Summary of the day: Ukrainian forces reportedly made further advances into Kursk Oblast, striking a Russian military convoy near Oktyabrskoye, east of Rylsk. However, these advances are more localized compared to the broader geographic claims made by Russian sources the previous day. In response, the Russian military is primarily deploying units already stationed near the international border, including conscripts and irregular forces, while also possibly moving more experienced units from eastern or southern Ukraine. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces targeted Russian military installations in Lipetsk Oblast, Crimea, and Donetsk Oblast, as fighting also continued with Russian forces making advances near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk. The Russian Ministry of Defense maintains that it is providing adequate medical support to its troops amidst these developments.
Picture of the day:
Ukrainian emergency service workers extinguish the fire at the supermarket attacked by Russian Armed Forces in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu 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 Mexican government announced on August 8 that it would not comply with Ukraine’s request to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends the inauguration of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum on October 1. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador stated, “We can’t do that,” emphasizing that it is not Mexico’s responsibility. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 for alleged war crimes related to the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. While Mexico is an ICC member, Russia is not. The invitation to Putin is part of standard protocol for inviting leaders of countries with diplomatic ties to Mexico. Ukraine’s President Zelensky was also invited. (Mexican Treaty Violation)
An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed on August 9 that family members of Georgian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, own undisclosed real estate near Moscow. Despite Ivanishvili’s 2011 promise to give up his Russian passport and divest from Russian business interests, his wife, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, has acquired new properties in a wealthy Moscow suburb. The properties, valued at around $14.7 million, generate rental income through a Russian bank sanctioned by the West. This discovery raises questions about Ivanishvili’s continued ties to Russia. The political climate in Georgia has grown tense, with the U.S. imposing sanctions on Georgian officials and halting military aid following the passage of a controversial foreign agent’s law. Ivanishvili and his family did not comment on the findings. Georgia is set to hold a critical parliamentary election in October.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
In Crimea, Russian defenses reportedly intercepted a Ukrainian Neptune missile and several drones near Sevastopol, following coordinated Ukrainian strikes on Russian military installations in Lipetsk Oblast and occupied Donetsk Oblast. The strikes focused on anti-aircraft missile units and air defense systems, hitting radars for S-350 and S-300 systems, with the destruction of one S-350 radar confirmed.
Russian forces are reportedly intensifying their use of chemical agents in Ukraine, despite being signatories to the Chemical Weapons Convention which prohibits such actions. The Ukrainian Support Forces Command noted an increase in chemical attacks, primarily using K-51 and RG-VO hand gas grenades with riot control agents. From February 2023 to July 2024, there were reported 3,570 instances of chemical agent use by Russian forces in Ukraine, with 358 of those occurring in July 2024 alone. (Russian Treaty Violation)
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces have made significant advances in Kursk Oblast, pushing further east while avoiding previously reported northern and western areas. Ukrainian units moved towards Kucherov near the international border without entering the settlement. Russian forces countered near Malaya Loknya and began operations in Snagost, indicating dynamic movements on both sides. Geolocated footage showed Ukrainian forces active in several areas around Sudzha, including west, north, and northeast of the town. Despite conflicting Russian reports about Ukrainian presence in Sudzha, the situation remains contested, with Ukrainian forces also noted in areas north and west of Sudzha. Meanwhile, Russian claims of regaining positions in Novoivanovka and disputes about control in nearby locations highlight ongoing fluctuations in territorial control.
Ukrainian troops posted a video claiming to be in Sudzha, stating they control a Gazprom facility. The video, allegedly filmed on the town’s outskirts, has been partially confirmed by a former serviceman but not officially acknowledged by the 61st Mechanized Brigade. This video highlights the extent of Ukrainian advances, despite the contested reports about the town’s control.
A screenshot from a video showing Ukrainian soldiers allegedly standing next to a Gazprom facility in the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast.
As part of this incursion, Ukrainian forces targeted and destroyed a Russian military convoy east of Rylsk near Oktyabrskoye in Kursk Oblast. The convoy, consisting of 14 Ural and KAMAZ trucks carrying Russian reserves, suffered significant casualties, with reports indicating up to 500 deaths. Verified videos show over 14 destroyed or damaged vehicles, with bodies of Russian servicemembers in Oktyabrskoe, about 10 kilometers from Rylsk. Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels suggested the convoy was hit by HIMARS rockets, though this remains unverified. The attack, potentially one of the largest losses for Russian forces, has sparked criticism on Russian social media, with calls for severe penalties for commanders who authorized the movement of an unprotected convoy through a combat zone.
