Summary of the day: Russian forces have made significant tactical advances in the Pokrovsk direction, with reports indicating Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from select areas southeast of Pokrovsk. Simultaneously, Ukraine has launched an incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, which Ukrainian President Zelensky described as an effort to preempt a potential Russian offensive into Sumy or Chernihiv oblasts. The ongoing conflict has seen Ukrainian forces attempting to advance in Belgorod Oblast and making progress near Kreminna, while Russian forces have advanced near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Donetsk City. Amid these developments, international diplomacy continues, with Indian Prime Minister Modi emphasizing India’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine during discussions with Russian President Putin.
Picture of the day:
Amidst the chaos of war, a poignant scene unfolds at Pokrovsk station. A young girl, caught in the tide of evacuation, bids farewell to friends with a universal symbol of love. (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
Chinese Special Representative Li Hui claimed that China, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa believe some countries’ defense industries are prolonging the war in Ukraine. This echoes a Russian narrative that shifts blame for the invasion. Meanwhile, Russian President Putin advocated for stronger cooperation between Asia-Pacific countries and organizations like the EAEU, SCO, and BRICS. These actions suggest Russia is trying to portray itself as having broad support from non-Western countries in its conflict with Ukraine.
Norwegian security officials have warned that Russia poses a potential sabotage threat to Norway’s energy sector, which has become Europe’s top gas supplier. While there’s no concrete evidence of specific plans, Norway and other European nations are increasing security measures. Norwegian authorities have previously expelled Russian intelligence officers for activities deemed incompatible with diplomatic status. The warnings come amid broader concerns about Russian sabotage operations targeting European energy infrastructure.
A Russian drone entered Polish airspace during a massive attack on Ukraine, flying for over 30 minutes before disappearing. Polish Brigadier General Tomasz Drewniak suggests this may be Russia testing Poland’s air defense system. The incident occurred as Russia launched its largest-ever aerial attack on Ukraine, targeting 15 oblasts with over 200 missiles and drones. Ukrainian forces reportedly intercepted many of these. Some drones also entered Belarusian airspace during the attack. Polish authorities are still searching for the unidentified object that entered their airspace.
Path To Peace
President Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast is part of a broader strategy to end the war and is connected to an upcoming peace summit. He denied reports that the operation disrupted plans for talks in Qatar. Zelensky plans to present a four-part victory plan to U.S. leadership in September, which includes the Kursk incursion.
Russian officials are using Ukraine’s recent incursion into Kursk Oblast to reinforce their narrative that Ukraine is unwilling to negotiate peace. Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin claimed negotiations are now impossible due to this incursion, while Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov portrayed Ukraine’s internationally-backed positions as ultimatums. These statements align with a long-standing Kremlin strategy to blame Ukraine for the lack of peace talks, while Russia remains interested only in a settlement involving Ukraine’s complete surrender.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that the Kursk Oblast operation has successfully diverted Russian forces from other areas, particularly the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors in Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine claims control of 1,294 square kilometers and 100 settlements in Kursk Oblast, including the town of Sudzha. Syrskyi stated that Russia has redeployed about 30,000 troops to the Kursk direction while maintaining pressure in the Pokrovsk sector. He also noted reduced Russian activity in Ukraine’s south, except for ongoing efforts near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and in the Dnipro River delta area of Kherson Oblast.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported that Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast was partly aimed at preventing a potential Russian offensive into Sumy or Chernihiv oblasts. The operation has reportedly stalled Russian advances in northern Kharkiv Oblast and inflicted significant losses on Russian troops. Zelensky framed this incursion as part of a broader strategy to achieve a diplomatic solution to the war, which he plans to present to US policymakers in September 2024. The Pentagon has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s right to conduct such operations.
Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed that Ukrainian forces may be attempting to break through into the Russian region, with unverified reports suggesting attacks on border crossings at Nekhoteyevka and Shebekino. Russian officials reported repelling Ukrainian attacks near Nekhoteevka and Zhuravlyovka, while also restricting access to Vyazovoye due to a “difficult operational situation.” These events occur as Ukrainian forces continue their operations in neighboring Kursk Oblast, potentially indicating an expansion of cross-border activities.
