMARS rockets were involved in the destruction of at least three original bridges in the Seim River. The destruction makes it harder for the Russian army to supply the region and launch a counterattack.
14:52 Ukrainian Drones Shot Down Near MoscowUkrainian drones are once again approaching Moscow. The Russian army has reportedly shot down at least ten drones, causing significant fireballs in the sky. The extent of the damage or casualties remains unclear.
14:25 Germany Assesses Russia Unwilling to NegotiateGermany's Foreign Office believes that Russia has no intention of negotiating an end to the war. Instead of commencing peace talks with Ukraine, Russia is demanding the annexation of territories under Russian control. Germany's spokesperson maintains that Ukraine needs appropriate weapons to counter the violation of international law, which is a popular topic in the ongoing election campaigns in Thuringia and Saxony.
13:53 Kadyrov and Putin Strengthen Their Alliance in ChechyaPresident Vladimir Putin has visited the Russian republic of Chechnya for the first time in 13 years. Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman of Chechnya, welcomed Putin and presented him with a gift. While their friendship appears unconditional on the surface, ntv reporter Rainer Munz explains that it is not unlimited.
13:30 Russian Army Advances in Eastern UkraineThe Russian army claims to have taken a village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Russian troops claim to have "liberated" the village of Schelanne, located northeast of Donetsk, which is controlled by Russia. The surrounding city of Prokhorovka is an important logistics hub. However, the Institute for the Study of War suggests that the village was already taken on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine Seeks Membership in the International Criminal CourtThe Ukrainian parliament has ratified the Rome Statute, allowing Ukraine to join the International Criminal Court. The move is an important step towards EU integration. The court has issued international arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin among others.
12:45 Ukraine Fends Off Russian Drone AttackUkrainian forces claim to have shot down 50 Russian attack drones and likely destroyed 16 more using electronic jammers overnight. One drone managed to return to Russia, while Russia used two ballistic missiles and a cruise missile in the attack. However, only the cruise missile was intercepted. No significant damage or casualties have been reported. Russia has yet to make a statement.
12:22 Russian Troops Push Back Ukrainian Defense in PokrovskUkrainian forces are facing heavy Russian attacks in the eastern front at Pokrovsk, the military reports. The Ukrainian General Staff reported 66 Russian assaults on the Pokrovsk front on Tuesday, which were all repelled. However, the situation remains difficult, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Russian military blogs claim that their troops have made progress in Pokrovsk.
11:50 Medvedev: "No Talks Until Enemy Completely Vanquished"It seems unlikely that Ukraine will engage in negotiations with Russia, as stated by ex-president Dmitri Medvedev, who has been growing more radical recently. Now serving as vice-chairman of Russia's Security Council, Medvedev, through his Telegram, declares that given Ukraine's gains in Kursk, there's no room for dialog between the two sides. There will be no discussion between Moscow and Kyiv until Ukraine is completely vanquished on the battlefield. "The hollow babble of self-proclaimed peacemakers about the noble idea of peace has come to an end. Everyone recognizes the reality of the situation, even if they can't utter it out loud," Medvedev says. "No talks will occur until the enemy is completely and utterly annihilated."
11:22 Violence Escalation by Wagner Mercenaries in AfricaRussian mercenaries have been playing a significant role in Africa for a year, following the passing of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. As suggested by analysts at conflict data organization Acled, the influence of Wagner in Africa is likely to increase even after Prigozhin's death and the rebranding to the Africa Corps. There were more instances of political violence in Africa linked to Russian mercenaries in the first half of 2024 as compared to Prigozhin's lifetime. Businessman Prigozhin had effectively established a private army since 2014, with Wagner mercenaries engaging in conflicts not only in Ukraine but also in Syria and mainly in Africa, serving Moscow's interests. Wagner orchestrated an armed uprising against the Kremlin in June 2023. Prigozhin, along with his closest associates, perished when his plane crashed on August 23, 2023.
