Ukraine Invasion: Part 51

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 51. Thanks as usual to all and Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Russia has increasingly deployed chemical agents in its grand offensive to occupy the last cities in the Donbas region under Ukrainian control.
The suffocation tactic is to take out entrenched personnel and dampen the morale of Ukrainian soldiers who – severely outmanned and outgunned – have been withdrawing village by village in the east for nearly a year. https://kyivindependent.com/silent-killer-russia-boosts-grinding-donbas-advance-with-chemical-warfare/

⚡️Ukraine reports https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reports-over-4-000-cases-of-russian-chemical-weapon-uses/ over 4,000 cases of Russian chemical weapon use on front line, including over 3,100 reported cases since December 2023, marking a significant uptick in the weapons' use, Ukraine's Support Forces reported.

⚡️Societal discontent https://kyivindependent.com/societal-discontent-rises-in-russia-after-ukraines-kursk-incursion-isw-says/ rises in Russia after Ukraine's Kursk incursion, ISW says.
According to polls cited by the ISW, "outrage or dissatisfaction" with Russian authorities has risen from 18% of respondents on July 12, to 28% on Aug. 25, the highest levels seen since the hugely unpopular mobilization in November of 2022.

⚡️Ukrainian delegation meets https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegation-meets-with-national-security-advisors-of-uk-us-germany-france-in-washington/ with national security advisors of UK, US, Germany, France in Washington.

⚡️ Ukrainian forces advance 2 kilometers https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-captures-more-5-square-kilometers-of-territory-in-russias-kursk-oblast-syrskyi-says/ into Kursk Oblast, Syrskyi says.

⚡️ ICC urges Mongolia to arrest Putin during upcoming visit https://kyivindependent.com/icc-emphasizes-mongolias-obligations-as-member-state-in-light-of-putins-upcoming-trip/ citing obligation to comply with warrant.

⚡️ Ukraine urges Mongolia to arrest Putin during upcoming visit under ICC warrant. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-calls-on-mongolia-to-arrest-putin-on-his-arrival-in-icc-member-country/

⚡️The White House has rejected a proposal from the U.S. military to send civilian contractors to Ukraine to maintain F-16s and other equipment, the Wall Street Journal reported on Aug. 31. https://kyivindependent.com/white-house-rejects-plan-to-send-f-16-maintenance-personnel-to-ukraine-wsj-reports

⚡️Danish F-16s https://kyivindependent.com/danish-f-16s-working-in-ukraine-pm-mette-frederiksen-confirms/ 'working in Ukraine,' PM Mette Frederiksen confirms.

⚡️ EU states to train additional 15,000 Ukrainian troops https://kyivindependent.com/eu-to-train-another-15-000-ukrainian-troops-by-end-of-2024-borrell-says/ by end of 2024, Borrell says.

⚡️ Zelensky dismisses Air Force Commander https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-dismisses-air-force-commander-oleshchuk/ Mykola Oleshchuk. [this may be due to the loss of the F-16]

Captain Roman Hladkyi, who was previously dismissed as the Navy's chief of staff amid controversy, has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), Ukrainian media outlet Hromadske reported on Aug. 30. https://kyivindependent.com/controversial-captain-becomes-chief-of-staff-of-ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-media-reports/

⚡️Ukrenergo chief may face dismissal https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-state-grid-operator-head-may-be-dismissed-media-reports/ amid energy security concerns and corruption probe, media claims.
The head of Ukraine's state grid operator Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, may face dismissal "in the near future," Economic Pravda reported on Aug. 30, citing unnamed government sources and energy company contacts.

⚡️Belgium pledges https://kyivindependent.com/belgium-to-allocate-165-million-to-restore-kyiv-and-chernihiv-regions/ $165 million to restore infrastructure in Kyiv, Chernihiv oblasts.

⚡️Ukraine wants https://kyivindependent.com/fedorov/ to develop AI for drone swarms, 'cheap' missiles, Fedorov says.

More than 66,000 [named] Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine amid the full-scale war, according to a report by independent Russian media outlet Mediazona on Aug. 30. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-mortality-data-suggests-66-000-troops-killed-fighting-in-ukraine-media-reports/

‘Commanders just disappeared:’ Russian POWs https://kyivindependent.com/commanders-just-disappeared-russian-pows-speak-of-their-capture-in-kursk-oblast/ speak of their capture in Kursk Oblast

⚡️Venezuela extradites https://kyivindependent.com/venezuela-extradites-2-columbians-to-russia-for-fighting-for-ukraine/ 2 Colombians to Russia for fighting in Ukraine.

