Zelenskyy commenting on assaults on Russian territory: "It's essential for a state acting terroristically to experience the reality of war"
In his evening remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discusses recent attacks on Russian territory. "A belligerent state needs to experience war firsthand," he states, implying the long-range capability as a vital tool to terminate the conflict. Therefore, Ukraine continues to persist in enhancing the range of its weapons to strike as many Russian military facilities, logistics centers, and critical facilities of their military production as possible. Zelensky expresses gratitude to all involved in the manufacturing and deployment of Ukrainian drones.
20:01 Majority of Polls Show Poles Support Intercepting Russian Drones Over Polish AirspaceA survey published by the Polish newspaper "Rzeczpospolita" and reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," indicates that most Poles believe the Polish military should engage Russian drones encroaching on Polish airspace during Ukraine assaults. The survey was conducted following an unidentified aircraft, presumably a Shahed suicide drone, cruising over Poland for over 30 minutes before vanishing on August 26. The following day, Polish Brigadier General Tomasz Drewniak disclosed to Radio RMF24 that Russia might have been assessing the Polish air defense system by sending drones into Polish airspace.
19:34 Swiss Security Consultants Urge Government to Revisit Neutral PolicyAn advisory group within the Swiss government recommends reevaluating the country's historical neutrality, advocating for enhanced military cooperation with NATO and the European Union. The report, obtained by the portal "Politico," suggests this shift in response to heightened security concerns stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The working group from the Swiss Ministry of Defense also highlights the country's growing pressure, both domestically and internationally, to clarify its neutral position. The Swiss neutrality policy dates back to 1515. The group is led by Wolfgang Ischinger, former head of the Munich Security Conference.
18:58 Ukrainian Military Reports Over 90 Engagements with Russian ForcesSince dawn, there have been 91 engagements between Ukrainian and Russian troops, the Ukrainian General Staff reveals, describing the frontline situation as challenging. "The defensive forces are working diligently to obstruct the offensive plans of the Russian aggressor and eliminate its personnel and military hardware," the report indicates.
18:22 Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander Claims Over 37,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in AugustRussia's military casualties in Ukraine in August amounted to approximately 36,810 soldiers, according to the Ukrainian ground forces commander, Oleksandr Pavliuk, as reported by Ukrinform. He also stated that Ukrainian forces destroyed a substantial number of enemy weapons and military equipment in August, including 193 tanks, 557 armored combat vehicles, 1,517 artillery systems, 44 multiple rocket launchers, 33 air defense systems, over 2,000 vehicles, and 278 specialized units. These figures cannot be independently corroborated, as Russia maintains secrecy regarding its losses in Ukraine.
17:44 British Intelligence Reports Russian Ground Forces Advancing on PokrovskBritish defense experts report that Russian ground troops are progressing towards the heavily contested city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, as per their latest intelligence briefing. "Russian ground forces are likely within 10 kilometers of the city limits," the report notes. Experts speculate that the advance will slow once ground troops reach urban areas nearby Pokrovsk. Pokrovsk plays a critical role in supplying Ukrainian troops. "If captured, it would lengthen existing supply lines and further complicate the situation for Ukrainian forces," the report concludes. The UK's Ministry of Defense has been releasing daily updates on the conflict since the commencement of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sourcing intelligence data.
17:16 Losses and Casualties in Kurakhove Following Russian AttackThe Russian army has bombarded the town of Kurakhove in the Donetsk region. At least three individuals were killed, and nine others were injured, according to the head of the military administration of the Donetsk region, Vadym Fillaschenko, on Telegram. He reported that the Russian military attacked Kurakhove using multiple "Uragan" rocket launchers.
