By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Intense Clashes and Diplomatic Maneuvers Unfold
Fighting
Russia launched multiple missiles and drones at Kyiv, triggering air raid warnings in the capital starting around 11pm (20:00 GMT). Serhiy Popko, head of the city's military administration, reported on social media that air defense forces successfully intercepted the enemy missiles. As of now, no damage or casualties have been recorded in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Air Force chief announced that the military shot down all 24 Russian drones launched at targets across Ukraine, with no reports of injuries or damage. Meanwhile, in Russia’s Belgorod region, a drone strike on a bus for an agricultural enterprise in the village of Vyazovoe resulted in one fatality and three injuries, according to local Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Ukraine also reported an exchange of soldiers’ bodies with Russia, mediated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Kyiv handed over the remains of 38 Russian soldiers while receiving the bodies of 250 Ukrainian servicemen on August 2.
Politics and Diplomacy
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian informed Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russia’s security council and former defense minister, of Tehran's determination to expand relations with its “strategic partner Russia,” according to Iranian state media. Since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it has cultivated closer political and military ties with Iran and is preparing to sign a wide ranging cooperation agreement. In February, the Reuters news agency reported that Iran had provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface to surface ballistic missiles.
Ukraine denied any involvement in the fighting in northern Mali last month that led to the deaths of Malian soldiers and mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group. Mali severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine after a senior official from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency suggested the rebels behind the attack had all the “information” they needed. Kyiv expressed regret over Mali's decision and reaffirmed its commitment to international law, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.
Pavel Kushnir, a 39 year old Russian pianist and antiwar activist, died in prison after going on a hunger strike, according to his mother. A Telegram channel linked to Russia’s security services had reported in May that Kushnir was arrested and accused of inciting “terrorist” activity for posting antiwar material online. The European Union condemned Kushnir’s death as a shocking case of political repression.
Ukraine’s newly crowned Olympic high jump champion, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, urged Russian athletes to speak out against the invasion. She expressed disappointment that they remained silent in Paris, where about 15 Russian athletes are competing as “neutrals.” Athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus were banned from world sport following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Kommentare