⚡️'Maximum' number Ukrainian schools should begin school year offline https://kyivindependent.com/most-ukrainian-schools-should-begin-the-school-year-offline-zelensky-says/ Zelensky says.

⚡️Russian Mi-8 helicopter https://kyivindependent.com/russian-mi-8-helicopter-with-22-people-on-board-goes-missing-in-kamchatka-peninsula-kremlin-media-reports/ with 22 people on board goes missing in Kamchatka, Kremlin media reports. According to Tass, the aircraft belongs to the Vityaz-Aero airline which organizes tourist trips on the peninsula, and disappeared during a visit to the Vachkazhets volcano.

⚡️Americans split on whether Harris or Trump would be better suited to handle https://kyivindependent.com/americans-split-on-whether-harris-or-trump-would-be-better-suited-to-handle-war-in-ukraine-poll-suggests/ war in Ukraine, poll suggests
The poll finds 49 per cent of respondents believe Republican candidate Donald Trump would do a better job, while 47 per cent think Democratic candidate Kamala Harris would be more effective.

The first episode of “Dare to Ukraine” is out!
Join our host, Masha Lavrova, on her journey to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, known for its magnificent architecture, lively streets, and delicious cuisine.

Watch here.

⚡️Russian authorities launch manhunt https://kyivindependent.com/russian-authorities-launch-manhunt-after-former-inmate-turned-soldier-accused-of-killing-2-women/ after former inmate turned soldier accused of killing a 28-year-old woman and her seven-year-old daughter. [Why, will Putin promote him?]

⚡️Updated: Russian attack on Kharkiv kills at least 7, including child, injures https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-kharkiv-kills-at-least-4-injures-28/ 97.
The number of civilians injured from Friday's attack on a Kharkiv building has risen to 97, including 22 minors, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported overnight on Aug. 31.

⚡️Russian attack on Chasiv Yar kills 5 https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-chasiv-yar-kills-5/

⚡️Russia claims https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-5-killed-37-injured-in-ukrainian-attack-against-belgorod-oblast/ 5 killed, 37 injured in Ukrainian attack against Belgorod Oblast.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson- AUG 31, 2024
■ Highest casualties since Aug 1, engagements stay on a high level
■ Tank, artillery & special equipment losses above 7-day average
■ Relatively few 🇺🇦 strikes reported, unfavorable strike ratio

possibly operating dispersed from less than ideal runways there are rumours they are using roads instead of runways, mainly to ensure that Russia has little idea where they are.

I think that is very very possible/probable, problem is the F-16 design isn't really best suited for those sort of operations..That may not be a factor in the recent loss but it certainly increases the degree of difficulty in operating the F-16 by the Ukrainian Air Force.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

“I will visit Ukraine in September or October to discuss defense cooperation between Ukraine and the EU,” said Josep Borrell.

🕯 Kharkiv Declares Mourning on August 31 following the Russian attack on the city the day before.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that six people were killed in the strike, including a 14-year-old girl who was near a playground.
Eighty civilians were wounded, including 22 children, among them a ten-month-old baby.

“This attack wouldn’t have happened if our Defense Forces had the ability to destroy Russian military aircraft at their bases,” President Zelenskyy said about the Russian shelling of Kharkiv.

🔥 An oil depot in Russia’s Proletarsk has nearly burned to the ground, according to Radio Svoboda.
Journalists have published satellite images showing the fire on its 13th day. The images reveal that nearly 20 tanks, each holding 500 cubic meters of fuel, appear burnt or damaged.

Instructors from EU countries will train Ukrainian military personnel closer to Ukraine, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
At a meeting in Brussels, EU defense ministers agreed to conduct these exercises as close to Ukraine as possible, but not within its territory.
By the end of the year, EU countries aim to train 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers. So far, 60,000 have already completed their training.

“The Death Economy” is Driving Russia’s Growth, according to Le Monde.
Huge spending on the military, contractor wages, and death benefits for families is creating a financial “bubble” that is prolonging the conflict, experts say.
The Russian Defense Ministry reports that 385,000 people signed contracts between January and December 2023, drawn by the promised payments. In July, Vladimir Putin doubled contractors’ monthly salaries from 195,000 rubles to 400,000 rubles, which is ten times the average salary. Additionally, new recruits receive a one-time bonus of 1.2 million rubles.
This military spending and contractor payments have fueled economic growth, driven mainly by consumption. The unemployment rate is at a historic low of 2.6%. In July, the World Bank classified Russia as a “high-income” country.
Despite Western sanctions, the Russian economy is thriving: reduced capital outflow has boosted domestic demand, especially in services. The budget is seeing more revenue, and imports are stable.
Le Monde’s article sums it up: “A dead Russian brings more to his family than a living one.” This reflects Putin’s economy, where lives are monetized for pennies.

