Wednesday, August 21

Russia’s war against Ukraine

The Russian military attacked a children’s cafe in the village of Malokaterynivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, on Aug. 20, 2024. (Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration / Telegram)

Ukraine’s military says battles ongoing in Niu-York amid Russia’s reported advance. The Ukrainian military said on Aug. 20 that clashes are ongoing at the village of Niu-York in Donetsk Oblast as multiple sources point to a rapid Russian advance deep into the settlement.

Russian pontoon crossing in Kursk Oblast ‘disappears’ in possible blast, RFE/RL reports. One of at least two pontoon bridges built by Russia over the Seim River in Kursk Oblast is no longer visible in satellite imagery, and smoke was detected in the area, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Aug. 19.

Defected Russian soldier reveals he spied for Ukraine, injured his commander. The Russian soldier, codenamed “Silver,” contacted the legion in early 2024 after witnessing a variety of criminal acts committed by his unit and commanders.

Russia to create Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk troop groups amid Ukraine’s incursion. The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Aug. 20 that it will establish troop groups in Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk oblasts to defend settlements along the Ukrainian border amid the Ukrainian military’s incursion into Kursk Oblast.

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Russia preparing new attacks in Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, military says. “In Vovchansk, the enemy has increased aerial reconnaissance and is preparing for assault operations,” the military’s statement read.

Russia issues information security alert in regions bordering Ukraine amid Kursk incursion. The Russian Interior Ministry issued a memo on information security for residents and law enforcement residing in the country’s Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts, which border Ukraine.

Ukraine advances 28-35 km in Kursk Oblast, Syrskyi says. Ukrainian forces have advanced 28-35 kilometers (18-21 miles) into Russia’s Kursk Oblast and taken control of 93 settlements, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported at an event chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 20.

Syrskyi reveals statistics: over 9,000 missiles and 14,000 drones fired by Russia since invasion began. On August 20, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, over 9,600 missiles and nearly 14,000 attack drones have been used against Ukraine.

Read our exclusives

Ukraine war latest: Russian pontoon crossing in Kursk Oblast ‘disappears’ in possible blast

One of at least two pontoon bridges built by Russia over the Seim River in Kursk Oblast is no longer visible in satellite imagery, and smoke was detected in the area, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Aug. 19.

Photo: Vladimir Aleksandrov/Anadolu via Getty Images

Democratic convention kicks off with celebrations, Biden keynote, and few details on Ukraine

On Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, a celebratory Democratic party embraced President Joe Biden. In four days, Biden will cede the national spotlight to Kamala Harris in a historic nomination.

Photo: Owen Racer/The Kyiv Independent

Human cost of war

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 21 over past day. Ukrainian air defenses downed 25 of the 26 Shahed-type “kamikaze” drones launched by Russia overnight, as well as two Kh-59 air-launched missiles and one Iskander-K cruise missile.

Russian forces attack children’s cafe in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing boy, injuring 4. The Russian military struck a children’s cafe in the village of Malokaterynivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing a 15-year-old boy and injuring four others, local authorities reported.

Opinions and insights

Opinion: Kamala Harris must correct Washington’s Ukraine policy

As U.S. vice president, Kamala Harris has followed the Biden administration line on Ukraine; but as president, she could turn the war around and make it a winning issue.

Photo: Ignacio Marin/Anadolu via Getty Images

Sweden’s Pansarbandvagn 302 approved by Ukraine – but is it any good?

Ukraine announced on Aug. 19 that it had approved Sweden’s Pansarbandvagn 302 (PBV 302) for delivery to its armed forces.

Photo: Jorchr/Wikipedia

International response

Czechia to use frozen Russian assets profits to fund ammunition for Ukraine. Czechia will use part of the revenue of Russian assets frozen in the EU to purchase high-caliber ammunition for Kyiv, Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said on Aug. 20.

Germany will deliver 4 more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine before end of 2024. Germany will provide Ukraine with four additional IRIS-T air defense systems of different ranges by the end of the year, government spokesperson Wolfgang Buchner said on Aug. 19.

In other news

Kyiv to launch new body for countering Russian influence among Ukrainian diaspora. Speaking at the meeting of Ukraine’s senior diplomats, President Vololdymyr Zelensky dubbed the new body “Ukrainian Unity and Countering Russian Influence on Ukrainians.”

Ukraine’s parliament adopts bill potentially banning Moscow-linked church. The Ukrainian parliament on Aug. 20 passed a bill banning activities of religious organizations connected to Russia.

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Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Martin Fornusek, Chris York, Nate Ostiller, Kateryna Hodunova, Sonya Bandouil, and Dmytro Basmat.

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