Summary of the day: Russia launched one of its largest combined drone and missile strikes against Ukrainian critical infrastructure to date. Simultaneously, Ukraine issued a warning to Belarus due to a buildup of Belarusian forces along the Ukrainian border in Gomel Oblast, likely aimed at stretching Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian forces reportedly attempted drone strikes on Engels Air Base in Saratov Oblast and an oil refinery in Yaroslavl Oblast. In terms of ground operations, Russian forces made advances in several areas, including northeast of Kharkiv City and around Donetsk City, while Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations in their salient in Kursk Oblast, though no significant confirmed advances were reported for either side.
Picture of the day:
An evacuee holding a cat prepares to board an evacuation train in Donetsk Oblast, as people flee the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Genya Savilov /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 Kremlin-linked Telegram channel Rybar reportedly met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al Sudani and former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi in Baghdad. This marks Rybar’s first engagement with a current foreign leader. The meetings may be part of Russia’s efforts to increase its influence in Iraq, possibly aiming to replace the US as a security partner. This development could signal Russia’s attempt to deepen non-security relations with Iraq while navigating complex Iran-Iraq dynamics.
Russia is spreading disinformation about Georgia to justify its interference there. Russia’s foreign intelligence agency claimed the US is planning a “color revolution” to weaken Georgia’s ruling party before the presidential election. This aligns with the Georgian Dream Party’s pro-Kremlin messaging. These efforts likely aim to hinder Georgia’s attempts to integrate with Western institutions.
A suspected Russian drone entered Polish airspace for 33 minutes, coinciding with a massive Russian aerial attack on Ukraine involving 127 missiles and 109 drones. Polish authorities are searching for debris in Tyszowce, the drone’s last known location. The Polish military was prepared to intercept but couldn’t definitively identify the object due to weather conditions.
Path To Peace
The Kremlin has expressed skepticism about potential peace talks with Ukraine, stating they have “lost much of [their] relevance.” This comment from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov follows a Washington Post report suggesting that a Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast disrupted plans for secret indirect talks between the two countries, allegedly facilitated by Qatar. These talks were reportedly aimed at ending Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, both Russian and Ukrainian officials have denied any such negotiations were taking place. The ongoing military actions and border incursions have further complicated the prospects for diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations in Kursk Oblast6. Fighting was reported near Komarovka, Olgovka, Kremyanoye, and Matveevka, east of Korenevo. Clashes were also noted near Malaya Loknya, north of Sudzha. Ukrainian forces were confirmed operating near Nechayev and Borki. Russian forces are counterattacking in the Plekhovo-Borki-Spalnoye area. No significant advances were confirmed for either side.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative None
Russian troops made small advances northeast of Kharkiv City, specifically in Starytsya. Fighting continues north of Kharkiv near Lyptsi and Hlyboke, and northeast in Vovchansk. Russian forces may be preparing to attack in Vovchansk to free trapped troops in the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked multiple settlements near Kupyansk, Svatove, and Kreminna, including Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Hlushkivka, Andriivka, Proletarske, Hrekivka, Terny, and the Serebryanske forest area. No confirmed advances were reported.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attacked near Siversk. They targeted areas northeast (Bilohorivka), east (Verkhnokamyanske), and southeast (Ivano-Darivka, Vyimka, Spirne) of Siversk.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces made small gains north of Chasiv Yar, advancing in central Kalynivka. They continued attacks near Hryhorivka, Ivanivske, Stupochky, Andriivka, and Klishchiivka. Offensive operations also targeted Chasiv Yar directly.
Toretsk
Russian forces advanced in central Druzhba, east of Toretsk, as confirmed by footage from August 21. They continued attacks on Toretsk and nearby areas including Niu York, Zalizne, Pivnichne, and Nelipivka. Some claims of Russian advances in these areas remain unconfirmed.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced in eastern Novohrodivka, reaching Lomonsova Street in the Kishlak neighborhood. They also gained ground near Mykhailivka and north of Karlivka. Intense fighting continues around Pokrovsk, with Russian attacks reported in Myrolyubivka, Panteleymonivka, Zelene Pole, Vozdvyzhenka, Hrodivka, Novooleksandrivka, Kalynove, Memryk, and Marynivka. Some Russian claims of additional advances remain unconfirmed.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces made a small advance north of Marinka, west of Donetsk City. They reportedly continue clearing northern Krasnohorivka. Russian attacks were also reported near Hostre and Heorhiivka in the same area.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces reportedly advanced near Vuhledar, southwest of Donetsk City. They claimed progress in Kostyantynivka, reaching Shevchenka Street. Fighting continues around Vuhledar, including in Vodyane, Paraskoviivka, Prechystivka, and Novoukrainka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative None
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces conducted limited attacks east of Urozhaine, near the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border. Russian forces are reportedly active near Velyka Novosilka.
