Russian massive attack on Kharkiv, German new military aid package for Ukraine - Weekend brief

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

News for August 31

• Russian Mi-8 helicopter with 22 people on board missing

• Ukrainian paratroopers capture 7 Russian tanks in Kursk region

• Russia's losses in Ukraine as of August 31: +1,360 troops, 42 artillery systems

News for September 1

• Russia relocates units from Pokrovsk direction amid Kursk operation - ISW

• Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of September 1

• Drones attack oil refinery in Moscow

Russian shelling of Kharkiv: Shopping center, Sports Palace, and delivery office hit

On the afternoon of September 1, the Russian troops struck Kharkiv again. So far, 29 people have been reported injured, including children and doctors. The Nova Poshta (delivery company) office, the Sports Palace, a gas pipeline, and a shopping center were damaged.

To learn more about the consequences of the Russian troops' aggression, see RBC-Ukraine's article.

Germany provides new aid package to Ukraine

The German government has handed over a new military aid package to Ukraine. Among other things, this time Kyiv will receive IRIS-T and a Bergepanzer 2 evacuation vehicle.

The new assistance package includes:

• 1 IRIS-T SLS;
• 26 Vector reconnaissance drones;
• 1 Bergepanzer evacuation vehicle 2;
• 6 engineering excavators;
• 14,000 155 mm shells;
• 10 unmanned surface ships;
• 55,000 first aid kits;
• rifles.

EU is shocked by strikes on Kharkiv: Borrell reacts to Russian attack

Russia launched air strikes on Kharkiv, killing at least 6 people and injuring 97 others. The European Union is shocked by the attack, states Josep Borrell, senior EU diplomat.

“Shocking toll from Russian bombs against a residential building in Kharkiv yesterday,” he wrote.

Borrell emphasized that this is why, during informal meetings with EU ministers, Ukraine again asked to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons in self-defense.

In the second part of the post, he wrote that those Russian journalists who publish truthful news about the war are now being sentenced to prison.

“The EU condemns the use of censorship laws to criminalize and imprison those who speak against the war and expose Russian atrocities,” the EU diplomat emphasized.

Russian refinery and power plant hit in massive attack: Details emerging

Russia announced a massive drone attack on September 1. It claims that 15 regions were attacked, including Moscow and the region.

Read more about the attack and its consequences in the material by RBC-Ukraine.

Harris calls on Trump to debate with microphones on whole time - Reuters

US Vice President Kamala Harris has urged former President Donald Trump to agree to have microphones on throughout the upcoming debate scheduled for September 10 on ABC, according to Reuters.

The Democratic presidential candidate stated that Trump appears to be influenced by his advisors, who prevent him from having a live microphone during debates. Harris argued that if Trump's team lacks confidence in him, the American public likely does too.

“We are running for President of the United States. Let’s debate in a transparent way — with the microphones on the whole time,” Harris wrote on social media, addressing the Republican candidate.

Netherlands to hand over 28 Viking ATVs to Ukraine

Ukraine will receive almost 30 Viking all-terrain vehicles. Military equipment will be provided by the Netherlands, states Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans.

“Ukraine desperately needs our help in the fight against the Russian aggressor,” the minister emphasized.

He noted that the Netherlands will provide 28 Viking tracked vehicles. According to him, the Marines have specially trained Ukrainian soldiers for them.

“Our support for Ukraine continues to keep Russia at bay,” he said.

Macron's impeachment initiated by far-left in France: Reasons behind it

The far-left party “France Unconquered” initiates impeachment proceedings against President Emmanuel Macron. This decision was made due to the appointment of a new prime minister, states the party's head Mathilde Panot.

The parliamentary faction of the France Unconquered party decided to initiate impeachment over Macron's refusal to appoint Lucie Castets, a candidate from the left-wing bloc, as prime minister.

The far left accused Macron of allegedly abusing his power.