In response, Russia is sending additional military equipment to the Sudzha district in Kursk Oblast. The Russian military is primarily using conscripts and irregular forces already stationed near the international border to counter Ukraine’s incursion but is reinforcing the area with more experienced troops and additional equipment, including multiple launch rocket systems and heavy vehicles. A video released by the Russian Defense Ministry showed convoys of military equipment, including BM-21 rocket launchers, artillery, tanks, and trucks, heading to Kursk Oblast. Special units like the Federal Security Service border guards and Chechen “Akhmat” Spetsnaz have been reported in the region. Irregular Russian forces, including those from the frontlines in Donetsk Oblast like the “Dikaya Division of Donbas” and the “Pyatnashka” Brigade, are reportedly reinforcing Kursk Oblast. The Wagner Group has expressed readiness to deploy to Kursk at short notice, with some former Wagner personnel already arriving. Chechen “Akhmat” Spetsnaz units, led by Commander Apti Alaudinov, are active across the region, including near Sudzha. Russian Special Operations Forces are also present, enhancing the military’s capacity to counter Ukrainian advances. Alaudinov has stated that current forces are adequate to halt further Ukrainian progress, though it remains uncertain if more experienced troops will be deployed.
The Russian military may be shifting more experienced and better-equipped units from eastern or southern Ukraine to Kursk Oblast to counter Ukrainian operations, though this redeployment could take time. Russian forces, previously positioned for an offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast, are now reported near Rylsk, indicating a significant shift to address the situation in Kursk. This movement suggests a strategic decision by Russian command to prioritize the Ukrainian threat in Kursk, potentially at the expense of operations in Kharkiv. More frontline units are expected to arrive in Kursk in the coming days.
Chechen commander Apti Alaudinov admitted in an August 8 video that Ukrainian forces had advanced about 10 kilometers into Kursk Oblast by August 7, acknowledging losses among Russian troops. Alaudinov, a close ally of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, noted that Ukrainian forces had entered several settlements but downplayed the situation as “not irreversible.” This rare acknowledgment of setbacks highlights the ongoing conflict in the region. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry has acknowledged the fighting and is sending additional military equipment to the area.
The situation in Kursk Oblast has been declared a “federal emergency” by the Emergency Situations Ministry. Battles continue in the Sudzha and Korenevo border districts, with Sudzha located just 10 kilometers from Ukraine. The region’s acting governor declared a “state of emergency,” describing the situation as “very difficult.” Thousands have been evacuated, and several train stations are closed.
Additionally, a Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) drone, operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), reportedly struck another Russian military helicopter in mid-air in Kursk Oblast, marking the second such incident this week. Earlier, on August 6, a Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter was hit by a similar drone in what was considered the first successful attack of its kind. The latest attack allegedly targeted a Mi-8 transport helicopter, though it is unclear if the aircraft was downed.
Russia is preparing to defend the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant as Ukrainian troops reportedly approach. The plant, located about 80 kilometers from Sudzha, has seen its entrances blocked, construction work halted, and male security personnel temporarily replaced by female officers. The plant’s management has advised employees to take vacations and evacuate their children, while fighting continues nearby. Rosatom confirmed a reduction in construction workers at the site. The situation remains tense as Russian authorities have declared a “counter-terrorism operation” in the bordering Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts, implementing new restrictive measures such as monitoring phone conversations, restricting movement, and relocating residents.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces reportedly captured border settlements northwest of Kharkiv City in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, with specific claims of seizing Sotnytskyi Kozachok in Kharkiv Oblast and pushing Ukrainian forces out of Lukashivka in Sumy Oblast. However, these claims, including involvement of the Chechen Akhmat “Aida” Spetsnaz, lack independent confirmation. It is suggested that Russian sources may be exaggerating these activities to divert attention from Ukrainian operations in Kursk Oblast.
