Summary of the day: Ukrainian forces made modest gains in Kursk Oblast, continuing their salient in the region amidst ongoing hostilities. Simultaneously, Chechen Spetsnaz Commander Apty Alaudinov controversially urged conscripts to join combat operations there, despite familial concerns. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Azerbaijan on August 18, likely to divert attention from the Ukrainian advances and to bolster his diplomatic image. Back in Russia, Putin signed a decree to embed a vague state ideology into law, a move seen as countering rising ultranationalist sentiments within Russia. Additionally, the Russian government persisted in misleadingly blaming Ukraine for the stalled peace negotiations.
Picture of the day:
Ukrainian soldier drives to the destroyed Ukrainian checkpoint on the border in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. (Taras Ibragimov/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC “UA:PBC”/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
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Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Azerbaijan on August 18, aiming to divert attention from the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast and enhance his diplomatic image. During his two-day trip, Putin and his delegation, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, discussed energy, Russian-language initiatives, and mediation in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The visit, heavily covered by Russian state media, underscores the Kremlin’s strategy to minimize the perceived impact of the situation in Kursk by highlighting Russia’s global diplomatic efforts.
The Belarusian Ministry of Defense launched “Voenkor-2024,” a media exercise involving 25 journalists. Participants will receive training in firearms, communications, hand-to-hand combat, military topography, medicine, and psychological subjects.
The Path To Peace
Russian officials persist in inaccurately blaming Ukraine for stalling peace negotiations. Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov stated on August 19 that negotiations are not feasible following Ukraine’s military actions in Russia, while reiterating President Putin’s demand that Ukraine cede territory not currently under Russian control. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov echoed this stance, emphasizing no discussions are possible post-incursion and dismissed reports of halted talks in Qatar as baseless.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russian military personnel losses since the invasion began on February 24, 2022, have exceeded 600,000, with significant equipment losses including 8,513 tanks and 16,495 armored personnel carriers. Recent figures include the loss of 1,120 troops in one day. Additionally, Ukraine’s recent offensive into the Kursk region resulted in the capture of over 100 Russian prisoners of war, marking a significant event since the conflict began.
Finnish volunteer fighter Ville Mykkanen, who joined Ukraine’s army in fall 2023, was killed in action in Luhansk Oblast. Mykkanen is the fifth known Finnish volunteer to die fighting for Ukraine since the full-scale war began. A former politician, Mykkanen was 26 years old and motivated by a desire to fight for peace and freedom. Finland’s Foreign Ministry estimates that around 20-30 Finnish nationals are currently fighting in Ukraine.
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces have taken control of 92 settlements and over 1,250 square kilometers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, as part of a two-week operation that includes the capture of Sudzha and the destruction of bridges over the Seim River. President Zelensky highlighted the significant number of Russian soldiers captured, with estimates reaching up to 2,000. The operation has largely cleared Russian forces from the border near Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, though fighting continues along the international border. Ukrainian forces have made additional gains in Kursk Oblast, but Russian defense claims they have repelled Ukrainian reconnaissance efforts. Reports from Russian bloggers suggest a recent Ukrainian airstrike destroyed the last bridge over the Seim River in Karyzh, though this has not been verified.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces have reportedly made advances north and northeast of Kharkiv City, particularly near Lyptsi, Hlyboke, and Vovchansk. These movements include the rotation and regrouping of personnel in these areas. Ukrainian sources noted that elements formerly associated with the Wagner Group and Russian naval infantry from Donetsk Oblast were involved near Hlyboke.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk and Svatove, continuing their offensive along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on. Geolocated footage shows recent advances southwest of Novoselivske and Andriivka. Claims of advances near Tabaivka, Pishchane, and Makiivka have not been confirmed. The Ukrainian General Staff reported Russian offensive operations in multiple locations near Kupyansk and Kreminna.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces advanced in limited offensives southeast of Siversk, reportedly seizing the Vyimka Railway Station. Further claims of progress east of the station remain unconfirmed. The Ukrainian General Staff reported attacks near Verkhnokamyanske and southeast of Siversk around Spirne and Ivano-Darivka.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces reportedly made advances in Chasiv Yar, although no changes to the frontline were confirmed. A Russian milblogger claimed that a Ukrainian fortification east of the Zhovtnevyi Microraion was seized, but no visual evidence supports this. The Ukrainian General Staff noted ongoing fighting in multiple areas around Chasiv Yar.
