Summary of the day: Ukrainian forces carried out a significant drone operation against targets in Russia, marking the largest such series of strikes to date. While Ukrainian troops continued their assaults in Kursk Oblast, no confirmed advances were reported. Meanwhile, Russian forces made progress on multiple fronts, including near Kharkiv City, Kupyansk, Pokrovsk, and Donetsk City. Recent polls suggest that Russian domestic support for the war in Ukraine remains high, seemingly unaffected by Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast. In a notable diplomatic development, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed the country’s suspension of participation in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.
Picture of the day:
Russian forces launched 10 Iskander-M ballistic missiles at Kharkiv, targeting a shopping center, nearby office buildings, and a sports complex in a residential area. The attack injured 44 residents, including seven children, the youngest being three-month-old boys. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that Russia plans to modify its nuclear doctrine in response to recent conflicts and alleged Western escalation in Ukraine. However, he provided no specifics or timeline for these changes. This statement appears to be part of Russia’s ongoing strategy to use nuclear threats to discourage Western support for Ukraine. Despite such rhetoric, experts continue to assess that Russia is unlikely to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine or elsewhere.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed on August 31 that Armenia has frozen its participation in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) at all levels, following nearly a year of non-participation in CSTO events. This decision stems from the organization’s failure to fulfill its security obligations to Armenia, particularly regarding Russia’s inability to prevent Azerbaijan’s offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. Armenia is now reducing bilateral security ties with Russia, evident in the departure of Russian border guards from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport in July 2024. While historically close to Russia, Armenia is seeking new Western partnerships, including potential visa-free travel and military aid from the European Union. Pashinyan stated that the suspension could be reconsidered in the future, but currently sees no need to do so.
A recent Polish survey shows that 58.5% of respondents believe Poland should shoot down unidentified objects, likely Russian drones, entering Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine. This follows an incident on August 26 when an unidentified object, possibly a Shahed drone, flew over Poland for 30 minutes. Experts suggest Russia may be testing Poland’s air defenses. Previous incidents include a Russian missile entering Polish airspace in March and a stray Ukrainian missile killing two Polish civilians in November 2022.
A beluga whale known as “Hvaldimir,” discovered near Norway in 2019 wearing a camera-equipped harness and suspected of being part of a Russian surveillance program, has reportedly died. Norwegian broadcaster NRK announced the whale’s passing on August 31.
The Path To Peace
Russian officials continue to dismiss the possibility of negotiations to end the Ukraine war or improve relations with the West. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that US-Russian relations show no signs of improvement, citing increased US involvement in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also claimed that the West lacks interest in negotiations. These statements align with Russia’s pattern of shifting responsibility for talks onto Western nations, potentially aiming to gain concessions regarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
A recently delivered F-16 fighter jet crashed in Ukraine on August 26 while defending against a Russian attack, killing pilot Oleksii Mes. Initial reports suggested friendly fire from a Patriot missile system, but U.S. officials now doubt this. The cause remains under investigation, with mechanical failure and pilot error also being considered. Following the crash, Ukraine’s Air Force Commander was dismissed, though officials claim the decision was unrelated. Ukraine has established a commission to investigate the incident, with conflicting reports about U.S. involvement in the investigation.
