Summary of the day: Ukrainian forces escalated their offensive tactics by launching drone strikes on an oil depot in Rostov Oblast and targeting fuel storage warehouses in Luhansk City with missile attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine bolstered its air capabilities with the arrival of the first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets, a development that Russian military bloggers have tried to downplay, suggesting minimal impact on the battlefield. This counters Russian attempts to portray the supply of Western weapons systems as a major provocation. On the ground, Russian troops achieved gains in several strategic areas including east of Pokrovsk, west of Donetsk City, and along the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border. Despite international sanctions, the Russian defense industry persists in manufacturing missiles, reportedly using components sourced from Western countries.
Picture of the day:
Gold medalist Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Team Ukraine celebrates winning gold during the Women’s High Jump Final on day nine of the Olympic Games at Stade de France in Paris, France. (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
What Can I Do To Help Ukraine? This is a question I receive all the time. We at Transform Ukraine are building longer-term housing for internally displaced Ukrainians. Visit Rebuild Ukraine for how you can assist in housing a Ukrainian family displaced by the war.
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russian officials persist in using nuclear rhetoric as a deterrent strategy. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov stated on state television that Russia could deploy nuclear-armed missiles in response to unspecified Western actions, if deemed necessary by President Vladimir Putin. Rybakov also warned of high chances for nuclear confrontation.
Mali’s government, led by spokesperson Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, announced the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with Ukraine, citing Ukraine’s alleged support for Tuareg-led rebels. This decision follows statements from Ukraine’s military intelligence suggesting cooperation with the rebels, who have recently inflicted significant losses on Malian forces and Wagner Group mercenaries. The move comes amidst intensified conflicts in northern Mali, including a major clash near Tinzawaten where Malian and Russian forces suffered heavy casualties. This development coincides with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s diplomatic tour in Africa.
On August 3, German and Swedish air forces, part of NATO’s Baltic air-policing mission, scrambled jets to intercept two Russian Su-30s heading towards Latvian airspace over the Baltic Sea. The Russian pilots, described as uncooperative but not aggressive, were partaking in a training exercise without prior communication of their flight plan. According to Bild, the Russian jets had their transponders off and did not respond to radio communications. This incident follows a pattern of behavior, as in mid-June, NATO aircraft were scrambled 11 times to address similar infractions by Russian aircraft in international airspace.
German politicians are urging an EU-wide response after Hungary eased entry rules for Russian and Belarusian citizens in July, as reported by Bild. German MEP Manfred Weber expressed concerns over security risks, emphasizing the potential for espionage and other threats due to the lack of stringent checks. Hungary’s changes allow these nationals to work under the National Card program for up to two years without special vetting. Michael Stubgen, a state minister from Germany, advocated for stricter border checks within the EU. This move by Hungary, known for its Kremlin-friendly stance, has raised alarms about creating security loopholes within the EU.
Michael McElgunn, assistant commissioner of Ireland’s national police, highlighted in a radio interview that Russia is among a few hostile foreign states conducting espionage in Ireland. This comes amidst broader concerns over Russian spying activities in Europe, especially following numerous arrests in Poland, Germany, Estonia, and Austria. McElgunn, who leads the security and intelligence bureau of the Garda Síochána, noted that these activities are part of malign intentions towards sovereign states. Although Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with Russia and upholds a policy of neutrality—refraining from NATO membership and minimal defense spending—it is vigilant about espionage threats and works closely with international partners to monitor and manage the movements of suspected spies. Additionally, Ireland is preparing a security agreement with Ukraine and has welcomed approximately 100,000 Ukrainian refugees since the onset of the conflict.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukrainian missile strikes in occupied Crimea likely damaged one S-400 launcher and destroyed another near Kush-Kaya. Additionally, reports indicate that these strikes damaged a Russian Black Sea Fleet submarine in Sevastopol port but did not sink it. Satellite imagery suggests damage to the submarine, though the extent is not confirmed. Ukrainian forces’ recent actions have also led to the cessation of Russian use of two out of five military airfields in Crimea.