Toretsk
Russian forces reportedly continued their advance towards Toretsk, with the Russian Ministry of Defense claiming the seizure of Zalizne southeast of Toretsk. Further reports indicate Russian forces moved through an electrical substation west of Zalizne towards Nelipivka. Additional claims suggest Russian control of Niu York south of Toretsk and movements towards Nelipivka from multiple directions. The Ukrainian General Staff reported attacks near Nelipivka and ongoing fighting near Toretsk, Niu York, Zalizne, and Nelipivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced southeast of Pokrovsk and seized Zavitne and Novozhelanne, with further movements toward Komyshivka and Ptychne reported. Russian claims also suggest approaches to the outskirts of Hrodivka and Novohrodivka, though unconfirmed. The Ukrainian General Staff noted Russian attacks near Pokrovsk, including in the northeast and southeast regions surrounding the city.
Pokrovsk residents have one to two weeks to evacuate as Russian forces close in on the city, warned administration head Serhii Dobriak. With 53,000 people still in the city, including nearly 5,000 children, the evacuation of children and their families will soon be mandatory. Russian forces, now focusing on Donetsk Oblast after the failure of their Kharkiv offensive, are advancing steadily. The situation remains dire, with residents urged to leave quickly as Russian troops are now just 10 kilometers from the city’s outskirts.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces maintained their offensive west of Donetsk City, focusing attacks near Krasnohorivka and Heorhiivka without making confirmed advances.
Russian forces advanced southwest of Donetsk City, particularly near Vuhledar. Geolocated footage from August 17 showed progress in northwestern Pavlivka. Russian claims include consolidating positions near the Pivdennodonbaska No. 1 Mine and seizing locations along the Vuhledar-Kostayntynivka highway. Continued ground attacks were reported near Kostyantynivka, Paraskoviivka, Vodyane, and Vuhledar.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Limited positional engagements occurred in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border area with no confirmed changes to the frontline. Fighting persisted near Rozdolne.
Zaporizhia Line
Positional engagements continued in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Positional engagements persisted in east Kherson Oblast.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched 19 Shahed-136/131 drones from locations in Krasnodar Krai and Kursk Oblast, targeting Ukraine. Ukrainian forces successfully downed all drones over various regions including Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk. Additionally, Russia claimed that a Su-34 aircraft struck a Ukrainian air defense system in Kharkiv Oblast with a cruise missile.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russian forces have launched 1,940 confirmed strikes on Ukrainian healthcare facilities, with 86% directly impacting health facilities. These attacks have intensified since December 2023, occurring nearly daily. (Russian War Crimes)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the threat of a radiological incident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to intimidate the world. He stated that Russia uses the ZNPP to launch attacks on Ukrainian settlements and stores military equipment there, adding to the risks at the site since its occupation in March 2022. (Russian Treaty Violations)
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) uncovered a Russian intelligence network involving current and former Ukrainian law enforcement officers in Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts. The network surveilled Ukrainian Armed Forces and critical infrastructure. Two suspects, including a Mykolaiv law enforcement officer in contact with a Russian agent since 2015, were detained. They provided intelligence that led to a Russian attack on an energy facility in western Ukraine. The suspects face treason charges and could receive life imprisonment. Another suspect was charged in absentia.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine on August 23, marking his first trip there since Russia’s invasion began. Modi will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with several agreements expected to be signed. The visit comes shortly after Modi faced criticism for embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow, following missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. India’s stance on the conflict has been controversial, avoiding direct condemnation of Russia while maintaining strong economic ties, particularly in arms deals and discounted oil imports.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 4 INJURIES: 4
