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

You are not alone! I had a literal panic attack recently when my Ryanair pilot dared to leave the cockpit to use the loo! Like goddamn you man, get back behind the controls 😂

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Next Ramstein-format meeting to be held on Sept. 6, RFE/RL reports. https://kyivindependent.com/next-meeting-in-ramstein-format-to-be-held-on-september-6/

⚡️Syrskyi reveals https://kyivindependent.com/syrskyi-reveals-statistics-over-9-000-missiles-and-14-000-drones-fired-by-russia-since-invasion-began/ statistics: over 9,000 missiles and 14,000 drones fired by Russia since invasion began. Syrskyi also reported that Ukrainian air defense has successfully destroyed more than 2,400 missiles and 9,200 drones. 5,197 of the launched missiles were aimed at civilian targets.

⚡️ Ukraine air defense pledges from some NATO countries not being fulfilled, Bloomberg reports.
At least five systems pledged at last month's NATO Summit in Washington D.C. have failed to materialize so far, the outlet said. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-air-defense-pledges-from-some-nato-countries-not-being-fulfilled-bloomberg-reports/

⚡️ Russia to create troop groups https://kyivindependent.com/russia-to-create-belgorod-kursk-bryansk-troop-groups-amid-ukraines-incursion/ in Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk oblasts amid Ukraine's incursion.

⚡️ Russian general weakened border defenses before Ukraine's Kursk incursion, WSJ reports https://kyivindependent.com/russian-general-weakened-border-defenses-before-ukraines-kursk-incursion-wsj-reports/
A Russian general dismantled a council charged with overseeing security in Russia's Kursk Oblast in the spring, weakening border defenses before Ukraine's unprecedented incursion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Aug. 21.

⚡️ Ukraine's special forces confirm strike https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-special-forces-confirm-strike-on-kursk-oblast-pontoon-crossing/ on Kursk Oblast pontoon crossing.

Russian air defenses allegedly downed ten Ukrainian attack drones overnight on Aug. 21 near Moscow in "one of the largest attempts to attack Moscow with drones to date," Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-allegedly-downs-drones-in-one-of-the-largest-drone-attacks-on-moscow-oblast-mayor-claims/

⚡️Putin makes surprise visit https://kyivindependent.com/putin-makes-surprise-visit-to-chechnya-for-first-time-in-13-years/ to Chechnya for first time in 13 years.

⚡️ Putin allows foreigners to apply for Russian temporary residence https://kyivindependent.com/russia-to-provide-temporary-residence-to-foreigners-not-accepting-policies-of-their-countries/ on 'moral grounds.'

⚡️ Russia issues information security alert https://kyivindependent.com/russian-interior-ministry-introduces-recommendations-on-information-security-in-3-oblasts-bordering-ukraine/ in regions bordering Ukraine amid Kursk incursion.

⚡️Ukraine's parliament ratifies ICC's Rome Statute. https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-ratifies-iccs-rome-statute/

Rostov Oblast oil depot fire continues for third day https://kyivindependent.com/fire-at-oil-depot-still-being-extinguished-for-3rd-day-in-a-row-following-ukraines-strike-on-russias-rostov-oblast/ after drone strike, Russian governor claims.

Kyiv Independent to launch travel show https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independent-to-launch-travel-show-dare-to-ukraine/ 'Dare to Ukraine'
The Kyiv Independent is launching a travel show called "Dare to Ukraine." In each of the six episodes, host Masha Lavrova will travel to six regions across the country to explore the local culture, architecture, food, popular activities, people, and everyday life.

