Summary of the day: Ukrainian forces pushed forward, advancing up to 10 kilometers into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, marking a significant escalation in the conflict as they continue mechanized offensive operations. This movement has been met with mixed reactions from the Kremlin, which is trying to portray the incursion as a major Ukrainian escalation while minimizing its implications to avoid domestic unrest. Criticism has arisen among Russian military bloggers, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the military’s failure to anticipate or thwart the Ukrainian advance. Additionally, Ukrainian forces demonstrated their evolving drone capabilities by using a FPV drone to down a Russian Mi-28 helicopter over the contested area. Amidst these developments, the Head of Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, predicted that Russian offensive capabilities might peak in the next one to two months, aligning with independent assessments of Russia’s current military strength.
Picture of the day:
Ukrainian army medics treat wounded Ukrainian soldiers at a stabilization point in the Pokrovsk direction, 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 Moldovan Central Electoral Commission (CEC) decided not to register the pro-Kremlin Victory electoral bloc for the October 2024 presidential election and referendum. The decision was based on unresolved issues with the bloc’s registration documents and concerns about compliance with Moldovan law, which restricts individuals on international sanctions lists from managing political funds. Additionally, the CEC highlighted a conflict with its regulation that prohibits electoral blocs from sharing names with political parties. The Victory political party is part of the Victory electoral bloc. The ruling followed a vote where six members supported the decision, one opposed, and two abstained.
Belarusian and Iranian military leaders met in Tehran to discuss deepening their military cooperation. This meeting is part of a recent trend of increased economic, military, and technical collaboration between Belarus and Iran, which likely benefits Russia as well.
The Tuareg rebel group CSP-DPA in Mali responded to accusations by Senegal and ECOWAS of attacking Malian forces, stating the battle from July 25-27 near Tinzaouatene involved self-defense against Wagner mercenaries supporting the Malian junta. The clash resulted in significant losses for government forces, including over 80 Wagner mercenaries. CSP-DPA condemned international disregard for civilian harms by these mercenaries and urged ECOWAS and Senegal to seek peaceful resolutions instead of backing the junta. The group expressed readiness to cooperate internationally to provide further details on the conflict. Meanwhile, Mali accused Ukraine of aiding the rebels and severed diplomatic ties, a move criticized by Ukraine as hasty and lacking evidence.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate, forecasts that Russia’s current offensive will likely lose momentum within the next 1.5 to 2 months, suggesting that Ukrainian forces will engage in tactical counterattacks to exploit any Russian weaknesses. His assessment aligns with observations that Russian forces are encountering increased resistance, particularly in urban areas of Donetsk Oblast, as they push towards Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk. Additionally, Russia faces material and manpower limitations, which are exacerbated by high losses of armored vehicles in concentrated attacks. Budanov also noted the possibility of a temporary decrease in Russian activity, followed by potential resurgence, and emphasized the need for proactive Ukrainian defense strategies.
A video showing a Russian pilot ejecting from a flaming aircraft circulated online. The pilot, descending by parachute, is heard claiming they were shot down. The aircraft type, based on its silhouette, resembles a Sukhoi Su-27 or its derivatives, widely used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The pilot’s location and identity remain unclear, but he appeared calm, suggesting a controlled area. This footage emerges as the conflict continues, marked by significant aircraft losses on the Russian side.
A local Crimean Telegram channel reported a fire near Oktyabrsky Airfield in occupied Crimea on August 6, allegedly following explosions in the area. No additional reports of Ukrainian strikes in this location have been observed.
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces penetrated up to 10 kilometers into Russia’s Kursk Oblast on August 6, seizing 45 square kilometers and 11 settlements, including the strategic Sudzha checkpoint and a gas station. Over 40 Russian POWs were captured, with ongoing heavy fighting near Korenovo and Sudzha along the 38K-030 highway, where deployed Chechen units faced significant losses. Concurrently, Ukrainian Special Operations forces marked a significant advancement in drone warfare by striking a Russian Mi-28 helicopter midair, an attack confirmed by Ukraine’s Security Service and visualized in an online video, although Russian sources claimed the helicopter landed safely. Additional reports indicated the downing of a Russian Ka-52 helicopter near the Kursk-Sumy border, further highlighting Ukraine’s growing proficiency in drone usage against aerial targets, which allowed conservation of more advanced air defenses for critical threats.