Zaporizhia Line
Neither Russian nor Ukrainian sources reported fighting in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russian forces reportedly continue operating near Orikhiv.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks in the Dnipro direction of Kherson Oblast, including on islands in the Dnipro River Delta.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukrainian infrastructure using drones and missiles, hitting targets in 15 regions and causing significant damage to the energy grid. The attacks killed at least four people and led to emergency blackouts nationwide, with energy disruptions reported in several oblasts including Lviv, Odesa, and Zaporizhia. Strikes originated from the Caspian Sea, Black Sea, and various Russian airfields, targeting multiple cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. The Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant dam in Vyshhorod was struck but not severely damaged. Ukrainian forces intercepted many incoming projectiles, but authorities are still working to restore electricity to affected areas. Poland raised its aviation alert in response to the assault. Russian military bloggers celebrated the attack as retaliation for Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk Oblast, with some calling for regular strikes of this magnitude, though Russia likely lacks the capacity for such frequent, large-scale attacks. Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for more air defense systems and the ability to conduct long-range strikes into Russia using Western-provided weapons.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that Ukraine is preparing to retaliate using domestically produced weapons. President Zelensky revealed a new Ukrainian-made missile-drone called Palianytsia, which has already been used against Russia. Both Umerov and Zelensky emphasized the need for long-range weapons to effectively counter Russian attacks. Ukraine continues to press Western allies to lift restrictions on using long-range weapons against targets deep inside Russia.
Ukraine’s largest private energy company DTEK announced nationwide blackouts ordered by Ukrenergo, the state-owned electricity transmission company. Explosions were reported in multiple cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Kropyvnytskyi, Dnipro, Khmelnitsky, and Vinnytsia. The attacks resulted in power outages, water supply disruptions, and casualties. In Lutsk, one person died, and an infrastructure facility was damaged. Local governments activated emergency charging sites, and Ukrzaliznytsia deployed reserve diesel locomotives to maintain train services. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the use of various weapons by Russian forces, including drones, cruise missiles, and Kinzhal ballistic missiles.
Belarus has amassed forces, including special ops and former Wagner Group fighters, near Ukraine’s border in Gomel Oblast, particularly close to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine warned Belarus to withdraw these troops, cautioning against supporting Russia’s war efforts and stating that any border violation would prompt defensive measures. In response, Ukraine is fortifying its border area. Experts assess a Belarusian invasion is unlikely due to understaffed units, insufficient force levels, and potential risks to President Lukashenko’s regime, especially with elections approaching in 2025. The deployment is likely intended to distract and stretch Ukrainian defenses, supporting Russian operations by forcing Ukraine to divert resources northward, while Belarus maintains some autonomy from Russia.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and State Customs Service uncovered that military units didn’t receive designated humanitarian aid worth Hr 172 million ($4.2 million) from March to July. The audit revealed that 500 tons of goods in 424 vehicles, labeled as humanitarian aid to avoid customs fees, never reached their intended military destinations. This prompted an investigation into potential embezzlement and abuse of power.
During a large-scale Russian attack across Ukraine on Aug. 26, Ukrainian soldiers in Zakarpattia Oblast engaged a Russian cruise missile with a truck-mounted machine gun. Initially, Governor Viktor Mykyta claimed the missile was downed by machine-gun fire, but former Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat clarified it was actually destroyed by an anti-air missile. The 650th separate anti-aircraft machine gun battalion fired at the missile as it approached from Lviv Oblast. The incident occurred amid widespread attacks that had killed at least three people by 10:31 a.m. local time.