- Russian forces attacked 11 communities in Sumy Oblast, injuring four civilians. A total of 256 explosions were recorded in 69 separate attacks. The targeted communities included Khotin, Bilopillia, Myropillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, and others. Two people were injured in the Esman community and two more in Seredyna-Buda. The attacks involved mortars, artillery, rocket launchers, explosives, and drones, with Krasnopillia facing the brunt of the assault, experiencing 147 explosions. There is no information yet on the extent of the damages. (Russian War Crimes)
- Russian forces attacked Toretsk and Zarichne in Donetsk Oblast killing four civilians. In Toretsk, a 71-year-old woman was killed by artillery in her yard. In Zarichne, three people aged 61 to 72 were killed in a residential area by unspecified weaponry. (Russian War Crimes)
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Around 930,000 Ukrainians eligible for military service are temporarily exempt, with the number expected to reach one million soon, Forbes Ukraine reported, citing Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk. Despite efforts to ramp up mobilization, including new laws and allowing businesses to reserve key employees, Ukraine’s army still faces a shortfall as training new soldiers takes 3-6 months.
Ukraine’s Allies
Ukraine could join NATO even if parts of its territory remain occupied by Russia, according to Czech President Petr Pavel, who stated that full territorial control is not a necessary condition for membership.
Germany has delivered a new IRIS-T SLS air defense system, 14,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition, 10 naval drones, and other military equipment to Ukraine, the German government announced on August 19. This marks the third IRIS-T SLS battery sent to Kyiv, a short-range system with a 12-kilometer range. The shipment also includes four medium-range IRIS-T SLM systems, 26 Vector drones, engineering vehicles, rifles, and other supplies. Germany has committed approximately €28 billion ($31 billion) in military aid to Ukraine since the war began, making it Ukraine’s second-largest military donor after the U.S.
Denmark announced a new $115 million military aid package for Ukraine, aimed at addressing both short-term and long-term defense needs. The funds will be used to acquire military equipment from the Ukrainian defense industry and international partners. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized Denmark’s continued support, stating that this 20th aid package will provide crucial military equipment to Ukraine. He also affirmed that Denmark does not object to the use of Danish-supplied equipment in Ukraine’s operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, viewing such actions as part of Ukraine’s defense strategy. Denmark has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The United States will continue supporting Ukraine as its forces advance in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said. Ukraine has captured 92 settlements in Kursk since its offensive began on August 6. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated U.S. support for Ukraine during talks with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Singh confirmed that security assistance will continue. President Zelensky noted that Kyiv did not inform Western allies of its plans to enter Kursk Oblast due to concerns about Russian “red lines,” emphasizing the incursion’s goal of protecting Ukrainian lives and diverting Russian forces.
As US Democrats prepare for their national convention in Chicago, lawmakers from both parties are reassessing restrictions on American-supplied arms to Ukraine following the recent successes of Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” called Ukraine’s actions a potential game-changer and expressed support for the use of US-made missiles on Russian soil, citing the illegal nature of Russia’s invasion. Republican Congressman Mike Turner also supported easing restrictions on arms for Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defense Secretary John Healey fully support the use of British-supplied tanks, drones, and Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine in its counter-invasion in Russia’s Kursk region. Despite President Zelensky’s recent comments suggesting a slowdown in the UK’s leadership on weapons, a government spokesperson reiterated that London’s support for Ukraine remains “unwavering.” However, the UK has not yet approved the use of Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on Russian soil. The decision to allow long-range strikes requires coordination with other nations, including ongoing discussions with the U.S.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
The Askania-Nova Nature Reserve in Kherson Oblast has suffered significant damage under Russian occupation but is not completely destroyed, according to the reserve’s director, Viktor Shapoval. Shapoval responded to Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin’s earlier statement, clarifying that while animals have been illegally taken to Crimea and Russia, the reserve still exists. The reserve has endured heavy losses, with many animals dying and parts of the steppes burning. Russian forces have reportedly relocated endangered species from the reserve to a safari park in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai.