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces are confirmed to be operating near Korenevo, Viktorovka, Sudzha, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Mikhailovka in Kursk Oblast. Russian sources suggest they’ve recaptured Nizhnyaya Parovaya and Nechayev and are preparing defenses near Malaya Loknya. These developments indicate ongoing Ukrainian cross-border operations and Russian defensive responses.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued offensive operations in northern Kharkiv Oblast without making confirmed advances. Fighting occurred north of Kharkiv City near Hlyboke and northeast near Vovchansk. The Ukrainian Kharkiv Group of Forces reported that Russian forces are using drones to mine the area near Hlyboke, conducting rotations and logistical support near Starytsya and Ohirtseve, and restaffing assault groups in Vovchansk.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces recently regained some positions southwest of Kreminna in the Serebryanske forest area, as shown in footage from August 21. Meanwhile, Russian offensive operations continued along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on. The Ukrainian General Staff reported ongoing battles in various locations: northeast of Kupyansk near Synkivka; southeast of Kupyansk near Stepova Novoselivka, Kolisynkivka, Hlushkivka, and Novoosynove; west of Svatove near Andriivka and Stelmakhivka; northwest of Kreminna near Druzhelyubivka, Makiivka, Hrekivka, Nevske, and Novosadove; and west of Kreminna near Torske.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Siversk direction with no confirmed changes to the frontline. The attacks focused on areas east of Siversk near Verkhnokamyanske and southeast of Siversk near Vyimka and Spirne.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces continued offensive operations near Chasiv Yar and surrounding areas without any confirmed changes to the frontline. The attacks focused on Chasiv Yar itself, Hryhorivka to the north, and Andriivka and Klishchiivka to the southeast.
Toretsk
Russian forces made small advances in the Toretsk direction as evidenced by video footage over the last two days. They gained ground in forest areas on the western outskirts of Pivnichne, east of Toretsk, and on Toretsk’s southeastern outskirts. Russian forces also continued offensive operations south of Toretsk near Niu York and Panteleymonivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces have made significant advances near Pokrovsk, with confirmed progress in Novohrodivka, Hrodivka, and Kalynove. This rapid advancement, particularly through Novohrodivka, is partly due to Ukrainian withdrawals from the area. Russian troops are focusing on moving along the railway line towards Pokrovsk rather than fighting through entire urban areas. While Russian sources claim control of Marynivka and Memryk, and advances in Mykhailivka and Selydove, these remain unconfirmed. Novohrodivka’s capture opens the road to Pokrovsk, a more significant and fortified target due to its role as a key logistics hub in western Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian forces are expected to defend Pokrovsk more robustly, which may slow Russian advances as they approach the city. The situation demonstrates ongoing intense combat in the region, with Russian forces pushing to expand their control.
Russia is prioritizing advances towards Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, deploying its most combat-capable troops to this area despite Ukraine’s diversionary incursion into Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported Russia has redeployed over 30,000 troops to Kursk from other areas but continues to intensify efforts near Pokrovsk. While President Zelensky claimed that Russia’s advance in the Pokrovsk sector has slowed since the Kursk incursion began, monitoring sources suggest Russian troops have continued to advance. On Aug. 15, Pokrovsk residents were urged to evacuate as Russian forces approached within 10 kilometers. Zelensky expects Russia to continue its push, potentially deploying up to 60,000 troops. The Russian offensive is currently progressing, with Ukrainian forces retreating to more defensible positions west of Hrodivka. However, this offensive will eventually reach its limits, though the timeline is unclear. The troop redeployment may eventually weaken Russia’s overall capabilities in Ukraine, challenging Putin’s strategy of maintaining long-term initiative through constant, grinding advances to outlast Ukraine and its allies. While Russia currently prioritizes Pokrovsk, they will likely need to shift focus to repelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast in the future.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces reportedly launched a mechanized assault west of Donetsk City continuing their offensive in the area. Ukrainian forces claim to have repelled a platoon-sized Russian attack in the Kurakhove direction, stating that such attacks occur daily. Russian ground attacks also continued near Krasnohorivka, Hostre, and Heorhiivka.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces made small advances southwest of Donetsk City. They gained ground in central Kostyantynivka along Berehova Street and southeast of Vodyane on the Vuhledar-Kostyantynivka highway. Fighting continued near Vuhledar.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative None
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces launched armored attacks near Prechystivka, southeast of Velyka Novosilka. However, no changes to the frontline were confirmed in this region.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces continued attacks in western Zaporizhia Oblast focusing on Robotyne and nearby Mala Tokmachka. Despite these efforts, including artillery support, no confirmed changes to the frontline were reported.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Ukrainian officials reported repelling Russian attacks in Kherson Oblast, including on Dnipro River Delta islands. Russia claimed its forces stopped a Ukrainian landing attempt on the Kinburn Spit in Mykolaiv Oblast.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine, using various types of missiles and 81 Shahed drones. Ukrainian forces reportedly intercepted most projectiles, including all five Kh-101 missiles and 60 Shahed drones, over multiple regions. The attacks damaged civilian infrastructure and caused casualties in Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia.
