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

@blueshoes, I think it falls within the exception for military targets near the Ukrainian border.

@MagicFox, I don't think RFK's nuttier views will tarnish Trump. Voters understand that they have divergent views on some things. I think the hope on Trump's side is that they view him as better overall than Harris.

And to start the weekend off on a happy note, it appears that Russia will soon have a new air launched, long range missile with a 1,000 pound warhead to worry about.

F-16s Armed With JASSM Cruise Missiles Could Be Russia's New Nightmare - Ukraine's new F-16 fighters may soon be equipped with the advanced American AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM), significantly enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities.

I'm fairly certain this will happen. With Biden approaching the end of his term, he'll be less worried about escalation risk on his watch, and Russia's red lines don't seem to mean much. The whole point of supplying the F-16s is that they are a platform for delivering more NATO weapons.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukrainian forces storm penal colony https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-storm-penal-colony-in-kursk-oblast-where-ukrainian-prisoners-held-human-rights-activists-say/ in Kursk Oblast where Ukrainian prisoners were held, human rights activists say.
The seizure of the penal colony will be an important step in documenting war crimes committed by Russia against prisoners of war, the Media Initiative for Human Rights reported on Aug. 23. [I bet they find some horrors there :/]

⚡️Ukraine pushing Russian forces out of Kharkiv Oblast step by step, Zelensky says. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-pushing-russian-forces-out-of-kharkiv-oblast-step-by-step-zelensky-says/

⚡️Biden announces https://kyivindependent.com/biden-confirms-new-aid-package-for-kyiv-ahead-of-ukraines-independence-day/ new aid package for Kyiv ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day.
He did not disclose the amount of aid but mentioned that it would include air defense missiles, among other supplies.

⚡️Some US officials say Washington restricting Ukrainian strikes on Russia in hopes of eventual reset in relations with Moscow, Politico reports. https://kyivindependent.com/politico-washington-restricting-ukrainian-strikes-on-russia-because-it-wants-to-reset-relations-with-moscow/

Some officials in Washington have told Kyiv the U.S. is keeping its restrictions on Ukraine using U.S.-made long-range weapons against Russian territory in order to not upend any future reset with Moscow, Politico reported, citing unnamed officials in the Biden administration.

⚡️South Africa blocks https://kyivindependent.com/south-africa-blocks-artillery-shells-delivery-to-poland-due-to-fear-of-transfer-to-ukraine-media-says/ artillery shell delivery to Poland due to fear of them being transferred to Ukraine, media says.
Warsaw ordered 50,000 155-millimeter shells from the South African company Denel Munition, a subsidiary of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, in which it holds a 51% stake.
The Polish Defense Ministry, in response to a request from Rzeczpospolita, said that the agreement was terminated on Aug. 20, 2023, due to "problems with the subcontractor's execution."

⚡️Norway to finance https://kyivindependent.com/norway-to-finance-production-of-nato-standard-artillery-shells-in-ukraine/ production of NATO-standard artillery shells in Ukraine.
The Norwegian government will provide Kyiv with its defense technology and finance the production of 155-millimeter artillery shells developed by the Nammo (Nordic Ammunition Company) in Ukraine, according to its Aug. 23 statement.

⚡️Latvia to expand https://kyivindependent.com/defense-minister-latvia-to-expand-drone-coalition-and-provide-ukraine-126-million-in-military-support/ Drone Coalition, provide Ukraine $126 million in military support, defense minister says.

⚡️Ukraine, India to hold Joint Working Group https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-india-to-hold-joint-working-group-meeting-on-military-technical-cooperation/ meeting on military-technical cooperation.
The Joint Working Group was established by the 2012 Defense Cooperation Agreement. The first meeting was held in Kyiv on June 4-6, 2018.

⚡️US targets around 400 individuals, entities in Russia, third countries in new sanctions package. https://kyivindependent.com/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russia-third-countries/

⚡️Belarus, China pledge to strengthen https://kyivindependent.com/belarus-china-pledge-to-strengthen-security-ties/ security ties.
According to a joint statement, Beijing and Minsk pledged not only to strengthen security ties but also to improve cooperation in the finance and energy sectors.