16:43 Russian Forces Deny Advance in Donbass, Ukrainian General Staff Reports Repels Nine AttacksRussian troops assert defeats in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, claiming to have seized the rural village of Wyhimka in the north of Donbass near the Ukrainian-controlled city of Sieversk. However, the Ukrainian General Staff denies nine Russian assaults since yesterday, including on Wyhimka, all of which were repelled. Both accounts remain unverified. Russian forces also claim territory gains near the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, another prime focus of the ongoing offensive.
16:20 Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Proposes Modification to Nuclear Doctrine in Response to Western Gradual EscalationRussia is said to be revising its nuclear doctrine, according to its own statements. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov disclosed to the state news agency TASS that the process is advanced, and changes are imminent. The decision is linked to the "escalation course of our Western adversaries" in relation to the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in an interview that the West is "overstepping boundaries" and Russia will protect its interests. The US and its allies claim that Russia's actions in Ukraine constitute an invasion and that the Kyiv government is being supported in its defense. Russia's current nuclear doctrine envisions the employment of nuclear weapons if Russia's sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened.
15:54 Post Air Strike in Kharkiv: Injury Count Climbs to 41The tally of injured individuals in Kharkiv following a Russian aerial assault has risen to 41, as per the state news agency Ukrinform, which referenced the regional military administration. Five minors are among the injured, and the Russian military allegedly struck Kharkiv with rockets, causing approximately ten blasts and damaging various civilian structures, including a shopping complex.
15:21 Zelensky Requests Western Consent for Strikes Deeper into Russian TerritoryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his plea for the West to approve the utilization of Western weaponry for strikes deep within Russian territory following Russia's most recent aerial assaults. In order to adequately safeguard and protect Ukrainian cities, further assistance is necessary, according to his statement on Telegram. This includes a resolution on "long-range strikes on Russian missile launch sites, the destruction of Russian military logistics, and the joint launch of missiles and drones." Zelensky emphasizes that Russia has employed 160 missiles, 780 guided or aerial bombs, and 400 combat drones against Ukraine within the past week alone.
15:03 Ukrainian Air Force Claims Down Eight of Eleven Shahed DronesThe Ukrainian Air Force asserts that it has shot down 24 Russian drones. The Russian military launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile from the Kursk region and 11 Shahed-131/136 drones from the Crimea peninsula towards Ukrainian targets. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, eight of these were intercepted. The primary targets were the Ukrainian regions of Mykolaiv and Sumy.
14:45 Kharkiv Suffers Fresh Attack by Russian Aircraft; 28 WoundedThe city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine has been targeted once again by Russian aircraft, as per local authorities. A rocket attack resulted in 28 injuries; Mayor Ihor Terechov provided this update. A six-year-old child is among the injured, according to the Governor of the Kharkiv Oblast, Oleh Sinehubov. Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine. In recent days, numerous deaths and injuries have occurred as a result of attacks on the city.
14:29 EU Imports More Gas from Russia than US in Last QuarterFor the first time in almost two years, EU nations imported more gas from Russia than from the US between April and June, as per data from the Brussels-based consultancy Bruegel. EU nations imported approximately 12.7 billion cubic meters from Russia and 12.3 billion from the US during this timeframe. While Russian imports saw only a minor decline compared to the first quarter of 2024, US imports tumbled significantly. Norway remains the EU's primary gas supplier, with 23.9 billion cubic meters in the second quarter. Before invading Ukraine at the beginning of 2022, Russia held this position. Many EU countries then reduced their imports from the country. According to statistics from the Federal Statistical Office, Germany now imports no gas from Russia. Russia has moved into second place in the list of suppliers, barely surpassing the US. The destinations of the imports are not provided in the data.
14:10 Fire at Moscow Oil Refinery ExtinguishedThe fire at the Moscow oil refinery (see entry 08:01) has been extinguished, according to a media report referencing the state-run Russian news agency TASS. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed that drone fragments struck the facility, causing a fire in a "separate technical room." The Ukrainian military has allegedly attacked power plants on Russian territory with numerous drones, as per Russian reports.