10:50 Funeral Director's Advice to Men in Kursk
Is it patriotism or professional interest? In a video posted on Telegram, a guy in military uniform from Kursk criticizes males fleeing the area. However, it's not a soldier but 39-year-old funeral director Kirill Suworow from St. Petersburg, according to Russian opposition news agency Agentstvo. Suworow berates the male residents in his clip, asking, "What the heck are you doing? Where are you going, my dears?" He further suggests that they could help out by picking up arms or shovels and digging trenches for their fellow soldiers. Suworow also urges the locals to donate their vehicles to the military instead of fleeing. When asked by the investigative site Agentstvo, the businessman repeats his criticism of the men from Kursk, refusing to comment on his personal participation in the conflict.
10:26 Pentagon: Ukraine Embarrasses Russia
The U.S. Department of Defense believes Russia is struggling to react to Ukraine's counteroffensive in the western Russian region of Kursk. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder states that there are signs that Moscow is moving a small number of units into the area. "But overall, I would say that Russia is really struggling to respond," Ryder says. The Ukraine has "clearly put its opponent in a tough spot," he emphasizes. Ukrainian forces are reportedly continuing to advance into the area. With the counteroffensive launched about two weeks ago, Ukraine has for the first time penetrated into its enemy's territory. Ryder affirms that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk does not alter U.S. support for Kyiv.
10:03 Imbalance at the Eastern Front
Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledges a challenging situation at the eastern front. ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald from the region asserts that the scenario is "dramatic," with Moscow's soldiers significantly outnumbering Ukrainian forces. Moreover, the Kremlin does not care about its own casualties.
09:37 Ukrainian Military Strikes Russian Air Defense System in Rostov
The Ukrainian military claims to have struck an air defense system in the southern Russian region of Rostov. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, it's a system of S300 anti-aircraft missiles, a type previously used by Russia to attack Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian assault targeted a missile system near Novoshakhtinsk, resulting in explosions at specific locations. The Governor of Rostov, Vasili Golubev, reports that the Russian air force shot down a missile fired from Ukraine over the region. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense makes no mention of this in its daily situation report.
09:09 Moscow Airports Disrupted by Drone Attack
Following a drone attack on Moscow, temporary restrictions were imposed on three of the city's airports for four hours during the night. Authorities confirmed that these restrictions affected Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo airports, with Sheremetyevo remaining unaffected. The Russian air force reportedly intercepted and destroyed eleven drones heading towards Moscow, describing it as one of the city's largest drone assaults. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described the incident as a grave threat to the city.
08:41 SPD Foreign Policy Spokesperson: "This Overconfident Autocrat Putin Can Be Overpowered" SPD Foreign Policy Spokesperson Michael Roth is urging decisive action in support of Ukraine, particularly during this "critical period." "The only way to push Putin into negotiations is if he realizes he can't defeat Ukraine. And that can only happen if Germany, Europe, the USA, and numerous other allies continue to equip Ukraine militarily as effectively as possible," Roth stated on ntv's morning show. Roth also praised the recent accomplishments in Russian-controlled areas, expressing relief that people in Ukraine have regained their courage after a long time. "It becomes evident, this boastful autocrat Putin can be overcome," Roth concluded.
08:12 Woidke Ponders Job Income for Ukrainian Refugees Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke expresses doubts about the citizens' allowance for Ukrainian refugees. "At the time, the decision was necessary as we had to act fast. Today, we must ask ourselves if this kind of support is still relevant," he stated in an interview with "Stern." In other EU countries, more Ukrainians hold jobs than in Germany. "We should strive to change that. It would benefit our economy, as we need labor - and it would promote integration," Woidke suggested. Elections for a new state parliament will be held in Brandenburg in September.
07:40 Ukraine Analyzes: Over 9,600 Rockets and 13,900 Drones Fired by Russia Since the conflict began, Russia has reportedly fired over 9,600 rockets and nearly 14,000 attack drones against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports cited by the "Kyiv Independent." Most of the rockets were aimed at civilian areas, with S-300/S-400 rockets being the most frequently utilized, striking a total of 3,008 times. The second most frequently used weapons were Kh-555/Kh-101 cruise missiles, with 1,846 recorded attacks.
