China and South Africa have jointly called for a political resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of peaceful negotiations. This united position was announced following discussions in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Conflict Update: Escalation on the Ground
In a significant escalation, Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Kyiv in the early hours of Tuesday, coinciding with the first day of school in Ukraine. The attack involved dozens of drones and missiles, leaving at least three people injured. The bombardment also caused damage to critical infrastructure, including a boiler house at a Kyiv water plant and the entrance to a metro station serving as an air raid shelter.
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The wave of attacks extended beyond the capital, with other regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhia, coming under fire. Ukrainian forces reported they successfully intercepted 22 out of 35 missiles and 20 out of 23 attack drones.
Dnipropetrovsk regional Governor Serhiy Lysak confirmed one fatality and three injuries in a missile strike on Dnipro, while in Kharkiv, at least 13 people were injured after guided bombs struck a residential area.
On the front lines in eastern Ukraine, intense fighting continues, with Russia claiming to have captured the village of Skuchne in the Pokrovsk district, a key strategic objective. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged challenges in confronting the most formidable Russian brigades but noted that Russian forces had not made any significant advances in the past two days.
According to data from the Institute for the Study of War, analyzed by AFP, Russia gained 477 square kilometers (184 square miles) of Ukrainian territory in August, marking its most significant monthly territorial gain since October 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking during a visit to the Tuva region, stated that Russian forces are reclaiming territory in the Kursk region, despite a failed Ukrainian incursion on August 6 aimed at halting Russia’s progress in the Donetsk region.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Belgorod regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced that some kindergartens and schools near Russia’s border with Ukraine would close or shift to online classes following a Ukrainian attack that destroyed a childcare center.
Political and Diplomatic Developments
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Mongolia for failing to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to the country on Monday. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin on war crimes charges last year, obligating the court’s 124 member states to detain and transfer him to The Hague for trial. Mongolia, an ICC member, did not fulfill this obligation, drawing criticism from Ukraine and Amnesty International.
In Russia, Major General Valery Muminjanov has been detained on bribery charges, the latest in a series of arrests related to alleged corruption within the Ministry of Defence. Investigators allege that Muminjanov accepted bribes in exchange for facilitating state contracts for private companies supplying army uniforms. He is the ninth high-ranking military official arrested on similar charges in recent months.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced plans to meet with Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Kyiv. This meeting will follow Grossi’s visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has been under Russian control since the early days of the invasion.
Call for Western Military Support
Zelenskyy also urged Ukraine’s Western allies to permit the use of their weapons for strikes deep inside Russia and to provide more long-range weaponry. Speaking after a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in Zaporizhzhia, Zelenskyy expressed optimism about receiving such support.
In a related development, Romania’s coalition government has approved a draft law to donate a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. The move, initially announced in June, awaits parliamentary approval and is contingent on Romania’s allies replacing the donated system with a similar one.
Key Points:
China and South Africa’s Stance: Both countries have called for a political resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for peaceful negotiations. This was announced after talks between Xi Jinping and Cyril Ramaphosa in Beijing.
Russian Attacks on Kyiv: Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Kyiv, causing injuries and damage to critical infrastructure on the first day of school.
Wider Russian Strikes: The assault extended to multiple regions in Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhia. Ukrainian forces intercepted a significant number of missiles and drones.
Intense Fighting in Eastern Ukraine: Russia claimed to have captured the village of Skuchne in eastern Ukraine. Despite difficulties, Ukrainian forces managed to prevent further Russian advances in the region.
Russian Territorial Gains: Russia expanded its control over 477 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in August, marking its most significant monthly gain since October 2022.
Diplomatic and Political Repercussions: Ukraine criticized Mongolia for failing to arrest Russian President Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court. Amnesty International echoed this criticism.
Corruption in Russia’s Military: Major General Valery Muminjanov was detained on bribery charges, the latest in a series of corruption-related arrests within the Russian Ministry of Defence.
IAEA Director’s Visit: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is set to meet IAEA Director Rafael Grossi following his visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is under Russian control.
Call for Western Support: Zelenskyy urged Western allies to allow Ukraine to use their weapons for strikes inside Russia and to supply more long-range weaponry.
Romania’s Military Aid: Romania’s government approved a draft law to donate a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, pending parliamentary approval.
