Summary of the day: In a concerning development, Iran is reportedly poised to supply Russia with ballistic missiles to bolster its invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces have made recent advances in several key areas, including the Siversk, Chasiv Yar, and Pokrovsk directions, as well as southwest of Donetsk City. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Mongolia, emphasizing bilateral relations and economic initiatives, despite an outstanding ICC arrest warrant. The Russian military is also facing internal challenges, with the detention of a high-ranking official on corruption charges and ongoing efforts to rebuild its officer corps through recruitment and training initiatives.
Picture of the day:
The collapsed ceiling in the male prayer hall of the Islamic Cultural Center, damaged by a Russian missile attack, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Mongolia, emphasizing historical ties and current economic partnerships, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in March 2023 for the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. Putin highlighted the 2019 strategic partnership agreement, ongoing projects like the Russia-Mongolia-China Economic Corridor and the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, and progress on a free trade agreement between Mongolia and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. This visit marks Putin’s first trip to an ICC member state since the warrant was issued, after skipping last year’s BRICS summit in South Africa due to similar concerns.
Mongolia, a signatory to the ICC’s Rome Statute since 2002, is legally obligated to enforce the warrant. Ukrainian MPs and the Foreign Ministry urged Mongolia to execute the warrant, warning of potential consequences. However, both Russian and Mongolian officials have indicated the visit will proceed as planned. The Kremlin expressed confidence in Russian-Mongolian relations and no concerns about the visit, while Mongolia reportedly denied receiving an ICC appeal to enforce the warrant. Russia maintains it does not recognize ICC jurisdiction. This visit appears to be part of Putin’s efforts to strengthen relations with countries historically friendly to the Soviet Union.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that Poland and Ukraine’s neighbors are responsible for protecting their own airspace, despite NATO’s opposition. This comes after incidents of Russian drones and missiles entering Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine. Sikorski argued for the right to intercept hostile missiles before they cross into Polish territory to reduce the risk of debris causing injuries. Ukraine and Poland recently signed a security agreement to explore intercepting threats in Ukrainian airspace. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern about this potentially involving the alliance in the conflict. A recent survey showed most Poles support shooting down Russian drones that enter their airspace during attacks on Ukraine.
Finland has proposed a ban on most Russian citizens buying real estate in the country, citing national security concerns. The ban, announced by Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, comes amid deteriorating Finland-Russia relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Finland’s subsequent NATO membership. The proposal excludes dual nationals and Russians residing permanently in Finland or other EU countries. Finland is monitoring about 3,500 Russian-owned properties and has previously blocked several real estate deals near strategic locations. The country has also closed its Russian border checkpoints, accusing Moscow of encouraging illegal migration in retaliation for Finland’s NATO membership.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Military trucks associated with Russia’s nuclear weapons management were spotted near Kerch City and the Kerch peninsula in occupied Crimea.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its forces destroyed three Ukrainian HIMARS launchers and two BUK-M1 air defense systems in Sumy Oblast. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces continue their assault in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, with recent attacks reported near Korenevo, Sudzha, and surrounding areas. Russian forces have regained positions near Olgovka, east of Korenevo, while Ukrainian troops made minor advances near Pogrebki and Malaya Loknya. Ukrainian forces are also targeting Russian pontoon crossings over the Seim River in Glushkovo Raion.
President Zelensky stated that Ukraine hasn’t received all the weapons promised by Western allies. While Western countries have generally allowed Ukraine to use their arms in the Kursk incursion, the U.S. and U.K. maintain restrictions on long-range missiles like ATACMS and Storm Shadow for strikes deep inside Russia. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine needs both permission and actual weapons, noting that an agreement was in place for receiving such arms. He expressed optimism about getting approval for long-range strikes in Russia but stressed that permission alone is insufficient. Ukraine argues these restrictions hinder its war efforts, while the U.S. fears potential escalation.
A fire at Gazprom Neft’s Moscow Oil Refinery reportedly caused by a Ukrainian drone attack on September 1 has suspended operations at the plant’s Euro+ refining unit. This unit accounts for about 50% of the plant’s capacity. The attack was part of a larger drone operation targeting several Russian regions, including Moscow. While Ukraine has not commented on the incident, sources suggest the unit may resume operations within 5-6 days after repairs. The Moscow plant processed 11.6 million tons of crude oil last year. Ukrainian forces have been targeting Russian oil facilities to reduce Russia’s military capabilities in the ongoing war.
