Ukraine Invasion: Part 51

[MagicFox]

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

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Just about to listen to Hardtalk on the World Service with a Russian Orthodox priest who has spoken out against the war.

He is, isn’t he? The footage from his early years is brilliant to watch, and he is so personable.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

More resignations: Strategic Industries Minister Kamyshin, Deputy PM Stefanishyna, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, Ecology Minister Ruslan Strilets.

⚡️Ukraine 'needs new energy,' Zelensky says (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-needs-new-energy-zelensky-says-on-governments-reshuffle/) of government reshuffle.

Ukraine reshuffles its government: Who’s out, who's in, and what it all means (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reshuffles-its-government-whos-out-whos-in-and-what-it-all-means/) Those who are critical of Zelensky say it’s more about the President's Office consolidating power even more.

⚡️ IMF to send its first delegation (kyivindependent.com/imf-to-send-its-first-delegation-to-russia-since-full-scale-invasion/) to Russia since full-scale invasion's start, Russian representative claims.

⚡️ Ukraine, Ireland sign agreement (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-ireland-sign-agreement-on-cooperation-support/) on cooperation, support. As part of the deal, Ireland has pledged an additional 128 million euros ($140 million) in non-lethal military support and at least 40 million euros ($44 million) in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine this year.

⚡️ Update: 64 injured (kyivindependent.com/russias-attack-on-lviv/) in Russian attack on Lviv on Sept. 4, including eight children, Governor Maksym Kozytskyi reported. Seven people have been confirmed as killed, including two children.

Ukraine says it has a new ballistic missile — here's what they do (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-it-has-a-new-ballistic-missile-heres-what-they-do-aside-from-blow-things-up/). "It may be too early to talk about it but I want to share it with you," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in reference to the ballistic missile test on Aug. 27 at the Ukraine 2024 Independence Forum in Kyiv.

⚡️Ukraine's Mariia Shpatkivska (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-mariia-shpatkivska-wins-silver-in-shot-put-at-paralympics-sets-european-record/) wins silver in shot put at Paralympics, setting a new European record.

This is Ukraine's 46th medal at this year's Paralympics.

⚡️Ukrainian athletes win 7 medals (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-athletes-win-7-medals-on-day-7-of-paralympics/) on day 7 of Paralympics. Ukraine ranks seventh in the overall medal standings. [Go, Ukraine!]

⚡Ukraine expects pressure (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-expects-pressure-from-imf-to-further-devalue-currency-as-financing-negotiations-begin/) from IMF to further devalue currency as financing negotiations begin.

⚡️ Energoatom denies accident (kyivindependent.com/energoatom-denies-accident-at-south-ukraine-plant/) at South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant but says 'issues' found.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine’s wartime production tripled in 2023 (kyivindependent.com/parliament-backs-strategic-industries-minister-kamyshins-resignation/), doubled again in 2024, resigning Minister Kamyshin says.

⚡️ Update: The number of injured in a Russian attack against Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Sept. 4 has risen to six (kyivindependent.com/russias-attack-on-lviv/) in Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih.

Mongolia refuses to arrest Putin during visit, choosing economic ties over international law (kyivindependent.com/mongolia-refuses-to-arrest-putin-during-visit-choosing-economic-ties-over-international-law/). Mongolia laid out the red carpet — literally — for Russian President Vladimir Putin when he arrived in the country on Sept. 2. But as the country is a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s Rome Statute, the visit should have meant Putin’s arrest.

⚡️Germany orders (kyivindependent.com/germany-orders-17-iris-t-air-defense-systems-for-ukraine-sholz-says/) 17 IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine, Scholz says. The new 17 units will be sent to Ukraine on top of the seven other systems that have already been delivered. Ukraine can expect to receive four more IRIS-T systems of different ranges by the end of 2024.

As Ukrainian children return to school (https://kyivindependent.com/as-ukrainian-children-return-to-school-russia-launches-missiles-at-educational-facilities/). Russia intensified its attacks on the country’s educational facilities, further disrupting a study process already severely impacted by the full-scale war and sowing anxiety among students and their families. In just three days, Russian strikes damaged at least 12 educational institutions, including a military institute, an aviation institute, a university, and schools across Ukraine, killing and injuring dozens of people. [Pure evil. So many of our dcs also returning to school]

⚡️Ukraine reduces state debt by $9 billion (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reduces-state-debt-by-9-billion-after-restructuring-effort/) after restructuring effort.