Russian forces launched offensive operations north and northeast of Kharkiv City, specifically near Hlyboke and Vovchansk, but no changes to the frontline were confirmed.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, targeting areas near Kupyansk, Kreminna, and surrounding regions. Despite these efforts, no changes to the frontline were confirmed. Locations of attacks included Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Tabaivka, Hlushivka, Nevske, Makiivka, Terny, and the Serebryanske forest area.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces launched ground attacks near Siversk, targeting areas northeast at Bilohorivka, east at Verkhnokamyanske, and southeast at Spirne, Ivano-Darivka, and Vyimka, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces made slight advances in and around Chasiv Yar during ongoing offensive operations. Specific gains were noted along Lisova Street in Kalynivka, north of Chasiv Yar, and west of the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal in the Zhovtnevyi Microraion of eastern Chasiv Yar. Additional offensives took place in Novyi Microraion in eastern Chasiv Yar, near Ivanivka to the east, and near Stupochky, Bila Hora, and Dyliivka to the south.
Toretsk
Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Toretsk without confirmed changes to the frontline. Geolocated footage shows a recent advance to Horlivska Street in central Niu York, south of Toretsk. Additional attacks occurred east of Toretsk near Pivnichne and Zalizne, and southwest near Panteleymonivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces have advanced to within 16 kilometers of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, with some Russian sources erroneously claiming they are within 10 kilometers. Specific progress has been reported west of Novooleksandrivka and in Ivanivka. Additional attacks occurred east and southeast of Pokrovsk near Vozdvyzhenka, Lysychne, Zhelanne, Novoselivka Persha, Yasnobrodivka, and Karlivka. Despite these advancements, claims of Russian progress near Serhiivka and Hrodivka lack visual confirmation. After the failure of Russia’s Kharkiv offensive, Moscow has intensified its efforts in the east, focusing heavily on the Pokrovsk direction. President Zelensky described the situation as “extremely challenging,” with Russian forces throwing all available resources into the offensive. Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub for Ukrainian forces in Donetsk, has been under increasing pressure as Russian forces slowly gain ground in the region.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces continued offensive operations west and southwest of Donetsk City, targeting areas near Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka, Kostyantynivka, and Vodyane. Despite these efforts, no changes to the frontline were confirmed.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces launched ground attacks near the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border, specifically southeast of Velyka Novosilka near Vuhledar. Claims of a Russian advance several hundred meters north of Urozhaine, south of Velyka Novosilka, remain unconfirmed.
Zaporizhia Line
Positional fighting occurred in western Zaporizhia Oblast, specifically near Robotyne, east of Robotyne near Verbove, and northeast of Robotyne near Mala Tokmachka.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces conducted a raid on the Russian-occupied Kinburn Spit, reportedly destroying six Russian armored vehicles and killing around 30 Russian soldiers. The operation, led by Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) and supported by the Navy, involved several Ukrainian units. During the raid, Ukrainian soldiers hoisted a military intelligence flag on the Kinburn Spit, though the position was not maintained. Contrarily, Russian sources, including the Ministry of Defense, claimed they repelled the raid, destroyed several Ukrainian watercraft, and forced the raiders to retreat after a small arms engagement.
The footage shared by Ukraine’s military intelligence purported to show Ukraine’s operation on the Kinburn Spit at the mouth of the Dnipro River. (Screenshot video/HUR)
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched a series of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, targeting multiple oblasts with 27 Shahed-136/131 drones, all of which were reportedly shot down by Ukrainian forces. Additionally, a Russian missile strike on a supermarket in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, killed at least 11 people. Separately, a Russian report claimed an Iskander missile strike in northern Kharkiv Oblast killed several Ukrainian generals, though this has not been widely confirmed.
Around 20,000 people in Sumy Oblast need to be evacuated as Russia intensifies its attacks on the region, Ukraine’s National Police reported. Russian forces have significantly increased the use of guided aerial bombs near border areas, prompting mandatory evacuations from 28 settlements within a 10-kilometer zone under Russian fire. (Russian War Crime)
Ukraine’s consumer price inflation was 0% in July compared to June, the State Statistics Service reported. Year-on-year, prices rose by 5.4% in July 2024. This follows a 2.2% increase in June, driven by rising electricity costs after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Inflation had dropped to 5.1% in 2023, down from 26.6% in 2022. The National Bank of Ukraine recently adjusted its inflation forecast for 2024 to 8.5%, with expectations of a peak at 9.7% in early 2025 before declining.
