Summary of the day: Ukrainian forces pressed their attack within the Kursk Oblast salient, making notable advancements as confirmed by a map presented by Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi. In response to the Ukrainian incursion, Russian authorities have shifted troops from the Chasiv Yar direction to reinforce their positions in Kursk Oblast. Concurrently, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the site of the 2004 Beslan school siege, a move perceived as an attempt to draw parallels between past and current Russian counterterrorism efforts. Additionally, Russian forces have managed to advance in the areas near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Donetsk City, amidst increasing domestic incentives for military enlistment to support ongoing operations.
Picture of the day:
The Russian military attacked a children’s cafe in the village of Malokaterynivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration / Telegram)
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Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukrainian Navy reports Russia struggling to repair damaged Black Sea Fleet ships due to compromised Sevastopol base in Crimea. Russia now relies on air reconnaissance near Crimea, weakening fleet capabilities. Two missile corvettes moved to Caspian Sea pose reduced threat compared to early war period.
A 24-year-old Russian soldier, codenamed “Silver,” defected to Ukraine through the Freedom of Russia Legion and Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project. Before defecting, he provided intelligence to Ukraine and reportedly injured his commander in a grenade attack. “Silver” is now training with the legion to fight against Russia. This case highlights Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to encourage Russian military defections.
Kursk Front – Initiative Ukraine
Ukrainian forces made significant advances in Kursk Oblast attacking Russian positions and destroying a pontoon bridge. They reportedly seized the area near Vishnevka and advanced in eastern Korenevo. In response, Russian forces redeployed units and intensified artillery and airstrikes to contain Ukrainian movements. Meanwhile, President Putin visited the site of the Beslan school siege, linking it to current events in Kursk.
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported significant advancements in Kursk Oblast, with Ukrainian forces pushing 28 to 35 kilometers into the region and controlling 93 settlements. These movements aim to establish a buffer zone to protect Sumy Oblast from Russian shelling and are part of a broader strategy to diminish Russian military capabilities in the area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the effectiveness of these operations as a “preventative defense” against Russian aggression. Additionally, Ukrainian efforts in Kursk are reportedly impacting Russian offensive capacities elsewhere along the frontline.
Ukrainian Incursion into Russia as of August 19 and as of August 20
Ukraine reportedly damaged three stationary bridges and possibly a pontoon bridge over the Seim River in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. These strikes could disrupt Russian supply lines amid Ukraine’s ongoing incursion into the region.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced the appointment of Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov as Deputy Head of the Coordinating Council for military and security issues in Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts. This move, part of efforts to manage the Russian military response to the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast, indicates a possible shift in Yevkurov’s roles from leading the Russian MoD’s Africa Corps to focusing on the situation in Kursk. The change suggests a temporary de-emphasis on Russia’s defense cooperation in Africa.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has appointed specific deputies to manage the military response to the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast, focusing on logistics, technical support, construction, and medical care. Additionally, new groupings of forces in Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod have been tasked with protecting civilians. A special task force at the National Defense Control Center is addressing regional issues, primarily requesting drone and electronic warfare support. This increasing bureaucratization may complicate coordination within Russian military and security structures.
Russian authorities have redirected units from less critical areas and the Chasiv Yar direction to counter the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast. These redeployments are part of a strategy to reinforce positions without pulling troops from high-priority combat zones, aiming to sustain the operational tempo elsewhere.