In response to a reported Ukrainian incursion termed a “large-scale provocation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia has intensified its military response in the Kursk Oblast. Acting Governor Alexey Smirnov declared a state of emergency amid significant turmoil, with thousands evacuated and intense fighting in Sudzha and Korenevo. Russia has mobilized additional combat aircraft and troops to counter Ukrainian advances, which the Kremlin claims are significant yet controllable. Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and other leaders assert that Russian forces have contained Ukraine’s push and inflicted heavy casualties, though their inconsistent messaging and retracted claims aim to manage domestic perceptions. Despite these assertions, satellite imagery shows substantial damage at the Sudzha border crossing, and Russian forces have reportedly retreated from strategic locations like the Sudzha gas metering station, casting doubt on the official narrative. This station’s role in gas transit to Europe has notably caused a spike in European gas prices. Meanwhile, increased Russian aviation activity near Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast has led to heightened bombings and forced evacuations of border settlements.
Russian military bloggers have criticized their leadership for failing to anticipate and counter the Ukrainian advances, attributing the oversight to complacency and misinformation about Ukrainian capabilities. They called for accountability and criticized nepotism within the military ranks. Local authorities in Kursk Oblast managed evacuations and provided financial aid while initiating an investigation into the Ukrainian actions, reflecting a strategic approach to maintain domestic calm and discredit Ukraine.
Authorities in Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast ordered the evacuation of 23 border settlements. Recent military activity has seen Russian forces dropping about 30 guided aerial bombs in the area. Sumy Oblast Governor Volodymyr Artiukh described the regional situation as tense yet managed by Ukrainian Armed Forces, with provisions to evacuate up to 6,000 residents, including 425 children.
European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano confirmed Ukraine’s legal right to self-defense, including actions against aggressors within its borders, during ongoing conflicts in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The EU continues to back Ukraine’s efforts to maintain sovereignty. Concurrently, U.S. officials are liaising with Ukrainian authorities to grasp the situation following Ukrainian forces’ entry into Kursk. Countering Russian President Vladimir Putin terming the incursion a “large-scale provocation,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller countered by pointing out Russia’s historical violations of Ukrainian sovereignty. The U.S. reiterated its policy that permits Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons for addressing imminent threats near the border, a stance supported by National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby as he seeks more details on the current incidents.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Limited engagements continued in northern Kharkiv Oblast, with no confirmed frontline changes. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Hlyboke and Vovchansk, while Russian forces cleared buildings in Vovchansk. The area saw increased Russian artillery fire, including the use of thermobaric systems. Fighting was reported near Lyptsi, Vovchansk, and Tykhe. Multiple Russian units are operating in the Vovchansk area. Notably, the main Russian Northern Group forces, estimated at 72,000-75,000 personnel, remain deployed in Kharkiv Oblast, despite ongoing Ukrainian actions in nearby Kursk Oblast.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, though no confirmed frontline changes were reported. The Ukrainian General Staff noted Russian attacks in several areas, including northeast and east of Kupyansk, southeast of Kupyansk near multiple settlements, northwest and west of Kreminna, and in the Serebryanske forest area southwest of Kreminna. These operations spanned various locations such as Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Novoosynove, Kolisynkivka, Hlushkivka, Nevske, Makiivka, Terny, and Torske, indicating widespread but inconclusive Russian military activity in the region.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces made recent advances in the Siversk area. Geolocated footage showed Russian progress north of Bilohorivka and northwest of Rozdolivka. Fighting continued in various locations around Siversk, including near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Darivka, Spirne, Vyimka, and Pereizne. These developments indicate ongoing Russian efforts to gain ground in the Siversk direction, with some success in certain areas.
Chasiv Yar
Ukrainian forces made limited gains near Chasiv Yar, as shown in recent footage. They advanced across the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal and regained some positions in the Stupky Holubovskyi 2 forest area south of Chasiv Yar. Fighting continued in eastern parts of Chasiv Yar, including the Novyi and Zhovtnevyi Microraions, as well as in the Orlovo forest area to the north and near Ivanivske to the east.