Ukraine received the first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets, with a total of 10 jets delivered out of the promised 79, supported by Denmark, the Netherlands, the US, Norway, and Belgium. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the arrival of these jets, marking a significant enhancement of Ukraine’s air force. This development, occurring a year after the formation of a “fighter jet coalition” at the NATO summit, is part of efforts to operate 20 F-16s by the end of 2024 to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. Zelensky celebrated this milestone on Ukrainian Air Force Day, emphasizing the extensive negotiations and overcoming initial skepticism from partners. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the recent arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine will enhance defense capabilities against Russian missile and aircraft attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The Ukrainian Air Force has successfully eliminated over 8,000 Russian air targets since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk. This tally includes hundreds of aircraft, thousands of cruise missiles, and drones, with Ukrainian pilots conducting over 20,000 combat sorties. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces also reported substantial Russian losses including 363 airplanes, 326 helicopters, and 13,103 drones. On Ukrainian Air Force Day, Oleshchuk highlighted the continuous battle against daily aerial attacks and reconnaissance by Russian forces. He also noted that 4,475 Ukrainian Air Force servicemen have been honored for their valor, including 47 named Heroes of Ukraine, 25 posthumously. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude towards the Air Force for their pivotal role in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Fighting continued in northern Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, with no significant changes to the frontline. Skirmishes were reported north and northeast of Kharkiv City, particularly near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Vovchansk, and Tykhe. Russian milbloggers noted that Ukrainian forces are reinforcing and rotating troops in the area. Additionally, Russia has reassigned control of military positions in northern Vovchansk.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted limited offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line but did not achieve any confirmed territorial gains. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian ground attacks in the areas northeast, southeast, and west of Kupyansk, northwest of Svatove, and northwest of Kreminna were unsuccessful. Despite these setbacks, a Russian milblogger claimed ongoing advances in central Makiivka.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces pressed their offensive near Siversk, attacking east, southeast, and south of the city at locations including Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Darivka, Vyimka, Spirne, and Pereizne. Reports indicate that Russian forces are nearing the eastern outskirts of Verkhnokamyanske.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces launched offensive operations near Chasiv Yar without achieving confirmed changes in frontline positions. Russian sources report ongoing combat in eastern Chasiv Yar and surrounding areas, with claims of capturing strategic positions, though these remain unverified.
Toretsk
Russian forces continued offensive operations near Toretsk, including areas to the east, southeast, south, and southwest of the city. Despite claims of advancements up to a kilometer west of Zalizne and into the administrative boundaries of Toretsk, no confirmed changes to the frontline have been verified.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces intensified their offensive operations around Pokrovsk, making advances in several nearby locations. Notably, they reportedly seized most of Vesele and advanced in Novoselivka Persha, Ivanivka, and approached Zhelanne. Despite Russian claims of capturing Novoselivka Persha, it was already seized by July 29. The operations included a range of areas extending from northeast to southeast of Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian military notes that Russian tactics have predominantly involved infantry since June 2024.
Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin announced the evacuation of over 700 children and their families from four communities close to the front line in Donetsk Oblast, amidst heavy battles near Pokrovsk. The villages of Hrodivka and Novohrodivka, now only 5 kilometers from the front, are among those affected. The evacuation, necessitated by daily aerial bombings by Russian forces, will utilize armored vehicles for protection against drone attacks. This move comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky reported increased Russian military efforts in the area following a stalled offensive on Kharkiv. Local authorities note that around 60,000 people, including 4,000 children, currently remain in Pokrovsk, with approximately 500 people evacuated monthly.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces made advancements and continued offensive operations west and southwest of Donetsk City. Notably, they progressed further within northern Krasnohorivka and southeastern Kostyantynivka, with intensified assaults in these areas following significant artillery preparations. Operations were concentrated around Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Kostyantynivka, Paraskoviivka, and Vodyane.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces made advancements and continued their offensive operations in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, particularly south of Velyka Novosilka and towards Rozdolne. Notable progress was made north of Urozhaine, marked by a platoon-size mechanized assault.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces carried out ground attacks in western Zaporizhia Oblast, specifically near Robotyne and its northern and northeastern areas, Novodanylivka and Mala Tokmachka. No confirmed advances were reported.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
There were no reported Russian ground attacks in the Kherson direction. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Russian forces control the islands in the Dnipro River Delta. Due to heavy Ukrainian artillery and drone strikes disrupting supply routes, Russian forces are using heavy cargo quadcopter drones to deliver supplies to their forward positions in this area.