⚡️Belarus downs (kyivindependent.com/belarus-allegedly-downs-russian-2-drones-over-countrys-airspace-for-first-time-monitoring-group-reports/) Russian drones over its airspace for first time.

⚡️Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast 149 times throughout the day on Sept. 4 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-sumy-oblast-injure-7/) 7, injuring seven people.

⚡️Explosions heard in Kyiv. Ukraine's Air Force said that Russian attack drones are currently present within the suburbs of the city.

⚡️Cooling tower at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant requires demolition (kyivindependent.com/cooling-tower-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-requires-demolition-after-fire-iaea-chief-says/) after fire on Aug. 12 rendered the structure unusable, IAEA chief says during a visit to the plant.

⚡️White House confirms Russia moved 90% of warplanes outside of ATACMS reach (https://kyivindependent.com/white-house-confirms-russia-moved-90-of-warplanes-outside-of-atacms-reach/).

"The argument that somehow, you just give them ATACMS and tell them they're gonna be able to hit the majority of Russian aircraft and airbases that are, in fact, used to strike them, it's not true, it's a misconception," Kirby said in a response to a journalist's question.

⚡️ US sanctions Simonyan (kyivindependent.com/us-cracks-down-on-russian-interference-in-2024-election/), other Russian propagandists, operatives amid crackdown on election interference. This is part of a sweeping crackdown on supposed election interference

The Kyiv Independent, [05/09/2024 07:56]
⚡️Death toll of Russia's Sept. 3 strike on Poltava rises to 54 (kyivindependent.com/death-toll-of-russias-sept-3-strike-on-potlava-rises-to-54/). Another 297 people are currently listed as wounded, while five more may still be under the rubble.

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-russia-latest-putin-war-live-updates-skynews-blog-12541713?postid=8230824#liveblog-body

So Putin supports Kamala for President….. I can’t quite work out if it’s mind games and bluffing or if he’s genuinely (like the rest of us) terrified of an unpredictable Trump in the White House.

@Igotjelly I think it's bullshit double-bluff head fuckery. He wants Trump in because he knows Trump destabilises the whole democratic west. Strong sane US president is bad for him.
He's just trying to galvanise Trumpian nutters making them even more anti-Kamala.
This is only my opinion. But why would he want the US looking sane again and on track? Trump is good for him, and he knows it.

I do tend to agree but then I wonder if he worries Trump is so unpredictable and corruptible that he might end up not being the safe (for Russia) bet that he seems. In essence if he can be convinced that supporting Ukraine could make him look like a hero I could see Trump being willing to support the Ukrainians for purely personal narcissistic reasons.

Thanks very much @blueshoes

I'll hopefullyt be able to do the roundup tomorrow but it's much appreciated that you took it over today

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress no worries at all

Putin supported Biden when Biden was running because he was a more "predictable, old-style politician". For Harris, it is her "laughs". God forbid that a woman could actually be competent.

Much as it is KGB mind-f_cks, surely supporting Harris openly would put him further down Trump's estimation, considering the binary way in which Trump thinks.

for the stalwart round-up writers, and all the other highly informed contributors.

Thanks. 😁

The Russians appear to have culminated around Pokrovsk, as I speculated might well happen previously.

Ukrainian Forces halt Russian advance, stabilize Pokrovsk front

It's good news indeed if true.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-4-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russia appears to be relying on several countries, including India, Serbia, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as part of its efforts to evade Western sanctions.
• Russian forces struck civilian infrastructure in Lviv City, Lviv Oblast and Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast during another mid-sized combined drone and missile strike on the night of September 3 to 4.
• Ukrainian authorities are investigating another report of apparent Russian war crimes against Ukrainian soldiers.
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on September 4 that Germany will provide 17 additional IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine by 2026.
• Ukrainian officials announced a series of resignations and appointments among senior members of the Ukrainian cabinet on September 3 and 4.
• Ukrainian forces reportedly made marginal advances in Kursk Oblast amid continued fighting throughout the Ukrainian salient on September 4.
• Russian forces recently advanced southeast of Pokrovsk and southwest of Donetsk City, and Ukrainian forces recently regained positions west of Donetsk City.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) continues to portray itself as suitably addressing its obligations towards Russian veterans of the war in Ukraine.

