Yuri Zoria

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry issues warning to Belarus regarding military buildup near the border, urging troop withdrawal. The statement cites intelligence reports, threatens retaliation if the border is violated, and emphasizes Ukraine's right to self-defense under the UN Charter.

Many former leaders and personnel have transferred to other units, reducing the group's size from 50,000 to around 5,000 in Belarus and Africa,, as per British intelligence.

Russians failed to achieve a tactical encirclement of Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk, prompting limited Ukrainian withdrawals as Russians advance near Pokrovsk, seizing Ptyche and parts of Karlivske Reservoir, as per ISW.

A Ukrainian drone allegedly attacked an oil depot in Russia's Rostov Oblast last night, where a fire that started on 18 August has reportedly expanded to kerosene tanks, raising explosion risks.

Russian military command has redeployed elements of the 56th VDV Regiment from Zaporizhia to Kursk Oblast in response to Ukraine's incursion, aiming to stabilize frontlines and improve control over Russian conscripts, with additional support seen moving from Crimea, ISW says.

US Defense Secretary Austin will discuss Ukraine's strategic goals for the Kursk operation with his Ukrainian counterpart, as the Pentagon seeks clarity on these objectives while continuing support through drawdown packages.

The Biden administration plans to provide $125 million in military aid to Ukraine, including air defense missiles, HIMARS munitions, and artillery ammunition.

Vsevolod Chentsov anticipates expanded assistance and a swifter accession process under new EU leadership, emphasizing the need for sustained military, financial, and humanitarian support amid Russia's ongoing war.

Hungary's government spokesman Gulyás calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine's Kursk operation, urging both sides to protect what he calls Europe's energy security, implying Russia's gas and oil supplies to Hungary, Slovakia, and other countries.

The Ukrainian Navy took responsibility for a strike on Port Kavkaz, sinking Russia’s last operational railway ferry yesterday. This attack, possibly involving domestic Neptune missiles, severely impacts Russian military logistics to occupied Crimea.

Ukraine reports downing 14 Russian Shahed drones, with 2 more disappearing from radar without causing damage during a nighttime attack on 23 August. Two Russian Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles evaded air defenses, but no damage was reported.

Security source says Ukraine's SBU and SOF were behind the drone attack on Russia's airbase in Volgograd Oblast, confirms the destruction of ordnance and fuel facilities.

President Zelenskyy visited Sumy Oblast border, meeting with military and local leaders. He reports capture of another settlement in Kursk Oblast and more Russian POWs, and decreased shelling and civilian casualties in Sumy.

EU's Borrell calls for lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons against Russia, arguing that this could disrupt Russian military operations, safeguard Ukrainian lives, and potentially pave the way for peace.