The massive Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has led to blackouts and strict electricity restrictions that may last up to two weeks. Ivan Plachkov, former Energy Minister, called it one of the most extensive attacks on energy infrastructure, aimed at causing a total blackout. While this goal wasn’t achieved, significant repairs are needed. The Energy Ministry confirmed the severity of the attack, reporting one employee killed and another injured. Emergency power is being supplied from Slovakia and Poland as large-scale repairs continue.
Ukraine plans to resume construction of the abandoned Chyhyryn nuclear power plant in Cherkasy Oblast. State nuclear agency Energoatom announced the project will use Westinghouse AP1000 reactors. The Chyhyryn City Council has approved the resumption. This initiative aims to address Ukraine’s electricity shortages caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Energoatom is also building new reactors at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant using U.S. technology, potentially making it Europe’s largest nuclear plant. These projects are part of Ukraine’s efforts to enhance energy security and support post-war recovery.
In Lutsk, a city in northwestern Ukraine, an unknown assailant shot at soldiers guarding an enlistment office. One soldier was injured, and the attacker escaped. The incident occurred during curfew hours, and law enforcement is now searching for the suspect.
President Zelensky announced that he will present a plan for victory to U.S. President Biden in September. This plan includes the ongoing Kursk incursion, Ukraine’s role in global security, diplomatic pressure on Russia, and economic aspects. Zelensky continues to advocate for lifting restrictions on using Western-provided weapons inside Russian territory. While the U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use certain weapons near the border, it still prohibits the use of ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles for deeper strikes into Russia. Ukraine has increased pressure to lift these bans following the Kursk incursion on Aug. 6.
Ukraine plans to submit a list of potential targets inside Russia to U.S. officials, seeking permission to use American-supplied long-range weapons. This follows Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, including the capture of Sudzha. While the U.S. has allowed strikes on Russian military targets near the border, it still prohibits attacks deep inside Russia using weapons like ATACMS. Ukraine argues these restrictions hinder its war effort, while the U.S. fears potential escalation. Some sources suggest the Biden administration may be considering lifting these restrictions soon, though this remains unconfirmed by both Kyiv and Washington.
Ukraine faces a $35 billion budget deficit for 2025, with $20 billion expected from international partners. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal outlined a plan to address the remaining $15 billion gap, including increased domestic borrowing, labor market reforms, and tax adjustments. The government is also considering using frozen Russian assets and seeking additional partner support. The budget deficit is slightly lower than 2024’s $38 billion. Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko noted that delays in U.S. aid have contributed to the current year’s deficit.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 15 INJURIES: 53
- Russia launched two consecutive nights of attacks on Ukraine, with the second assault involving 81 Shahed drones and 10 missiles. This followed the largest aerial strike of the war, which used over 230 missiles and drones. The overnight attack resulted in four deaths and 16 injuries.
- Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing three civilians and injuring five, including an elderly woman. Two deaths occurred during overnight drone strikes. The attacks, involving at least 128 drones over 24 hours, damaged homes and caused a field fire.
- In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian attacks over 24 hours killed three people and injured 13. The Nikopol district suffered one death and eight injuries. Later, a Russian Iskander missile hit a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, causing two deaths and at least five injuries.
- In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian Iskander missile hit an infrastructure facility, resulting in four injuries.
- Russian forces attacked Bohodukhiv in Kharkiv Oblast, using a Tornado-S rocket system. The attack killed a 71-year-old man near a bus stop and injured six people, including a pregnant woman and a teenager. The assault also damaged an industrial facility, houses, and vehicles.
- In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks resulted in one death and ten injuries. The assaults damaged various structures, including critical infrastructure, medical and educational facilities, and residential buildings.
- In Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces attacked the town of Kostiantynivka, resulting in one injury.
- In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Russian drone attacks injured one civilian. Eight drones were shot down, but debris caused fires in at least two houses.
- In Poltava Oblast, three of five residents injured during Russia’s massive attack died in hospital. An industrial facility was targeted, and later, drone debris damaged a house in the Lubny district, injuring a woman.
