Summary of the day: Reports emerged of Ukrainian forces allegedly conducting cross-border raids into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, claims which were largely dismissed by Russian military bloggers and have not been confirmed by Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russian forces reportedly made advancements east of Toretsk, even as Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu was accused of exaggerating Russian military successes in Ukraine. Internationally, Russia continued to bolster military ties with Iran, coordinating ahead of an anticipated Iranian strike against Israel, and amid ongoing tensions, Armenia maintained its decision to abstain from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
Picture of the day:
Ukrainian firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the site of a missile strike in central Kharkiv. (Sergey Bobok/AFP via Getty Images)
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Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russian officials are coordinating with Iran, urging restraint to minimize civilian casualties as Iran plans a retaliatory strike against Israel, given the presence of many Russian citizens in Israel. Russia has supplied Iran with advanced radars, air defense systems, Iskander missile systems, and Murmansk-BN electronic warfare systems via multiple IL-76 military transport aircraft flights. These transfers escalate tensions following threats from Iran to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Defense Express noted these weapon systems were not previously in Iran’s arsenal, suggesting the presence of Russian operators due to a lack of trained Iranian personnel. The Iskander system, with a 500 km range, and the Murmansk-BN system, capable of disrupting communications over 5,000 km, strategically augment Iran’s military amid preparations for potential actions against Israel. Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for a controlled response to Israel, emphasizing the need to avoid civilian targets. This request was delivered by Russia’s National Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu during his visit to Tehran on August 5. Iran has requested modern air defense systems and Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia amid rising tensions. Shoigu expressed readiness for full cooperation with Iran, while Iranian military officials highlighted their strategic relationship. Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed drones and ballistic missiles since the invasion of Ukraine, despite Russia’s historically close ties with Israel.
Armenia continues to distance itself from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), abstaining from upcoming military exercises in Novosibirsk and other CSTO activities since March 2023. Armenian authorities cite the CSTO’s inadequate response to their security needs, particularly in relation to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as the reason for their withdrawal from the organization’s activities. Although Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hinted at a potential exit from the CSTO, no official timeline or confirmation has been provided.
The Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced that Major General Andrei Zhuk resigned as the Deputy Defense Minister, and Major General Alexander Naumenko has taken over the position.
BulgarianMilitary.com reported that eight Spanish F/A-18A+ fighter jets and about 150 personnel arrived at Romania’s Mihail Kogălniceanu airbase to begin a deployment until December for NATO’s Black Sea Air Policing mission. The mission of the Paznic detachment is to protect allied operations and monitor NATO’s eastern flank airspace. The Spanish team has passed all necessary tests, including rapid aircraft scramble and interception simulations, proving their readiness to NATO observers. These F/A-18A+ fighters have undergone several upgrades to enhance avionics, radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities, maintaining their relevance in NATO operations. Spain, having used these jets in various NATO missions, plans to replace them with Typhoon Eurofighters.
Daria Ostapenko, a Belarusian nude model accused of spying for the Belarusian KGB, has been charged with espionage in Warsaw. Ostapenko was arrested in Lodz in 2023 after moving from Baranovichi, Belarus. Polish authorities allege that she provided the KGB with detailed information on the activities and funding of organizations supporting the Belarusian opposition. This information was reportedly used by Belarus to label the opposition as extremist and accuse Poland of training terrorist groups planning attacks in Belarus. Currently in custody, Ostapenko faces a minimum of five years in prison if convicted.
Mexico has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the October 1 inauguration of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, according to Russia’s Izvestia newspaper. The Mexican embassy in Russia confirmed the invitation, noting that Putin will decide whether to attend personally or send a representative. Mexico’s foreign ministry also stated that diplomatic notes were sent to all countries with which it has relations, as well as international organizations, inviting them to the inauguration. Despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes related to Ukraine, Mexico and Russia have been strengthening ties. Putin congratulated Sheinbaum on her victory in June, calling Mexico a “historically friendly partner.”