Russia’s Internal Affairs Ministry issued security guidelines for residents, officials, and military personnel in the border regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk following Ukraine’s reported incursion into Kursk Oblast. The ministry cautioned against using CCTV cameras, dating apps, and posting dashcam footage or live streams on social media, citing Ukraine’s potential to gather intelligence. Residents were advised to be cautious with personal data and refrain from posting military-related content online. Military personnel were instructed to remove geolocation tags, avoid compromising devices, and change identifiable social media information. Energy sector workers were also urged to conceal their affiliations. These measures come as Ukraine reportedly aims to establish a buffer zone on Russian territory.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Fighting continues in northern Kharkiv Oblast with no major frontline changes. Russian sources claim they repelled a Ukrainian counterattack near Hlyboke, while Ukrainian forces report Russian preparations for intensified operations in Vovchansk, including thermobaric artillery strikes on high-rise buildings. Russia is increasing aerial reconnaissance and preparing new assaults in Vovchansk, as well as redeploying units near Hlyboke and forming assault groups near Lyptsi. Ongoing clashes are reported in these areas, resulting in Russian losses of 76 soldiers and various equipment. While Russia’s offensive in the area has slowed, some believe it’s helping to stretch Ukrainian forces as Russia focuses on key towns in Donetsk Oblast.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on August 20, with no confirmed frontline changes. A Russian source claimed forces crossed the Zherebets River near Hrekivka, though this is unconfirmed. Another source reported slow Russian advances toward Kolisynkivka. Fighting continued in multiple areas including Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Hlushkivka, Andriivka, Makiivka, and the Serebryanske forest area. Despite ongoing attacks, there were no significant territorial changes confirmed in this region.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces continued ground attacks in the Siversk direction with no confirmed frontline changes. A Russian source claimed advances south and southeast of Vyimka, but this remains unverified. Ukrainian reports indicate ongoing Russian assaults near Verkhnokamyanske, Spirne, Ivano-Darivka, Vyimka, and Pereizne.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces continued offensive operations near Chasiv Yar and surrounding areas. Attacks were reported east of Chasiv Yar near Ivanivske, and southeast near Klishchiivka and Andriivka. Despite these ongoing operations, there were no confirmed changes to the frontline in this region.
Toretsk
Russian forces have made advances east and southeast of Toretsk, progressing in northwestern and western Pivnichne, as well as in Zalizne, where they seized the Artem Mine’s waste heap. Ongoing clashes are reported in Niu-York, Donetsk Oblast, with Russian forces claiming to have seized most of the village and pushing towards Nelipivka, threatening nearby Toretsk. The Ukrainian military confirms heavy fighting but hasn’t verified these claims. The 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade reportedly still controls about 20% of Niu-York. Claims of Russian forces completely taking Niu-York and advancing towards Nelipivka remain unconfirmed. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports on the extent of Russian advances in the area.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces made small advances east of Pokrovsk. They moved into southeastern Hrodivka but may face challenges advancing further west due to more urban areas. Russian claims of additional advances nearby lack visual confirmation. Fighting continues in several settlements around Pokrovsk.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces advanced in northwestern Krasnohorivka, west of Donetsk City. Fighting in the area continues.
Russian forces attacked southwest of Donetsk City. They claimed advances near Vodyane, but this is unconfirmed. Fighting continues in several nearby settlements.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
No ground attacks reported along Donetsk-Zaporizhia border by either Russian or Ukrainian sources.
Zaporizhia Line
Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks near Novodanylivka, north of Robotyne in western Zaporizhia Oblast. No frontline changes confirmed.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks in Kherson area, including east bank and Dnipro delta islands.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine firing multiple missiles from Russian territory and 26 Shahed drones from Russia and occupied areas. Strikes hit Kharkiv with air-to-surface and anti-aircraft missiles. Ukrainian forces intercepted most incoming threats across several regions, but an industrial facility and fuel warehouse in Ternopil were hit.
President Zelensky urged diplomats to seek international support for Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against Russian military targets. Zelensky emphasized that such capabilities would reduce the need for ground operations in Russian territory and potentially accelerate peace efforts.
Ukraine’s parliament passed a law banning religious organizations linked to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The bill, supported by President Zelensky’s office, aims to sever spiritual links with Russia following the 2022 invasion and protect Ukraine’s spiritual independence from Kremlin influence. It gives Moscow-affiliated parishes 9 months to cut ties and requires Zelensky’s signature to take effect. Lawmakers view this as a national security measure, accusing UOC leaders of collaborating with Russian clergy and forces despite claims of cutting ties with Moscow in 2022. Russian officials criticize the ban as an attempt to destroy “true Orthodoxy” and falsely claim it violates religious freedom, misrepresenting Ukraine’s legitimate security efforts.