⚡️European Commission sees 'no reason to be concerned' about ban on Lukoil's oil supplies to Hungary, Slovakia.
In June, Kyiv imposed sanctions blocking Lukoil, one of the largest oil companies in Russia, from transiting crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline running through Ukrainian territory. https://kyivindependent.com/european-commission-sees-no-reason-to-be-concerned-about-lukoils-oil-supplies-to-hungary-slovakia/

⚡️115 Ukrainian soldiers returned from Russian captivity, Zelensky confirms. https://kyivindependent.com/115-ukrainian-soldiers-returned-from-russian-captivity-zelensky-confirms/

Kursk ‘counteroffensive’ shakes main pillar of Putin’s power grip, retired US general says https://kyivindependent.com/kursk-counteroffensive-exposes-putins-failure-to-protect-russia-retired-u-s-general-says/
Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Kursk Oblast in southwestern Russia helped Kyiv to once again change the narrative of Russia’s invincibility in the war, says retired U.S. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges.

⚡️Ukraine to resume energy exports this week, state grid operator says.
"Exports will take place only during periods of surplus, when solar power plants are actively operating. Electricity will not be exported from Ukraine during periods of maximum consumption, when there is not enough capacity in the power system," the state grid operator Ukrenergo said. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-resume-energy-exports-this-week-state-grid-operator-says/

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪- AUG 24, 2024
■ Engagements slightly above & casualties slightly below 7-day average
■ Good tank, air defence system & MLRS losses
■ 🇺🇦 strikes in August so far have surpassed the whole of July

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

White House representative John Kirby confirmed that the United States is in discussions with Ukraine about increasing the range of strikes within Russian territory using American-supplied weapons.

😈💥 Today marked the first combat use of the new Ukrainian missile-drone "Palianytsia", which successfully struck Russian military targets, as announced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and India have signed four significant bilateral agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. These agreements aim to bolster cooperation across various sectors:

1. Memorandum of Understanding on Humanitarian Grant Aid: Focused on community development between the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers and the Government of India.
2. Agreement on Agricultural and Food Industry Cooperation: Aimed at enhancing collaboration between Ukraine and India in agriculture and the food sector.
3. Cultural Cooperation Program (2024-2028): Establishes a framework for cultural exchange and cooperation between the two nations.
4. Memorandum on Medicinal and Drug Control: Between Ukraine's State Service for Medicinal Products and Narcotics Control and India's Central Inspectorate for Drug Control.

Ukraine Reinforces Abrams Tanks Amid Lack of Top-Secret US Armor
Ukraine received 31 Abrams tanks from the US in the fall of 2023, considered some of the best tanks in the world. However, these tanks arrived without the latest top-secret armor upgrades to protect US military technology from falling into Russian hands. Due to the intense threat posed by drone attacks, Ukrainian soldiers have taken matters into their own hands by adding additional armor to the Abrams tanks and other US vehicles, like the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
De Bretton-Gordon noted that if Ukraine had more Abrams and Challenger tanks, they would likely deploy them differently. Still, due to the slow pace of deliveries, Ukrainian forces are finding creative ways to adapt to evolving threats.

Kerch Crossing Temporarily Closed After Ferry Attack
Following an attack on a ferry, Russian authorities have temporarily closed the Kerch crossing, which connects Crimea to the Krasnodar region, at the port "Kavkaz." Russian media report that a special regime has been introduced at the port to address the ongoing oil spill cleanup efforts.

US Imposes Sanctions on 400 Russian Individuals and Entities
Among those targeted is Pavel Belousov, son of Russia's Minister of Defense.
The sanctions also cover major Russian companies, including Evraz KGZK, Evraz NTMK, Evraz ZSMK, and Evraz Vanadiy Tula, as well as the Russian cargo airline, Air Bridge Cargo.
In addition to Russian entities, the US has sanctioned 46 Chinese companies and a Chinese citizen as part of this latest round of sanctions.

Creation of anti-drone protection for tanks at one of the Russian oil depots

Chasiv Yar. Devastated by the Russians.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

In the first four months of 2024, Intel and AMD processor imports to Russia dropped by 15 times. Intel's import value fell 12 times to 297 million rubles, and AMD imports totaled 17,000 units worth 142 million rubles, down 258% in quantity and 321% in value, due to sanctions and logistical issues.

Russian security forces stormed colony No. 19 in Surovikino, Volgograd Oblast, and killed four prisoners who had taken hostages from the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service

🇵🇱 President of Poland Andrzej Duda has arrived in Kyiv
He will take part in the celebrations on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day.