Ukraine News
Russian forces executed limited drone and missile strikes across Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, reported the launch of missiles and drones from multiple locations, targeting areas including Kharkiv, Poltava, and Donetsk oblasts. All five Shahed drones launched were intercepted by Ukrainian defenses. However, Russian missile strikes damaged residential areas and railway infrastructure in Poltava Oblast, and in Donetsk Oblast, guided bombs damaged 91 civilian structures, including homes and public buildings. There are also reports of Russian tactics involving the temporary deactivation of electronic warfare systems to facilitate drone operations.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 1 INJURIES: 18
- Russian forces attacked Kherson Oblast, targeting a critical infrastructure facility and residential areas. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported that these attacks wounded 15 people, including a child, within the last day.
- A Russian attack on railway infrastructure in Poltava Oblast has caused delays to trains headed towards Kharkiv, according to the state-owned railway company Ukrzaliznytsia. There were no casualties reported.
- Russian forces attacked Sumy Oblast with drones and artillery, damaging infrastructure and a post office in the village of Manukhivka, and another facility in Druzhba, according to Operational Command North. No casualties were reported.
- In Donetsk Oblast, a Russian attack in Pokrovsk resulted in one fatality and three injuries over the past day.
- Russian forces attacked Kharkiv Oblast using 16 glide bombs, three types of missiles, and one drone, resulting in damage to civilian infrastructure.
The aftermath of Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast. (Vadym Filashkin/Telegram)
Russia News
Ukrainian forces launched drone and missile strikes on an oil depot in Rostov Oblast and fuel storage warehouses in Luhansk City, causing significant fires and damage. Reports indicate that Russian air defenses intercepted some missiles, but damage still occurred at key facilities. Russian authorities are investigating the causes of the fires.
Recently released in a historic prisoner swap, Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin emphasized during a livestream that the best support foreign countries can offer Russian activists is by aiding Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. Yashin, jailed in 2022 for his anti-war stance and criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, advocates for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. He argues that supporting Ukraine’s resistance against Russian President Vladimir Putin directly aids Russian opposition movements by promoting freedom and opposing war, reinforcing his view that opposing Putin can align with Russian patriotism. Yashin’s immediate goal is to return to Russia to contribute to building a “free and happy Russia,” despite understanding some Ukrainians’ frustrations with his positions.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Ukraine’s Operational Tactical Group “Kharkiv” reported that Russia has been deploying foreign volunteers, including Egyptians, to participate in military operations in Kharkiv Oblast. These foreign recruits are part of Russia’s broader strategy to enlist fighters from economically challenged countries like Cuba, Kazakhstan, Somalia, Nepal, and Egypt. A captured Nepali POW disclosed that over 3,000 Nepalis might have joined the Russian army, attracted by misleading promises of non-frontline duties and significant pay. Additional reports indicate that Russia offers incentives like higher salaries and fast-tracked Russian citizenship to attract foreign fighters. This includes coercive recruitment tactics, such as those reported involving Cuban citizens, with salaries around $2,000 per month and the promise of a Russian passport within months.
The Russian defense industry continues to produce missiles incorporating Western components, according to analysis by Ukraine-based Frontelligence Insight. Documents from a Russian military base revealed that Kh-32 cruise missiles are fitted with SN-99 navigation modules, which contain significant Western elements and were produced as recently as March 2023. It remains unclear how these Western components are acquired by Russian manufacturers. Previous investigations have also found Western parts in other Russian cruise missile models.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russian milbloggers have reacted to the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by downplaying their impact, contradicting earlier Russian statements that such Western military aid crossed a “red line.” These bloggers suggest that the focus on the F-16s is to divert attention from Ukrainian setbacks on the battlefield and claim that Russian forces will target these aircraft. Despite Russia’s repeated warnings, the delivery of Western weaponry to Ukraine has not elicited the significant escalatory response previously threatened, indicating that such “red lines” may be more rhetorical than actionable.
Russian milbloggers claimed that anti-military sentiment is growing in Ukraine, citing reports of alleged arson attacks on Ukrainian recruitment centers and military assets. However, independent Ukrainian polling from February 2024 shows that the vast majority of Ukrainians trust and support their military-political leadership and the military itself, contradicting the claims made by the milbloggers.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com