Ukraine plans to create a new ministry to promote Ukrainian unity abroad and counter Russian influence. The institution will focus on supporting Ukrainian diaspora and refugees, estimated at 12-20 million worldwide. It aims to address Russian propaganda targeting Ukrainians overseas and religious issues related to pro-Russian sentiment.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 1 INJURIES: 25
- Russian artillery struck Nikopol district, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, in the morning. One person was injured. (Russian War Crime)
- Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast killed 5 and injured 7 in the past day. Deaths occurred in Zarichne, Toretsk, and Siversk. Injuries reported in multiple towns.
- Russian strike on Ternopil city at 3 a.m. caused fire in industrial fuel warehouse.
- Russian attacks in Kharkiv Oblast injured four people in three locations: Novoosynove, Kozacha Lopan, and Kupiansk. Victims ranged from 47 to 78 years old. (Russian War Crimes)
- Four injured, including a child, in Kherson Oblast attacks. School and 17 houses damaged. (Russian War Crimes)
- In Sumy Oblast, 5 civilians injured in Russian attacks. Missile strike on energy facilities left 72 settlements without power. No casualties reported from the strike. (Russian War Crimes)
- Russian strike on children’s cafe in Zaporizhzhia Oblast killed a 15-year-old boy and injured four others, including three children. (Russian War Crime)
Firefighters putting out fire at an industrial facility in Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine following a Russian missile attack. (State Emergency Service in Ternopil Oblast/Telegram)
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian regions are increasing financial incentives for military contract signings to boost recruitment. 36 regions have raised one-time payments in 2024, with 11 offering 1 million rubles (about $10,970) or more to new contract soldiers.
Russian military authorities are reportedly abusing injured soldiers and forcing them back to Ukraine without proper medical treatment. This includes holding and mistreating wounded personnel at a regiment headquarters in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. Authorities are aware but not acting, while military bloggers have complained about inadequate medical care and improper redeployment of injured soldiers.
Russian defense company Rostec claims to have tested an upgraded Pantsir air defense system in combat. The new version reportedly has longer-range missiles and improved mobility for difficult terrain.
Ukraine’s Allies
Czech Defense Minister announced plan to use frozen Russian assets’ revenue to buy high-caliber ammunition for Ukraine. This supports Czech-led initiative to purchase 500,000 artillery shells for Kyiv. EU decision makes €1.4 billion available for immediate Ukraine aid, partly funding this ammunition purchase.
Germany to provide Ukraine with four more IRIS-T air defense systems by year-end. Additional military aid includes tanks, artillery, and ammunition. Germany refutes claims of cutting aid to Ukraine.
Russia News
Putin met with “Mothers of Beslan” representatives. The discussion mainly focused on the unresolved 2004 Beslan attack investigation, with Putin claiming unawareness of its prolonged nature and promising to contact officials. The mothers also reported issues with conscripts in Kursk Oblast. Notably, the Kremlin’s report emphasized minor topics, omitting these main discussion points. Putin also misstated the child death toll from the 2004 siege. This meeting may indicate growing concern over potential societal backlash regarding military issues, reminiscent of past influential mothers’ movements in Russia.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia announced the formation of new troop groups in Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk oblasts to defend border settlements following Ukraine’s recent incursion into Kursk Oblast.
Controlling The Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the site of the 2004 Beslan school siege, linking the visit to Russia’s current military actions in Kursk Oblast as a continuation of past counterterrorism efforts. This was his first visit to the school since the tragic events where over 1,000 were held hostage, resulting in over 330 deaths. Putin’s visit underscores his narrative of combating terrorism, drawing a parallel between the actions in Kursk Oblast and the 2004 crisis in Beslan.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com
Such a well-structured and engaging article. Thank you!