❗️❗️Five people killed, five wounded in shelling of Konstantinovka in Donetsk Oblast - Regional Military Administration

Russians destroyed the local history museum in Huliaypole, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
The building caught fire due to a shell hit and burned to the ground.
The museum had exhibitions and displays, including those dedicated to the insurgency in southern Ukraine in 1918-1921 led by Nestor Makhno.
ℹ️Nestor Makhno was a notable anarchist revolutionary and military leader during the Russian Civil War. He led the "Makhnovists," an anarchist army that implemented self-managed communities in parts of Ukraine, known as "Free Territories." Makhno was famous for his guerrilla warfare tactics, fighting both the White armies (monarchists) and the Bolsheviks. Despite initially cooperating with the Bolsheviks, he later opposed their authoritarian rule. His legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against both Tsarist and Bolshevik oppression.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

In his evening address, President Zelensky makes another plea for Ukraine's allies to actually deliver promised military aid.
"On-time delivery is key now. There are packages announced, voted for, but not delivered to Ukraine. And the front fights with shells and equipment, not with the words "tomorrow" or "soon"."

On August 24th, Ukraine celebrates Independence Day🇺🇦
The struggle for independence has been long and costly, but every day, we stand firm in defending our freedom. Ukrainians continue to prove that independence is worth fighting for, and there is no greater value than the right to live freely in our own land.

115 Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home🇺🇦
With the mediation of the UAE, the exchange took place in a "115 for 115" format.

Rostov Fuel Depot Blaze Aggravated by Second Ukrainian Drone Strike
Residents living close to the oil and gas inferno in its sixth day reported yet more explosions overnight while Russian officials still insist the situation is under control https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/25063 [Can't help thinking about the environmental cost, though they are a legitimate and necessary target of war]

Google dedicated a doodle to Ukraine's Independence Day in 2024🇺🇦
"Today, Google is celebrating Ukraine's Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage. The doodle features a blue and yellow flag, the colours of the Ukrainian flag, waving in the wind,"
the official statement says.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-23-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian forces continued to marginally advance near Sudzha amid continued Ukrainian operations in Kursk Oblast on August 23.
• Ukrainian officials continue to highlight how Ukrainian forces can leverage tactical and technological advantages to offset Russian materiel advantages.
• US President Joe Biden announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine following a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 23.
• Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted another drone strike against the oil depot in Proletarsk, Rostov Oblast on August 23.
• Islamic State (IS)-affiliated inmates took prison employees and other inmates hostage at a penal colony in Surovikino, Volgograd Oblast on August 23.
• Russian milbloggers reacted to the hostage crisis with criticisms of the Russian prison system and migration policy.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's support for peace in Ukraine on the basis of India's participation in Ukraine's July 2024 peace summit and signed several bilateral cooperation agreements during a visit to Ukraine.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Donetsk City.
• Russian authorities continue efforts to leverage conscripts to free up manpower elsewhere for combat operations in Ukraine.

And in other news, the Russian forces in Crimea will soon be shopping for electric vehicles to get around in. I'm sure the Chinese will supply some.

Fuel Supplies To Russian Troops, Crimea Strangled By Destruction Of Ship - The Conro Trader was the last of three vessels that ferry large quantities of fuel across the Kerch Strait.

And the fuel depot in Rostov is still burning merrily, with the conflagration now reported to have spread to the kerosene (jet fuel) tanks. That's also covered in the linked article.

