Summary of the day: Recent developments in the ongoing conflict have seen significant troop movements and strategic shifts. The Russian military has redeployed elements of at least one airborne regiment from Zaporizhia Oblast to Kursk Oblast in response to Ukraine’s incursion, potentially to stabilize lines and improve command over conscripts. Ukrainian forces have made marginal advances in their Kursk Oblast salient, while Russian forces have advanced in several areas including north of Siversk and around Pokrovsk. The tempo of Russian aviation operations has reportedly decreased across most of the theater, though the cause and duration of this reduction remain unclear. Additionally, Ukrainian forces successfully conducted strikes against targets in Volgograd Oblast and Krasnodar Krai, demonstrating their ability to reach deep into Russian territory.
Picture of the day:
Ukrainian soldiers take part in a casualty simulation training excercise operated by Britain’s armed forces, as part of the Interflex programme, in southern England. (Justin Tallis/AFP via 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
The US Department of Justice is investigating Americans working for Russian state TV networks, focusing on potential sanctions violations and undisclosed foreign lobbying. This effort aims to counter Kremlin attempts to influence 2024 US elections. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson called for international response, citing press freedom concerns.
Belarusian President Lukashenko met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Minsk. They discussed Chinese tech imports to Belarus and joint investment projects. Lukashenko announced plans to sign a free trade agreement for services and investment with China.
Belarusian leader Lukashenko’s critical comments about Armenia and other CIS countries sparked protests in Yerevan. Demonstrators threw eggs at the Belarusian embassy. Lukashenko questioned Armenia’s importance and criticized CIS nations for taking from Russia without reciprocating. He also mentioned Kazakhstan’s 2022 protests. The remarks led to diplomatic tensions, with Kazakhstan and Belarus summoning each other’s ambassadors. Belarusian opposition condemned Lukashenko’s statements. Earlier reports of Belarus supplying weapons to Azerbaijan, Armenia’s rival, had already strained relations between the two countries.
Germany is investigating suspicious drone flights over critical infrastructure, potentially for sabotage. The drones are suspected to be Russian Orlan-10s, possibly launched from ships in the North Sea. A nuclear power plant’s no-fly zone was reportedly violated multiple times in August. This follows a pattern of suspected Russian espionage and sabotage activities across Europe, including alleged spy rings in Ukraine, the UK, and Slovenia.
The Path to Peace
Hungary calls for ceasefire in Ukraine, citing Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This stance contrasts with EU support for Ukraine’s defense. Hungary, seen as Russia-friendly, has blocked aid to Ukraine and pushed for negotiations. Prime Minister Orban recently met with Putin, Xi Jinping, and Trump on a “peace tour.” Hungary also eased entry for Russian and Belarusian workers, prompting EU concerns. Simultaneously, Hungary is restricting housing aid for Ukrainian refugees.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russia is redeploying elite forces from western Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv to Kursk Oblast in response to Ukraine’s incursion, indicating shifting priorities. Putin is focusing on offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, particularly near Pokrovsk and Toretsk, while strengthening border security in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk oblasts. Bryansk Oblast has formed a territorial defense force commanded by a major general, jointly patrolling with Rosgvardia. Regional leaders are requesting federal funding to improve these forces’ effectiveness. Previously hesitant to fully equip these units, Russia is now considering allocating more resources and better-trained commanders, balancing increased border security needs with concerns about empowering decentralized military formations after the Wagner Group rebellion. Putin has set an October 1 deadline to repel Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast without redeploying troops from key frontlines, coinciding with the end of the current conscription cycle. This timing may leave a manpower gap, as conscripts may lack the training and equipment to effectively counter Ukrainian forces. The Kremlin is considering improving funding and equipment for territorial defense units and may try to persuade outgoing conscripts to sign military service contracts, despite potential public backlash.
Russian air operations have reportedly decreased across most of the front, with Ukrainian officials in Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, and Kharkiv noting fewer glide bomb strikes and reduced air activity. In Kharkiv, daily strikes dropped from 30-40 to 1-4. Possible reasons include aircraft shortages, Ukrainian air defenses, or Russia prioritizing other areas. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 10 Russian Shahed drones launched from Kursk Oblast at frontline positions in Kharkiv Oblast, with two shot down. This unusual use of Shaheds for frontline attacks may compensate for fewer glide bomb strikes, potentially due to recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian airfields and ammunition warehouses. Russia is also using air assets to defend Kursk Oblast. It remains unclear if this overall decrease in air operations is temporary.