“My awards were burned in Mariupol,” said Ukrainian swimmer Oleksandr Komarov after winning gold at the 2024 Paralympics.

🕯 18-year-old artist Veronika Kozhushko died in the Russian attack on Kharkiv.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Another Russian convoy and a pontoon crossing over the Seym River are destroyed in the Kursk Oblast.
Russian media report that the convoy was destroyed near the village of Zvane. The footage was filmed on August 28.

Russian war correspondent Romanov, discussing the situation in the Kursk region, believes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are unlikely to be expelled from this area before the war ends https://t.me/liveukraine_media/23986

🇭🇺 The team of Hungarian Prime Minister Orban is counting on US-Russian “reconciliation” and the resumption of their cooperation regardless of the results of the US elections https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2024/08/30/7193217/

🇧🇫 Mercenaries of the Russian PMC “Bears” are leaving https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2024/08/29/les-paramilitaires-russes-de-la-brigade-bear-quittent-le-burkina-faso_6298336_3212.html Burkina Faso in Africa because of the Ukrainian army's offensive in Kursk region.
The mercenaries arrived in Burkina Faso only in May to support the local junta. However, the unit's commander, Viktor Yermolayev, told the French newspaper Le Monde that they are returning to Russia to defend the Kursk region. He said the unit would return to Africa only after the situation in Russia stabilize

A heavy fire broke out on Berezhkovskaya Embankment in Moscow
According to TASS, an administrative building with an area of 1000 square meters is on fire. The firefighting ship “Colonel Chernyshev” and two helicopters Ka-32 are involved in the extinguishment. There is no information about casualties.

🥇Today, Ukrainian Paralympians won 4 more medals: 1 gold and 3 silver
Swimmer Oleksandr Komarov won the gold medal, setting a new Paralympic record in the 100 meters.
In total, Ukraine has already won 8 medals in two days of the 2024 Paralympics

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Speculation runs rampant after a 35-nation meeting, including Ukraine, of top military personnel in Dresden.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38203

Russian progress in the town of Chasiv Yar not as much as previously reported by command.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38198

Hungary flaunts its increasing role as Russia's saboteur in Europe, today sending Foreign Minister Szijjártó to St. Petersburg.
According to the Hungarian official, he will discuss energy cooperation with Russia.

Several of Ukraine's nuclear power units disconnected from the grid resulting from this week's masive Russian missile attack.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38215

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-31-2024

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian military command may have redeployed limited elements intended to reinforce Russia's priority offensive operation in the Pokrovsk direction to defend against the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast — suggesting that operational pressures from the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast are impacting Russian operations in every sector throughout the theater.
• Ukrainian forces continued to conduct assaults in Kursk Oblast on August 31, but there were no confirmed or claimed Ukrainian advances.
• Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported on August 30 that Russian forces continue to use airfields in Russia within Ukrainian ATACMS range — further highlighting how US restrictions against Ukraine's use of US-provided weapons to strike military targets in Russia are allowing Russia to leverage sanctuary space in deep rear areas to support military operations against Ukraine.
• The Russian military command reportedly reorganized the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics’ (DNR and LNR) 1st and 2nd army corps (AC) to create two new combined arms armies (CAA): the 51st CAA and 3rd CAA, respectively.
• The Kremlin continues efforts to define Russia's traditional and cultural values as part of ongoing efforts to codify a Russian state ideology.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces Center for Strategic Communications (StratCom) announced on August 31 that Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi officially appointed Captain First Rank Roman Hladkyi as the Chief of Staff of the newly created Unmanned Systems Forces.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Donetsk City.
• Russian forces are reportedly unable to fight in Ukraine at full strength due to manpower and equipment shortages that resulted from the Kremlin’s ineffective wartime policies.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukraine presents US with list of targets in Russia it wants to hit with ATACMS missiles. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-presents-us-list-of-targets-in-russia-it-wants-to-hit-with-atacms-missiles/

⚡️Russian troops partially go on defensive near Lyptsi in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine's military says.
The Russian military is now trying to hold its positions in the Lyptsi area and regain the ones it has already lost, suffering quite significant losses in this sector of the front line, the Kharkiv group of forces said. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-partially-go-on-defensive-in-lyptsi-area-in-kharkiv-oblast-ukraines-military-says/