Oh dear. How sad. Never mind.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-24-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian military targets within Russia’s rear are crucial for degrading Russian military capabilities throughout the theater, and the lifting of restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-provided weapons would allow Ukrainian forces to strike a wide range of significant targets undergirding Russia’s war effort.
• An unnamed senior Biden administration national security official reportedly stated that Ukrainian strikes with Western-provided weapons against targets within Russia would not be effective because the Russian military has redeployed military aircraft from Russian airbases near Ukraine — but this assessment ignores how Russian forces are leveraging sanctuary space in deep rear areas within Russia for a wide array of infrastructure besides airfields to support military operations against Ukraine.
• The redeployment of Russian air assets from Russian air bases in range of ATACMS does not remove the utility of using ATACMS against other Russian military targets, however.
• Ukrainian forces do not have to strike every single Russian military and paramilitary object in Russia within range of Western-provided weapons to start generating significant operational pressures on the Russian military.
• Recent successful Ukrainian strikes against Russian military targets within ATACMS range with Ukraine’s own domestically produced precision weapons demonstrate that Ukraine still has a requirement to conduct strikes that lifting the US restrictions could help fill.
• Some US officials assess that the Russian military will likely need to redeploy significant forces from Ukraine and/or operational reserves to repel Ukrainian forces from Russian territory.
• Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations within their salient in Kursk Oblast on August 24, and neither Russian nor Ukrainian forces made any significant claimed advances.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on some of the objectives of the Ukrainian operation into Kursk Oblast on August 24.
• Ukraine and Russia conducted their first prisoner of war (POW) exchange since the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Pokrovsk.
• Kursk Oblast officials announced the creation of the BARS-Kursk volunteer detachment on August 24 and stated that the detachment will fight solely within Kursk Oblast.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights Thread

⚡️Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested at French airport.
Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport outside of Paris while traveling on his private jet.
Reports by French network TF1 suggest that he was wanted in France due to an investigation into Telegram's lack of moderation, which authorities believe has enabled criminal activities to continue on the platform. https://kyivindependent.com/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-arrested-at-french-airport/ [Apparently many Russian organisations and high profile figures are panicking]

⚡️Operation in Kursk Oblast https://kyivindependent.com/operation-in-kursk-oblast-prevents-russias-attempts-to-occupy-sumy-zelensky-says/ prevents Russia's attempts to occupy Sumy, Zelensky says.

⚡️Ukrainian hackers https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-hackers-launch-large-scale-cyberattack-on-russian-internet-providers-military-related-companies-source-says/ launch large-scale cyberattack on Russian Internet providers, military-related companies, source says.
The recent attack affected at least 33 servers and 283 office computers at industrial facilities, took down 21 websites, and destroyed 15 cloud and file storages. Ukrainian hackers also left pro-Ukrainian messages on the affected online platforms, according to the source.

⚡️Poland to replace ambassador to Ukraine on Sep. 1.
Piotr Lukasiewicz will become the new Polish ambassador to Ukraine on Sep. 1, Polish news outlet RMF reported on Aug. 24, citing Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pawel Wronski.
In March, the Polish Foreign Ministry announced that over 50 ambassadors would terminate their missions and that more than a dozen candidates submitted for approval by the previous ministry leadership would be withdrawn. https://kyivindependent.com/poland-to-replace-ambassador-to-ukraine-on-sep-1/

⚡️August 24 prisoner exchange did not include any Azov soldiers, brigade commander says. https://kyivindependent.com/august-24-prisoner-exchange-did-not-include-any-azov-soldiers-brigade-commander-says/

Kursk operation: What Ukraine achieved so far and potential future gains
https://kyivindependent.com/kursk-operation-what-ukraine-achieved-so-far-and-potential-future-gains/

⚡️ Pope Francis criticizes push to ban activities of Russian-affiliated religious organizations in Ukraine. https://kyivindependent.com/pope-francis-criticizes-push-to-ban-activities-of-russian-affiliated-religious-organizations/

⚡️Russian attack in Donetsk Oblast town Kostiantynivka kills 5, at least 5 injured. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-in-donetsk-oblast-town-kostiantynivka/

⚡️ British, American, Ukrainian https://kyivindependent.com/british-american-ukrainian-journalists-among-those-injured-in-russian-strike-on-kramatorsk-hotel/ journalists among those injured in Russian strike on Kramatorsk hotel.

⚡️4 dead, 13 wounded https://kyivindependent.com/4-dead-13-wounded-after-russian-strikes-on-sumy-oblast-on-aug-24/ during Russian strikes on Sumy Oblast on Aug. 24.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪- AUG 25, 2024
■ Engagements up, casualties at 7-day avg
■ Notable special equipment & vehicle losses
■ KIU: +28 officers; 4.7 per day (last four batches)
■ Janovsky: 31 🇷🇺 20 🇺🇦; 30-day ratio down to 2.2x
■ Less favorable strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russian Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, faces up to 20 years in prison in France and will be tried as a French citizen.
He could be charged with money laundering and aiding terrorism.