07:08 German Military Strengthens Stronghold Security The German Military is significantly enhancing security measures for all barracks. "Der Spiegel" reports that barracks have been instructed to examine the outer fences of all facilities for gaps, increase nighttime surveillance, and pay close attention to unauthorized individuals in secure areas, reporting any suspicions immediately. This is a response to reports of intruders in sensitive security areas. A high-ranking general conceded that the protection of German barracks is still in "peacetime mode," with entrance and exit controls frequently handled by private contractors, as well as patrols along the barracks' perimeters.
06:40 Habeck: If G7 Aid Fails, We Must Revisit Ukraine's Support Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck has pledged ongoing support for Ukraine, regardless of whether the planned multi-billion-dollar aid from G7 countries materializes. "The G7 have initiated the necessary steps: Ukraine will receive funds to acquire the urgently needed weapons systems," Habeck told the Funke media group. "That should take place this year - as I've heard," Habeck continued. Ukraine is expected to receive 50 billion, with an additional 4 billion from the federal budget in 2025. If that fails, "we must revisit the issue," demands Habeck. Support for Ukraine remains unwavering, but if the transition to the planned G7 model proves problematic, Habeck proposes a pragmatic solution: securing weapon system orders now and paying for them later from G7 funds.
06:08 Incursion in Kursk: Moscow Blames Western Intelligence Services Based on a newspaper report, Russia implicated Western intelligence services in planning the latest Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk. The Russian newspaper "Izvestia" cites Moscow's foreign intelligence service SVR, which claims that Ukrainian military operations in the Kursk region were facilitated by the intelligence services of the USA, Great Britain, and Poland. The units involved reportedly underwent training in preparation for combat operations at centers in Great Britain and Germany. Military advisors from NATO countries are said to have guided Ukrainian forces that had intruded Russian territory, as well as aided in the management of Western weapons and military equipment by Ukrainians. NATO countries are reportedly providing the Ukrainian military with satellite reconnaissance data on the Russian troop deployment in the operational area.
05:39 Russian Sources: All Three Sejm Bridges Damaged or Destroyed Ukrainian forces have allegedly damaged or destroyed all three bridges crossing the Sejm River in western Russia, Russian sources claim. This attack on the Sejm bridges in Kursk could result in the encirclement of Russian troops, with Ukrainian forces advancing into Russia and approaching the border between both countries. The attacks have reportedly slowed down the Russian response to the Kursk offensive, which Ukraine initiated on August 6.
Russia reports a series of Ukrainian drone attacks across various regions. Authorities claim to have shot down 3 drones about 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin and 15 more in the border area of Bryansk. Previously, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had reported intercepting 3 drones heading towards Moscow over Podolsk. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported in Bryansk, Podolsk, Tula, or Rostov. The exact number of launched drones and missiles remains undisclosed. Ukraine generally refrains from commenting on such incidents.
03:50 Putin and Kadyrov Review Troops in Chechnya
For the first time in 13 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the Chechen Republic in the North Caucasus. Together with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, he inspects troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine. Putin commends the troops, stating, "As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely invincible." The visit follows Ukrainian advances into the Russian region of Kursk. Kadyrov reveals that Chechnya has dispatched over 47,000 fighters to Ukraine since the war’s beginning, with approximately 19,000 being volunteers. Kadyrov often identifies himself as Putin's "foot soldier."
02:44 Russian Air Defense Intercepts Drones Over Moscow
Russia announces the interception of a drone attack on Moscow’s capital. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram message states that 3 drones dispatched from Ukraine were destroyed by air defense. No damage or injuries were initially caused by the falling debris.
01:50 Alleged Betrayal Confirmation: FSB Confirms Scientist's Arrest
The Russian FSB security service confirms the arrest of a scientist on suspicion of betrayal. The suspect is alleged to have carried out cyberattacks on critical Ukrainian infrastructure, provided monetary support to the Ukrainian military, and collected information about the Russian military. The FSB does not disclose the precise date of the man’s arrest. Russian media shares a video allegedly showing the arrest, depicting snowy conditions in the background. The Ostoroschno Nowosti Telegram channel claims that the man, a physicist, was arrested in December 2023, based on earlier state media reports.