⚡️ Russian forces attack children's cafe https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-hit-childrens-cafe-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast-killing-1-injuring-4-people/ in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing boy, injuring 4.
⚡️Russian attacks against Ukraine kill https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-5-injure-31/ 5, injure 31 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦⚡️ WAR IN

• AUG 20, 2024

■ Engagements stay above 7-day average, high casualties ■ Record high special equipment losses, big APV & vehicle losses ■ Fewer strikes on both sides but ratio could be better

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Putin Orders Military to Liberate Kursk Region by October 1
According to "RBK Ukraine," citing Ukraine's military-political leadership, Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his military to regain control of the Kursk region by October 1. However, he insists that forces in key areas of the Donetsk region, particularly in the Toretsk and Pokrovsk directions, should not be withdrawn.
Currently, Russia is attempting to redeploy units from other regions to strengthen its presence in the Kursk area, drawing two brigades from Zaporizhzhia and two reserve assault battalions from Kherson. Among the forces deployed to the border region are the 810th brigade of the Black Sea Fleet and the 155th marine brigade. Conscripts drafted in the spring of 2024 have also been sent there.
This redeployment suggests that Russia may be facing a shortage of available forces and reserves. It also underscores that Putin values success in the Donetsk region over control of the Kursk area.

Russian Occupiers Begin Construction Along Crimean Bridge: Resembles a Parallel Structure
In early August, photos surfaced showing construction activity along the Crimean bridge, with builders driving piles for what appears to be a parallel structure. Satellite images also reveal boom barriers on both sides of the bridge.
It is believed that this new construction is aimed at enhancing the bridge's protection against potential Ukrainian attacks.

Ukraine Urgently Requests NATO Countries for Critical Civil Engineering, Medical, and Fire Equipment
Ukraine has made an urgent request to NATO countries through the Euro-Atlantic Coordination Center for essential civil engineering, medical, and fire equipment. The requested items include:

• 17 tracked and 10 wheeled important excavators,
• 30 tractors with trailers capable of transporting goods up to 100 tons,
• 25 reserved sanitary vehicles,
• 27 fire vehicles.

Hungary Yet to Provide Explanation to EU on Relaxed Entry Requirements for Russian and Belarusian Citizens — European Commission
The European Commission had set a deadline for Hungary to respond, but Gipper confirmed that no answer has been received so far, though Hungary is reportedly preparing one. She noted that the European Commission remains in contact with Hungarian authorities.

Ukraine Becomes Germany's Top Trading Partner in Post-Soviet Space — Deutsche Welle
According to the East German Economic Committee, Ukraine has emerged as Germany's main trading partner in the post-Soviet space. From January to June 2024, trade between Germany and Ukraine reached 5.16 billion euros, a 10.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, purchases of Ukrainian products rose by almost 20%.
Kazakhstan ranks second, with trade reaching 4.75 billion euros (+7.2%) over the past six months, largely driven by increased oil exports to Germany. However, German exports to Kazakhstan decreased by 15.8%, potentially indicating that Astana is limiting its role as a channel for Russia to evade Western sanctions.
Additionally, Germany increased energy imports from Azerbaijan by over 29%.

Finland Funds Environmental School Development in Kyiv Region
The Finnish government has invested in rebuilding two schools in the villages of Mikulichi and Nemishaeve in the Kyiv region, both of which were damaged by Russian missile attacks, according to the Finnish State Rada. This

A 15-year-old boy injured in the Russian shelling of Malokaterynivka, Zaporizhzhia, has tragically died in the intensive care unit.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇸 Biden has signed https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/20/us/politics/biden-nuclear-china-russia.html a secret document on the US nuclear strategy.
According to the NYT, the document changes the policy of deterrence and prepares the army for nuclear confrontations with Russia, China, and North Korea. This decision was influenced by the cooperation of these countries.
Previously, the United States did not see such a need or threat, as Washington did not believe that adversaries could unite to overtake the American nuclear potential.

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan has applied to join the BRICS, which is chaired by Russia.
The BRICS currently consists of 9 countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia. In late July, Malaysia applied to join the organization.
▪️The day before, Putin arrived in Azerbaijan to meet with President Ilham Aliyev. They discussed the development of allied and strategic relations between the two countries.

The Kursk Oblast of Russia has announced early gubernatorial elections: instead of the scheduled September 6-9, they will begin on August 29

Ukraine shifted the war to the territory of the aggressor country because it was not allowed to attack Russian territory with Western weapons
All of Putin's so-called "red lines" are a bluff. Ukraine's victory can come sooner, all it needs is the political will of its coalition partners.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

With Ukraine's allies still slow to deliver promised military aid packages, Russians' artillery advantage at 3-to-1 and being outnumbered on the ground, Ukrainian forces continue to fall back in Eastern Ukraine.