⚡️Russian troops are “wiping" the Ukrainian-captured town of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk Oblast "off the face of the earth", Oleksandr Pavliuk, commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, said on Aug. 3
Russia is regularly shelling Sudzha and attacking it with guided aerial bombs and kamikaze drones, according to Pavliuk. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-wiping-off-kursk-oblasts-sudzha-ukrainian-commander-says/

⚡️ Russia has not provided a humanitarian corridor for its citizens to leave Kursk more than three weeks after Ukraine began its incursion into the region, said Vadym Mysnyk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military's Operational Tactical Group Siversk. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-not-provided-a-humanitarian-corridor-from-kursk-says-ukrainian-official/

Drones reportedly targeted several Russian regions overnight on Sept. 1, including Moscow, Tver, Voronezh, Tula, Bryansk, Belgorod, Lipetsk, and Kursk, according to local officials. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-dozens-of-ukrainian-drones-targeted-moscow-other-regions/

⚡️Russia claims 158 drones downed https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-dozens-of-ukrainian-drones-targeted-moscow-other-regions/ in mass attack targeting refinery, power plants in Moscow, other regions

The Ukraine Compact, a security framework that was signed by 32 allied countries at the NATO summit in July 2024, is "a bit of window dressing" and falls short of a real membership plan, said former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren at the Globsec conference in Prague on Aug. 31. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-compact-is-bit-of-window-dressing-says-former-dutch-defense-minister/

⚡️Ukraine to receive $800 million from US for its energy sector. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-receive-800-million-from-us-for-its-energy-sector/

⚡️Netherlands to send 28 amphibious armored vehicles to Ukraine. https://kyivindependent.com/netherlands-to-send-28-amphibious-armored-vehicles-to-ukraine/

⚡️F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine unlikely shot down https://kyivindependent.com/f-16-fighter-jet-unlikely-shot-down-by-friendly-fire-from-patriot-air-defense-system-nyt-suggests/ by 'friendly fire,' NYT suggests.

Why Russian milbloggers and propagandists are freaking out about Telegram's CEO arrest https://kyivindependent.com/why-russian-milboggers-and-propagandists-are-freaking-out-about-the-telegram-ceo-arrest/
"They practically detained the head of communication of the Russian army," one Russian pro-war military blogger said in a post on Telegram.

⚡️Firing of Air Force Commander Oleshchuk not connected https://kyivindependent.com/firing-of-air-force-commander-oleshchuk-not-connected-to-deadly-f-16-crash-umerov-says/ to deadly F-16 crash, Umerov says.

⚡️ Wreckage of missing Russian Mi-8 helicopter https://kyivindependent.com/wreckage-of-missing-russian-mi-8-helicopter-found-with-no-survivors-russian-media-reports/ found with no survivors, Russian media reports.

Volhynian Massacre — the Achilles heel of Ukrainian-Polish relations https://kyivindependent.com/volhynian-massacre-achilles-heel-of-ukrainian-polish-relations/
During the Volhynia Massacre, a tragic period in Polish-Ukrainian history that peaked in 1943, tens of thousands of Poles were murdered by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (known by its Ukrainian acronym UPA) in the Nazi-occupied region of Volhynia.
Despite multiple attempts at reconciliation from both sides, Ukraine and Poland still have not managed to come to a solution that will satisfy both parties, and the controversy is likely to be a big sticking point in Ukraine’s EU ambitions.

⚡️Ukrainian athletes win 11 medals https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-athletes-win-11-medals-on-day-3-of-paralympics/ on day 3 of Paralympics.

⚡️Russia attacks https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-kharkiv-injuring-at-least-28-including-medic/ Kharkiv, injuring at least 41, including medics, children.

⚡️Russia strikes Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, killing 3, injuring 11. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-kurakhove-in-donetsk-oblast-killing-3-injuring-9/

⚡️ Russian attacks in Sumy, Donetsk, Kherson oblasts kill 3, injure 9. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-in-kherson-and-sumy-kill-2-injure-5/

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson- SEP 1, 2024
■ August set a new record for engagements, 2nd highest for casualties & equipment losses
■ Record month of 🇷🇺 MLRS strikes but most 🇺🇦 strikes in August since November 2023
■ Strike ratio in Aug was 9.9x - improvement from July

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Berlin Sends New Military Aid Package to Kyiv, according to the official website of the German government. The package includes:
▫️ 1 IRIS-T SLS air defense system
▫️ 26 Vector reconnaissance drones
▫️ 1 Bergepanzer-2 recovery vehicle
▫️ 6 engineering excavators
▫️ 14,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition
▫️ 10 unmanned surface ships
▫️ 55,000 first aid kits
▫️ Rifles and other equipment

A fire at the Rosrezerv Atlas base near Astakhov Farm in the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky district of the Rostov region remains unextinguished, according to Radio Svoboda, citing satellite images taken on August 31.
The fire began after a drone attack on August 28 and has continued for four days, with nearby villages still burning.

