Zelenskyy is dispatching additional forces to Pokrovsk.
18:10 Macron: Telegram CEO's Arrest Not Politically Motivated
French President Emmanuel Macron verifies the Telegram CEO's arrest incident, which occurred a couple of days ago. "The apprehension took place within the context of an ongoing judicial investigation," Macron affirms. "This was not a political move." The courts retain the final authority in this matter.
17:42 Report: Russian Court Sentences 15-year-old to Prison for "Terrorism" Supplementation
A 15-year-old pupil in Russia has been penalized with imprisonment for displaying backing for Ukraine, according to a report from Russian opposition media outlet Mediazona. A Russian court situated in the eastern city of Khabarovsk sentenced the minor to nearly five years in a juvenile institution for "association with a terrorist organization" and "training for a terrorist activity." The judgment was passed on August 16 but was kept confidential until now. The adolescent's grandmother informed Mediazona that she suspects Russian security services were responsible for inciting him. The young man had expressed disapproval for Russia and favor for Ukraine on numerous occasions among his classmates and via social media. The trial revolved around a Telegram video exhibiting the adolescent lighting Molotov cocktails against an abandoned building's wall alongside two other teenagers.
17:13 Regional Leader: Dam Attack Caused No Significant Damage
The Russian assault on a dam near Kyiv resulted in no significant damages, according to the local chief, Ruslan Kravchenko. Provided that there are no more attacks or warning signals, the entranceway to the dam is supposed to be restored later in the afternoon, he told the Ukrainian division of Radio Liberty.
16:46 Ukrainian Defense Minister: Response to Attacks Current
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Ummerov announced a response to Russian's persistent attacks on his country. "Ukraine is preparing its countermeasures. Weapons straight from our facility," he declared, according to the Ministry of Defense. He also appealed for Western allies to amplify Ukraine's long-range capabilities and eliminate constraints on attacks on Russian military facilities.
16:12 Wagner Group Claims: No Mercenaries in Ukraine as of Now
The Wagner Group asserts that its mercenaries are not currently playing a part alongside the Russian army in Ukraine. Based on a statement published on Telegram, as reported by Kyiv Independent, they are only functioning in Belarus and Africa at present. Moreover, the Wagner mercenaries do not belong to Russian National Guard or the Russian Ministry of Defense ranks, according to the group. As of now, Wagner is not participating in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the group claims. Any alterations in the situation will be disclosed.
15:40 Longest Air Raid Since the War Began in Kyiv
Owing to Russian attacks on Ukraine, Kyiv experienced an air raid for approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes. According to journalist Denis Trubetskoy, this is the second longest air raid in the capital since the onset of the Russian conflict. The longest one persisted for nine minutes more, he narrates on X. Based on Anton Gerashchenko's claims, air raids in various parts of Ukraine loitered up to ten hours.
15:15 Russia Alleges Counterattack in Kursk
Russian forces raided Ukrainian soldiers at over a dozen positions along the borderline in the Russian province of Kursk, according to the Ministry of Defense. Moreover, Ukrainian attacks were repulsed at seven other locations in Kursk. Additionally, Ukrainian artillery bombarded 16 locations in the Sumy region, which is neighboring Kursk on the Ukrainian side.
14:55 IAEA Chief Prioritizes Nuclear Power Plant Inspection in Kursk
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is personally presiding over the inspection of the Kursk nuclear power plant, which has been seized by Ukrainian troops. He cited the pressing circumstances as the reason for his engagement, declaring on X, "I stress again: The safety of nuclear installations must not be compromised under any circumstances." The visit is scheduled for Tuesday. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers encroached upon Kursk in a surprise attack on August 6.
14:47 Fire at Russia's Largest Oil Refinery
A blaze erupted at Russia's foremost oil refinery in Omsk, as per operator Gazprom. According to their announcement, the fire in technical equipment was identified by the safety system and production continues as usual. Seven workers were injured, as reported by Russian news agency TASS, with one later identified as having died. Preliminary reports indicated only two injuries.
14:32 Russia Dismisses Targeting Western Weapons and Ammunition
The Russian Ministry of Defense asserted that Russian forces attacked gas compressor stations and power transformers in Ukraine utilizing drones and missiles. These energy facilities supplied electricity to Ukraine's military-industrial sector. Furthermore, Western weapons and ammunition stored at two Ukrainian airfields were also targeted.