13:36 Moscow Views US as Aggressor PartyThe US, through its military aid to Ukraine, is already heavily involved in the conflict, maintains Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov on Russian television. The relationship between Moscow and Washington is therefore as strained as it has been in decades. Officially, Peskov maintained that Russia has no preference between the US election candidates Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Ukraine is receiving military aid from numerous Western nations in its conflict against Russia. However, this support is not enough to significantly alter the military situation. Moscow's demands for an end to the war amount to essentially a Ukrainian surrender.
13:19 Russia: Advance in Eastern Ukraine - Two Towns CapturedRussian forces have taken control of two towns in eastern Ukraine, according to Russian state-run news agencies, quoting the defense ministry. Ptytsche and Vuhledar now fall under Russian jurisdiction; however, independent verification of such claims is lacking. Russian troops are reportedly making gains along the eastern front, marking territorial advances.
12:48 Ukraine: Russian Troops Attack Grain ConvoyRussian troops allegedly assaulted a convoy of grain-laden trucks near Sumy, as per Ukrainian authorities. The trucks were traveling between Sumy and Kharkiv when they were struck by rockets, according to the local prosecutor's office. A 23-year-old truck driver was killed, and one truck caught fire, while 20 others sustained damage. Reportedly, the Ukrainian Air Force had previously issued a general warning concerning an attack on the country's logistics in the agricultural sector.
11:50 Thrill-Seeking and Danger-Embracing: War Tourism in Ukraine Reaches New HeightsIn Ukraine, explosions can erupt at any given moment, day or night, anywhere. Regardless of the constant threat and risks, Dmytro Nikiforov offers guided adventures through past battlegrounds. Prior to the conflict, he worked as a lawyer. Now, he orchestrates "War Tours" across Kyiv and the surrounding region, including Bucha and Irpin. Nikiforov sees his role not only as a business venture but also as a means to bring global attention to the ongoing conflict. He explains this to ntv.de writer Thomas Schmoll. Tourists are driven by a thirst for excitement, yearning to witness the raw reality of war and grasp what's transpiring right here, Nikiforov states.
11:22 Zelenskyy: Russia Launches Over 780 Guided Bombs in Ukraine in a WeekIt's perfectly understandable for Ukrainians to respond to Russian terrorism with all necessary measures to stop it, writes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X. In the past week, Russia launched more than 160 rockets, about 780 guided bombs, and approximately 400 unmanned aerial vehicles of various types in Ukraine.
11:04 Ukraine: One Person Killed, Four Wounded in Attack on SumyRussian artillery fire has led to one civilian fatality and four injuries in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, as per Ukrainian reports. "Overnight and this morning, the Russians carried out 18 attacks on border regions and settlements in the Sumy region," local authorities stated on Telegram. "47 explosions were detected." Sumy is near the Russian Kursk Oblast, which was invaded by thousands of Ukrainian soldiers on August 6.
10:28 Ukrainian Military Chief: Eastern Front Situation is ComplexThe situation on the eastern front is complicated, acknowledged Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. "The situation is challenging in the direction of the main enemy assault. However, every necessary decision is being made at all levels without delay," Army Chief Syrskyi said on Telegram. He spent several days this week in the city of Pokrovsk on the eastern front. The fighting there is "intense." He did not specify the exact location of the Russian offensive, but he and President Volodymyr Zelensky have stated that Russian forces have targeted the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk Oblast.
09:59 ISW: Russian Troops Struggle Due to Lack of Personnel and Equipment in Ukraine"Reports suggest that Russian forces are unable to engage in full-scale combat in Ukraine due to a lack of personnel and equipment," the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) writes in its latest report. This is a result of the Kremlin's inefficient war strategy. The ISW cites, among other sources, a report by a mobilized Russian soldier and military blogger. In August, he wrote on Telegram that the Russian government failed to set up an effective mobilization system to replace personnel losses or increase reserves.