Sweden moves a step closer to placing military advisors in Ukraine
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37666

Has anyone got access to the NYT for that article? (mind you the NYT seems an increasingly patchy publication)

I don't have access to the NYT (and the paywall remover isn't working) but here's an article in Reuters about the same issue US says secret nuclear strategy not a response to single country or threat | Reuters

I might be wrong but seems to be a bit of a non-story but since it has the word 'nuclear' in it clearly it generates headlines. This is a document updated every 4 years as standard. To be honest an orientation towards China, whilst not taking the eye of Russia doesn't seem entirely unreasonable to me given the state of the World these days.

To digress but If it helps don’t forget there are two pretty much equally qualified pilots up front (sometimes more on Longhaul) but airliners are certified to be operated briefly by a single pilot (to allow things like loo breaks).

The only difference between captain and co-pilot tends to be the captain has done an upgrade course with the company so their neck is on the block legally, they are the only sign some of the legally required paperwork and just maybe might be the only one of the two that do some niche stuff like be in control for autoland (and even the co-pilots are trained to do thoseif they have to.)…other than that both captains and co-pilots get checked to the same standard during their 6 monthly simulator sessions.

The poor co-pilots often get regarded as the captains assistant by a lot of the general public but they are anything but.

Thanks for that, its nice to hear! No matter how much common sense I apply it doesn't stop my animal brain being convinced the thing is just going to fall out of the sky (and I fly numerous times a year short and long haul, it makes no difference )

Stick the url into https://archive.ph/

ty!

The WSJ has an exclusive story explaining the multiple command failures that left Kursk so vulnerable to attack.

How a General’s Blunder Left Russia’s Border Vulnerable - Col. Gen. Alexander Lapin dismantled a council that oversaw security in the Kursk province in the months before Ukrainian troops invaded

There was no contingency planning, and with the council gone, no centralized authority to coordinate the responses of the FSB, Rosguardia, conscript army units, and the local police.

Russian command doctrine is very top-down and prohibits lower level units from taking any initiative based on local conditions. For example, Russia troops will be told to move from point A to point B, but not told why they are being moved, what mission they are supporting or what to do when they get there. They will simply wait at point B until they receive further orders.

What's happened in Kursk is a good example of the drawbacks of this approach.

What's happened in Kursk is a good example of the drawbacks of this approach.

that approach would be their default because asking questions and applying critical thinking are very much discouraged in russia, it starts with early years education - training children to obey but not to ask questions. At school and in summer camps. I know this because I was once this child in USSR

Armies are a product of their larger societies. If that is how children are brought up, it's not surprising to see that attitude reflected in how their military command structures work. The problems arise because war is a complex, dynamic process. You can't always wait for orders, especially if you don't understand what the mission you're assigned to is.

In the US Army, there's a principle called Commander's Intent. Everyone from the commanding officer to the cook making coffee in the mess tent understands the purpose of the mission, the key tasks required to complete the mission, and what the desired end state is. Suppose you are cut off from higher command or have to react to changing conditions. Everyone is trained and expected to exercise initiative and continue the mission according to the commander's intent. You can't just sit on your butt and wait for orders. Even if you screw up, doing something is rewarded vs doing nothing.

Russia has been burned in Ukraine many times because of this flaw in its command doctrine, but if it's that deeply ingrained in their culture, it's not going to change.

Yes @MissConductUS you have mentioned and explained this particular issue many times before in the previous threads and it always made sense to me.
”You can't just sit on your butt and wait for orders.”
this is exactly what you are supposed to be doing not only in the army in Russia but in general as a member of society. They have been conditioned to be obedient to those in power, from childhood and for generations.