Russians launched about 789 Shahed missiles at Ukraine in August. Attacks occurred on 27 out of 31 days.
Records we never wanted.

German exports of cars and car parts to Georgia have surged by 620% compared to levels before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to economist Robin Brooks.
Brooks argues that these vehicles are likely being re-exported to Russia, supporting Putin's military economy. He criticized Berlin for allowing this to continue, calling it "disgraceful nonsense" and accusing German authorities of inaction over the past two years.

Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović stated that the country has prioritized its path toward EU membership over tourism revenues from Russia. Speaking at the annual Globsec security conference in Prague, Milatović highlighted the challenges Montenegro faced in aligning its foreign policy with the EU, including imposing sanctions against Russia. Despite the economic difficulties, especially given that 30% of Montenegro's tourism revenue used to come from Russia, the country chose to follow the European Council's decisions as part of its commitment to EU integration.

The Czech Republic places no restrictions on Ukraine’s use of its military equipment, said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský.
“However, to be honest, the state-of-the-art weapons with long-range capabilities or those that pose strategic dilemmas don’t come from the Czech Republic,” Lipavský added.

Russia attacked a convoy of grain trucks in the Sumy region, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old truck driver. Four other drivers were injured in the attack, with one truck catching fire and around 20 others sustaining damage.

🇳🇱 Netherlands to Provide 28 Viking Bandvagn S10 Vehicles to Ukraine, announced Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
The Viking Bandvagn S10 is an armored, amphibious all-terrain vehicle consisting of two connected parts. These 11-ton vehicles can move through water at the speed of a pedestrian.

Russian forces targeted Kharkiv, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
Reports indicate that 25 people were injured in the attack.
The areas affected include a "Nova Post" branch, various shops, a sports complex, a shopping center, and several cars. The attack was directed solely at civilian targets, and efforts to address the aftermath are currently ongoing.

Russia is considering revising its nuclear doctrine due to what it perceives as the "escalation course" of the West.
Deputy Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Serhiy Ryabkov, mentioned that the worsening foreign policy situation, driven by the actions of the United States and its allies, has prompted Moscow to assess whether its current nuclear deterrence strategy is adequate. He stated that the process of updating the relevant document is ongoing, though it's too early to predict when this revision will be finalized. [yawn]

Kharkiv. In the parking lot near the Epicentr hypermarket, destroyed by a Russian missile, a helglyph appeared:
⠀"God save our souls. "Patriot" saves our lives".

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇨🇭The Swiss Ministry of Defense has recommended https://www.politico.eu/article/switzerland-military-neutrality-defense-arms-sales-war-in-ukraine-vladimir-putin/ reconsidering Switzerland's neutrality, which has been maintained for 500 years. The recommendation is driven by the worsening situation in Europe due to "Putin, money, and weapons," urging Switzerland to explore deeper military cooperation with NATO and the EU [The answer will probably be a resounding No, but it's notable that they are asking the question]

🇷🇴Romanian Parliament to consider on September 2 a bill on the transfer of the promised Patriot system to Ukraine
According to the draft law submitted by the Romanian Ministry of Defense, it is planned to transfer one Patriot air defense system in the PAC-3 MSE modification to Ukraine.

Ukrainian drones have struck the Moscow Oil Refinery — one of the largest and most heavily guarded in Russia
The attack caused a massive fire at the facility. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/24013

Roman Hladkyi is the new Chief of Staff of the Command of Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Ukrainians are outraged because the world's first branch of the army, which should become an example for the whole world, which is not found in any army in the world, was headed by Roman Hladkyi, who is suspected of treason, espionage and corruption
The wife has a Moscow passport, and the daughter represented the Russian Federation in sports competitions. And Hladkyi never had anything to do with drones
Ukrainian civil society іs very angry and even surprised by this decision.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

‼️There are now 41 victims in today's brutal Russian ballistic missile barrage on Kharkiv
Several children are among the victims.

Explosive developments in the Russian energy industry overnight as power plants in Moscow and Russia's Tver region were hit in a large scale drone attack. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/25220
Despite local authorities claims of "attacks repelled", video footage says otherwise.
In addition to power plants, Moscow's Kapotnya oil refinery is also burning after this morning's Ukrainian drone strikes. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/25224

It started with Ukraine's representative at the UN:

Ukraine's Representative to UN hints Lavrov may have already passed away

It might just be wishful thinking. 😃

@MissConductUS I have since seen people asking if the cause is window or tea

Lavrov dead would definitely cheer me up this grey and gloomy morn.