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces continued assaults in Kursk Oblast but made no confirmed advances. Russian sources reported Ukrainian attacks near several settlements including Korenevo, Sudzha, and Pogrebki. A Russian milblogger claimed Ukrainians slightly advanced west of Pogrebki, with footage showing Ukrainian presence in the settlement. Russian forces reportedly counterattacked near Korenevo and Kauchuk. Various Russian units, including naval infantry, airborne troops, and Chechen special forces, are operating in the area.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces have made recent advances north of Kharkiv City, with geolocated footage showing their progress in western Hlyboke. Near Lyptsi, 10 kilometers from the Russian border, they have partially shifted to a defensive stance after withdrawing in June. They are now attempting to hold and regain positions, suffering significant losses, with some soldiers refusing combat missions. Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Vovchansk and reported ongoing combat in both Lyptsi and Vovchansk. Ukraine is improving its tactical position and preparing for potential counterattacks. While the intensity of fighting in northern Kharkiv Oblast has decreased compared to other sectors, reports of potential new Russian attacks persist.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces have made slight advances southeast of Kupyansk, with continued fighting along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line. They have reportedly advanced southwest of Pishchane and are engaged in combat near several settlements including Synkivka, Kolisynkivka, Lozova, and areas around Kreminna. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov claims that Russian forces have captured Synkivka.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces continued their offensive in the Siversk area but made no confirmed advances. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have captured Vyimka, southeast of Siversk, but this remains unverified. Fighting persisted in several settlements around Siversk, including Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Spirne, Rozdolivka, and Zvanivka.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces continued their offensive near Chasiv Yar but made no confirmed advances. Fighting occurred in and around Chasiv Yar, including in Kalynivka, Mayske, Markove, Ivanivske, Bila Hora, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Kurdyumivka.
Toretsk
Russian forces continued their offensive near Toretsk without confirmed advances. A Russian source claimed an 800-meter advance in Druzhba towards Dachne, but this is unverified. Fighting occurred near Toretsk, Niu York, and Nelipivka. Russia claims to have captured Niu York, but this has not been verified.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces have advanced to within 10 kilometers of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in Donetsk Oblast, capturing Mykhailivka and Dolynivka. They claimed to seize Ptyche, though this was likely achieved earlier. Fighting continues in several settlements around Pokrovsk, including Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, and Selydove, with unconfirmed claims of Russian advances in Selydove and Zhelanne Pershe. The UK Defense Ministry reported intense fighting in the area for months, with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi describing it as “exceptionally brutal.” Local authorities urged evacuation on August 15, though about 38,000 residents remain as of August 28. While the Kursk operation has partially diverted Russian forces, the advance on Pokrovsk continues, with Russia committing significant resources. The UK Defense Ministry expects the pace to slow as Russian forces reach urban areas.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces continued their offensive west of Donetsk City but made no confirmed advances. The Ukrainian General Staff reported Russian offensive operations near Krasnohorivka and Heorhiivka.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces advanced southwest of Donetsk City gaining ground in northeastern Kostyantynivka. They reportedly consolidated positions in Kostyantynivka and western Paraskoviivka. Russian sources claimed advances in the Vuhledar direction, with increased offensive operations. The Ukrainian General Staff reported Russian offensives near Kostyantynivka, Vuhledar, and Vodyane. Russian air force elements are operating in the area, with glide bomb strikes reported against Vuhledar.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative None
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces launched offensive operations in the border area between Donetsk and Zaporizhia Oblasts with no confirmed frontline changes. Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks near Makarivka and Vremivka. A Russian military blogger claimed minor advances north of Urozhaine and Staromayorske, but this remains unconfirmed.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces continued ground attacks near Robotyne and Mala Tokmachka in western Zaporizhia Oblast. However, no changes to the frontline have been confirmed in this area.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces launched two attacks in unspecified areas of the Kherson direction.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched a series of drone and missile strikes against Ukraine, focusing on Kharkiv City and grain infrastructure in Mykolaiv Oblast. They used an Iskander-M ballistic missile from Kursk Oblast and 11 Shahed drones from Crimea. Ukrainian forces intercepted eight drones over several oblasts. In Kharkiv City, Russian forces struck a sports complex, a shopping center, and residential areas using various missiles and glide bombs.
Russian sources claimed their forces attacked a Ukrainian military column near Verkhnia Syrovatka, Sumy Oblast, using Iskander-M missiles and MLRS strikes. They reported destroying 20 military vehicles and eliminating up to a company of Ukrainian personnel. However, the Sumy Oblast Prosecutor’s Office stated that Russian forces actually hit a line of commercial trucks waiting to load soybeans, showing evidence of damage to about 20 civilian vehicles.
President Zelensky announced new sanctions against 150 individuals and entities involved in Russia’s aviation industry. Ukraine has also prepared additional sanctions for Russian collaborators. Zelensky emphasized the importance of aligning Ukraine’s sanctions with global ones.