The European Union is currently deliberating on whether to send instructors to Ukraine to assist in training Ukrainian soldiers, with a final decision expected by November. The discussions are centered on a confidential document titled "Strategic Review of the EU Training Mission in Ukraine," which highlights both the potential benefits and risks of such a decision.
France, supported by several EU nations including the Baltic states, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, is pushing for this initiative, arguing that it aligns with Ukraine's request for more localized military training. In contrast, Germany, backed by countries like Malta, Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary, opposes the move due to concerns about escalating the conflict and the potential risks to personnel.
The document recognizes Ukraine's efforts to bolster its military, including the mobilization of 150,000 troops and the creation of ten new infantry brigades. However, it also acknowledges the limitations Ukraine faces in terms of human resources compared to Russia and critiques the lack of realism in current EU-based training, which is largely designed for peacetime.
To address these challenges, the document suggests possible solutions, including establishing training camps in the western part of Ukraine and neighboring countries, as well as implementing reliable evacuation plans to mitigate risks from Russian attacks.

The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Vasyl Malyuk, confidently stated that Ukraine will inevitably win the war against Russia.
Malyuk also highlighted the significant contributions of the SBU to Ukraine's defense efforts. Since the start of the war, SBU operatives have successfully destroyed 1,152 Russian tanks, over 1,890 armored vehicles, more than 440 electronic warfare devices, and 167 air defense systems. Additionally, the SBU has employed naval drones to attack 11 Russian warships and drones to target 36 oil depots, terminals, and refineries that supply Russia's military industry.
The SBU has also carried out successful strikes on key strategic targets, including airfields, electronic warfare systems, air defense installations, and crucial logistical routes. Notably, Malyuk mentioned that the SBU was responsible for two separate strikes on the Crimean bridge, a critical Russian supply route.

The PEACE IS UKRAINE photo exhibition has opened in Tokyo, Japan, running from August 24 to September 1, in honor of Ukraine's Independence Day.

The Ukrainian resistance movement "Zla Mavka" has reportedly taken an innovative step in their efforts by printing Russian rubles adorned with the flags of Ukrainian brigades and distributing them in areas under temporary Russian occupation.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The Kursk operation is a “preventive strike” by Ukraine to avoid encirclement of the Sumy Oblast.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the operation in Kursk is complicated, but it has already accomplished several tasks: Ukrainian troops are replenishing the exchange fund and have disrupted Russia's operation in the north.

Zelensky promoted Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi to the rank of general
Prior to that, the head of the Armed Forces held the rank of colonel general.

❗️Reuters journalists were injured in a nighttime Iskander strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk
There were 6 people from the team in the building, including citizens of Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Two media representatives suffered mine-blast trauma, brain contusion, a broken leg, and cut wounds. Another one is probably under the rubble, the Prosecutor General's Office said.

🤡 Lukashenko congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day

Iran, which supplies Shahed attack drones to Russia for war with Ukraine, has congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day

Kyiv😍

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Oleksandr Usyk presented Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the WBC heavyweight champion belt. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/25073

A number of countries around the world have expressed solidarity with Ukraine by illuminating administrative buildings and local landmarks in the colors of the blue and yellow flag in honor of Ukraine’s National Flag Day and Independence Day💙💛

Touching visual show of solidarity with Ukraine and stunning Kyiv.

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress as regards the arrest of Pavel Durov by France causing panic amongst Russian organisations and high profile figures are panicking, is it because they think Pavel will be forced to reveal the persons behind the dubious Telegram accounts?

It seems so far that it's more about conversations from high up people rather than identifying the people themselves, who presumably are probably known already to be genuine/not genuine.

The clear implication of this is that Russia expects France to have full access to ALL of Telegram in its serach for fraud / paedophilia / everything else. I'm not sure that's actually the case because I imagine (maybe wrongly?) 1) it will take time to get Durov to reveal the inner workings of Telegram 2) time to wade through the extremely high amount of info and 3) can they even get Durov to say anything anyway? I doubt they'll go in for the kind of torture / drug administration / threats to family that the FSB uses.

The implication that they could find out a lot of military stuff on the side is interesting as in theory they could leak it to Ukraine. In theory.

Since there's such a panic though, presumably all the Russian military and more are all trying to find another very secure program such as Signal - which is banned in Russia as it's not under their control!

That's going to make communications on the battlefield and logistics more difficult for them sits back and watches happily

Looks like there is an enormous aerial attack across the entire of Ukraine this morning. Fuck Russia!