Niger announced it is severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following a similar move by neighboring Mali on August 4. Niger’s government spokesperson, Amadou Abdramane, stated that ties with Kyiv would be cut “with immediate effect” and mentioned plans to refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council. Mali’s break with Ukraine was due to alleged support for Tuareg-led rebels, following reports of heavy losses by Malian soldiers and Wagner Group mercenaries. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called Mali’s decision “hasty” and “regrettable,” denying involvement in the clashes. This diplomatic rift comes as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visits several African nations to strengthen ties, with stops in Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius. President Volodymyr Zelensky has prioritized developing relations with African countries in 2024.
Estonia’s Public Prosecutor’s Office charged Svetlana Burceva, an Estonian citizen, with treason and violating international sanctions, as reported by ERR. Burceva, arrested in March, wrote for Russian state-run media Balt News and continued under a pseudonym even after EU sanctions against RT in March 2022. She became a naturalized Estonian citizen in 1994. Between 2019 and 2021, she studied at Sevastopol State University in occupied Crimea, focusing on information and hybrid conflicts. Burceva co-authored a book promoting a pro-Russian narrative. Estonian prosecutors claim she aimed to sow division in Estonia. The Estonian Internal Security Service deemed her work biased. Estonia, with a significant ethnic Russian minority, has long been wary of Russian influence, highlighted by recent espionage cases.
The Road To Peace
Senior Russian officials continue to dismiss the prospect of peace negotiations with Ukraine unless they result in Ukraine’s complete capitulation. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized a French mediation offer for not considering Russian interests. Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu rejected the Ukrainian Peace Plan, questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reiterating President Vladimir Putin’s extensive demands set since February 2022. Kremlin officials also falsely portray Zelensky as an illegitimate negotiator, using this to justify their refusal to engage in peace talks and to undermine international support for Ukraine.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukraine publicly showcased the deployment of Storm Shadow missiles from a Sukhoi Su-24M bomber for the first time in a video released by Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk during Kyiv’s August 4 Air Force Day. The footage highlighted the integration of Western military technology, featuring the missile’s release from Soviet-era aircraft modified with UK Air Force’s underwing pylons. This missile, part of a Western aid package, is designed for long-range precision strikes and has been used effectively against targets in occupied Crimea and other regions. The UK and France have supplied these missiles, with recent policy changes allowing their use against targets within Russia. This demonstration marks significant advancements in Ukraine’s military capabilities, blending Western technology with existing Soviet-era platforms.
Ukrainian forces launched more drones in July than Russian troops, President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed. Drones have become key weapons for Ukraine, targeting Russian warships, naval bases, oil refineries, and airfields. Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces are gaining an advantage, with Ukrainian soldiers using more drones than Russian forces in July. He emphasized Ukraine’s growing drone production capacity, with one million drones contracted through 2024 and potential production of over three million drones annually, pending foreign investment. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vadym Sukharevskyi noted that Ukrainian soldiers received six times more drones in the first half of 2024 compared to last year.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu exaggerated Russian territorial gains in Ukraine, claiming 420 square kilometers seized since mid-June, whereas actual advances total about 290 square kilometers. Russian military activity intensified in the Toretsk area in late June, but no significant operational gains have been noted in Toretsk or Avdiivka since mid-July, despite some tactical advances. Russian military often overstates its progress in Ukraine.