Regional authorities show the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (Ivan Fedorov/Zaporizhzhia Military Administration/Telegram)
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
President Zelensky announced that Ukraine successfully tested its first domestically-produced ballistic missile. While details were limited, this development follows Defense Minister Rustem Umerov’s statement about Ukraine preparing its own response to Russian aerial strikes. Zelensky had previously revealed a Ukrainian-made missile-drone called Palianytsia, already in use against Russia. This domestic missile production complements long-range missiles received from Western allies, such as ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP/T, though their use is restricted to targets within Ukraine. The development aims to counter Russia’s frequent use of ballistic missiles like Iskander-M and Kinzhal against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Ukraine’s Allies
The EU is considering sending military instructors to Ukraine to train soldiers, according to a document seen by Politico and Die Welt. This follows a request from Kyiv for in-country training as part of the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine (EUMAM), established in October 2022. The document, dated July 22, suggests further analysis is needed to assess risks and potential mitigation measures. Some EU members are concerned about escalating conflict with Russia and trainer safety in an active war zone. Currently, EUMAM has trained about 60,000 Ukrainian servicemembers, mostly in Poland and Germany. EU foreign and defense ministers are expected to discuss this proposal in an upcoming meeting.
NATO will hold a Ukraine council meeting on Aug. 28 following Russia’s largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. The meeting, requested by Ukraine, will include a briefing from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on the battlefield situation and urgent capability needs. NATO reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses.
Russia News
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine during a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi informed Putin about his recent visit to Ukraine and stressed India’s support for a peaceful solution. While Putin criticized Western and Ukrainian actions, Modi’s response focused on neutral language and bilateral relations. The leaders also discussed economic ties and BRICS cooperation. Modi’s visit to Ukraine and his emphasis on international law in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may indicate a shift in Indian foreign policy, potentially challenging Putin’s perception of Indian-Russian relations.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Recent reports suggest an increase in Russian citizens volunteering for military service contracts following a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast. In Rostov Oblast, officials claim a 20% rise in applicants, while Moscow reportedly saw numbers double from 97 to 213 daily volunteers. Motivations include the Kursk incursion, increased salaries, and Ukraine’s ban on the Moscow Patriarchate church. Some sources indicate that even financially secure Muscovites are now more likely to volunteer.
Russian authorities are expanding incentives for military service by offering free land plots in occupied Crimea to any Russian citizen who signs a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense. This offer is now available to all Russian citizens regardless of where they live, whereas previously it was limited to Crimea residents only.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced plans to boost domestic drone production fivefold by 2030. He also stressed the need to increase Russia’s share of domestically produced high-tech goods and services by 50 percent. These goals were discussed during a meeting about new national projects.
Russia’s Allies
Ukraine’s State Border Service Spokesperson Andriy Demchenko reported that Belarus is likely building up forces near the Ukrainian border. This move is seen as an attempt to stretch and divert Ukrainian forces, rather than a genuine threat of invasion. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made statements suggesting he’s aware of the need to maintain alignment with Russia, likely conducting these exercises to appease the Kremlin without fully compromising Belarus’ sovereignty. Experts continue to assess that Belarus is unlikely to invade Ukraine or join Russia’s war effort.
North Korea has reportedly sent containers to Russia that could hold over 6 million artillery shells, according to South Korean intelligence. Since mid-2022, over 13,000 containers have been shipped through North Korea’s port of Najin, potentially carrying arms for Russia. South Korea’s defense minister also claimed North Korea sent dozens of ballistic missiles to Russia, some of which have been used to attack Ukrainian regions. In exchange, Russia is believed to have provided North Korea with technology for spy satellites, tanks, and aircraft. The two countries recently signed a partnership agreement pledging mutual aid in case of attack.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
The Kremlin is attempting to portray Ukraine as a threat to nuclear safety, extending this narrative from the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant following Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast. Russian officials are using International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi’s visit to the Kursk plant to falsely accuse Ukraine of threatening a radiological incident, likely to undermine Western support. While Grossi stated the situation is “serious” and attacking any nuclear plant is unacceptable, Russian media has misrepresented his statements and claims to have evidence of Ukrainian strikes. The IAEA has not verified these claims, and Ukrainian forces have consistently avoided striking the Kursk plant despite having the capability. This appears to be an effort to divert attention from Russia’s own actions, which have endangered the Zaporizhzhia plant through militarization and past attacks during its seizure in March 2022.
Russian officials are reviving false claims about Ukraine’s alleged plans to use chemical weapons. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov accused Ukraine of preparing to use chemical-equipped ammunition and violating the Chemical Weapons Convention. He also repeated baseless allegations about Ukraine making a “dirty bomb.” These accusations are part of a long-standing Kremlin strategy to discredit Ukraine and weaken Western support, especially considering recent Ukrainian military actions in Kursk Oblast.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com