Trump welcomes Russia at G20 despite EU tantrum

"President Donald Trump welcomed the presence of a senior Russian delegation at the G20, ignoring protests from EU officials who refused to appear alongside Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov in the gathering’s traditional “family photo.”

Siluanov arrived in Asheville, North Carolina for the two-day meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors on Monday at the invitation of the Trump administration. His first in-person appearance at the forum since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 immediately drew protests from European delegates.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil called the decision to treat Siluanov as a regular participant a “troubling” signal. Other EU officials reportedly threatened to boycott the photo unless the Russian official was excluded, according to the Washington Post.
Trump brushed aside the criticism when asked about Siluanov’s visit.
“We’re going to see what happens, but we like getting along with everybody,” he told reporters in the Oval Office. “One of the reasons that I’m so successful, I get along with everybody.”
Unlike the Europeans, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held a bilateral meeting with Siluanov. Moscow said the two discussed Russian-U.S. cooperation on financial issues and coordination within the G20." RT

5.5 Earthquake - Flores Sea, 44 km north of Ruteng, Indonesia

"A strong magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred in the Flores Sea near the coast of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, in the afternoon at 4.03 pm local time (Asia/Makassar GMT +8). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

225 clashes over past 24 hours

"225 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front lines.
The enemy carried out 91 airstrikes, during which it dropped 288 guided bombs. In addition, the invaders deployed 11,517 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,966 shelling attacks on populated areas and Ukrainian military positions, 38 of which involved the use of multiple launch rocket systems.
Artillery shelling targeted, in particular, the towns of Tovstodubove, Bachivsk, Bezsalivka, Korenok, Ulanove, Hirky, Iskryskivshchyna, Yastrubshchyna, Neskuchne, Ryzhivka, Kozache, Sopych, Seredyna Buda, Kucherivka, Mala Slobidka, Volfyne, Radionivka, Romashkove, and Nova Sich in Sumy region; and Berylivka in Chernihiv region. Yastrubshchyna and Vilna Sloboda were subjected to airstrikes.

Over the past day, the Defense Forces’ aviation, missile forces, and artillery struck two areas where enemy personnel were concentrated, six UAV command posts, six guns and artillery positions, a command post, and five other important targets of the invaders.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, two enemy assaults were recorded over the past day. The aggressor carried out 49 shelling attacks on Ukrainian military positions and populated areas.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Ukrainian units repelled three enemy attacks. The invaders attempted to advance toward the settlements of Vovchanski Khutory, Volokhivka, and Rybalchyne.
In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy launched five offensives toward Dovhenke, Radkivka, and Kupiansk.
Attempts to breach Ukrainian defenses were repelled in the Lyman sector, where the invaders launched 15 attacks toward the settlements of Lyman and in the areas of Hrekivka, Novoselivka, Stavky, Dibrova, and Novoyehorivka.
In the Sloviansk sector, the enemy carried out eight assault operations in the areas around the settlements of Kryva Luka, Dibrova, Zakytne, Mykolaivka, and Riznykivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian invaders conducted one offensive operation toward Fedorivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, 23 attacks were recorded. The invaders carried out assaults in the areas surrounding the settlements of Kostiantynivka, Illinivka, Novoselivka, Pavlivka, Stepanivka, Raiske, Vilne, and Kucheriiv Yar.
The enemy carried out 36 attacks in the Pokrovsk sector. The invaders attempted to advance toward the settlements of Novyi Donbas, Hulyve, Molodetske, Novopavlivka, Horikove, Bilytske, Dobropillia, Novohryshyne, Myrne, Serhiivka, and in the areas of Novomykolaivka, Muravka, Novopidhorodne, and Udachne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy launched an attack in the Ternove area.
In the Huliaipole sector, the invaders attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders 11 times. The enemy attempted to advance toward the settlements of Vozdvizhivka, Rizdvyanka, Rivne, and Charivne.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled four enemy attempts to advance in the area of Mala Tokmachka, Shcherbakiv, and toward Orikhiv." Ukrin

PepsiCo Ukraine reports damage to its production facilities in Mykolaiv region

"PepsiCo Ukraine has reported that its production facility in the Mykolaiv region was struck.