I'll not go back the full two days. Again, thanks Blue!

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

The Biden administration is leading "urgent discussions" with U.S. Congress to save around $6 billion in assistance for Ukraine before it expires on Sept. 30 deadline, Reuters reported on Sept. 5, citing undisclosed sources.
Razom for Ukraine, a U.S.-based non-profit advocating for international support for the embattled country, pointed out in late August that $6.2 billion in the presidential drawdown authority (PDA) will expire by the end of the month – which marks the end of the fiscal year – without immediate action. https://kyivindependent.com/us-leadership-in-talks-on-6-billion/

⚡️Leaked documents reveal https://kyivindependent.com/leaked-documents-reveal-india-and-russia-developed-secret-trade-links-ft-reports/ India and Russia developed secret trade links, FT reports.
Russia and India developed covert trade links so the Kremlin could acquire components needed for its war effort, the Financial Times reported on Sept. 5.

Oleksandr Syrskyi revealed that Russia had planned an offensive from the Kursk region before Ukrainian forces launched operations there. https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-preempted-russian-offensive-plans-in-kursk-syrskyi-says/

⚡️Pokrovsk train station closes https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-train-station-closes-for-civilian-evacuations/ for civilian evacuations as security situation deteriorates.

⚡️Russian advance near Pokrovsk stalled https://kyivindependent.com/russian-advance-near-pokrovsk-stalled-in-recent-days-syrskyi-says/ in recent days, Syrskyi says.

⚡️ Russia pulls 60,000 troops https://kyivindependent.com/russia-pulled-60-000-troops-to-counter-kursk-incursion-zelensky-claims/ to counter Kursk incursion, Zelensky claims.

⚡️ US to announce $250 million https://kyivindependent.com/us-pledges-250-million-military-aid-package-for-ukraine/ military aid package for Ukraine.

⚡️ Romanian president signs decree https://kyivindependent.com/romanian-president-signs-decree-on-donating-patriot-to-ukraine/ on donating Patriot to Ukraine.

Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands will soon jointly provide Ukraine with 77 older Leopard 1A5 tanks, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on Sept. 6 during a Ramstein group meeting. https://kyivindependent.com/germany-canada-pledge-howitzers-rockets-to-ukraine/

⚡️UK to provide Ukraine with $213 million package https://kyivindependent.com/uk-to-provide-ukraine-with-213-million-package-of-air-defense-missiles/ of air defense missiles.

⚡️German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Berlin would deliver an additional 12 self-propelled Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers to Kyiv.
A new defense aid package was also announced by Canada, including 80,840 motors of decommissioned small air-to-surface unguided rockets CRV7, along with 1,300 warheads and the chassis for almost 100 armored vehicles. https://kyivindependent.com/germany-canada-pledge-howitzers-rockets-to-ukraine/

Ukraine's parliament on Sept. 5 approved Andrii Sybiha as the new foreign minister after the resignation of the previous top diplomat, Dmytro Kuleba. https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-approves-sybiha-as-new-foreign-minister/

⚡️Scholz, Zelensky to meet https://kyivindependent.com/scholz-zelensky-to-meet-in-germany-on-september-6/ in Germany on September 6.

⚡️Austrian chancellor invites https://kyivindependent.com/austria-open-to-host-possible-talks/ Ukraine, Russia to hold peace talks in Vienna.

The 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade helped to avert a "catastrophic" situation in Niu-York in Donetsk Oblast, unblocking surrounded Ukrainian soldiers and regaining part of the settlement, the brigade said on Sept. 6. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-azov-says-it-relieved-surrounded-troops-in-niu-york/

⚡️Zelensky claims 6,000 Russian soldiers killed, wounded in Kursk Oblast https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ramstein-kursk-threat-sumy/

⚡️Ukraine's parliament approved the appointment of eight more ministers amid a major government reshuffle on Sept. 5. https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-approves-7-more-new-ukrainian-ministers/

The U.S. State Department on Sept. 5 announced sanctions against two vessels and two entities connected to Russia's sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. https://kyivindependent.com/us-slaps-sanctions-on-russian-lng/