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces made small advances in Kursk Oblast moving into eastern Komarovka and parts of Semyonovka, Levshinka, Martynovka, and Russkaya Konopelka, despite Russian resistance. Clashes continue in Glushkovo, Korenevo, Sudzha, and Belovo areas. President Zelensky announced the capture of another settlement, adding to the 93 settlements, including Sudzha, that Ukraine reportedly controls. Evidence shows Ukrainian presence near Vishnevka. Russian sources claim their forces retook Nechayev and repelled a Ukrainian reconnaissance operation near Zabrama, Bryansk Oblast. The operation aims to reduce Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians across the border, with Sumy Oblast reporting fewer strikes recently.
Ukraine’s Air Force struck a Russian platoon base in Kursk region using U.S. GBU-39 precision bombs. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk reported hitting a drone command post, electronic warfare unit, and equipment, potentially affecting up to 40 Russian soldiers.
A screenshot from the video purportedly showing explosions at a Russian platoon base following a Ukrainian air attack. (Mykola Oleshchuk/Telegram)
Russian forces have redeployed airborne units and other military elements from Zaporizhia Oblast, Crimea, and northern Kharkiv Oblast to defend Kursk Oblast in response to Ukraine’s incursion. Units previously operating near Robotyne and Verbove, as well as various motorized rifle regiments, naval infantry, and special forces, have been moved to the area. Russian sources report units operating in Russkaya Konopelka, near the border. Military equipment is being transferred northward from Crimea. This redeployment aims to stabilize defensive lines, improve control over conscripts, and address the significant threat posed by the Ukrainian incursion. Russia’s prioritization of Kursk’s defense over the Kharkiv offensive is likely to cause wider operational pressures on Russian forces across the theater.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative None
Russian and Ukrainian forces clashed north and northeast of Kharkiv City, with key areas of conflict including Hlyboke, Lyptsi, and Vovchansk. Ukrainian forces launched a counterattack in Kharkiv Oblast, claiming to advance 2 kilometers into Russian-held territory and inflict heavy losses, including 300 Russian soldiers in four days. The brigade reported preventing a Russian attack from Makiivka and relieving pressure on other front areas. While Russian sources claim to have repelled a Ukrainian attack near Hlyboke, they are reportedly responding with increased air strikes and attempts to regain lost ground.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian sources claim advances near Kupyansk, particularly around Pishchane. Ukrainian reports indicate Russian attacks in multiple areas including Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Hlushkivka, Stelmakhivka, Berestove, Andriivka, Hrekivka, Makiivka, Nevske, Serhiivka, Novoserhiivka, Torske, Terny, and Dibrova from August 21-22. These claims lack independent verification.
Ukrainian forces reportedly advanced in Kharkiv Oblast, likely near the Svatove-Kreminna line, on August 15. They claim to have seized Russian defensive positions and advanced nearly 2 km. The attack allegedly targeted the Russian 20th Combined Arms Army, reducing pressure on nearby Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian sources report inflicting significant Russian losses despite being outnumbered.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces made minor advances near Siversk. They gained ground in eastern Bilohorivka, north of Siversk. Fighting continued near Spirne and Vyimka, southeast of Siversk.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces made small advances in northeastern Chasiv Yar and northwest of Klishchiivka. They are focusing on a 700-meter front in Kalynivka, northeast of Chasiv Yar. Russian attacks continue near Hryhorivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, and Predtechyne. Russian forces now rely on infantry-led assaults, with daily attack numbers varying between 5-16.
Toretsk
Russian forces advanced in the Toretsk area, gaining ground in western Zalizne and central Druzhba. They reportedly moved 1.2 km into Pivnichne and reached the Toretsk-Niu York road. Attacks continue near Nelipivka and Panteleymonivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk, capturing Ptyche and parts of the Karlivske Reservoir’s east bank, as well as reaching the east bank of the Vovcha River. They entered eastern Novohrodivka, moved towards Kalynove, and captured Mezhove. Attacks continue near Vozdvyzhenka, Zelene Pole, Hrodivka, Myrolyubivka, Novotroitske, Mykhailivka, Mykolaivka, Ptyche, and Komyshivka. This prompted limited Ukrainian withdrawals from positions southeast of Pokrovsk, with some new recruits retreating, but Russians failed to encircle Ukrainian forces as intended. There’s no evidence of widespread chaotic withdrawals or significant Russian gains. Russian forces are using small groups of 2-4 soldiers to avoid detection, with various units, including elements of the 2nd Combined Arms Army, involved in these operations.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces advanced southwest of Donetsk City. They reportedly moved north of Paraskoviivka and southeast of Vuhledar, cutting the O-0532 Kostyantynivka-Vuhledar highway in two places. Attacks continued near Pobieda, Kostyantynivka, Vuhledar, Vodyane, and Volodymyrivka. Russian forces conducted mechanized assaults in the Kurakhove direction, losing 13 armored vehicles.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative None
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
No ground attacks reported along Donetsk-Zaporizhia border by either Russian or Ukrainian sources.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces reduced combat operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast (Hulyaipole and Orikhiv areas) conducting no offensive operations.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Russian forces reduced combat operations in Kherson Oblast conducting no offensive operations. Ukrainian forces struck a Russian warehouse on the Kinburn Spit in Mykolaiv Oblast on August 21.