@Hillsmakeyoustrong, you are always welcome 😁

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-20-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian forces continued attacking throughout the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast on August 20 and recently made additional advances.
• Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi displayed a map depicting the situation in Kursk Oblast on August 20, and ISW will use the boundaries of this map to update its assessment of maximalist claimed limits of Ukrainian advances in Kursk Oblast, consistent with ISW's mapping methodology for the Ukrainian incursion thus far.
• Russian authorities have reportedly re-deployed Russian units from the Chasiv Yar direction to Kursk Oblast amid efforts to address the ongoing Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast with Russian forces previously in the area and re-deployments from lower priority sectors of the frontline in Ukraine.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the site of the 2004 Beslan school siege on August 20, likely in an effort to link the Russian "counterterrorism" response to the Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast to a "successful" Russian counterterrorism operation in the early 2000s.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Donetsk City.
• Russian federal subjects (regions) continue to increase monetary incentives for signing Russian military contracts in order to bolster Russia's force generation efforts.

I flew an airbus simulator at school - the computer does pretty much everything up until landing (which btw I did not manage so well - in the words of my teacher "everyone died" ), I just had to monitor, and adjust flight levels on the computer every so often as I got closer to landing so I would not worry about the pilot coming out to the loo!

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-21-2024-0

Key Takeaways:

• The Kremlin appears to have launched an intricate messaging campaign aimed at justifying to its domestic audience why Russia is prioritizing maintaining the initiative in eastern Ukraine over immediately expelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast.
• Putin notably appears to be demanding that Russia defeat Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast without sacrificing the stability of his regime, deprioritizing the offensive in eastern Ukraine, or firing his incompetent but loyal lieutenants. The results of such a strategy are too early to forecast.
• Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations throughout the Kursk Oblast salient on August 21 and have made additional marginal advances.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Republic of Chechnya for the first time in 13 years on August 20, likely in an effort to shift domestic focus away from the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast and posture normalcy and stability.
• Recent US intelligence assessments highlight Ukraine's efforts to develop alternative and asymmetric capabilities in the face of Russian manpower and materiel advantages, as well as Ukraine's continued dependence on Western security assistance.
• Ukraine continues efforts to attrit Russia's air defense and aviation capabilities.
• Russian authorities may have attempted to block Telegram and other non-Russian internet communications services on August 21.
• The Russian government is reportedly supporting a bill that would allow Russian authorities to draw up administrative protocols against Russian citizens who violate Russian law while living abroad.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin and People's Republic of China (PRC) Premier Li Qiang discussed deepening bilateral economic and trade relations in Moscow on August 21.
• Russian forces recently advanced southeast of Pokrovsk, southwest of Donetsk City, and northeast of Robotyne.
• Russian occupation authorities continue to create Cossack organizations in occupied Ukraine, likely to build out Russia's military reserves and law enforcement bodies in occupied Ukraine.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Georgia's ruling party to seek constitutional ban https://kyivindependent.com/ruling-georgian-dream-party-to-seek-constitutional-ban-of-opposition/ of chief opposition party.

⚡️Ukraine needs to increase external financing by $12-15 billion in 2025, Finance Ministry says.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-needs-to-increase-external-financing-by-12-15-billion-in-2025-finance-ministry-says/
"The intensity of hostilities and the risks of a prolonged war, as well as the systematic growth of security and defense sector expenditures, are the key factors that influence the growth of financial needs," Deputy Finance Minister Olha Zykova said.

⚡️Ukrainian hackers show war footage https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-hackers-show-war-footage-on-russian-tv/ on Russian TV, source says.
Hackers of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) broke into servers of several Russian television channels and broadcasted "objective videos about the war in Ukraine," a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 22.

⚡️Russian governor claims foiled Ukrainian attempt to cross into Bryansk Oblast.
A Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group attempted to enter the Klimovsky district of Russia's Bryansk Oblast on Aug. 21, Governor Alexander Bogomaz claimed. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-governor-claims-foiled-ukrainian-attempt-to-cross-into-bryansk-oblast/

⚡️Russia plans https://kyivindependent.com/russia-plans-to-respond-to-ukraines-kursk-oblast-incursion-military-intelligence-says/ to respond to Ukraine's Kursk Oblast incursion, military intelligence says.
Russia is planning to respond to Ukraine's operation in Kursk Oblast, Vadym Skibitsky, the deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, said during an event in Kyiv on Aug. 21, Lb.ua media outlet reported.