A fire at the Kavkaz oil and petroleum storage facility near Proletarsk, Russia, was extinguished after burning for two weeks. The blaze began on August 18 following a Ukrainian drone strike, with a possible second attack on August 23. The facility located 340 kilometers from occupied Donetsk Oblast in Ukraine, stored supplies for the Russian army. Ukrainian officials confirmed the strike, while Russian sources claim their air defense repelled a drone, but debris ignited the fire. At least 49 firefighters were injured in containment efforts.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued offensive operations in northern Kharkiv Oblast attacking areas near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, and Vovchansk. They increased their use of armored vehicles and plan to deploy a Chechen “Akhmat” unit as a blocking force. Russian forces have also resumed tactical aviation strikes in the Kharkiv direction after a brief pause.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces reportedly advanced near Svatove, though there were no confirmed changes along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna frontline. They conducted offensive operations in several areas, including near Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Hlushkivka, Kolisynkivka, Stelmakhivka, Berestove, Druzhelyubivka, Hrekivka, Makiivka, Nevske, Novosadove, and Torske. Unconfirmed reports suggest Russian advances southwest of Pishchane and in the southern outskirts of Synkivka.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces recently advanced north of Bilohorivka, near Siversk, as confirmed by geolocated footage. They continued limited offensive operations in the area, including reported attacks near Vyimka, Pereizne, Verkhnokamyanske, and Rozdolivka. Some claims of Russian advances remain unconfirmed.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces recently advanced in eastern Chasiv Yar, specifically in Zhovtnevyi Microraion and eastern Kalynivka. They continued offensive operations in the area, attacking near Mayske, Markove, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka. Some claims of Russian advances remain unconfirmed.
Toretsk
Russian forces reportedly advanced on the southeastern outskirts of Toretsk, though this remains unconfirmed. Fighting continued near Toretsk, Nelipivka, Romanivka, and Shcherbynivka. Russian forces continue to claim they have captured Pivnichne and Niu York.
Pokrovsk
Ukrainian forces regained positions in southwestern Novohrodivka, southeast of Pokrovsk, while Russian forces advanced in northwestern Mykhailivka and west of Mykolaivka. Ukraine reportedly built defensive lines in Pokrovsk Raion. Russian forces claimed to have seized Lisivka and begun attacks on Ukrainsk, though these claims are unconfirmed. The Russian command is balancing priorities between securing positions southeast of Pokrovsk and directly attacking Pokrovsk itself.
President Zelensky reported that the situation in the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast remains difficult, but Russian troops have not advanced in the past two days. The area has been a focal point of Russia’s offensive for months. Zelensky noted that Russia has redeployed troops from Zaporizhzhia and Kherson to Kursk Oblast, where Ukraine’s incursion has reportedly gained control of over 1,290 square kilometers and 100 settlements. The president believes the Kursk operation may help reduce pressure on Pokrovsk. Despite recent Russian advances towards Pokrovsk, Zelensky stated that their progress has slowed since the Kursk incursion began.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces continued offensive operations west of Donetsk City near Krasnohorivka and Heorhiivka with no confirmed changes to the frontline. Russian forcds are reportedly attempting to break through Ukrainian positions in northwestern Krasnohorivka, possibly to support Russian efforts southeast of Pokrovsk.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces have intensified their offensive in eastern Ukraine, focusing on the city of Vuhledar and surrounding areas. They have advanced to the Pivdennodonbaska Mine east of Vuhledar and are conducting assaults on Prechystivka, possibly attempting to encircle Vuhledar. The offensive extends to Kostyantynivka, Vodyane, and along the T-05-09 highway between Pavlivka and Prechystivka. Ukrainian defenders, led by the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, face heavy bombardments and armored attacks, with fighting reaching Coal Mine Number One. This push is part of a broader Donbas offensive, including advances near Pokrovsk. Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrsky acknowledges the difficult situation, with combat intensity at near-record levels. While President Putin claims progress, Ukrainian officials describe the battles as “extremely tough” and are sending reinforcements.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative None
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces continued their offensive in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border region with no confirmed frontline changes. Ukrainian officials reported Russian ground attacks near Makarivka, south of Velyka Novosilka. A Russian drone unit is reportedly active in the area.