The company is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and taking steps to resume product deliveries to customers and consumers in Ukraine." Ukrin

Defense Forces strike Russian radar station, air defense system and command posts

"Ukraine's Defense Forces struck a Russian radar station, command posts, and a Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft gun system. In addition, logistics and materiel depots in Berdianske and Hirnyk in the Donetsk region, as well as Krasnosilskyi in temporarily occupied Crimea, were hit.

A Russian ammunition depot was struck in Kadiivka, Luhansk region.
Separately, an enemy radar station in Pavlychi, Bryansk region of Russia, was hit." Ukrin

Drones attack Kirishi: industrial zone near one of Russia's largest oil refineries on fire after strike

"In the night drones attacked the Leningrad Oblast of Russia. In the city of Kirishi, home to one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, a fire broke out in an industrial area following the attack." NI

5.8 Earthquake - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

"A strong magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 84 km (52 mi) from New Zealand in the evening at 9.02 pm local time (GMT +12). The quake had a shallow depth of 35 km (22 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

221 clashes along front line over past day

"Over the past 24 hours, on August 29, Ukraine’s Defense Forces recorded 221 combat engagements with Russian forces along the front line.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, five combat engagements were recorded. Russian forces carried out 167 attacks on Ukrainian positions and settlements and conducted two airstrikes using five guided aerial bombs.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Ukrainian units repelled 10 Russian attacks. The enemy attempted to advance toward Lyman, Hrafskе, Chuhunivka, Ozerne, and Khatnie, as well as near Starytsia.

In the Kupiansk sector, Russian forces launched two offensive actions toward Radkivka and Podoly.
Attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses were repelled in the Lyman sector, where Russian forces attacked nine times near Novoselivka and Cherneshchyna as well as near Lyman and Dibrova.
In the Sloviansk sector, Russian forces launched eight assaults near Kryva Luka, Riznykivka, and Zakitne as well as toward Orikhuvatka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, 31 Russian attacks were recorded. The enemy launched assaults near Kostiantynivka, Illinivka, Novoselivka, Rusyn Yar, Toretskе, and Sofiivka, as well as toward Mykolaipillia and Kucheriv Yar.
The enemy carried out 30 attacks in the Pokrovsk sector. Russian forces attempted to advance toward Bilytske, Shevchenko, Novohryshyne, Vasylivka, Serhiivka, Novopidhorodnie, and Novyi Donbas, as well as near Udachne, Orikhove and Novomykolaivka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russian forces launched four attacks toward Berezove.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian defensive positions 10 times. The enemy attempted to advance toward Vozdvyzhivka, Huliaipilske, Charivne, Novoselivka, Kalynivske, Nove Zaporizhzhia, and Maliivka.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped three Russian attempts to advance near Pavlivka and Mala Tokmachka." Ukrin

Russian missile strikes people participating in commemorative run in Kharkiv Region

"Russian forces attacked the village of Natalyne in the Kharkiv Region with an "Iskander-M" missile while a race was being held there in memory of Ukraine’s fallen heroes. 

Three people were killed in the strike, according to the regional prosecutor’s office and police.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. It is noted that the race was organized by the village military administration. One of the victims was a police officer." UN

Ukrainian USF destroy five Russian air defense assets at Yeysk and Millerovo airfields

"Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) struck a DRL-27 module of the RSP-27 aircraft

landing radar system at the Millerovo airfield overnight. They also hit a Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile and gun system, four radar systems, an aviation weapons depot and an aviation ammunition depot belonging to Russian forces." Ukrin

Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant without external power for over week—IAEA warns situation is critical

"The occupation administration informed the IAEA  that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power

Plant’s supply of diesel fuel would last only 10 days.

The last major fuel delivery to the plant took place in March, and the delivery scheduled for May was canceled due to hostilities.

At the Zaporizhzhia NPP, 20 diesel generators power the pumping equipment for six reactors and the spent nuclear fuel pools.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that the situation remains dangerous.
“Without the restoration of off-site power or additional diesel fuel deliveries in the near future, the plant could face a station blackout within approximately ten days,” he said." UN

5.1 Earthquake - Southwest Indian Ridge

"A strong magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred in the Indian Ocean near the coast of n/a in the morning at 9.40 am local time (GMT +4). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

221 clashes along front line over past day

"Over the past 24 hours Ukraine’s Defense Forces recorded 221 combat engagements with Russian forces along the front line.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, five combat engagements were recorded. Russian forces carried out 167 attacks on Ukrainian positions and settlements and conducted two airstrikes using five guided aerial bombs.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Ukrainian units repelled 10 Russian attacks. The enemy attempted to advance toward Lyman, Hrafskе, Chuhunivka, Ozerne, and Khatnie, as well as near Starytsia.