In Moscow’s Shadow this week is a living obituary to Lavrov following the now debunked rumours of his death. Very interesting listening!

He always looks and sounds like a dead thing anyway.

MG’s view is he might as well be dead as his diplomatic career has been dead and buried for years. Actually really interesting to hear about the esteem he was once held in on diplomatic circles and just how far he’s fallen.

The smoking stories, at least we know what gets Lavrov going 🚬

Yeah, he used to be an academic with integrity I heard. Oh dear oh dear ...

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russia's advance toward Pokrovsk accelerates https://kyivindependent.com/russian-advance-toward-pokrovsk-accelerates/ over past week, UK Defense Ministry says.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Aug. 31 during a press conference that Armenia has suspended its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) "at all levels," but that the decision could change. https://kyivindependent.com/armenia-has-suspended-its-participation-in-russian-led-csto-at-all-levels-armenian-pm-says/

Everything we know about Ukraine’s new Palianytsia missile-drone https://kyivindependent.com/everything-we-know-about-ukraines-new-palianytsia-missile-drone/
With much fanfare, Ukraine has announced a new weapon – the Palianytsia missile drone.

⚡️Ukraine sanctions 150 individuals, entities that support https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sanctions-russian-aviation/ Russian aviation.

⚡️Military training helicopter crash kills 2 https://kyivindependent.com/military-helicopter-training-crash-kills-2/
A military training helicopter crash killed both crew members on board, the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University in Kharkiv said on Sept. 1.

Russia launched a missile attack on a center for social and psychological rehabilitation of children and an orphanage in Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy on Sept. 1.
At least 13 civilians were wounded in the attack, according to the Sumy city council. Four of the injured were transferred to the local hospital.
https://kyivindependent.com/russias-attack-on-sumy-injures-13-including-4-children/
[Jesus Christ. An orphanage and a rehab centre for kids!]

⚡️Dutch PM makes https://kyivindependent.com/dutch-pm-makes-surprise-visit-to-zaporizhizhia-announces-221-million-aid-package/ surprise visit to Ukraine, announces new aid package.
New Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof arrived in Ukraine's southern city of Zaporizhzhia on Sept. 2 to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and announce a new aid package for Ukraine worth more than 200 million euros ($221 million).
The funds will be devoted to protection and repair of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and includes additional funding for humanitarian aid.

⚡️Oil depot fire in Russia's Rostov Oblast extinguished https://kyivindependent.com/oil-depot-fire-in-russias-rostov-oblast-extinguished-after-more-than-2-weeks-authorities-say/ after more than 2 weeks, authorities say.

Major General Valery Mumindzhanov, deputy commander of military logistics for the Leningrad Military District, was arrested on Sep. 2 for allegedly receiving a bribe of over 20 million rubles ($224,000). https://kyivindependent.com/another-russian-defense-ministry-official-arrested-on-suspicion-of-corruption/

⚡️ Helsinki proposes banning most Russian citizens from buying real estate in Finland. https://kyivindependent.com/finland-proposes-to-ban-russian-citizens-from-buying-real-estate-in-country-on-national-security-grounds/

⚡️ Petition urging Zelensky to lower mobilization age limit to 50 reaches 25,000 signatures. https://kyivindependent.com/petition-asking-zelensky-to-reduce-upper-age-limit-of-mobilization-passes-threshold-for-presidential-consideration/

Opinion: Examining Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s alleged ties to the Kremlin
Durov has consistently portrayed himself as an exile through numerous interviews, emphasizing there is "no way back" for him. Yet, the leaked data shows over 60 trips to Russia, indicating a deliberate effort to maintain the illusion of exile, writes Yaroslav Azhnyuk, a Ukrainian entrepreneur, in this guest op-ed. https://kyivindependent.com/opinion-examining-telegram-founder-pavel-durovs-alleged-ties-to-the-kremlin/

⚡️Beluga whale suspected of spying for Russia dies https://kyivindependent.com/beluga-whale-suspected-of-spying-for-russia-dies-off-of-norway/ off Norwegian coast.
A Beluga whale nicknamed Hvaldimir, which was suspected of being trained to conduct espionage for Russia, was found dead off the coast of Norway on Aug. 31.