Zaporizhia Line
There were no reports of combat in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Ukrainian officials reported two Russian assaults in the Kherson area. Russian forces are reportedly conducting raids along a 15-kilometer “exclusion zone” by the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against Ukraine targeting multiple regions including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhia oblasts. The assault, which began around 5 a.m., involved 58 airborne weapons including 35 missiles and 23 Shahed drones. Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted over 20 missiles and shot down most of the incoming threats, proving largely effective in protecting the cities. However, debris caused damage in several Kyiv districts, resulting in fires and two adults seeking medical attention with one hospitalized. Strikes also hit civilian infrastructure in Sumy and Kharkiv. Despite the scale of the attack, Ukrainian defenses managed to mitigate much of the potential damage. This one was a little personal to me as I was in Kyiv. Nine missiles were intercepted heading for my area, five of which I heard right outside my window before heading down to the bomb shelter for my first time during this war.
Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of Ukraine’s state grid operator Ukrenergo, was dismissed for reportedly failing to protect energy facilities from Russian attacks. The company’s Supervisory Board voted to remove him, appointing Oleksiy Brekht as interim head. This decision follows recent Russian aerial strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including a massive attack on Aug. 26 involving over 230 missiles and drones. Kudrytskyi is also facing a corruption investigation. Western organizations in Ukraine expressed concern about the dismissal, warning it could impact support for Ukraine’s energy security. The move comes as Ukraine grapples with recurring Russian attacks on its power grid, which have necessitated energy consumption restrictions.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 1 INJURIES: 30+
- Russia launched an air strike on Ukraine’s northeast, targeting a children’s rehabilitation center and an orphanage in the Sumy region. The attack, which hit a residential area, injured 13 civilians, including two children aged 7 and 13. The strike caused significant damage, breaking about 400 windows in the buildings.
- Russian forces attacked Kharkiv and its surrounding area using guided aerial bombs. In Kharkiv city, the Kyivskyi district’s residential area was hit, as well as a higher education institution. The attack damaged buildings, infrastructure, and injured at least 13 people, including six women and a 40-year-old man. In the nearby village of Ruska Lozova, another aerial bomb strike injured at least one person.
- Russian forces attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, resulting in one death and at least three injuries in the city of Dnipro. Residential buildings in one of Dnipro’s districts were damaged during the attack.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
A petition on Ukraine’s presidential website has gathered over 25,000 signatures, calling for the upper age limit for military mobilization to be reduced from 60 to 50 years old. The petition, initiated by Andrii Azarov, claims this change would improve Ukraine’s economic situation, though no specific explanation was provided. The petition has reached the threshold for official consideration, with 34 days remaining for additional signatures. This comes amid labor shortages in Ukraine due to the ongoing war, with many workers serving in the military or displaced. A recent survey by the American Chamber of Commerce Ukraine found that 81% of respondents reported mobilization affecting their business operations. In April, Ukraine adopted new mobilization laws, including lowering the minimum conscription age to 25 and implementing stricter penalties for draft dodging. By July 17, 2024, nearly 4.7 million military-aged men had updated their personal data as required by the new law.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has approved the Khorunzhyi armored personnel carrier for military use. This vehicle is a modernized version of the Soviet BTR-60, featuring a more powerful diesel engine and improved speed. The Khorunzhyi offers better landing convenience, enhanced ballistic protection, and modern electronics. It can be produced in six variations for different military purposes. The ministry reported that over 110 models of military vehicles, both Ukrainian and foreign-made, have been approved for use in Ukraine, with one-third being domestically produced.
Ukrainian-made Khorunzhyi armored personnel carrier. (Ukraine’s Defense Ministry)
Ukraine’s Allies
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof visited Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on Sept. 2 to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Schoof announced a new aid package worth over 200 million euros ($221 million) for Ukraine, focusing on energy infrastructure protection and humanitarian aid. The leaders discussed air defense systems, F-16 fighter jets, and other military support. They also visited a local school, highlighting education amidst the ongoing conflict. Zaporizhzhia Oblast is partially occupied by Russian forces, with heavy fighting occurring about 40 kilometers from the city. The Netherlands has committed 4.4 billion euros ($4.7 billion) to support Ukraine until 2026 and is leading efforts in providing fighter jets and drones to the country.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Russian-appointed officials in occupied areas of Ukraine announced the start of the school year, emphasizing efforts to implement Russian educational standards and militarize Ukrainian youth. In occupied Kherson and Zaporizhia oblasts, thousands of children reportedly began classes under Russian curricula. Officials in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts highlighted a new campaign providing school supplies to first-graders, supported by various Russian organizations known for promoting pro-Russian and militaristic values in occupied Ukrainian schools.