In the Kupiansk sector, Russian forces launched two offensive actions toward Radkivka and Podoly.
Attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses were repelled in the Lyman sector, where Russian forces attacked nine times near Novoselivka and Cherneshchyna as well as near Lyman and Dibrova.
In the Sloviansk sector, Russian forces launched eight assaults near Kryva Luka, Riznykivka, and Zakitne as well as toward Orikhuvatka.
No Russian assault operations were recorded in the Kramatorsk sector.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, 31 Russian attacks were recorded. The enemy launched assaults near Kostiantynivka, Illinivka, Novoselivka, Rusyn Yar, Toretskе, and Sofiivka, as well as toward Mykolaipillia and Kucheriv Yar.
The enemy carried out 30 attacks in the Pokrovsk sector. Russian forces attempted to advance toward Bilytske, Shevchenko, Novohryshyne, Vasylivka, Serhiivka, Novopidhorodnie, and Novyi Donbas, as well as near Udachne, Orikhove and Novomykolaivka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russian forces launched four attacks toward Berezove.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian defensive positions 10 times. The enemy attempted to advance toward Vozdvyzhivka, Huliaipilske, Charivne, Novoselivka, Kalynivske, Nove Zaporizhzhia, and Maliivka.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped three Russian attempts to advance near Pavlivka and Mala Tokmachka." Ukrin

Cabinet backs new foreign volunteers bill

"Koretskyi said the bill would give foreigners and stateless people more time to resolve their

legal status after their military contracts end. The bill would extend the period of legal temporary residence in Ukraine from three months to six months, he specified.
Former PM Yulia Svyrydenko said the government had approved new procedures for the logistics of foreign volunteers joining Ukraine’s defense forces, from traveling to Ukraine to signing a military service contract." msn

Rumored Russian draft makes headlines. Ukraine’s real one sparks street clashes

"The WSJ reported that the Russian military was “testing its readiness” to accept a new wave of recruits – the first since 2022. The authors did not claim that the Kremlin had already decided on another mobilization. Rather, they described a stress test of the system: Drills, logistics, and the military infrastructure’s ability to “absorb” large numbers of people should the order ever be issued.
Almost simultaneously, mobilization became a topic of discussion in Ukraine as well,

though in a very different context. In the final days of the month, the idea that military service should apply to every citizen, regardless of sex, surfaced several times in high-level circles.
Zelensky linked a hypothetical Russian call-up to the September elections to the State Duma, as though Moscow’s electoral calendar could itself affect the course of the war. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Russia was “approaching the point” at which it would have to declare a general mobilization. Western front pages picked up – not a decision, but merely the expectation of one. In this way, a rumor became a political fact before any decree had even been issued.
The Kremlin’s response was unequivocal. On July 28, Dmitry Medvedev called the rumors of an impending mobilization a “false enemy provocation.”
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov said that around 200,000 (!) service members had gone AWOL and that more than 2 million people were wanted by the authorities. Western estimates put the average age of a Ukrainian soldier at close to 47. In 2024, the minimum mobilization age was lowered from 27 to 25, while a previously promised provision allowing demobilization after 36 months of service was removed from the law.
This resistance almost never takes the form of an organized political campaign with slogans and a set date. Instead, it erupts sporadically, at the very moment TCC officers try to seize someone off the street. On July 8, 2026, for example, around 200 people in Lviv surrounded a TCC vehicle, chanted “hanba” (shame), damaged the van, and eventually overturned it. Zelensky called the incident “a very bad story” and separately condemned violence against people in uniform. The location was revealing: Not frontline Kharkov or Odessa, but a city widely regarded as a bastion of Ukraine’s national identity.
The same scene played out in Ternopol on August 25. That evening, TCC officers tried to detain a man on Lesya Kurbasa Street. Passersby came to his defense, the official vehicle was smashed, and one service member was hospitalized. After the police left, a nighttime march moved through the streets, once again accompanied by chants of ‘hanba’." RT