⚡️Russian guided bomb attack on Kharkiv injures at least 7. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-guided-bomb-attack-on-kharkiv-injures-at-least-5/

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪ SEP 2, 2024
■ Engagements & casualties stay high
■ KIU: +49 officers; 5.1 per day for last four batches
■ Tank & APV losses well above 7-day average
■ 🇺🇦 strikes up between days but ratio still in the double digits

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Türkiye has officially initiated the process of joining the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) by submitting a formal request for membership, according to Bloomberg.
Sources within the agency report that Ankara is looking to strengthen its ties with countries outside the political West. President Erdogan believes that the global balance of power is shifting, and he aims to establish strong connections with all sides of the "multipolar world."

The Romanian government has approved a draft law allowing Ukraine to receive one of the Patriot anti-missile defense systems currently held by the Romanian armed forces. The draft law has now been sent to parliament for registration and consideration, according to Reuters.

Gas Imports from Russia to the EU Surpass Those from the U.S., Reports Bruegel
According to data from the Brussels-based consulting firm Bruegel, quoted by WELT, the European Union imported 12.7 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia between April and June 2024. In comparison, 12.3 billion cubic meters were imported from the United States.

German Air Traffic Control (DFS) Targeted by Hackers, Suspected to be Pro-Russian
DFS confirmed that the hacker attack did not disrupt air traffic, which continues as normal.
The attack occurred last week, but it’s unclear if any data was accessed.
Local media reports link the attack to the hacker group APT28, also known as Fancy Bear. APT28 has targeted commercial companies in defense, energy, and logistics for several years. Western governments consider this group to be connected to Russian intelligence services. In Germany, they gained notoriety in 2015 for a cyberattack on the Bundestag.

Kyiv’s Islamic Cultural Center Damaged in Russian Shelling
The Islamic Cultural Center in Kyiv was damaged by extensive shelling from the Russian Federation, announced Refat Chubarov, chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people.
The building, including its mosque, requires repairs. Chubarov criticized Russia as a source of absolute evil in a Facebook post.

28 such Viking Bandvagn S10 tracked armored personnel carriers are transferred to Ukraine by the Netherlands.

Sumy Attack Victims Increase to 18, Including Six Children

Ukraine Begins New School Year Amidst Challenges
Today, Ukraine starts a new academic year, despite the ongoing war and numerous challenges. This day is crucial for millions of Ukrainian children, families, and teachers, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Putin has arrived in Mongolia, the country that is obliged to arrest him on an ICC warrant

1517 Russian artillery systems lost in August 2024
It's the second-highest monthly number since the beginning of the invasion. The effective counter-battery fight continues.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

After 5 days burning, Russia's Atlas Oil complex has been extinguished with damage estimated to be a loss of approximately 30% of capacity according to satellite photos.

This morning, Russians again used the areas of Russia protected by western policy makers to pour missiles onto Kyiv, an hour before children were to wake for the first day of the school year.

The Sports Palace in the border city of Kharkiv was destroyed in a recent attack by Russian ballistic missiles. The building is beyond repair.

This morning, Russians again used the areas of Russia protected by western policy makers to pour missiles onto Kyiv, an hour before children were to wake for the first day of the school year.

Harrowing photo of a 14 year old slumped on a park bench near a playground in Kharkiv. Her head had been blown off by shrapnel from a missile.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-1-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted the largest series of drone strikes against targets within Russia on the night of August 31 to September 1.
• Ukrainian forces continued to conduct assaults in Kursk Oblast on September 1, but there were no confirmed Ukrainian advances.
• Recent Russian domestic polls suggest that Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast has not yet degraded Russian domestic support of the war in Ukraine in the short-term following the Kursk incursion and that Russian support for the war has remained high since 2022.
• Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed at an August 31 press conference that "Armenia has frozen its participation in the [Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization] CSTO at all levels," after Armenia has effectively abstained from participating in the CSTO for nearly a year.
• Russian forces recently advanced north of Kharkiv City, southeast of Kupyansk, southeast of Pokrovsk, and southwest of Donetsk City.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Hightlights

Ukraine-skeptic parties win big in German state elections, tilting political landscape in Russia's favor https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-skeptic-parties-win-big-in-german-state-elections/

The results mark the first time a far-right party won a state election in Germany since the Second World War - 85 years to the day that Nazi Germany invaded Poland. The AfD has a well-documented history of links with Russia and has established a foothold in parts of former East Germany.

⚡️Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles at the city of Poltava on Sep. 3, killing at least 41 and injuring over 180 people. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-poltava-with-ballistic-missiles-killing-41-injuring-over-180
The strike hit an educational institution and a neighboring medical facility. The Russian attack partially destroyed the building of the Military Institute of Communications, according to Zelensky.