Russian authorities are reportedly planning to use “temporary detention centers” in occupied Ukrainian territories to detain residents who refuse Russian passports. These centers, initially used for “filtration” of pro-Ukrainian sentiment, are now being repurposed as “re-education” facilities. The deadline for obtaining Russian passports in occupied areas is set for December 31, 2024. This practice, based on a Russian presidential decree from April 2023, may violate international humanitarian and human rights laws by arbitrarily detaining civilians in occupied territories for not having Russian citizenship. (Russian International Human Rights Violation)
Russia News
Russian authorities have arrested Major General Valery Mumindzhanov, Deputy Commander of military logistics for the Leningrad Military District, on Sept. 2 for allegedly accepting a bribe of over 20 million rubles (about $224,000) related to defense ministry contracts for military uniforms. This arrest is part of an ongoing anti-corruption effort within the Russian Ministry of Defense, with Mumindzhanov being the sixth official connected to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to be detained. Other high-ranking officials recently arrested include Vladimir Pavlov, head of the military supplier Voentorg, former Deputy Defense Minister Dmitry Bulgakov, and Andrei Belkov, head of a military construction company. These investigations are seen as satisfying public demand for accountability and are expected to continue, with some describing the crackdown as a “purge” of the military leadership.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Several Russian Defense Ministry officials visited military educational institutions across Russia, emphasizing the importance of military education and technological innovation. They highlighted training capabilities, likely to boost recruitment and rebuild the officer corps. Additionally, Russia opened a branch of the Nakhimov Naval School in occupied Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast. A Russian military blogger suggested reopening closed military academies and updating curricula to modernize military education.
Russian military bloggers reported that Russia has finished testing two types of advanced glide bombs: the FAB-3000M54 and FAB-500M62. These bombs are equipped with special guidance modules. According to the claims, Russian bomber squadrons will soon start using these new weapons.
Russia’s Allies
Iran is reportedly set to deliver ballistic missiles to Russia within days, supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This follows a December 2023 contract between the two countries for Ababil and Fateh-360 missiles, with estimates suggesting Moscow could receive hundreds of these weapons. Russian personnel are currently training in Iran to operate them. The acquisition would allow Russia to target near-rear Ukrainian positions while conserving its own missiles for deep-rear strikes. Iran has already supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed drones since the start of the Ukraine invasion. The potential missile transfer is seen as a concerning development in the conflict. In exchange, Iran has reportedly requested advanced air defense systems from Russia. Western sources have also confirmed Russia’s use of North Korean artillery in Ukraine.
Belarus and Russia plan to sign security guarantees in December 2024, outlining principles for using nuclear and conventional weapons, according to Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov. Despite recent claims about changing Russia’s nuclear doctrine, experts believe Russia is unlikely to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine or elsewhere. The final decision on nuclear weapons use remains solely with the Russian president, regardless of official doctrine changes.
Russia and Belarus are deepening their cooperation in key technology sectors, potentially to help Russia evade sanctions. Belarus’s ambassador to Russia, Alexander Rogozhnik, stated that Belarus is using a 105 billion ruble (about $1.169 billion) Russian credit line to upgrade and create new high-tech production facilities. These facilities focus on microelectronics, aircraft, and machine tool manufacturing.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to push narratives denying Ukraine’s legitimacy and sovereignty. In recent interviews and statements, Putin claimed that Western policies turned Ukraine against Russia and suggested that occupied Ukrainian territories were never truly Ukrainian. He also portrayed the Ukrainian government as illegitimate and ineffective. These claims appear aimed at deterring Western military aid to Ukraine and creating distrust between Ukrainians and their government.
Senior Russian officials intensified efforts to portray Russia as a victim of Western hostility before Putin’s visit to Mongolia. Key figures, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, accused the West of enabling Ukrainian “provocations” against Russia and even seeking to destroy the country. These claims appear to be part of a broader Kremlin information campaign.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com