Russia News
The Kremlin’s response to the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast underscores its focus on regime stability by increasingly relying on security structures over traditional political or economic channels. President Vladimir Putin has appointed his trusted aide, Alexei Dyumin, to oversee operations, reflecting a distrust in the General Staff and Defense Ministry and emphasizing a shift towards security officials skilled in counterterrorism and counterintelligence. This reliance on a loyal cadre of security officials, known as siloviki, has become more pronounced since the Wagner Group’s rebellion in June 2023. Internal conflicts within the Presidential Administration have arisen due to these changes. Moreover, anticipated shifts within the Federal Security Service, including the expected resignation of its head Alexander Bortnikov and a refocus towards military oversight, signify a reduction in the influence of economic oligarchs and a tightening of control within the Kremlin’s power structure.
A video shared on the “Typical Kursk” Telegram channel shows Chechen militants from the “Akhmat” battalion looting a “MegaFon” cell phone store in Glushkovo, Kursk region, amidst the Ukrainian advance. Recorded on August 17, the footage shows the militants breaking into the store, smashing display cases, and stealing phones and other appliances. The Russian media outlet “Agentstvo” identified one of the individuals as a member of the Chechen 249th Separate Special Motorized Battalion “South.” The acting governor of Kursk, Roman Alyokhin, confirmed the video’s authenticity and emphasized that the individuals involved would be held accountable for their actions.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Chechen Commander Apty Alaudinov has called for conscripts to actively participate in combat operations in Kursk Oblast, dismissing concerns from their families and insisting that even 18-year-olds are mature employees of the Russian Ministry of Defense. He criticized conscripts for inadequate contributions and encouraged them to sign contracts for better remuneration, underlining the necessity for all Russians to defend their nation. Alaudinov also contended that those who perish in defense of Russia would earn a place in heaven. Additionally, a related Telegram channel mentioned that the conscripts in Sudzha are mainly aged between 21 to 25 years, seemingly to minimize worries about casualties among younger conscripts. Meanwhile, the growing concerns among relatives about the involvement of these conscripts in border defenses during the Ukrainian incursion have sparked fears of a political crisis, possibly endangering regime stability. This concern persists despite efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mitigate these fears, while Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov has largely remained silent on the matter.
Sakhalin Media reported that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Border Service has resumed conscription in Sakhalin Oblast and other regions in the Russian Far East, Northwestern, and North Caucasian federal districts, marking the first call-up in a long period. This follows a December 2023 law signed by President Putin permitting conscripts to serve in the FSB.
Russia’s Allies
Belarusian Air and Air Defense Forces Commander Major General Andrei Lukyanovich reported that Belarus has increased military operations along its border with Ukraine, conducting over 450 patrols and combat missions in 2024. He also announced that Belarus expects to receive Mi-35 attack helicopters and Su-30SM fighter aircraft from Russia in early 2025.
Controlling The Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree integrating a vague state ideology into Russian law, allowing certain foreigners and stateless persons aligned with Russian “traditional values” to apply for a residence permit without the usual requirements. This policy bypasses the Russian Constitution, which prohibits a state ideology and mandates ideological diversity. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with identifying countries imposing “neoliberal values.” This contrasts with Russia’s recent strict measures against illegal migration and coerced military service. The decree aims to counteract the influence of Russian ultranationalists, such as the imprisoned Igor Girkin and the late Yevgeny Prigozhin of the Wagner Group, who have been critical of lenient migration policies and pushed for stricter migrant integration. In response, the Kremlin has bolstered a loyal group of milbloggers and enforced censorship to control national ideology narratives and suppress opposition, labeling dissenters as unpatriotic and extremist. This move seeks to establish Putin as the sole authority on Russian national ideology and mitigate domestic threats to his regime.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com