The partisan group Atesh reported that following the destruction of the Russian submarine Rostov-on-Don near Crimea, Russian investigators conducted inspections along the Crimean coast. They noted a helicopter landing at Cape Khersones and important officials transferring to a boat heading towards Kilen Bay. This activity indicates Moscow’s intent to scrutinize and prevent further attacks. On August 3, Ukrainian forces executed a significant operation, resulting in the sinking of the Rostov-on-Don, a Kilo Class Diesel submarine equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles and S-400 systems, valued at about $300 million. This was the submarine’s second attack; previously, it was damaged during a strike at Sevastopol port in September 2023.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Fighting persisted north and northeast of Kharkiv City with no significant changes to the frontline. Russian forces launched attacks in areas around Lyptsi, Tykhe, and within Vovchansk. Claims by a Russian milblogger of capturing a strategic position near Tykhe remain unverified. Ukrainian military sources report continued engagement by Russian tank and motorized rifle units in the vicinity, particularly near Hlyboke and Lukyantsi.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces engaged in attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line without achieving significant territorial gains. The conflict zones included areas northeast, east, and southeast of Kupyansk, as well as northwest, west, and southwest of Kreminna, encompassing towns such as Synkivka, Petropavlivka, and Nevske. No confirmed advances were reported despite the ongoing military activities.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov visited the Central Grouping of Forces headquarters, meeting with commanders and Colonel General Andrey Mordvichev to discuss operations in the Toretsk and Pokrovsk areas and to present state awards. This visit follows Gerasimov’s earlier trip to the area after the seizure of Avdiivka, a key military gain credited to Mordvichev in February 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently highlighted the strategic importance of the Pokrovsk direction, suggesting it as a priority for the Russian military.
Siversk
Russian forces persisted with ground assaults near Siversk without altering the frontline. These attacks spanned areas northeast, east, southeast, and south of Siversk, including Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, and Pereizne. During one of these assaults, Ukrainian forces reported destroying two Russian tanks. Russian artillery units were also active in these operations.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces conducted offensive operations near and east of Chasiv Yar, including the Novyi and Zhovtnevyi districts, without achieving any changes to the frontline.
Toretsk
Russian forces made recent tactical advances in the Toretsk area, with geolocated footage showing progression to Dostoyevskoho Street in Pivnichne and a flag-raising by Russian troops on Haharina Street in Niu York, south of Toretsk. Additional claims by Russian sources suggest a further advance within Niu York and other nearby locations such as Druzhba and Zalizne. Despite these claims, there’s no visual confirmation of a complete seizure of Niu York or an encirclement of Ukrainian forces. Russian military operations also extended to Panteleymonivka and are operating near Horlivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces pressed their offensive east of Pokrovsk without any confirmed frontline changes. Russian milbloggers claimed advances in areas west of Vesele, east of Zhelanne, and near Lozuvatske. Further assaults occurred near Novooleksandrivka, Vozdvyzhenka, and several other locations southeast of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces countered with drone strikes against Russian armored vehicles in the region. The Russian Defense Minister acknowledged the role of specific military units in recent operations, including the seizure of Novoselivka Persha at the end of July.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces sustained offensive operations west and southwest of Donetsk City without altering the frontline. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled two mechanized assaults in the Kurakhove area, destroying four armored vehicles and a tank, and damaging another vehicle. Continued Russian military activity was reported near Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, and several other locations southwest of Donetsk.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces continued their ground assaults near Rozdolne and Urozhaine, northeast and south of Velyka Novosilka, respectively. A Russian milblogger reported that troops cleared an area near Urozhaine.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces maintained ground attacks in western Zaporizhia Oblast without achieving confirmed territorial gains. Russian milbloggers reported minor advances and the capture of Ukrainian positions near Robotyne and Verbove.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Positional battles persisted in eastern Kherson Oblast, including the Dnipro River Delta islands.
Russian officials, including Kherson Oblast occupation head Vladimir Saldo, reported that Ukrainian forces attempted a raid on the occupied Tendrivska Spit in Kherson Oblast. They claimed Russian naval infantry repelled 10 to 12 Ukrainian boats, destroying several in the process. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Ukraine News
Russian forces conducted missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting Kyiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Sumy oblasts. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk reported that the attacks included four Iskander-M/North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles, two Kh-59 cruise missiles, and 16 Shahed-136/131 drones, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting most of these. This marked the first use of a North Korean KN-23 missile in five months. Significant damage to civilian infrastructure and injuries were reported, notably in Kharkiv City and Sumy Oblast, where a polyclinic was hit, injuring civilians. The Russian Ministry of Defense released footage claiming the destruction of a Ukrainian air defense system in Sumy Oblast.