Toretsk
Russian forces attacked in the Toretsk area without confirmed advances. They claim progress in Niu York, potentially encircling Ukrainian forces, but this remains unverified. Fighting continued near Toretsk, Pivnichne, Niu York, and Panteleymonivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian sources claimed advances near Zhelanne in the Pokrovsk direction, but these remain unconfirmed. Russian attacks occurred in multiple areas east and southeast of Pokrovsk. A Ukrainian brigade spokesperson reported that Russian forces are using motorcycles for approaches and conducting infantry-led assaults to avoid vehicle losses. The spokesperson also noted that Russian troops are hiding among fallen soldiers to conceal movements.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces made recent advances in eastern Kostyantynivka, southwest of Donetsk City, as shown by geolocated footage from August 6. Fighting continued in several areas west and southwest of Donetsk City, including near Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka, Kostyantynivka, Vodyane, and Volodymyrivka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Recent footage shows Russian forces made small advances south of Velyka Novosilka, near the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border.
Zaporizhia Line
Positional fighting continued near Robotyne and Verbove in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued limited attacks in eastern Kherson Oblast but made no confirmed advances.
On August 6, Ukrainian Special Forces conducted an amphibious raid on the Russian-occupied Tendrivska Spit in western Kherson Oblast, at the mouth of the Dnipro River. The operation was executed by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) and the Artan Active Action Unit. Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed Russian vehicles, personnel, an electronic warfare system, and fortifications. HUR confirmed the destruction of key assets including an MT-LB vehicle and electronic warfare systems, without Ukrainian losses. Despite conflicting reports from pro-Russian sources regarding the success of the operation, the raid represents a part of Ukraine’s broader strategic plan against Russian forces in the region.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack, targeting multiple Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down all 30 Shahed drones launched from Krasnodar Krai. This was the third consecutive night of drone attacks on Kyiv Oblast. Additionally, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian ballistic missile over Sumy Oblast.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 3 INJURIES: 25
- Russian forces launched 564 attacks on Zaporizhzhia Oblast in a single day, targeting nine settlements. The assaults resulted in the deaths of two men and the injury of another in the Polohy district.
- In Kherson Oblast, the Russian army attacked nine settlements, including Kherson city, resulting in one death and 15 injuries
- In Donetsk Oblast, Russian strikes injured one person each in the Selydove community and Markove village, and two more in Toretsk, Bakhmut district.
- In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian forces targeted Nikopol city and the communities of Marhanets and Pokrov, injuring two men aged 46 and 57, and a 57-year-old woman.
- In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian drone attack injured a 62-year-old man in the village of Kozacha Lopan.
- In Kyiv Oblast, one person was injured by shrapnel from falling debris of a Russian drone.
Russian forces attacked several settlements in Donetsk Oblast. (Governor Vadym Filashkin / Telegram)
Ukraine’s Allies
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, head of the European Parliament’s Defense Committee, urged military aid donors to provide Taurus missiles for the newly arrived US-made F-16 fighters in Ukraine. She emphasized the need for all EU countries, not just Germany, to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including air defenses and the provision of Taurus cruise missiles. Despite her advocacy, Germany has resisted supplying these missiles due to concerns that their long-range capability could escalate tensions with NATO partners by reaching deep into Russia.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba signed a memorandum for political consultations with Zambian counterpart Mulambo Haimbe, as part of his efforts to strengthen ties with African nations. During his visit to Zambia—the second stop on his fourth African tour which included Malawi and will continue to Mauritius—Kuleba discussed advancing bilateral relations and cooperation in international bodies. This memorandum aims to structure long-term dialogue between the two countries. In Malawi, Kuleba met President Lazarus Chakwera, discussing Ukraine’s support against Russian aggression and potential cooperation in various sectors including agriculture and digitalization. President Zelensky has prioritized developing ties with Africa in Ukraine’s 2024 foreign policy, contrasting with Moscow’s longstanding relationships on the continent. Russia’s Minister Sergey Lavrov has also been active in Africa, seeking to bolster support for Moscow amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance expressed disinterest in supporting Ukraine in leaked text messages with far-right figure Charles Johnson, as reported by the Washington Post. In these October 2023 messages, Vance mentioned ignoring calls from Ukrainian officials, including the head of their intelligence and Air Force, who were seeking aid with F-16s. Vance’s opposition to U.S. aid for Ukraine aligns with his previous statements, notably saying he “doesn’t care about Ukraine” shortly after Russia’s invasion began. His spokesperson, Willia Martin, commented that Vance occasionally responded to Johnson to counter his remarks but did not refute the statements in the texts. The texts also touched on various domestic issues, with one conversation showing Vance mocking the mental state of a pro-Ukraine activist and suggesting that the U.S. government was manipulating public opinion in favor of Ukraine.