Ukrainian lawmaker Artem Dmytruk illegally fled to Moldova via Odesa Oblast on Aug. 24, evading martial law restrictions on men aged 18-60 leaving the country. The State Bureau of Investigation confirmed his unauthorized border crossing, which occurred just before Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin charged Dmytruk with assaulting a soldier and a law enforcement officer in separate incidents. Authorities are investigating possible assistance from border officials in Dmytruk’s escape. The independent MP, known for pro-Russian stances and support for the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church, claimed the charges were politically motivated. While his parliamentary mandate remains intact for now, it could be revoked if a court verdict is issued.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 6 INJURIES: 10
- Russian drones attacked Zaporizhzhia Oblast in Ukraine, killing three civilians and injuring five others, including an 86-year-old woman. The attack damaged homes and caused a field fire. The region had been targeted by at least 128 drones in the past 24 hours.
- The missing Reuters journalist from the earlier attack on Kramatorsk has been found dead.
- A Russian missile hit a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The attack had killed a man and a woman, and injured five others. Two of the injured, a 43-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, were hospitalized, with the woman in critical condition.
The aftermath of Russia’s attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (Ivan Fedorov/Zaporizhzhia Military Administration/Telegram)
The aftermath of a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (Governor Serhii Lysak/Telegram)
Ukraine’s Allies
EU diplomat Josep Borrell urged lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western long-range weapons against Russian military targets following a massive Russian attack. Borrell emphasized Ukraine’s need for additional air defense and plans to discuss boosting it with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister and EU counterparts on Aug. 29. While the U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use some weapons near the Russian border, restrictions remain on ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles for deeper strikes into Russia, which Ukraine argues hinders its war efforts.
Russia News
Ukrainian forces reportedly attempted drone strikes across multiple Russian regions, including Saratov, Kursk, Belgorod, Bryansk, Tula, Oryol, Ryazan, and Yaroslavl. Targets included Engels Air Base in Saratov Oblast, an oil refinery in Yaroslavl City, and potentially a military plant in Saratov. Geolocated footage shows a drone striking a building in Saratov City, where high-rise buildings were also hit. Russian officials claim to have intercepted all drones, with only falling debris causing infrastructure damage. However, one person was critically injured in Saratov, and two civilians were injured in Belgorod. The attacks may have been aimed at Engels-2 airbase, home to strategic bombers. These incidents occur amid ongoing tensions and reciprocal attacks between Russia and Ukraine, though Ukrainian sources have not officially commented on these strikes.
Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram and French citizen, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Aug. 24. French prosecutors have outlined 12 potential charges against him, including crimes related to child pornography, drug trafficking, money laundering, and withholding information from investigators, stemming from concerns about Telegram’s privacy features being exploited for criminal activities. French authorities extended his detention, citing concerns about cyber and financial crimes on the platform. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the arrest was part of an independent judicial investigation and not politically motivated. Telegram defended its practices, stating compliance with EU laws. The incident has sparked controversy, with Russia requesting consular access (which they claim France has not cooperated on) and Elon Musk expressing support for Durov. Despite the controversy, Telegram remains popular in Ukraine, used by 44% of Ukrainians for news and information according to a recent poll.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Russian military is expanding its recruitment of foreign fighters for the war in Ukraine. On August 24, the “Arbat” Special Purpose Battalion, part of the “Pyatnashka” International Volunteer Brigade, announced it has begun recruiting volunteers from Indonesia. These recruits are currently training in occupied Donetsk Oblast and may be deployed to Kursk Oblast, where the “Arbat” Battalion is already engaged in combat operations.
Russian defense firm “Roselectronics,” a subsidiary of state-owned Rostec, has upgraded its portable anti-drone system called “Chistulya.” The company reported on August 25 that Russian assault units have already tested this modernized system in anti-drone operations on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
A report by Russian opposition outlet Meduza claims that a Kremlin think tank, the Expert Institute for Social Research (EISI), led by Sergei Kiriyenko, failed to establish effective justifications for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The think tank, created in 2017, reportedly struggled to explain concepts like “denazification” and “demilitarization” to the Russian public. This failure highlights the Kremlin’s difficulties in shaping public opinion about the war and Putin’s tendency to prioritize loyalty over competence in his officials.
Russia is conducting an information campaign to tarnish Ukraine’s international image. Russian state media is spreading unverified claims that Ukraine supports “terrorists” and is destabilizing Cote d’Ivoire, a strong Ukrainian ally in Africa. This effort likely aims to weaken Ukraine’s relationship with Cote d’Ivoire, especially after some Sahelian countries cut ties with Ukraine following an attack on Wagner forces in Mali.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com