Ukraine’s Finance Ministry announced the terms for exchanging old bonds for newly issued securities as part of restructuring its $23 billion external debt on Eurobonds. This follows an agreement with creditors to postpone payments due to the war, with the previous deal expiring on Aug. 1. Bondholders are invited to participate in the exchange, with the process expected to be completed by Aug. 27. Creditors who agree by Aug. 23 will receive additional funds. The restructuring aims to prevent default and prepare Ukraine for market re-entry once the security situation improves.
An internal probe at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has uncovered legal and ethical violations related to alleged pressure on a whistleblower, NABU head Semen Kryvonos announced on August 9. The violations involve breaches of the ethics code and public service laws, and the disciplinary commission is expected to decide on potential punishments within two to three weeks, which could include dismissal or reprimand. The whistleblower had revealed that NABU was allegedly leaking case information to suspects in a corruption investigation. The probe is also linked to Kryvonos’ deputy, Gizo Uglava, who is under investigation for his alleged role in the leaks and has been suspended. The scandal arose after messages found on a businessman’s phone indicated communication between NABU employees and individuals linked to the President’s Office. The President’s Office has not commented on the allegations.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 14 INJURIES: 44
- A Russian Kh-38 missile struck a supermarket in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, killing at least 14 people and injuring 43 others. Footage showed the burning “Ekomarket” and damaged surroundings. The strike also hit a Nova Poshta freight department, injuring one employee. The company promised compensation for destroyed parcels. (Russian War Crime)
The aftermath of a Russian attack against a supermarket in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Allies
The U.S. Department of Defense announced a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine, marking the 63rd tranche since August 2021 under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA). This package includes ammunition for HIMARS systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, Stinger missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, TOW anti-tank guided missiles, multi-purpose radars, HMMWV vehicles, small arms ammunition, explosive munitions, and other equipment.
The UK imposed new sanctions against four Belarusian individuals and three entities on the fourth anniversary of the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, which was marred by fraud and repression under dictator Alexander Lukashenko. The sanctions target the heads of four penal colonies where political prisoners are detained and three defense companies. The UK also allocated £2.5 million to support Belarusian human rights and civil society. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for the immediate release of all political prisoners. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, has aligned Belarus closely with Russia and plans to run for president again in 2025.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has ordered eight additional Forward Surgical Team (FST) stations from German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. These mobile medical units, designed for frontline use, include modern equipment like an X-ray container, operating room, and intensive care unit. The order, part of a German government initiative, will be completed by 2026. Rheinmetall will also provide transport for each unit with military trucks and trailers, along with a week-long training program for Ukrainian personnel in Germany. This follows Rheinmetall’s recent announcement of plans to build an ammunition factory in Ukraine.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Russian authorities have reportedly detained and subsequently caused the disappearance of 5,340 Ukrainians in occupied regions, according to the Ukrainian initiative Tribunal for Putin. These disappearances are part of systematic efforts, beginning with the initial invasion where key Ukrainian figures were detained based on prepared lists. A subsequent wave targeted individuals based on suspicions, like photographing military activities. Among those missing are approximately 160 children. Relatives receive no information about the whereabouts or status of the detained. Additionally, in Mariupol alone, over 10,000 citizens have been arrested since February 2022, with up to 100 disappearing monthly due to expressing pro-Ukrainian sentiments. (Russian War Crimes)
Russian authorities are reportedly transporting Ukrainian children from occupied regions to Russia under the pretext of educational and cultural programs. According to the Russian Ministry of Culture, over 1,750 Ukrainian children visited Moscow in Summer 2024 as part of the “Cultural Map 4+85” program, which plans to host more than 10,000 children. Additionally, the occupation administration in Kherson Oblast reported sending around 2,100 children to Russian health camps, with plans to send another 1,000 by the end of 2024. (Russian War Crimes)
Russia’s Interior Ministry claimed that it has issued 2.2 million passports in the occupied Ukrainian regions of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk since October 2022. This figure, shared by Interior Ministry official Irina Volk, could not be independently verified. Russia has been coercing residents in these occupied areas to accept Russian passports, using threats, intimidation, and restrictions on essential services, according to a U.S. research group. A decree signed by President Putin in July 2022 simplified the process for residents to obtain Russian citizenship, with severe penalties for those who refuse, including loss of property rights and deportation. (Russian War Crimes)
Russia News
Ukrainian forces carried out a significant drone strike on a military airbase in Russia’s Lipetsk Oblast, leading to a chain explosion that detonated over 700 bombs. The strike, reportedly conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in coordination with the Ukrainian army and Special Operations Forces, targeted the Lipetsk-2 airfield, damaging fighter jets, helicopters, and ammunition depots. The attack destroyed several ammunition warehouses and potentially affected Russian aircraft, including Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-31. Six people were injured, prompting the Lipetsk governor to declare a state of emergency and evacuate residents from four towns. This event marks one of the most significant assaults on Russian territory since the conflict began.