⚡️ Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade releases cryptic video of 'full offensive somewhere in Kharkiv Oblast https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-3rd-assault-brigade-releases-cryptic-video-of-full-offensive-somewhere-in-kharkiv-oblast/

⚡️Rostov Oblast oil depot fire ongoing for 5th day, https://kyivindependent.com/rostov-oblast-oil-depot-fire-ongoing-for-5th-day-russian-officials-report/ Russian officials report.

Ukraine's attack on the Savasleyka airbase in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod Oblast on Aug. 16 destroyed three Russian planes and damaged around five others, a military intelligence source told the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 21 https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-destroys-3-damages-around-5-russian-aircraft-in-recent-attack-source-says/

⚡️Explosions, fire reported at airfield https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-fire-reported-at-airfield-in-russias-volgograd-region/ in Russia's Volgograd region.

⚡️ Update: Russia admits fire at military facility https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-fire-reported-at-airfield-in-russias-volgograd-region/ in Volgograd Oblast after drone strike.

⚡️All children evacuated https://kyivindependent.com/all-children-evacuated-from-90-settlements-in-donetsk-oblast-as-russian-forces-approach/ from 90 settlements in Donetsk Oblast as Russian forces approach, while another 4,912 children remain in 30 front-line settlements in Kramatorsk and Bakhmut districts, Governor Vadym Filashkin said on Aug. 21.

⚡️ Ukrainian official rejects Putin's accusations https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-official-rejects-putins-accusations-of-attempted-attack-on-kursk-nuclear-plant/ of attempted attack on Kursk nuclear plant.

⚡️ IAEA chief plans to visit Russia's Kursk https://kyivindependent.com/iaea-head-to-visit-kursk-atomic-power-plant/ Nuclear Power Plant.
Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said he would visit the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia due to safety risks associated with Ukraine's ongoing incursion, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Aug. 22.

Cutting ties with Moscow — What does Ukraine's church bill really mean https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-bill-on-religious-organizations/

⚡️Russia prepares disinformation campaigns targeting Ukrainian refugees in Europe, military intelligence says.
The goal of Russia's new operations is to convince people who left Ukraine because of the war not to return, according to Ukraine's military intelligence agency. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-preparing-information-campaigns-against-ukrainian-refugees-in-europe-military-intelligence-says/

⚡️Hungary close to finalizing talks on 'balanced' oil supply amid Ukraine's sanctions against Lukoil. https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-finalizes-talks-on-balanced-oil-supply-amid-ukraines-sanctions-against-lukoil/

The Netherlands will buy 51 mobile radars for Ukraine to detect drones, the Dutch Defense Ministry announced on Aug. 21. https://kyivindependent.com/netherlands-to-buy-over-50-drone-detection-radars-for-ukraine/

⚡️UNHCR to allocate $30 million to support Ukraine's front-line areas in winter. https://kyivindependent.com/unhcr-to-allocate-30-million-to-support-ukraines-front-line-areas-in-winter/

⚡️Canada allocates over $7 million for return https://kyivindependent.com/canada-allocates-7-million-for-return-reintegration-of-ukrainian-children/ reintegration of Ukrainian children.

⚡️ Hungary reportedly starts evicting https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-starts-evicting-some-ukrainian-refugees-from-shelters-as-new-law-comes-into-force/ some Ukrainian refugees from shelters based on new law.
Refugees from Ukraine's southwestern Zakarpattia Oblast are being evicted from shelters after the Hungarian government passed a decree to restrict housing assistance for Ukrainians fleeing their country, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Aug. 22.
The decree, which entered into force on Aug. 21, limits government-subsidized housing only to those Ukrainians who fled the territories directly affected by active hostilities.

⚡️US investigates https://kyivindependent.com/us-investigates-american-commentators-with-ties-to-russian-state-tv-nyt-reports/ American commentators with ties to Russian state TV, NYT reports.
The investigation aims to mitigate the Kremlin's interference in the November presidential election.