Russian forces seem to have gunned down a group of surrendering Ukrainian soldiers near Pokrovsk in late August, CNN reported on Sept. 6, publishing an exclusive video. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-kill-surrendering-ukrainian-soldiers-near-pokrovsk-cnn-reports/

⚡️Warehouses in flames after Russian drone attack against Lviv. https://kyivindependent.com/warehouses-in-flames-after-russian-drone-attack-against-lviv/

⚡️Officials say 55 killed, 328 injured in Poltava as rescue operations conclude. https://kyivindependent.com/55-killed-328-injured-in-poltava-as-rescue-operations-conclude/
⚡️ Russian missiles hit Poltava within 3 minutes, people died on their way to shelter, says Zelensky.

The number of injured in a Russian attack against Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Sept. 6 has risen to 55, the State Emergency Service said. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-pavlohrad-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-injures-5/

⚡️ Russian attack on Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast injures 5.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦■ Engagements & casualties stay below 7-day average
■ Big drone, vehicle & special equipment losses however
■ Number of 🇺🇦 strikes doubles between days; improved strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Germany has ordered 17 IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced. According to the DPA agency, these include eight medium-range systems (SLM) and nine short-range systems (SLS). Currently, Ukraine already has four SLM and three SLS systems.
Scholz highlighted that these systems have helped shoot down more than 250 Russian missiles and drones, saving many lives.

Ukraine has evacuated another group of 25 Ukrainians from Lebanon, including 11 children and 14 adults, along with one Czech citizen.

The Russian Federation is secretly purchasing dual-purpose goods from India to support its military industry, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The article reveals that Russia has devised secret plans to use around $1 billion to acquire essential electronics from India through covert channels. This plan involves tapping into the significant reserves of money accumulated from oil sales to India, viewing the country as an alternative market for goods previously sourced from nations now under Western sanctions.
The report also highlights that Russia and its Indian partners are focusing on acquiring dual-use technologies, which are subject to export controls.

A company owned by Russian oligarchs has become a shareholder in Harbor Energy, the largest producer of oil and gas in UK waters, according to the BBC. LetterOne, an investment firm partly owned by Russian billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Peter Aven, acquired 15% of Harbor Energy's shares. While LetterOne will not have voting rights in the company, it will still receive profits through dividends.
Harbor Energy is the UK's largest oil and gas producer, having acquired assets from the German company Wintershall DEA, which was partly co-owned by LetterOne. As a result, LetterOne's shares in Wintershall were exchanged for Harbor Energy shares. [headdesk]

🇸🇪 On Thursday, the Swedish government announced an additional 500 million Swedish kronor (about 44 million euros) in aid to support Ukraine's heating and energy supply.

The European Commission will allocate €40 million to Ukraine to repair its energy infrastructure, announced Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Six Russians have been charged in the U.S. for cyberattacks on Ukraine and NATO leading up to the 2022 invasion.
Five of the accused are officers from Unit 29155 of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), Russia's military intelligence: Yuriy Denisov, Vladislav Borovkov, Denis Denisenko, Dmitry Holoshubov, and Nikolai Korchagin.

The White House has advised Moscow to stop interfering in the U.S. presidential election and criticized Putin's public comments about "supporting" certain candidates.

According to Politico, Ukraine is setting an example of how to handle occupied territories.
The publication notes that Russian civilians in areas controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces are relatively safe, and Moscow has not provided evidence of Ukraine violating the Geneva Convention. Ukraine is working to restore water supply and has doctors operating in these areas, where hundreds of Russians remain. Kyiv has requested Moscow open a humanitarian corridor for local evacuation but has not received a response.

Forty years ago, a close associate of Vladimir Putin played a key role in the murder of one of Ukraine’s most celebrated dissident writers. Today, he is orchestrating espionage networks for Russia throughout Europe.
Read full: https://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/how-putins-inside-man-started-his-career-by-sending-ukrainian-dissident-poet-vasyl-stus-to-the-gulag-2118

The night attack on Lviv resulted in significant damage to the Regional Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. The center's historic building, a villa originally built in 1893 by Josefa Franz and considered an architectural monument of local importance, was severely affected. More than 70 windows were shattered, frames were blown out by the shock wave, and the ceiling collapsed in six offices. Additionally, computers, medical equipment, and heating systems were destroyed.