⚡️Ukraine has not received necessary weapons to conduct required long-range strikes deep inside Russia, Zelensky says.
Ukraine has not received all the weapons promised by the West, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 2 during a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-has-not-received-necessary-weapons-to-conduct-required-long-range-strikes-deep-inside-russia-zelensky-says/

⚡️Russia has no advance https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-no-advance-near-pokrovsk-over-past-2-days-zelesnky-claims/ near Pokrovsk over past 2 days, Zelensky claims. [but certainly they have in other spots near there]

⚡️Drone appears to drop molten thermite on Ukraine's southern front. https://kyivindependent.com/thermite-drone/

Video footage emerged online on Sept. 2 showing what appeared to be a drone raining down fiery, white-hot metal on unseen soldiers hidden in a treeline.
The drone hovers, and slowly, methodically, 'breathes' a stream of fire, tentatively identified as molten thermite, up and down the hidden positions.
Both Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels have claimed responsibility for the terrifying new drone innovation.

⚡️Iran may send https://kyivindependent.com/bloomberg-reports/ ballistic missiles to Russia 'within a matter of days,' Bloomberg reporte on Sept. 2, citing an unnamed European official.
Bloomberg's sources believe that the potential transfer of ballistic missiles "would mark a worrying development in the conflict." The G7 countries are expected to immediately condemn any delivery and voice their concerns to governments in the Middle East through diplomatic channels, the unnamed source told the outlet. [Oh I'm sure that these voiced concerns will make alllll the difference]

⚡️Russian strikes damage overhead https://kyivindependent.com/russian-strikes-damage-overhead-power-line-at-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-energoatom-says/ power line at occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Energoatom says.

⚡️Ukraine approves https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-approves-homegrown-khorunzhyi/ homemade Khorunzhyi armored personnel carrier for military use.
The Khorunzhy is a modernization of the Soviet BTR-60 armored personnel carrier. Equipped with a more powerful diesel engine, the vehicle can hit up to 80 km/h.

The head of Ukraine's state grid operator Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, was dismissed from his role on Sept. 2 on grounds of failing to safeguard energy facilities amid intensified Russian attacks, public broadcaster Suspilne reported, citing sources within the company. https://kyivindependent.com/ukrenergo-chief-dismissed-amid-energy-security-concerns/

Ukraine’s steel industry is maxed out as Russia's war grinds on https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-steel-industry-is-maxed-out/

Russia’s full-scale invasion has eaten away Ukraine’s metallurgy industry, with only six remaining plants producing 6.2 million metric tons last year. This is a far cry from the bumper year in 2021 when nine plants produced 22 million metric tons.
This year’s prediction of over 7 million metric tons is more positive. But blackouts, a workforce deficit, high electricity prices, and disrupted supply chains are holding back production.

⚡️Moscow oil refinery suspends unit's operations following large-scale Ukrainian drone attack, Reuters reports. https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-refinery-suspends-units-operations-following-large-scale-ukrainian-drone-attack/
Gazprom Neft's Moscow Oil Refinery suspended operations at the plant's Euro+ refining unit following a fire caused by a purported large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on the region on Sept. 1, Reuters reported, citing its sources.

⚡️Authorities have uncovered https://kyivindependent.com/authorities-have-uncovered-nearly-600-criminal-networks-aiding-draft-evaders-border-guards-report/ nearly 600 criminal networks aiding draft evaders, Border Guards report.

⚡️Russian court sentences https://kyivindependent.com/russian-court-sentences-ukrainian-soldier-captured-in-occupied-crimea-to-20-years-in-prison/ Ukrainian soldier captured in occupied Crimea to 20 years in prison.

⚡️Ukrainian athletes https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-athletes-win-8-medals-on-day-5-of-paralympics/ win 8 medals on day 5 of Paralympics.
The team currently has a total of 35 medals, including five gold, twelve silver, and eighteen bronze.

⚡️1 person killed, at least 3 injured in Russian attack https://kyivindependent.com/1-person-killed-at-least-3-injured-in-russian-attack-on-dnipro/ on Dnipro.
⚡️2 killed including an 8-year-old boy https://kyivindependent.com/2-killed-2-injured-in-russian-attack-on-zaporizhzhia/ 2 injured in Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson - SEP 3, 2024
■ High engagements & casualties
■ Equipment losses above 7-day average; notable APV & tank losses
■ Janovsky: 51 🇷🇺 20 🇺🇦 added (2.6:1) compared to 30-day ratio of 1.9x
■ Fewer 🇷🇺 strikes, strike ratio improves slightly