Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1279: Germany to commit €9 billion annually to Ukraine

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Military

Frontline report: Top Russian general maimed and rushed to Moscow as Ukraine strangles supply routes in Sumy. Ukrainian forces ambushed Abachev's convoy while he attempted to reorganize collapsing defenses, trapping Russian soldiers in Sumy without resupply. Frontline report: Russian artillery can't fire from the riverbank — so reinforcements crawl 15 km under drones. Denied artillery cover, Russian soldiers inch toward the Zherebets bridgehead while Ukrainian drones circle overhead.

Intelligence and technology

Experts spotted new Ukraine's guided bomb at defense innovations forum. Ukraine debuts domestically-made guided bomb with 3D-printed components to international defense ministers at Kyiv weapons showcase forum. Ukraine tests its largest 700kg remote-controlled vehicle. Ukrainian forces showcased PROTECTOR, a remote-controlled ground vehicle capable of transporting 700 kilograms of cargo, injured soldiers and towing trailers with three-ton vehicles. Ukraine deploys new Veres-2 anti-drone system that jams UAVs at 2km range. Commercial drones carrying explosives face new countermeasures as Ukraine deploys domestically-produced Veres-2 jammers on active front sections. Polish president's veto may cut Starlink access for Ukraine, used for drone real-time coordination. Poland's Digital Minister warns the presidential veto will cripple Ukrainian forces' ability to coordinate drone strikes and artillery operations in real-time. Zelenskyy presents combat-tested weapons to EU partners in Kyiv's shelter defense forum. Ukraine's battlefield innovations are attracting European defense ministers seeking proven technologies rather than untested concepts. Defense Express: Official video allegedly reveals first ever public look at Ukraine's secretive 1000 km Neptune missile. The original domestic R-360 Neptune targeted ships at 300 km, but the "Long Neptune" variant strikes ground targets at 1000 km. Polish helicopter plant sent €1.2 million to Russian defense company month before invasion of Ukraine. InformNapalm's investigation reveals how NATO defense contractors may have inadvertently financed the very military capabilities now threatening alliance security.

International

Germany to spend $ 9 bn annually to support Ukraine – Finance Minister. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil announced Germany's €9 billion yearly commitment to Ukraine during talks with Ukrainian officials, up from €1.6 billion in direct budget aid since 2022. Ramstein Ukraine defence meeting set for London on 9 September. Defence officials from Ukraine's partner countries will meet face-to-face in London next month for the latest Ramstein format discussions Trump: Putin avoids meeting Zelenskyy because "He doesn't like him". Ukraine advances $50 billion deal with US during meeting with Kellogg in Kyiv. Ukraine's proposed annual production of 10 million drones would dwarf current manufacturing while establishing the country as world's defense technology powerhouse. China denies media reports of willingness to join Ukraine peacekeeping forces. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that "China's position on the Ukrainian crisis is consistent and clear." Ukraine needs NATO-like security guarantees before any peace deal, German foreign minister says. Johann Wadephul highlighted the need for United States participation in any comprehensive security arrangement for Ukraine beyond Europe's involvement.

Humanitarian and social impact

Crimean spy case prisoner beats death odds after seven-year Russian ordeal. Most Ukrainian face electric shock torture and starvation in Russian captivity.

Political and legal developments

Ukraine indicts officials involved in $36 million mortar rounds procurement fraud scheme. Ukrainian artillery units lost access to 100,000 mortar rounds through systematic theft by the very officials meant to arm them.

New developments

Storm destroys Ukrainian installation "Black Cloud" at the US Burning Man festival. A Ukrainian art installation warning about global war threats lasted mere hours at the Burning Man festival before a desert windstorm tore through the 7-ton structure Ukrainian war veterans complete Bosphorus swim, two with amputated legs finish under 90 minutes. Two Ukrainian veterans who lost legs in combat completed the Bosphorus swim on Independence Day, crossing 6.5 km from Asia to Europe without informing organizers of their amputations Ukraine posts 265,000 jobs during war but half the workers are gone. Ukraine has a quarter-million job openings and high unemployment. At the same time. Woody Allen joins Moscow film festival as Russia kills Ukrainian artists. The Hollywood director appeared via video link at the Moscow International Cinema Week, where he praised Russian cinema and expressed openness to future projects despite the ongoing aggression. Read our earlier daily review here.