Since its launch in January, Ukraine’s “Khochu naiti” (“I want to find”) project has helped locate 588 missing Russian soldiers, as reported on August 5. Of these, 533 were found alive among prisoners of war, with 100 already released to Russia through exchanges. Fifty-five soldiers were identified as deceased, and the remains of 33 were returned to Russia. The project received 20,098 requests from relatives of Russian soldiers this year. Launched by Ukraine’s POW Coordination Headquarters, the project demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to international humanitarian law. Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson, Andrii Yusov, highlighted that Russian officials fail to properly inform families about their soldiers’ fates. In September 2022, the “Khochu Zhit” (“I want to live”) project was created for Russian and Belarusian soldiers to voluntarily surrender as POWs, receiving 50 to 100 appeals daily.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 1 INJURIES: 17
- A Russian missile attack on Kharkiv killed one person and injured 12 others, including an eight-month-old baby. The Iskander missile struck the Shevchenkivskyi district damaging a clinic, cars, and other civilian infrastructure. Two victims have been hospitalized, and more people are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
- Russian troops attacked Kherson, injuring at least five people. A Russian drone dropped explosives on the city’s outskirts, injuring two men, aged 53 and 57, and three women, aged 37, 46, and 68. All victims were hospitalized.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced additional funding for Ukraine’s missile program. The decision followed a meeting with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Minister for Strategic Industries Alexander Kamyshin, who updated him on the production of Ukrainian drones and missiles. Zelensky noted that Ukraine is progressing in developing its own missile capabilities and aims to reduce reliance on foreign-supplied missiles.
Ukraine’s Allies
the Council of the EU approved a 4.2-billion-euro ($4.6 billion) disbursement to Kyiv as the first regular payment under the Ukraine Facility. This four-year program provides 33 billion euros in loans and 17 billion euros in grants, contingent on Ukrainian reforms. The Hungarian presidency of the Council stated that the decision supports Ukraine’s financial stability and public administration. The EU had approved the Ukraine Facility in February, with the framework agreement set in May. Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko expressed gratitude, noting that EU budget support in 2024 will total over 12 billion euros. Kyiv had already received several pre-financing tranches earlier this year.
Penny Pritzker will step down as U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery, announced U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken on August 6. Richard Verma, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources will replace her. Blinken praised Pritzker for her efforts in supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery. Ukraine needs an estimated $486 billion to rebuild its infrastructure damaged by Russia’s invasion, and the U.S. Congress has approved $175 billion in aid since 2022. During her tenure, Pritzker visited Ukraine six times, secured vital trade agreements, lobbied for American investment, and advocated for increased U.S. military aid. Verma has previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs and U.S. Ambassador to India.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed that the U.S. policy on Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory with American weapons remains unchanged despite the arrival of F-16 jets in Ukraine. The U.S. had previously allowed Ukraine to use some American-supplied weapons, including HIMARS rockets, for strikes near the Russian border but still prohibits the use of long-range weapons like ATACMS for deeper strikes. Miller emphasized that decisions on using American-made weapons, including F-16s, will depend on the battlefield situation and Ukrainian military needs.