14:09 News Source: Over 240 Russian Soldiers Detained in Kursk
Since August 6, Ukrainian troops have apprehended more than 240 Russian soldiers, according to a report from The Washington Post. The newspaper analyzed over 130 images and videos, mostly shot by Ukrainian soldiers and shared on social media. The study also included photographs taken at a prison where captured Russian soldiers are reportedly being kept. The verified photographs exhibit at least 247 Russian captives, corroborating Ukrainian officials' claims of capturing hundreds of Russian soldiers during the incursion. Many of those held appeared to have surrendered without resistance.
During the Russian assault on Ukraine, an item supposedly breached Polish airspace and presumably landed on Polish soil. The state news agency PAP reported this incident, attributing it to the army's operations command. The search for the non-rocket object continues. General Maciej Klisz, operational commander of the armed forces, said in a statement to Polsat News, "During the substantial attack on Ukrainian territory on Monday, an object likely intruded onto Polish soil." The "Guardian" cites an army spokesperson, suggesting that the object is most likely a drone.
In the extensive air attack on Ukraine today, a dam north of Kyiv was allegedly struck by a Russian rocket, as per Ukrainian media reports. A part of the hydroelectric power station can be seen inferno in a video shared by journalist Yaroslav Trofimov of the "Wall Street Journal" and others. Trofimov cautions, "If the dam breaks, millions of people downstream could perish." Official statements on the damage to the structure have yet to be released.
Russia has reportedly used more than 100 rockets and almost 100 drones in the latest significant attack, according to Ukrainian sources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a video message posted on Telegram, "This was one of the heaviest attacks." The Russian Ministry of Defense, in turn, claims on Telegram to have "struck all targeted infrastructure facilities" in massive attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Zelenskyy explains that it was a "combined" attack, involving "more than 100 rockets of diverse types" and about 100 Shahed drones of Iranian origin. The Russian Ministry of Defense refers to a "massive strike with long-range precision weapons" on "crucial energy infrastructure facilities."
Ukraine is urging the West to permit the use of supplied weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory. According to the chief of staff of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, on Telegram, "Such a decision would bring an end to Russian terror more swiftly."
Russia regards negotiations with Ukraine over a ceasefire as largely irrelevant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Negotiations with Ukraine over a ceasefire have almost lost their significance." The infiltration of Ukrainian troops into the Russian border region of Kursk cannot be tolerated, according to Peskov. There must be a response. No talks about a ceasefire have taken place, and the topic is no longer relevant.
Dictator Lukashenko is amassing tens of thousands of soldiers at the border with Ukraine, a move that is causing concern. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz estimates that this is more of a show of force than a genuine threat.
Intelligence reports of a potential threat from a Russian sabotage act using a drone prompted a temporary increase in security levels at the NATO air base in Geilenkirchen near Aachen. According to German security circles, there was a credible indication from a foreign intelligence service of preparations for a probable Russian sabotage act against the NATO base.
The fuel depot in Proletarsk, southern Russia, has been burning for over a week. Satellite images from NASA's FIRMS fire and forest monitoring system show the fire is still ongoing. The fire in the depot containing over 70 individual tanks was ignited by a Ukrainian drone attack in the early hours of August 18. Unofficial reports suggest another attack occurred on Friday morning. The regional authorities of Rostov have declared a state of emergency for the Proletarsk district. The state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday that 47 firefighters had been injured in the blaze by then.
As a result of the Russian attacks' proximity to the Polish border, the Polish military scrambled interceptors, as reported by the news agency PAP. According to the reports, aircraft from other allies were also involved in the operation. The Ukrainian air force reported that the Russian army had deployed 11 long-range bombers, Tu-95s, which carry cruise missiles. Hypersonic Kinzhal missiles were also fired at Ukraine, and the country was attacked from the Black Sea.
A Ukrainian soldier reportedly shot at a Russian cruise missile with a machine gun mounted on a truck in the western region of Transcarpathia this morning. Governor Viktor Mykyta shared a corresponding video on social media. According to Mykyta's statements, the missile was targeted at the region from the neighboring Lviv region and was shot down by the 650th separate anti-aircraft machine gun battalion. The RTL/ntv verification team confirmed the authenticity of the video. The type of missile shot down cannot be independently verified. According to the "Kyiv Independent," however, it was not a hit from the machine gun that downed the missile, but rather an air defense missile from the Ukrainian armed forces. This is reportedly stated by the former spokesperson of the air force, Yuriy Ihnat.