Russia News
Prominent Russian TV reporter Yevgeny Poddubny was severely injured during a drone attack in Russia’s Kursk Oblast on August 7, according to Russian state media Rossiya 24. Poddubny, a known pro-Kremlin propagandist who has reported on conflicts in Syria, Georgia, and Ukraine, was hospitalized in intensive care following the incident. The attack occurred while he was covering Ukrainian forces’ recent incursion into the region. Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated an investigation into the attack, and Poddubny is set to receive an award.
Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual national, has pleaded guilty to treason charges in Russia for allegedly donating $51.80 to the nonprofit Razom for Ukraine, as reported by TASS. Arrested earlier this year while visiting relatives in Russia, Karelina’s trial began on June 20 and is being conducted behind closed doors in the Sverdlovsk regional court, with the next hearing scheduled for August 8. Her case was not part of a major prisoner exchange on August 1. Karelina faces up to 12 years in prison if sentenced. Razom for Ukraine expressed dismay over her arrest for making a charitable donation
Russian War Crimes
Azov Brigade soldier Oleksandr Ishchenko died from blunt force trauma in Russian custody in Rostov Oblast, corroborating reports of ongoing human rights violations against Ukrainian POWs. The forensic report, shared by Azov deputy commander Sviatoslav Palamar, showed that Ishchenko suffered multiple rib fractures and shock leading to his death. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets noted that Kyiv was not officially informed, while Ishchenko’s daughter confirmed his death occurred nine days before it was publicized. Ishchenko, 55, from Mariupol, was captured in 2022 and was among 24 Ukrainians involved in a controversial trial by Russia. His death is seen as a severe breach of the Geneva Convention and highlights the need for international focus on such abuses to prevent further incidents. Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, reported that 95% of Ukrainian prisoners-of-war (POWs) have been tortured by Russian authorities, starting from their initial interrogations. She described this as a “widespread and systematic” practice, constituting a war crime under the Geneva Convention.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian authorities claim to be fulfilling social support promises to soldiers who fought in Ukraine and their families. The Defense Ministry reports paying 98% of promised payments to relatives of fallen soldiers, with the remainder in progress. Over 50% of Russian volunteers have received veteran certificates, with more being processed. The Ministry is also developing regulations for rehabilitation services for soldiers and their families at sanatoriums.
Russian Army Combat Reserve (BARS) units are actively recruiting. A recent advertisement claims about 30 BARS units are fighting in Ukraine. It offers monthly salaries of 229,000-279,000 rubles ($2,670-$3,253) for unit commanders and promises high payouts for destroying Ukrainian military equipment, including Western-provided weapons.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims it has supplied over 700 robotic systems to its forces in Ukraine since the start of 2024. These include remote-controlled wheeled and tracked vehicles. The Ministry plans to deliver an additional 2,500 robotic systems by the end of 2024.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
A Russian court sentenced Andrey Kurshin, the administrator of the ultranationalist milblogger Telegram channel “Moscow Calling,” to six and a half years in prison for disseminating “fake” information about the Russian military. Kurshin was initially arrested on August 31, 2023. His sentencing appears to be part of a broader effort by Russian authorities to discourage criticism and promote self-censorship among milbloggers critical of the Kremlin or Ministry of Defense.
Russian officials promoted narratives about Ukrainian operations in Kursk Oblast aiming to discredit Ukrainian leadership.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com