00:59 Zelensky Praises Ban of Moscow-Loyal Church in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky applauds Ukraine’s parliament for its decision to ban a Moscow-aligned branch of the Orthodox Church. Zelensky commends the parliament for championing Ukraine’s spiritual independence. After lengthy deliberations, the parliament outlawed the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which had been under the control of the Moscow Patriarchate for decades. The church's Ukrainian offshoot is accused of condoning or even collaborating with Ukraine's enemy, as well as justifying Russian war crimes against their own people. Although the church officially severed ties with Moscow, it still acknowledges the Moscow Patriarchate’s leadership.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Struggles to Counter Ukrainian Advance in Kursk
The Pentagon evaluates Russia as having difficulty responding to Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Kursk region. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, based in Washington, explains that there are hints that Moscow is mobilizing small units to the area, stating, "But overall, I would say that Russia is really struggling to respond." Ryder asserts that Ukraine has significantly weakened its opposition, declaring, "The Ukraine has clearly put its opponent on the back foot." Ryder does not confirm direct US support for Ukraine's advance but references President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement of creating a buffer zone.
22:10 Zelensky: Balance Necessary Between Mobilization and Economy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the need for an equilibrium between mobilizing troops and preserving the economy. During a visit to an industrial facility in Kropyvnytskyi, Zelensky responds to a worker's inquiry by insisting that occupied positions are critical for soldier salaries and Ukraine’s defense efforts.
21:44 Ukraine Reports Additional Territorial Gains in Kursk
Ukraine boasts advancing 28-35 kilometers in the Russian region of Kursk, according to its statements. Russian forces are reinforcing their positions with troops from other regions, admits Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky in a televised statement. Moreover, Russia is transferring units to Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, where intense fighting has been ongoing lately. Russia has yet to comment on this.
21:25 Putin Visits Chechnya Following 13-Year Absence
Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Chechnya, a Russian republic in the North Caucasus, for the first time in 13 years to meet with Chechnya's strongman, Ramzan Kadyrov. Photos released by the news agency RIA Novosti depict Putin shaking hands with Kadyrov in Grozny. Subsequently, Putin embraces Kadyrov's shoulder and hugs him before they depart in a limousine. Kadyrov shares on Telegram about a "packed itinerary" of activities, saying that Putin is brimming with energy despite the strenuous workday and eager to explore multiple locations in Chechnya.
21:02 Scholz: Ukraine gets "a whole lot of funds, a whole lot of funds" Chancellor Olaf Scholz appears taken aback by the allegation that Germany is not adequately aiding Ukraine. This year, Ukraine is set to receive over seven billion euros, more than any other European country, Scholz claims during an interview on Sat1 TV. The following year, Ukraine will receive four billion euros from the federal budget - again, more than any other European country. On top of that, there are the 50 billion dollars made possible by the western G7 countries through the utilization of frozen Russian assets. "That's a whole lot of funds, that's a whole lot of funds," Scholz reiterates. However, the exact availability of these 50 billion euros for Ukraine remains uncertain.
20:14 Putin equates Beslan school crisis to Ukrainian advancement On the 20th anniversary of the brutal school siege in Beslan, Russian President Vladimir Putin draws a comparison between the incident at the time and the current actions of the Ukrainian military in the Russian border region of Kursk. Just as Russia "fought terrorists" in Beslan, Putin argues, it must now " combat those committing crimes in the Kursk region."
19:43 Moscow Patriarchate denounces proposed Ukrainian church ban as "unlawful" The Russian Orthodox Church condemns the ban on the Russia-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church passed by the Ukrainian parliament. They label it an "unlawful act" and a "significant infringement on the fundamental principles of religious freedom and human rights," according to Vladimir Legoida, spokesperson for the Russian Orthodox Church, via Telegram. Legoida forecasts that enforcing this law could result in "mass violence against millions of believers." Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church head, also voices his concern, stating during his visit to the Solovki Monastery in northern Russia that "these are tough times when many are turning against us, not because we're wrong, but simply because we're different." Kirill is a supporter of the war against Ukraine. Prior to this, members of the Kyiv parliament supported a bill prohibiting religious organizations with ties to Moscow.
You can read all past occurrences here.
The military aid from the West, including funds derived from frozen Russian assets, is crucial for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.
Despite China's stance of impartiality regarding the Ukrainian conflict, NATO views China as a "key actor" in Russia's offensive.