A military training helicopter crash in Ukraine killed two crew members. The exact location and identities of the victims were not disclosed. A special commission from the Defense Ministry is investigating the incident.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 3 INJURIES: 78+
- I was awoken in the early hours, while Kyiv was hit by a Russian missile attack. The assault involved cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as drones. Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting many of these, including 9 Iskander missiles, 13 Kh-101 cruise missiles, and 20 drones. Debris fell in at least four districts of Kyiv, causing damage to cars, non-residential buildings, and religious structures, including a mosque. Two people were injured, with one hospitalized. Emergency services responded to several districts. After at least five explosions were heard near where I was staying, I headed down to the hotel bomb shelter to wait out the attack.
- Russia launched a missile attack on Kharkiv, injuring at least 47 people, including seven children. The attack targeted the Saltivskyi and Nemyshlianskyi districts, damaging residential buildings, a shopping center, and destroying the Palace of Sports. Energy infrastructure was also hit. President Zelensky condemned the attack, calling for international support. Local authorities warned of potential “double-tap” attacks, where Russia strikes the same target twice to harm emergency responders.
- Russian forces attacked Kurakhove, a town in Donetsk Oblast, using Uragan rocket launchers. The attack on residential areas killed three people and injured eleven, with some in serious condition. The assault damaged apartment buildings, houses, and cars in the city center.
- Russia launched a missile attack on a children’s rehabilitation center and an orphanage in Sumy, a city of 250,000 people in northeastern Ukraine. The attack wounded 18 civilians, including six children. Four of the injured were hospitalized.
A mosque in Kyiv damaged by a Russian missile strike. (Refat Chubarov/Facebook)
Russian forces carried out at least 10 strikes against Kharkiv resulting in casualties and severe damage across the city. (State Emergency Service / Telegram)
Kharkiv’s Palace of Sports was one of the facilities destroyed by the Russian attack against the city. (Governor Oleh Syniehubov / Telegram)
The aftermath of the Russian strikes against the town of Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast. (Governor Vadym Filashkin / Telegram)
The aftermath of a Russian attack on the city of Sumy. (Ukraine’s Interior Ministry/Telegram)
Ukraine’s Allies
Polish Parliament Speaker Szymon Holownia stated that Ukraine should join the EU despite historical disagreements over the Volyn massacre of the 1940s. This contradicts previous statements from Polish officials who said Ukraine’s EU membership depends on resolving issues related to the massacre. The Volyn massacre involved the killing of tens of thousands of Poles by Ukrainian insurgents in Nazi-occupied Volyn, with thousands of Ukrainians killed in retaliation. Ukraine began EU accession talks in June, but the Volyn issue remains a point of contention between the two countries.
Life in Ukrainian-Occupied Russia
Ukrainian officials claim Russia has not provided a humanitarian corridor for civilians to leave the combat zone. About 200 civilians, mostly elderly, remain in Sudzha, which is under regular Russian attack. Ukraine has opened a hotline for Russian citizens in Kursk Oblast seeking humanitarian aid or evacuation to Ukraine.
Russia News
Ukraine launched its largest drone strike campaign against Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones across 16 regions, with the most in Kursk, Bryansk, and Voronezh oblasts. Key targets included the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya, the Kashira State District Power Plant, and the Konakovo State District Power Plant. Fires were reported at the Konakovo gas distribution network and possibly at other industrial facilities. A cell tower in Tarusa Raion, Kaluga Oblast, was also reportedly damaged.
Recent polling by the Levada Center shows that Russian support for the war in Ukraine remains high, with 78% of respondents supporting military operations in August 2024. This marks a slight increase from previous months. Support has not fallen below 70% since March 2022. The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast has not significantly affected this support, although 91% of respondents expressed concern about Ukrainian military actions on Russian territory. Most Russians do not expect or see a need for a second wave of mobilization. These results suggest the Kremlin’s efforts to normalize the war have been effective in maintaining domestic support for a prolonged conflict.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com