Fuck Russia indeed.
But also fuck us holding back and letting Ukraine do all the fighting and bear all the brunt.
I am in despair with it.

The question came up last week about whether Russia would use large scale aerial bombing against Ukrainian forces in Kursk. My thought then was probably not, due to the high likelihood of collateral damage. It turns out I was largely correct, and their use of glide bombs has been quite limited.

Russia is barely using one of its best weapons against Ukrainian forces in Kursk because it's scared to hit itself, war expert says

They have very limited information about where their forces and the civilians are. Unlike the largely static lines in the Donbas, the situation in Kursk is fluid, and Ukrainian EW is limiting Russia's communication with its own forces.

Zelensky is asking again for the western allies to step the fuck up.
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/aug/26/russia-ukraine-war-live-latest-updates

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Belarus gathering significant number of troops, weaponry along Ukraine's border 'under guise of exercises,' Ukraine says. https://kyivindependent.com/belarus-gathering-significant-number-of-troops-weaponry-along-ukraines-border-under-guise-of-exercises-ukraine-says/
Minsk is concentrating Special Operation Forces, as well as weaponry, including tanks, artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), air defense systems, and engineering equipment near the Belarussian city of Gomel, a statement released by the Foreign Ministry said. The city lies within about 30 kilometers of the Belarus-Ukraine border.

⚡️French authorities extend detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. https://kyivindependent.com/french-authorities-extend-detention-of-telegram-ceo-pavel-durov/

In a statement released on Aug. 25 via X, Telegram said: "Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act—its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving."
"Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels regularly throughout Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform. We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation."

⚡️Russia launches mass missile attack, explosions heard in Kyiv. https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-in-kyiv-russia-launches-massive-missile-and-drone-attack-on-cities-across-ukraine/
Explosions were reported on Aug. 26 in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Kremenchuk, Dnipro, Khmelnytskyi, Kropyvnytskyi, Lutsk, and Kryvyi Rih.

⚡️Zelensky: Russia attacked Ukraine with over 100 missiles, about 100 drones. https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-in-kyiv-russia-launches-massive-missile-and-drone-attack-on-cities-across-ukraine/

A dam in Kyiv, part of the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant, was struck during a massive Russian attack across Ukraine on Aug. 26, Timofiy Mylovanov, an advisor at the President's Office, said. https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-hydroelectric-dam-hit-during-massive-russian-attack-across-ukraine/

⚡️Blackouts reported across Ukraine as Russia attacks energy infrastructure. https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-in-kyiv-russia-launches-massive-missile-and-drone-attack-on-cities-across-ukraine/

⚡️Poland says jets scrambled amid massive Russian strikes across Ukraine. https://kyivindependent.com/poland-says-jets-scrambled-amid-massive-russian-strikes-across-ukraine/

⚡️Zelensky expresses support for India hosting Ukraine's second peace summit https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-expresses-support-for-india-hosting-ukraines-second-peace-summit/
He said on Aug. 25 that negotiations are ongoing with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland to organize a second peace summit.

⚡️Ukraine advances another 1-3 km, captures 2 more settlements in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Zelensky says. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-advances-another-1-3-km-captures-2-more-settlements-in-russias-kursk-oblast-zelensky-says/

⚡️Ukraine has captured over 240 Russian soldiers during its Kursk incursion, WP reports. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-has-captured-over-240-russian-soldiers-during-its-kursk-incursion-wp-reports/

⚡️Russian authorities claim Saratov Oblast attacked by drones, 4 injured. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-authorities-claim-saratov-oblast-attacked-by-drones-4-injured/ The drones reportedly targeted Saratov and Engels, home to a Russian air force base. There was no immediate information on damage at the base which is often used by Russia to attack Ukraine.