A separate presidential brigade named after Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi has shared a photo of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

💵 Ukraine has completed its debt restructuring, reducing its debt by $9 billion
This is one of the largest debt write-offs among recent restructurings. Debt payments are reduced by 93%, which will result in savings of $11.4 billion over the next three years.
At the same time, debt servicing and repayment costs will be reduced by 77% by 2033, which will save a total of $22.8 billion.

The Ukrainian parliament has appointed Olha Stefanishyna as Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, and Oleksiy Kuleba as Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine and Minister of Community and Territorial Development. Kuleba will oversee three ministries simultaneously

🇬🇧UK announces supply of 650 Martlet missiles to Ukraine in new defense package.
On September 6, 2024, the United Kingdom announced a new £162 million air defense package for Ukraine, including the supply of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM).

A cooling tower at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was heavily damaged in a fire last month and may have to be demolished, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said during a visit to the plant

Ukraine’s wartime production tripled in 2023, doubled again in 2024, resigning Minister Kamyshin says.
"534 days ago, I was appointed as the Minister. My task was clear: to restart the ministry’s operations according to wartime realities," outgoing Strategic Industries Minister Olexander Kamyshin said as the parliament approved his resignation.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

⚡️On September 10, a debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will take place.
It will last 90 minutes, with microphones turned on only for the candidate currently speaking.

There has been a reshuffling of ministers in the Ukrainian Cabinet following a meeting of the "Servant of the People" faction with President Zelensky.
The new appointments are as follows:
▪️Minister of Foreign Affairs – Andriy Sybiha;
▪️Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Deputy Prime Minister – Oleksiy Kuleba;
▪️Minister of Justice, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration– Olha Stefanishyna;
▪️Minister for Veterans Affairs – Nataliia Kalmykova;
▪️Minister of Culture – Mykola Tochytskyi;
▪️Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food – Vitalii Koval;
▪️Minister of Youth and Sports – Matvii Bidnyi;
▪️Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources – Svitlana Hrynchuk;
▪️Minister of Strategic Industries – Herman Smetanin.
Oleksandr Kamyshin will transition to the President's Office, where he will focus on issues related to armaments and infrastructure.

As Ukrainian forces expand territory in Russia's Kursk region, Zelensky elaborates on mission objectives and results.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38574

⚡️Ukrainian Military Intelligence has carried out a cyber attack on Russian infrastructure
According to Kyiv Post source in Ukrainian intelligence, on September 4, a cyber operation by the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), targeted network infrastructure in Russia.
The attack hit Lukoil, the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GIBDD), and the Bank of Russia.
A total of 18 servers were destroyed beyond recovery, and the infrastructure of the company Antenna, which provides services to numerous government agencies and commercial enterprises involved in supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine, was also compromised.

Kyiv Post Morning News Roundup for September 6th, 2024
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38537

On Trump I see he has suggested he would lift sanctions on both Russia and Iran which is more than a little concerning. But then we all know his policies change like the wind.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-makes-shocking-promise-ex-203510256.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvLnVrLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAH9QhEH1XX0Pz0Csc6x9MOmjnP8MzS4EUvwxLKRtqXj1xARb_VanWPEj19pSVgiSLtqXprYGd_GwKP_gTVeStUVo_iW7pKhQhF7q2BWtGIgAw1aOn_TFTAyirw0n3TPs9uaGSztNYliZFJ31qYKk79zWMs_jC1ObPz3ZqxnGZLjz

Here's more evidence that the Russian offensive has culminated.

Russian advance near Pokrovsk stalled in recent days, Syrskyi says

So now the Russians aren't moving there and don't seem to be able to generate a force capable of pushing the Ukrainians out of Kursk. They weren't that great an army before they attacked Ukraine, and now they seem really spent.

I'm almost scared to believe any good news but certainly living in hope

I was in Tesco yesterday and they had a very large number of very large sunflowers for sale among their cut flowers. Usually they have all the ordinary cut flowers for bunching Granny with (or saying sorry to your wife if you're late home) like roses and glads and such, but the sunflowers had taken over in a big way. Whether this was Ukraine-related or not I couldn't easily tell, but it made me smile.

