Russia Denies Report of Indirect Talks with Ukraine

- Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to initiate talks with Ukraine, suggesting China, India, and Brazil as mediators. - A preliminary agreement from early war negotiations in Istanbul could serve as the basis for talks, according to Putin. - PM Modi's recent visits to Russia and Ukraine focused on peace, economic cooperation, and defense. - Putin emphasized Russia's pivot towards the East, citing significant agreements at the Eastern Economic Forum. - He criticized the West's actions and highlighted Russia's use of national currencies in BRICS settlements. Source: [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/china-india-brazil-could-mediate-russia-ukraine-talks-russias-putin-says-2024-09-05/)

If this happens & escalates then it is certainly a WWIII, stock market will crash by 3-5K points on day1 or 2, more layoffs, there will be chaos everywhere. This will be full fledged war between two countries, backed by two different axis. Please pray it doesn’t happen at all.

- Russia unleashed one of the largest nationwide aerial attacks of the war on Ukraine - 15 of Ukraine's 24 oblasts targeted, including Kiev, with drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons - Three civilian deaths reported, significant damage to energy sector across the country - Ukraine's PM calls for long-range weapons to counter Russian missile launch sites - Zelensky urges Western allies to bolster air defenses, essentially asking NATO to join the conflict Source: [ZeroHedge](https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russia-unleashes-one-largest-nationwide-aerial-attacks-war)

https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455

- Indian PM Narendra Modi visited Kyiv, offering to work 'as a friend' to end Russia's war in Ukraine. - Modi emphasized Ukraine's 'sovereignty and territorial integrity' and stressed that the war can only end through 'dialogue and diplomacy'. - Zelenskiy welcomed Modi's support, calling it 'critical' and highlighting the visit's timing before Ukraine's independence day. - Discussions included Zelenskiy's 10-point peace plan, which calls for Russian troop withdrawal and war crime tribunals. - Modi's visit comes amid ongoing military actions, with Ukraine making gains in Russia and facing continued Russian advances in Donetsk. Source: [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/23/modi-to-visit-ukraine-amid-controversy-over-hug-for-putin)

- Russia has failed to push back Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region despite sending reinforcements as the incursion enters its sixth day, according to Ukrainian soldiers. - Verified videos and photographs show Ukrainian troops and equipment have advanced 30km inside Russia, occupying the town of Sudzha near the border. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged the incursion for the first time, stating that Ukraine is proving its ability to restore justice and apply pressure on the aggressor. - Russia's foreign ministry vowed a tough response, while the defence ministry claimed to have repelled Ukrainian forces and struck several settlements. - The ultimate aim of Ukraine's incursion remains unclear, but it has demonstrated the weakness of Russia's border defenses and provided a morale boost for Kyiv. Source: [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/7dcb3009-ec9a-417a-b2e1-01c26c9349a0)

- Ukraine's military launched a daring incursion into Russia's Kursk region, committing limited resources to a high-risk operation against a nuclear-armed adversary. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted daily advances, with officials claiming control over 1,000 square kilometers of enemy territory and capturing hundreds of Russian prisoners. - The operation has exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's defenses but also stretched Ukraine's front line, raising questions about the long-term strategy. - Analysts are divided on the operation's strategic value, but it has politically reset the conflict, showing Ukraine's determination and potentially strengthening its position in future negotiations. Source: [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-incursion-gamble-battlefield-e862afd58c65d6d2d5b7b3747423ca4d)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's rare trip to North Korea underscores the growing desperation of Moscow and the newfound leverage of Pyongyang on the global stage. tl;dr: - Russia and North Korea, both pariah states, are cementing a partnership driven by mutual needs - Putin seeks a steady supply of North Korean munitions to sustain his faltering war in Ukraine - Kim Jong Un aims to bolster his international standing and secure economic and technological support - The visit goes beyond optics, with Putin attempting to counter his isolation following the Ukraine invasion - The deepening alliance raises concerns about the potential transfer of sensitive technologies, posing a significant challenge to global security The strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea have far-reaching implications for the global geopolitical landscape. As Moscow and Pyongyang align their interests in opposition to the US-led international order, the world watches with growing unease. The prospect of increased military cooperation and technology sharing between these nuclear-armed states could destabilize regional security dynamics and complicate efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Moreover, the alliance could provide a lifeline to both regimes, helping them weather economic sanctions and international pressure. This, in turn, could embolden their aggressive posturing and further strain the global diplomatic framework. As Putin and Kim solidify their partnership, the international community must remain vigilant and develop a coordinated response to address the challenges posed by this emerging axis of authoritarianism?

- Russia, banned from the Summer Olympics, is retaliating with disinformation campaigns, cyber threats, and its own 'fake Games'. - The Brics Games, Russia's alternative, saw limited participation and interest, highlighting the country's isolation. - Moscow's disinformation campaign targets the Paris Games, with warnings of potential cyber attacks and espionage activities. - Russian athletes competing under a neutral flag face strict regulations, with many showing support for the Ukraine war. - Despite official indifference, the Olympics remain significant to Russians, evidenced by past popularity of neutral-status broadcasts. Source: FT

- Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles against Poltava on Sep. 3, killing at least 41 and injuring over 180 people, President Zelensky reported. - An educational institution and a neighboring medical facility were hit, partially destroying the Military Institute of Communications. - The short time interval between the alarm and missile arrival caught people during an evacuation to the bomb shelter, the Defense Ministry said. - Many remain trapped under rubble, with rescuers and medics working at the scene; 25 people have been rescued so far. - Zelensky has ordered an operational investigation into the attack's circumstances. Source: [The Kyiv Independent](https://kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-poltava-with-ballistic-missiles-killing-41-injuring-over-180/)