Wagner mercenaries are operating only in Belarus and Africa, and are not fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine, the Wagner Group claimed in a statement on Telegram on Aug. 26. https://kyivindependent.com/wagner-group-claims-to-no-longer-be-fighting-in-ukraine/

⚡️UPDATE: 1 journalist, Ryan Evans, killed, 6 others injured in Kramatorsk strike.
The body of a 40-year-old British journalist was pulled out of the rubble at 6:35 p.m. local time on Aug. 25, after a lengthy, 19-hour search, the National Police confirmed. https://kyivindependent.com/british-american-ukrainian-journalists-among-those-injured-in-russian-strike-on-kramatorsk-hotel/

⚡️Negotiations with Ukraine have now lost their relevance, Kremlin says. https://kyivindependent.com/negotiations-with-ukraine-have-now-lost-their-relevance-kremlin-says/

Controversial Ukrainian Member of Parliament Artem Dmytruk fled the country on Aug. 25 after being charged with assaulting a soldier as well as a law enforcement officer in separate altercations, the Prosecutor General's Office announced. https://kyivindependent.com/controversial-ukrainian-mp-flees-country-after-being-charged-with-assaulting-soldier-law-enforcement-officer/

⚡️Official: Russian missile attack killed 5, injured 30. https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-in-kyiv-russia-launches-massive-missile-and-drone-attack-on-cities-across-ukraine/

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦 - AUG 26, 2024
■ Engagements & casualties below 7-day average
■ Continued special equipment & vehicle losses
■ Fewer strikes of both sides but ratio could be better

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🤯 Russia reportedly planned to attack a NATO base in Germany with drones, where anti-aircraft defense aircraft are stationed, according to DPA citing German intelligence.
The Gelsenkirchen airfield hosts 14 Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
Russian drones spotted in the area were observed moving only at night, traveling up to 100 km per hour, performing maneuvers, turning their lights on and off, and frequently changing altitude.
German security authorities are investigating the potential launch sites for these drones, which might include Russian ships in the North and Baltic seas or Kaliningrad.

One of the targets of today's massive attack was the Kyiv hydroelectric power station, — Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine

Poland is searching for an "unidentified aerial object" that crossed its border during the massive Russian attack on Ukraine, said General Maciej Klish, the operational commander of the Polish Armed Forces.
The object entered Polish airspace at 6:43 a.m. on Monday over the Ukrainian city of Chervonograd. It disappeared after traveling about 25 km into Poland. Due to poor atmospheric conditions and a lack of visual confirmation, no action was taken to intercept it.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is not willing to sacrifice its territories or people as part of any proposed path to peace.

The fire at the oil depot in Proletarsk has continued for eight days with no visible signs of improvement, according to Radio Svoboda. Satellite images reveal at least three primary sources of the ongoing fire.

Footage from the Kyiv metro has surfaced, showing the stations filled to capacity as people seek shelter from ongoing Russian attacks. https://t.me/United24media/24545 https://t.me/United24media/24548

Russian forces attacked energy infrastructure across 15 regions of Ukraine, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
He reported that the enemy used drones, cruise missiles, and "Kinzhal" missiles. The attack resulted in both casualties and injuries.

🇲🇩 Moldovan operator Moldelectrica reported disruptions in the power system following the morning attack by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian critical infrastructure. However, they do not anticipate serious issues.

🥇 The Ukrainian national team topped the medal tally at the World Summer Biathlon Championship.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️❗️Russia targeted the dam of the Kyiv Sea, located north of the capital, with a missile hitting it.
If the dam were to fail, millions of people living downstream could face deadly consequences.

🔥There was a strong explosion at the Gazpromneft-ONPZ oil refinery in Omsk, followed by a fire on the territory of the enterprise
This is one of the largest oil refineries in Russia.

Russian war correspondent Sladkov, currently in Belgorod, observed a troubling trend: local residents are dissatisfied with the Russian military's inability to protect them. According to him, the discontent is growing quite vocal https://t.me/liveukraine_media/23806

Viktor Mykyta, head of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration, showed how a Russian cruise missile was shot down on the border of Lviv Oblast, flying to Zakarpattia. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/23814

A high-precision drawing of a Tu-160 strategic bomber at a Russian air base

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

⚡️French President Macron stated that the decision to arrest Telegram founder Pavel Durov is not political
It is also reported that Durov is accused of refusing to cooperate on issues related to cyber and financial crimes within Telegram.

Kyiv Post Morning News Roundup for August 26th, 2024
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37946

US considering sending long range JASSM missles for Ukraine's F-16's.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37869 [Still considering*]

sits back and watches happily

Indeed. So long as Russia's use of Telegram for military purposes is curtailed because of the arrest, that is a win in itself.

I have often wondered about Durov. In my mind, he is a Russian exile but I don't know. Enigmatic.