Four drones reportedly struck an apartment building in the border town of Shebekino in Belgorod Oblast, though no injuries were reported. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 75 Ukrainian drones across several regions.
Russia is facing a sharp economic slowdown due to severe labor shortages and pressure on key growth sectors, Bloomberg reported on August 9. The competition between the military and businesses for workers is intensifying, limiting growth in defense industries. The banking and construction sectors are also affected by high interest rates as state-subsidized mortgage programs end. Despite a 4% GDP growth in early 2023, the economy is expected to slow to 2% later in the year and 0.5% to 1.5% in 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Russia economist. The war in Ukraine has driven Russia’s defense spending from $51 billion in 2021 to a projected $120 billion in 2024, straining the economy further. U.S. intelligence estimates the war has cost Russia up to $1.3 trillion in lost growth through 2026.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) showcased its efforts to improve medical care by Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivileva’s inspection of a new hospital construction in Samara City. This follows concerns from Russian ultranationalists about inadequate medical treatment for soldiers and premature return to frontline duty.
On August 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law to simplify the transfer of confiscated weapons from law enforcement to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Rosgvardia, and other state paramilitary groups for use in Ukraine. According to Andrei Turchak, chair of the Russian State Duma’s “Special Military Operation” Working Group, 70,000 of the 250,000 firearms held by the Ministry of Internal Affairs are functional and can be utilized.
Russian servicemembers in Ukraine have begun using AGS-17 and AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers equipped with “DS-T4” sights. These sights feature a laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator, enhancing accuracy by computing trajectory corrections automatically.
Yakovlev, a Russian aircraft manufacturer, announced plans to begin flight tests of the MS-21 airplane, which is constructed entirely from domestically sourced components, by the end of 2024.
Russia’s Allies
Russia is set to receive hundreds of Fath-360 and other ballistic missiles from Iran soon, following a December 2023 agreement, intelligence sources revealed to Reuters. Dozens of Russian military personnel are reportedly training on the Fath-360 missile system in Iran. The missiles have a range of 120 kilometers and a 150-kilogram warhead. Iran has previously supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed drones and surface-to-surface ballistic missiles for the Ukraine invasion. Despite Iranian denials, the U.S. National Security Council warned of a severe response if the transfers proceed, labeling it a significant escalation in Iran’s support for Russia.
Controlling The Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved new regulations tightening control over social media and telecommunications. Starting November 1, owners of social media channels with over 10,000 followers must register their personal details with Roskomnadzor, the federal censor. Other measures include limiting the number of SIM cards per person—20 for Russian citizens and 10 for foreigners—and banning anonymous payments for communication services. These laws aim to restrict the use of Western social media and enforce Kremlin-approved norms. Roskomnadzor has already blocked the messaging app Signal for alleged legal violations, and users report issues accessing the app without a VPN. Additionally, there are reports that Russia may block WhatsApp and YouTube, with severe speed throttling already affecting YouTube users, pushing them toward Kremlin-controlled platforms.
Russian officials and commentators are emphasizing Russia’s status as a global superpower and a leader within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), particularly in response to the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast. Konstantin Zatulin, Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Committee on CIS Affairs, stated on August 9 that Russia will not seek assistance from CSTO partners, highlighting Russia’s dominant position and self-sufficiency. Additionally, a Russian military blogger expressed skepticism about the CSTO’s utility, questioning the value of seeking help from the organization despite Russia’s investment in it.
The Russian government has charged former Ukrainian officials Oleksandr Kryvenko and Yuriy Pavlov in absentia with crimes related to the deaths of civilians and infrastructure damage in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts during 2014-2015. This action is part of Russia’s broader strategy to apply its federal law extraterritorially and to rationalize its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com