Always lovely to see sunflowers. Ukraine just recently celebrated its independence day 🌻🌻🌻

Notice the sunflowers next to the Ukrainian artillerymen in the Pokrovsk photo below 😁

Well said @MagicFox

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-5-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces have recently intensified their longstanding offensive effort to eliminate the broad Ukrainian salient west and southwest of Donetsk City and advance up to and along the H-15 (Donetsk City-Zaporizhzhia City) highway.
• Apparently coordinated Russian offensive operations from the southern flank of the Pokrovsk direction to the western flank of the Ukrainian defense around Vuhledar likely aim to increase pressure on Ukrainian forces defending in western Donetsk Oblast and set conditions for further gains in Russia's prioritized offensive effort in the Pokrovsk direction.
• Russian forces are conducting relatively intensified offensive operations elsewhere southwest and west of Donetsk City, and the intensification of Russian offensive operations near Vuhledar likely does not presage decreased Russian offensive tempo elsewhere in western Donetsk Oblast in the near-term.
• Russian forces intensified offensive operations near Vuhledar shortly after starting to widen the southern flank of the Pokrovsk salient, suggesting that Russian forces intend to conduct mutually reinforcing offensive operations along the southern flank of the Pokrovsk direction, immediately west of Donetsk City, along the 0-0532 highway, and near Vuhledar.
• The Russian military command likely aims for the intended seizure of Kurakhove and Vuhledar to allow Russian forces to make more rapid tactical gains up to and along the H-15 highway, although Russian forces will likely face challenges in leveraging the envisioned seizure of these settlements to eliminate the broad Ukrainian salient in western Donetsk Oblast.
• The Russian military command continues to prioritize the offensive effort on Pokrovsk and will likely treat the intensified effort in western Donetsk Oblast as a secondary effort. The Russian military command likely intends for this secondary effort, regardless of its success, to fix Ukrainian forces in western Donetsk Oblast and prevent Ukrainian redeployments to reinforce the defense of Pokrovsk.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to downplay the theater-wide operational impacts of the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast and continues efforts to convince the Russian people that the Kremlin's delayed and disorganized response to the Kursk incursion is an acceptable price to pay for further Russian advances in Donetsk Oblast.
• The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast has had theater-wide impacts and these impacts will likely continue to affect Russian offensive and defensive capabilities beyond the culmination of the Pokrovsk offensive.
• Putin's informational efforts are likely intended to convince the Russian public that an ongoing Ukrainian presence in Kursk Oblast is tolerable in exchange for the Russian seizure of Pokrovsk.
• Russian offensive operations in Donetsk Oblast do not portend the imminent collapse of the frontline throughout Ukraine, despite Putin's efforts to portray the advances in Donetsk Oblast as dramatic.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar, southeast of Kupyansk, and in the Kherson direction and Ukrainian forces recently regained positions north of Kharkiv City.
• Russian forces continue to forcibly redeploy mobilized Russian military personnel from occupied Ukraine to frontline positions to bolster Russia's crypto-mobilization efforts.

🌻There were loads of sunflower fields in Donetsk region. People in villages used to also grow their own and make cold pressed sunflower oil. My great grandfather did this, he lived in the village of Pokrovs’ke in Bahmut district. Now this fresh sunflower oil is not the kind you buy in the supermarkets. We used to buy ours at farmers markets and this was used for dressing salads, boiled potatoes etc.
the taste of this oil is quite rustic, quite nutty and it’s very fragrant. I’d give a lot for a bottle of this now.
When we were in our final year at school, we were lucky to have been sent on a school trip to L’viv oblast. This was my first time in Western Ukraine and it felt like a trip to another country. We were housed with local families in 2 or 3 villages, and it was suggested that people in western Ukraine may appreciate a gift of sunflower oil from Donetsk region, and they didn’t produce it there.
this was true and our hosts were delighted. 😁 I went back to visit them several times on my own after that and always took some sunflower oil. (They sent me back with gifts of home made sausage)
Today L’viv residents said goodbye to the Bazylechiv family that was killed by a russian missile earlier this week and the whole city was covered in sunflowers. As a tribute to one of the daughters who was holding sunflowers on the picture with her family. I am sure you would have seen this in the news…. 🌻😢

Watching the Zelenskyy doc in BBC. What a contrast to Putin. A man with real friends and a family who clearly adore him. 💙💛 He comes across incredibly well, I just hope the war doesn’t grind out of him what is clearly a really joyful spirit.