Ukraine News
Russia launched missile strikes against Ukraine. They fired Kh-31P anti-radar missiles from the Black Sea and Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Belgorod Oblast and Crimea. Ukrainian officials claim these missiles didn’t reach their targets. In Kharkiv Oblast, Russia launched four Kh-35 missiles and an Iskander missile at civilian infrastructure. An Iskander-M strike caused a fire in residential areas of Bereznehuvate Hromada, Mykolaiv Oblast. (Russian War Crimes)
A recent poll by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation found that 86% of Ukrainians want to build their future lives in Ukraine. 88% are proud of their citizenship. Regarding Ukraine’s future, 61% feel hopeful, 40% anxious, and 33.5% optimistic. 40% believe the country is developing in the right direction, down from 49% in 2023. The survey included about 2,000 adults from non-occupied regions of Ukraine.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 3 INJURIES: 9+
- Russian forces launched a missile strike on Bohokhudiv in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast. The attack killed a 57-year-old man and injured at least six others, including a 15-year-old boy. Victims ranged from 28 to 50 years old, with two more injured women whose ages were not specified.
- Russian forces launched attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, near the Russia-Ukraine border. In Esman village, an aerial bomb killed two men aged 67 and 74 and injured one woman. Additional strikes hit Svesy village and Hlukhiv, injuring one person in each location. All these attacks were on civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
President Zelensky ordered the Ukrainian government to approve a national veterans policy strategy and a plan for transitioning soldiers to civilian life. With 1.2 million registered veterans and an expected increase to 5-6 million post-war, Zelensky emphasized the importance of integrating veterans into society. The government plans to develop an online app, Veteran+, to provide services for veterans. A recent poll showed 70% of Ukrainians have close connections to those who have served in the current war.
Ukraine’s Allies
Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In her speech, she expressed strong support for Ukraine, stating she would “stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies.” Harris highlighted her past involvement in warning Ukraine about Russia’s invasion plans and mobilizing international support. She emphasized her commitment to maintaining a strong U.S. military and supporting NATO allies. This marks Harris’ most prominent statement on Ukraine during her campaign, as the issue had previously been largely absent from her campaign trail.
Ukraine’s parliament ratified a political cooperation and free trade agreement with the UK. The deal extends tariff-free trade until 2029, aiming to support Ukraine’s economic recovery from the war with Russia. It covers all goods except eggs and poultry, which have a two-year extension. The agreement is bilateral, benefiting both Ukrainian and British companies. Additionally, the UK and Ukraine signed a separate agreement to support Ukraine’s defense industry development.
Russia News
Ukrainian forces conducted a series of successful strikes on Russian targets, including warehouses with glide bombs and fuel at Marinovka airfield in Volgograd Oblast, a Russian intelligence center, Ostafyevo airport near Moscow, Millerovo Airbase in Rostov Oblast, and a Russian S-300 system near Novoshakhtinsk. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed the Marinovka attack, which involved 6-10 explosions and drone sounds. Satellite imagery showed fires and the presence of warplanes and trucks at the airfield before the strike. Ukraine sank a railway ferry carrying 30 fuel tanks at Kavkaz port in Krasnodar Krai, targeting a key transport link between Russia and occupied Crimea. These operations aim to disrupt Russian air operations and logistics, despite Russian claims of intercepting most drones. Ukraine has not officially commented on all incidents, but these attacks follow a pattern of strikes on Crimean and nearby Russian targets since the full-scale invasion began.
Footage of a fire in the area of the Marinovka airbase in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast. (Astra/Telegram)
Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Russia on August 21, targeting Moscow and other regions. About 50 drones were used, hitting a signals intelligence center near Moscow and Millerovo airbase in Rostov Oblast. Russia claims to have downed 45 drones. The full extent of damage is unknown. Ukraine’s military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov provided details on the operation.