A Czech court sentenced ex-soldier Filip Siman to seven years in prison for looting while serving as a volunteer fighter in Ukraine, according to CTK news agency. Siman can appeal the verdict. Although also accused of illegal service in foreign armed forces without presidential permission, the court acquitted him of this charge, as Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala had stated there would be no punishment for Czech volunteers in Ukraine. The prosecution has appealed the verdict due to the sentence being below the statutory minimum. Siman denies the allegations, claiming he followed orders. He fought in the Carpathian Sich volunteer battalion in March 2022, patrolling trenches in Irpin and Bucha. The indictment states Siman took belongings from deceased soldiers and civilians, including jewelry, cash, and other valuables. Siman argued that using items from abandoned houses was common practice. He was detained by Ukrainian forces in April 2022 but was later released and returned to Czechia.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Russian authorities are intensifying efforts to Russify Ukrainian children, including forcibly deporting them to Russia for indoctrination. Maria Lvova-Belova reported that 100 minors from occupied Ukrainian regions attended a youth forum in Samara Oblast. Additionally, over 8,000 children from Zaporizhia have been sent to health camps across Russia, with plans for more before September. In occupied Luhansk, teachers are being incentivized to promote Russian propaganda, with awards for compliance, while in Kherson, laws are being prepared to formalize “patriotic education” taught by Russian military veterans.
Russia News
Russian sources reported that up to 300 Ukrainian soldiers from the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, supported by tanks and armored vehicles, conducted raids in Kursk Oblast from Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast. Damage and abandoned vehicles were seen near the border, though their ownership remains unconfirmed. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that 16 Ukrainian vehicles were destroyed and conducted retaliatory strikes in Sumy Oblast. Reports of ongoing fighting in Kursk border areas contrast with official Russian statements. Kursk’s governor stated that Russian border guards had thwarted an attempted border breach, but Ukrainian intelligence denied the involvement of certain Russian volunteer groups. Russian bloggers dismissed the raids as ineffective, speculating they might distract from other military activities in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the incident. Concurrently, multiple explosions and intensified attacks were reported in Sumy, with local authorities noting attacks on infrastructure but no casualties. DeepState shared photos appearing to show a downed Russian Ka-52 helicopter and two destroyed tanks amid reports of a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian authorities in Sumy Oblast reported downing a Russian helicopter, two drones, and a ballistic missile amid intensified Russian attacks. Acting governor Alexei Smirnov reported on Telegram that five civilians, including two ambulance crew members, were killed and at least 20 were wounded during clashes.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Russian Ministry of Defense formally denied a meeting request from the wives of mobilized soldiers to discuss grievances with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, citing scheduling conflicts. This denial aligns with ongoing government efforts to suppress public appeals from relatives of mobilized troops seeking their return to Russia.
Russian military bloggers, connected to the government, have emphasized the urgent need for more officers and specialists, like artillery officers, within the Russian military. A Kremlin-affiliated blogger suggested the establishment of additional military educational institutions to meet this demand. Another blogger highlighted that due to shortages, specialists such as drone, RPG, and tank operators are often reassigned to front-line assault groups, where they face high casualty rates due to inadequate training. This has resulted in difficulties in recruiting sufficient replacements for these specialized roles.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russian authorities have informed telecom operators that YouTube speeds will be slowed to 128 kilobytes per second, as reported by Meduza on August 6. This follows widespread YouTube outages in Russia earlier in August. In July, lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein announced plans to slow YouTube speeds by up to 70%, targeting the platform’s administration rather than users. Videos will still play at 240p or lower without increased buffering times. Authorities decided to significantly slow YouTube instead of blocking it entirely. The move aims to provoke a reaction from Google, not due to technical issues. Despite reports of a potential YouTube block in September, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied such plans. YouTube access via smartphones will be most affected, but desktop usage will also slow. VPNs can bypass these restrictions. In April, a Moscow court upheld a nearly $50 million fine against Google’s parent company, Alphabet, for not deleting content deemed discrediting to Russia’s armed forces.
Russian sources are minimizing the impact of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets on the battlefield, which contradicts the Kremlin’s earlier stance that labeled Ukraine’s use of F-16s as a critical boundary. Additionally, the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation and the Romanian Ministry of Defense have noted that Russian media is falsely claiming that Ukrainian F-16 pilots training in Romania were not serious and behaved poorly.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com