Russia launched a criminal investigation into CNN correspondent Nick Walsh and Ukrainian journalists Diana Butsko and Olesia Borovyk on the grounds of an "illegal border crossing" while reporting on Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast, the state-owned news agency TASS reported on Aug. 22. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-investigates-ukrainian-foreign-journalists/

⚡️ Russia building concrete bunkers https://kyivindependent.com/russia-building-concrete-bunkers-in-kursk-city-to-protect-crowded-places/ in Kursk city as Ukraine's incursion continues.

⚡️Russian prosecutors seek up to 24 years in prison for 23 Ukrainians who served in Azov Brigade. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-prosecutors-seek-up-to-24-years-in-prison-for-23-ukrainians-who-served-in-azov-battalion/

️ Telegram, WhatsApp, other sites suffer outages https://kyivindependent.com/telegram-whatsapp-other-sites-suffer-outages-in-russia/ in Russia.
Russian users on Aug. 21 reported widespread outages of Telegram and WhatsApp messengers, the VKontakte social network, and many other websites and apps.

⚡️ Both Ukraine and Russia unable to launch major offensives https://kyivindependent.com/both-ukraine-and-russia-unable-to-launch-major-offensives-pentagon-report-says/ Pentagon report says.
Since the end of the period covered by the report, Ukraine has launched an incursion into Kursk Oblast and now reportedly holds 1,263 sq km of Russian territory.

⚡️Russia attacks against Ukraine kill 6 injure 28 over past day. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-2/

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ - AUG 22, 2024
■ Fewer engagements & casualties
■ Record 7-day drone & special equipm. losses
■ Good tank & APV losses, 3 air defence systems hit
■ Janovsky: 37 🇷🇺 19 🇺🇦; 30-day ratio down to 2.4x
■ Strike ratio back in single-digits

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukraine Ratifies Rome Statute, Moves Closer to EU Membership
Ukraine has taken a significant step towards EU membership by ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. This ratification strengthens Ukraine's commitment to international justice and accountability.

🇺🇦 Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Syrskyi, informed Zelenskyy during his visit to the Sumy region that Ukrainian forces have taken control of another settlement in Russia's Kursk region. Additionally, they have bolstered their exchange fund of captured personnel.

Six children aged 11 to 17, who were injured by Russian shelling in Malokaterynivka, Zaporizhzhia region on August 20, are currently hospitalized.
According to the doctor, two boys are in serious condition with suspected spinal cord injuries.
It is also noted that a 14-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries from the shelling while in the hospital.

Borrell Suggests Lifting Ban on Kyiv Using Western Weapons to Strike Russia Could Aid Peacekeeping
EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell believes that lifting the ban on Kyiv's use of Western weapons to strike Russian targets could contribute to peacekeeping efforts.

Reinforced Concrete Shelters Being Installed in Russian Cities Amid Conflict
In response to the ongoing conflict, Russian cities Kursk, Kurchatov, and Zheleznogorsk have begun installing reinforced concrete shelters. This decision was made by the operational headquarters as part of efforts to enhance civilian protection in these areas.

Netherlands to Purchase Mobile Drone Detection Systems for Ukraine
The Netherlands has signed a contract in The Hague with Robin Radar Systems to supply Ukraine with mobile drone detection equipment. These advanced radars are capable of detecting small drones and differentiating them from other objects, such as birds.

Switzerland Adopts Additional Measures from EU's 14th Sanctions Package Against Russia
The Swiss government has announced the adoption of further measures from the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia, set to take effect on August 27. Earlier, on July 9, Switzerland had already added 69 individuals and 47 legal entities to its sanctions list.
The new restrictions include a ban on Russian diamonds, aligning Swiss policy with international standards on this issue. Additionally, the Swiss Federal Council has extended the time frame for permits that allow the withdrawal of invested funds from Russia, ensuring that Swiss companies can legally cease operations in the country.

Troops from several NATO countries may be stationed in Finland, says Defense Minister.