A fire continues to burn for the fifth day at an oil depot in Proletarsk, Rostov Oblast, Russia, following a drone strike on Aug. 18. Over 500 emergency personnel are battling the blaze, which has injured 49 firefighters. Six out of 20 diesel fuel tanks have been extinguished. The fire, covering 10,000 square meters, reportedly started when Russian air defenses downed a drone, with debris igniting the fuel. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed striking the Kavkaz plant, which stored oil products for the Russian army.
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) hacked several Russian TV channels, broadcasting war footage during prime time. Affected channels included Pervouralsk TV, Eurasia 360, and others, some owned by oligarch Andrey Komarov. Nine channels suspended broadcasting. Pervouralsk TV apologized for the “unauthorized” content. The hack showed Ukrainian soldiers and Russian casualties, mentioning the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast. This incident is part of ongoing cyberattacks used by both sides in the war.
Russian authorities in Kursk announced plans to install 60 concrete shelters in crowded areas, with 10 locations already decided, as Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast continues.
Russian forces are reportedly building an unspecified structure along the Kerch Strait Bridge. A Ukrainian Navy spokesperson suggested they might be trying to “duplicate” the bridge, despite approaching stormy weather. Russian submarines have been conducting defensive operations in the Black Sea, while aviation and drones remain active on Crimea’s western and southern coasts.
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi plans to visit Russia’s Kursk Nuclear Power Plant next week due to safety concerns amid Ukraine’s nearby military activities. The plant is about 60 km north of Ukrainian-held Sudzha. Grossi aims to assess potential risks and verify Russian claims of planned Ukrainian attacks on nuclear facilities. Ukraine denies these allegations.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia launches nationwide military recruitment campaign. High-profile figures like Vladimir Solovyov are promoting enlistment in professional ads. This marks a shift from previous regional-level efforts, which relied on local incentives to attract volunteers and contract soldiers.
Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov claims Russia’s defense exports remain strong at $60 billion, despite prioritizing equipment for Ukraine war. He states secondary sanctions aren’t affecting foreign contracts and that Russian military equipment’s performance in Ukraine impresses global observers.
Russia’s Allies
Ukrainian border official says Belarus is falsely claiming large troop deployments near Ukraine. The situation at the Belarus-Ukraine border remains unchanged. Belarus likely won’t enter the war, despite previous attempts to suggest escalation to tie up Ukrainian forces at the border.
Hungarian decree limits housing aid for Ukrainian refugees, mainly affecting those from Zakarpattia Oblast. 120 refugees, mostly Rroma, were evicted in Kocs village. The U.N. estimates 3,000 refugees may lose subsidized housing. This particularly impacts Rroma with dual Ukrainian-Hungarian citizenship. Hungary hosts over 30,000 Ukrainian refugees but recently eased entry for Russians and Belarusians.
India became the largest importer of Russian oil in July, surpassing China. Indian imports reached 2.07 million barrels per day, accounting for 44% of its total oil imports. This increase reflects growing trade between Russia and India since the invasion of Ukraine, despite U.S. sanctions pressure. Iraq remains India’s second-largest oil supplier. Indian Prime Minister Modi plans to visit Ukraine on Aug. 23, following a controversial meeting with Putin in Russia last month.
Controlling The Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russia launched criminal investigations against CNN’s Nick Walsh and Ukrainian journalists Diana Butsko and Olesia Borovyk for “illegal border crossing” while reporting on Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The journalists reported from Sudzha, now controlled by Ukrainian forces. Russia also plans to issue international arrest warrants for them. Similar charges were filed against Italian journalists earlier. Ukraine claims control over 1,263 square kilometers and 93 settlements in Kursk Oblast, including Sudzha.
Russian lawmakers propose bill granting veteran status to journalists working in Ukraine conflict zones. The bill covers media employees in occupied Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions, offering them the same benefits as combat veterans. This move likely aims to increase Kremlin control over war coverage.
Russian officials falsely claim Ukraine is violating religious freedom by banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate. This is part of Russia’s effort to weaken international support for Ukraine and appeal to domestic religious nationalists. The banned church is reportedly linked to the Kremlin and used to spread Russian ideology in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to attack the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, a claim refuted by Ukrainian counter-disinformation official Andrii Kovalenko. Kovalenko suggested Russia might be planning a provocation. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi plans to visit the Kursk plant due to safety concerns amid Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry denied any intentions to attack nuclear facilities. Separately, Ukraine accused Russia of endangering the safety of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, alleging Russian forces set fires near cooling towers to create panic.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com