09:21 Ukraine Releases Updated Figures on Russian Troop LossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has updated loss data for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to the report, Russia has lost approximately 616,300 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, including 1,340 in the past 24 hours. The report from Kyiv also states that ten tanks, 22 artillery systems, and 36 drones were destroyed. Since the beginning of the extensive invasion, Russia has lost a total of 8,592 tanks, 17,636 artillery systems, 368 planes, 328 helicopters, 14,507 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, according to Ukraine. Estimates from the West suggest lower loss figures, but these are also likely to be minimums.
09:00 Russia: 158 Ukrainian Drones DestroyedRussia's air defense has intercepted and destroyed a total of 158 Ukrainian drones, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow (see entries 07:03 and 03:45). The Ukrainian military targeted power plants and refineries in a large-scale drone attack, with the greatest impact on the Moscow region and the neighboring Tver region.
08:32 DeepState: Russian Forces Advance in Donetsk RegionRussian forces seem to be advancing further in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, according to analysts from the DeepState channel, which is linked to the Ukrainian military. They claim that the Russians have captured Paraskowijiwka in the Donetsk region and have also entered three more settlements: Kostyantynivka, Grodivka, and Halytsynivka.
08:01 Mayor of Moscow: Fire in Oil Refinery After AttackA fire has erupted at an oil refinery in Moscow, as reported by Moscow's mayor, Sergey Sobyanin. He attributes the incident to a Ukrainian drone attack. Additional details are yet to be disclosed.
07:28 Ghost Villages: Ukrainian Border Region Becomes Progressively DesertedThe war has reached practically every corner of the Ukrainian-Russian border region in recent years. While the Ukrainian military manages to push forward just beyond the Russian border, there are scarcely any inhabited villages left on the Ukrainian side.
07:03 Russia Claims to Repel "Detailed" Drone AttacksRussia asserts that it has successfully repelled "detailed" drone attacks on western Russia and the capital, Moscow. The governor of the border region of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, announced on Telegram that defenders managed to thwart a massive drone attack on the region's territory, destroying over 26 drones. Earlier, nearly 26 drones had been identified and destroyed by the Russian military.
06:23 Russia: Another attack on a power plant via dronesA power plant situated in Kaschirskaya, a district within the Moscow region, was targeted by Ukrainian drones, as per Mikhail Shvyalov, the district's head, via Telegram. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and there was no sign of destruction or fire. Previously, similar attacks on the Konakovo power plant in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow, had been reported.
05:40 Explosions near Russian power plant in TverLoud explosions were heard near the Konakovo power plant in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow, according to various Russian Telegram channels. This power plant is one of the major electricity generators in central Russia. Prior to this, the region's governor reported the destruction of five drones launched from Ukraine, with no reported injuries and emergency services on the scene.
04:54 Ziemiak: Germany should pay more attention to PolandCDU politician Paul Ziemiak insisted on Germany demonstrating more engagement to improve relations with Poland. He stated, "It's not a powerful Germany that scares the Poles today - it's a weak one." He further pointed out that Poland believes Germany does not listen enough, especially in defense policy. Germany, according to him, made mistakes in the past and only started supporting Ukraine more strongly due to pressure from neighboring countries.
03:45 Russia: More drones interceptedRussian authorities reportedly intercepted at least five drones over the Moscow vicinity. In total, 26 drones were allegedly destroyed across the Bryansk border region in southwestern Russia, more than ten in the Voronezh region, and several in other regions like Kursk, Lipetsk, Ryazan, and Tula. The governors of these regions announced this news via Telegram, with preliminary reports indicating no damage or injuries.
02:39 Russia: Drone attack towards Moscow thwartedAccording to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobjanin, Russian air defenses managed to destroy a drone aimed at Moscow. Initial reports suggest there were no injuries or damage resulting from the drone attack. Sobjanin shared this information via Telegram.