Russia Plans Covert Mobilization Amid Heavy War Casualties, Reports BILD
Russia is reportedly preparing for a covert mobilization due to significant losses in its war against Ukraine, according to BILD and German analysts. International estimates suggest that 110,000 to 140,000 Russian soldiers have died since the conflict began in February 2022, prompting Moscow to increase its troop numbers through discreet methods.
Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Ivan Havrylyuk, reported that Russian forces in Ukraine have grown from 400,000 at the start of the year to 600,000 currently, with plans to expand to 800,000 by the year's end. However, regions in Russia are running out of funds to recruit contract soldiers, leading to speculation about a looming large-scale mobilization.
Analysts suggest that President Putin may use Ukraine's offensive in the Kursk region as a pretext for increased conscription, but this will likely be done covertly, without an official public announcement.

A woman was trapped in the local administration building in Kozacha Lopan. She and other people were covered in rubble after Russia shelled the village with artillery on Wednesday, August 21.
Rescuers are unable to work efficiently because of the repeated shelling. Russian soldiers launch drone attacks to prevent the rescue operation.

Russian General Lapin's Missteps Weakened Defense in Kursk Region, — WSJ
Russian General Alexander Lapin's decision to disband the interdepartmental defense council in the Kursk region months before a major offensive by Ukrainian forces led to a weakened Russian defense, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing Russian intelligence sources.
Although Lapin is not solely blamed for the failures, his actions are seen as emblematic of the broader detachment of Russia's military leadership from the realities of war. This was not Lapin's first strategic error; his failure to secure the northeast of Ukraine in 2022 allowed Ukrainian forces to regain territory. Despite being removed from his post as commander of the Central Military District in November 2022, Lapin was reassigned in January 2023 to head the main staff of Russia's ground forces, overseeing defense operations in border regions, including the Belgorod region, where his performance remained under scrutiny.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🤡Putin visited Chechnya yesterday and told Kadyrov "we are all infantrymen."

❗️Russian troops are actively using aviation in the Kursk Oblast
Since the beginning of the day, they have carried out 17 air strikes on Russian settlements using 27 guided aerial bombs.

In the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation, there is a noticeable reduction in Russian ground troops, Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras said

🇺🇦🇮🇹 Anti-Corruption Authorities of Ukraine and Italy agree on closer cooperation

Ukroboronprom is the fastest-growing defense company in the world, with a 72% revenue increase in 2023 compared to 2022.
With $2.2 billion in revenue, Ukroboronprom ranks 49th globally.

Putin manipulated Trump's “ego and insecurities” to influence him, former US National Security Advisor Herbert McMaster said https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/aug/21/trump-putin-hr-mcmaster-memoir

McMaster believes that Putin needed Trump's favor to put him at odds with his advisers, who urged him to take a tougher stance against Russia. He recalls how he warned the former president several times about Putin's manipulations, but he was skeptical. Later, Trump fired McMaster from his position as national security adviser. He learned about it from a message on Twitter.

🤡New propaganda posters were installed at the Belarusian-Polish border
New masterpieces of propaganda in English and Polish appeared at the border checkpoint "Brest".
The posters, for example, say how Poland "restricts the right to hold rallies" and "tanks drive on fields instead of tractors".

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Kremlin abruptly changes course, issuing new directives, instructing domestic propaganda outlets to prepare the Russian population for a "new normal" with Ukraine seizing Russian territories.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37752

📈88% of Ukrainians are proud of their citizenship, and 86% see their future in Ukraine, according to a poll by the "Democratic Initiatives" foundation and the Razumkov Center. https://www.kyivpost.com/

⚡️Crimean Telegram channels reporting a strike on Kavkaz Port in Russia's Krasnodar Krai.

Ukraine Targets Russian S-300 Air Defense Missile System in Russia’s Rostov Region
Ukraine’s General Staff confidently reported explosions at the targeted locations, while the extent of the resulting damage was still under investigation. https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37727

Ukraine Naval Forces making occupation untenable for Russians in coastal Ukraine, releasing footage of the destruction of a Russian position on the Kinburn Spit. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/25022

Kyiv Post Morning News Roundup for August 22th, 2024
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37766

Armenians Lob Potatoes at Belarusian Embassy - Diplomat Summoned in Minsk
The incident marked the latest diplomatic spat between Minsk and Yerevan following earlier reports that Belarus had aided Baku’s offensive to retake Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh. https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37799

Some of the stories surfacing about how Russians are treating the occupied are stomach turning. It's hard to not let them haunt you.