Fifteen Ukrainian regions have been attacked by Russia, with energy infrastructure being the main target.
Over half of Ukraine's regions have been attacked by Russia, as stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. This morning, a significant Russian assault struck 15 regions. The foe employed various weaponry: drones, missiles, and hypersonic missiles. Regrettably, there are casualties and injuries, Shmyhal confided on Telegram. As per Ukrainian sources, energy infrastructure was hit in four regions. The authorities in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Rivne, and Lviv reported on Telegram that energy infrastructure in their regions was under attack. In certain locations of Kyiv, electricity and water supplies were disrupted, as per Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
09:40 ISW: Russia Redeploying Forces from Less Priority Sectors to Kursk
The Russian military is probably still moving troops from lesser important sectors on the Ukrainian front to the Kursk region, as suggested by experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The commanders of the Russian 810th Marine Infantry Brigade, 155th Marine Infantry Brigade, 11th Airborne Brigade (VDV), 56th VDV Regiment (7th VDV Division), and 51st VDV Regiment (106th VDV Division) reportedly briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend on combat operations in Russian territories bordering Ukraine. This likely refers to the Kursk region, the U.S. think tank noted in its recent report. The ISW has observed elements of the 810th Marine Infantry Brigade, 155th Marine Infantry Brigade, and 11th VDV Brigade operating in the Kursk region and has received indications that the Russian military leadership recently deployed elements of the 56th VDV Regiment from the Robotyne area in western Zaporizhzhia to the border region. The Russian military command is resisting operational pressure to retreat forces from the priority offensive attempts to capture Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, according to experts.
09:14 Casualties Reported from Russian Shelling
At least three individuals have reportedly perished as a consequence of Russian air strikes, as relayed by Ukrainian officials. Deaths have been verified in Luzk in the west of the country, Dnipro in the east, and Zaporizhzhia in the south. Luzk Mayor Ihor Polischchuk reported a multi-family building was hit by "an enemy attack" and one person was killed. The governors of the Odessa, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions reported explosions in their regions on Telegram and urged citizens to seek shelter. Earlier, the governor of the central Poltava region, Filip Pronin, reported that five individuals were injured in an attack on an industrial facility.
Read more here.
08:50 Troops Concentrate: "Belarus' Potential War Entry Could Extend Battle Line"
Ukraine is monitoring with apprehension the concentration of Belarusian troops near their shared border. The deployment is larger than past ones, and Belarus' involvement in the conflict could be detrimental, as detailed by ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
08:22 Explosions Shake Several Ukrainian Cities - Power Outage in KyivExplosions are occurring in several Ukrainian cities as a result of the massive Russian air strike (see entry at 07:24). According to "Kyiv Independent", air raid sirens sounded across the nation just before 6 AM local time. Around 8:30 AM, the first explosions were heard in Kyiv, followed by more. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reports that power is out in certain districts of the capital and there are water supply issues on the right side of the metropolis. Explosions have also been reported in Kharkiv, Odessa, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Kremenchuk, Dnipro, Khmelnytskyi, Kropyvnytskyi, and Kryvyi Rih.
07:53 Moscow: Declares to Have Destroyed 20 Ukrainian DronesRussia's air defense has purportedly shot down 20 drones aimed at Russian territory from Ukraine overnight, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Nine were intercepted over the Saratov region, three over Kursk, and two each over Belgorod, Bryansk, and Tula. One drone was detected over each of the regions of Oryol and Ryazan.
07:24 Russia Launches Major Air Assault on UkraineUkraine is currently under a massive attack, according to multiple reports. "Explosions in Kyiv at this hour as Ukraine is faced with a massive Russian missile and drone attack from land, air, and sea," reports the "Kyiv Post" on X. Military expert Nico Lange writes that Russia is firing missiles from ships in the Black Sea and from 11 Tu-95 bombers, and is employing drones and ballistic missiles. "The Russian air attack on Ukraine is massive." Explosions are reportedly heard in various cities.