01:39 Netherlands to send 28 armored vehicles to KyivThe Netherlands announced its plan to send 28 amphibious armored vehicles of the Viking Bandvagn S10 type to Ukraine, as announced by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the X platform. Brekelmans stated that Ukrainian soldiers have been trained by the Dutch Marine Corps to operate these vehicles. These 11-ton Viking Bandvagn S10 vehicles can traverse various surfaces, including water. "Ukraine needs our help urgently in its fight against the Russian aggressor," Brekelmans wrote. He did not specify an exact delivery date.
00:35 Former US general criticizes Biden's Ukraine policyFormer US General Ben Hodges criticized the West's policy of prohibiting Ukraine from attacking Russia. Hodges argued at the Globsec Forum in Prague, as reported by the "Kyiv Independent," that the West has no "clear goal." Ukraine has recently increased pressure to lift the ban by invading the Russian region of Kursk. However, the White House has not altered its stance, despite some U.S. politicians supporting Ukraine's demands. "This terrible policy, which actually protects Russian airfields better than Ukrainian civilians, highlights the fact that we have no clear goal," Hodges stated. The former U.S. commander alleged that the Biden administration is failing to fulfill "its most important task - namely, what we aim to achieve."
23:25 Zelensky calls for permission to attack RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is escalating his demands on his allies to allow attacks on Russia. "Clearing the Ukrainian sky of Russian loitering munitions is an essential step to force Russia to seek an end to the war and a just peace," Zelensky said in his nightly video address. "We need the authority to truly protect Ukraine and the Ukrainians. We require both permission for long-range capabilities and long-range missiles and rockets." Without providing specifics, he indicated that his representatives have communicated all necessary details to Ukraine's partners. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov informed US broadcaster CNN that they had shown partners that Russian airfields from which Ukrainian cities are attacked are within range of long-range weapons.
22:15 Estonia and Latvia commemorate Russian troop withdrawal 30 years agoEstonia and Latvia honored the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of Russian troops from the two Baltic states with memorial events. More than 50 years after being occupied by the Soviet Red Army, the last Russian troops left the EU and NATO member states on the evening of August 31, 1994. In Tallinn and Riga, Presidents Alar Karis (Estonia) and Egils Levits (Latvia) highlighted the symbolic, political, and legal significance of the events that occurred three decades ago. They emphasized during meetings with those involved in the withdrawal negotiations with Russia that without the troop withdrawal, neither genuine independence nor the path to EU and NATO membership in 2004 would have been possible. Today, the Baltic states are among Ukraine's strongest supporters in its defensive struggle against Russia. There is growing concern in the region of becoming the next target of the Kremlin army since the start of the conflict.
At 21:03, the renowned Ukrainian kickboxer Roman Holovatiuk met his demise in active service. This news was confirmed by the Youth and Sports Committee of the Ukrainian Parliament. Born in Kamjanez-Podilskyj, a city nestled in western Ukraine, Holovatiuk rose to fame at the tender age of 22. He clinched a medal at the World Games held in Poland in 2017, which propelled him to national and international recognition. His victories didn't halt there. He earned the title of Master of Sports in WAKO kickboxing, became a World Games finalist, crowned world champion, and collected numerous World and European Cup victories, along with multiple Ukrainian titles. Following Russia's invasion in February 2022, Holovatiuk selflessly enlisted in the army.
You can delve into the prior happenings [here].
In light of these escalating tensions and cyber threats, it's pertinent to consider the risks associated with a potential cyberwar. As we've seen with recent cyberattacks, both nations could potentially use technology as a weapon to disrupt critical infrastructure, vital services, and essential communication systems. A belligerent state, like Russia, could exploit its cyber capabilities to undermine Ukraine's defenses and sow chaos in an attempt to weaken its ability to respond effectively on the battlefield. Therefore, Ukraine must prioritize fortifying its digital defenses and invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity measures to shield itself against potential cyberwarfare attacks.