07:07 Chechen Commander Claims Ukrainian Vehicle Destructions in KurskMembers of the Chechen special forces unit Achmat and the 2nd Special Forces Brigade claim to have annihilated two armored vehicles, five armored combat vehicles, and a light tank of French origin (AMR) within the Kursk region over the past day, according to Major General Apti Alaudinov, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. Alaudinov added, "During this period, we've eliminated a group of automatic grenade launchers and a mortar, and demolished an artillery piece." He continued, "These assaults on military installations have resulted in substantial harm to the Ukrainian forces." Alaudinov declared that Ukrainian troop advancements have been halted. "The attackers are indeed attempting to advance, but to no avail. We have already initiated offensive actions in several locations and recaptured some settlements. I predict that this will continue daily."
06:41 Kim Jong Un Orders Increased Production of Kamikaze DronesNorth Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has advocated for the development and production of a higher volume of kamikaze drones as a critical component of war readiness, according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA. This statement was made during a demonstration of locally manufactured drones. Kamikaze drones refer to unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with explosives, designed for targeting enemy positions. Russia frequently employs Iranian Shahed drones of this type in Ukraine. The drone exercise took place on Saturday, amid heightened tensions with South Korea. The official photographs show white flying objects with X-shaped wings swooping towards tank targets and detonating. According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, the target objects were modeled after South Korean K-2 tanks.
Read more about this here.
06:34 Ukrainian Reports Suggest 1,140 Russian Soldiers 'Eliminated' in 24 HoursUkrainian military reports indicate that 1,140 Russian soldiers have been either killed or wounded within the past 24 hours, increasing the total number of "eliminated" Russian military personnel since the war's commencement to 608,820. However, these figures have not been independently verifiable. The latest report states that four Russian tanks, 17 armored vehicles, 47 artillery systems, one multiple rocket launcher, one air defense system, and 39 drones were destroyed.
06:12 Kyiv Warns Minsk against 'Regrettable Mistakes'Ukraine has urged Belarus to withdraw its substantial troop contingents and military equipment from the shared border. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minsk is advised to avoid hostile actions and retreat its forces from the border region. Kyiv cautions Belarus against making "regrettable mistakes" under Moscow's influence. No response has been issued by Belarus, which is Russia's close ally. As per Ukrainian reports, Belarusian special units and former Wagner mercenaries are among the troops stationed at the border, as well as tanks, artillery, air defense systems, and engineering equipment in the Gomel region on Norway's northern border with Ukraine. The statement also emphasizes that Ukraine has "never waged hostilities against the Belarusian people and will not do so in the future."
05:46 Russian Governor Confirms House Damages from Drone DebrisHouses in the Russian region of Saratov have sustained damage as a result of debris from shot-down Ukrainian drones, as reported by the region's governor. The cities of Saratov and Engels have experienced damages, with all emergency services dispatched. Engels is home to a strategic bomber base of Russia.
03:52 Air Defense Alerts Against Drone Assault on KyivAccording to Ukrainian reports, air defense systems are actively engaged in the Kyiv region to deter Russian drone attacks. "Unidentified drone activity detected! Air defense systems in the region are operational," the regional military administration announced via Telegram. At present, no information is available concerning likely damage or casualties.
00:19 Zelensky Condemns 'Directed' Attack on Reuters TeamUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the fatal rocket attack on Reuters employees in his evening address. The attack on a hotel in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk resulted in one fatality and two wounded individuals, as reported by Reuters. The victim was identified as former British soldier Ryan Evans, a 38-year-old who had been working for Reuters since 2022, offering security advice to journalists in Ukraine, Israel, and at the Paris Olympics. Zelensky stated that a "regular city hotel" was obliterated by a Russian Iskander rocket. The attack was "absolutely targeted, deliberate." "My sympathies to his family and friends." The Ukrainian General Prosecutor's Office has initiated a preliminary investigation into the attack on the Telegram platform. The incident occurred on Saturday at 22:35 local time. Reuters is yet to confirm whether the rocket was launched by Russia or if the hotel was intentionally targeted. A Russian response is unavailable.
Review all previous developments
Despite the French President verifying that the Telegram CEO's arrest was not politically motivated, concerns continue to rise regarding the treatment of minorities expressing opposition views. In Russia, a 15-year-old was sentenced to nearly five years in juvenile detention for displaying support for Ukraine, accusing him of association with a terrorist organization.
Following the report of an ongoing Russian court case, questions have arisen about the extent to which military operations are used to stifle dissenting voices in Russia, especially among young people expressing political opinions on social media platforms like Telegram.
