Photo : Atlantic Council
Photo : Atlantic Council
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 18 August, Daily Sabah reported on Ukraine’s strike on one of the key bridges in the Kurak to stop the supplies to Moscow. Simultaneously, Russia was observed to have speeded its offensive against Ukraine in Pokrovsk. Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukrainian Air Force Commander said: “Minus one more bridge.” However, there are no clear report on when and how the attack was carried out.
On 18 August, Politico reported that the Ukrainian forces destroyed a second road bridge over the Seim River in the Glushkovsky district of the Kursk region. Mykol Oleshchuk, Ukrainian Air Force Commander said: “The Ukrainian air force continues to deprive Russia of its logistical capabilities with accurate airstrikes, which significantly affects the course of hostilities.” Alexei Smirnov, Kursk’s acting governor confirmed the attack and reported destruction of two bridges by HIMARS missiles. The military resupplies to Russian forces are predicted to be disrupted
On 18 August, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President confirmed that Ukrainian troops were advancing and strengthening their positions in the Kursk region. Citing reports from Oleksandr Syrskyi, the army chief, he also claimed that Ukrainian troops were capturing more Russian soldiers. Ukraine has captured around 80 communities across 1,150 square kilometres (444 square miles) in Kursk since they commenced the attack. According to the residents of the region, the Russian government seemed to belittle the incursion. Zelenskyy also reasserted his demands over the permit from the Western countries to use long-range weapons.
On 18 August, ABC News reported on Zelenskyy’s statements on the purpose of the Kursk attack. According to him, Ukraine aimed to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks from the Russian side. He said: “It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions.” Earlier, he mentioned that the operation aimed to protect communities in the Kursk region. He also noted that the Ukrainian forces “achieved good and much-needed results” in creating the buffer zone.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 18 August, Vasily Golubev, Governor of Rostov Oblast, reported on a drone attack on an oil facility in Rostov by Ukraine. The facility in Proletarsk, southeast of Russia was subject to damage due to diesel fire from debris from the drones. Russian air defences claimed to counter five of the “aircraft-type” drones. Following this the Ukrainian army said: “It stored oil and petroleum products that were also supplied to the needs of the Russian occupation army … Measures to undermine the military-economic potential of the Russian Federation continue.”
On 18 August, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed on capturing Svyrydonivka, a settlement in the frontline located 15 kilometres away from Pokrovsk. In a statement: “As a result of active operations, units of the Centre grouping of troops have liberated the village of Sviridonovka.” This comes following a warning issued by head of Pokrovsk's military administration of Ukraine to evacuate residents around 10 kilometres. According to Kyiv spokesperson: “This is the third ballistic missile attack on the capital in August with a clear interval of six days between each attack.”
On 17 July, rfi reported that Russia's FSB security service had launched a criminal investigation against two Italian journalists Simone Traini and Stefania Battistin of RIA news agency for illegally crossing the border into the Russian Federation. According to the FSB security service: “The foreign journalists "carried out video shooting in the territory of the settlement of Sudzha,” a town claimed by Ukraine’s forces. Cecilia Piccioni, Italy’s ambassador, was called to explain the situation. She said that RAI and their journalists worked in an “independently and autonomously.” RAI also planned to make them return to Italy for their “safety and security.”
On 17 August, the TASS reported on the statements of Mikhail Ulyanov, the Russian Permanent Representative to the international organisation on inviting Rafael Grossi to visit the Kursk nuclear power plant. According to him, it was a “very timely and important step” taken by Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom. Likhachev also expressed his concern to Grossi on the Ukrainian drone strikes that threatened the security of nuclear power plants in Zaporizhzhia and Kursk.
THE WEST VIEW
On 18 August, Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus spoke about the deployment of Ukrainian troops along the Belarusian-Ukrainian border. He said: “On the Belarusian-Ukrainian border they keep more than 120,000 troops on our border.” He added that special units and highly trained officers in Alpha, and Almaz were also present. In response, Minsk had amassed “nearly a third” of its army along the border. He also recalled the worsened situation during the Independence Day parade in Minsk. However, Andrii Demchenko, Ukrainian border force spokesman did not note any increase in the military buildup and said that the situation remained unchanged.
On 18 August, Anadolu Agency reported on the increasing concerns over the safety of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. On investigating a drone strike that hit the road around the site's perimeter, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the declining safety of the power plant. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEA chief said: “"I remain extremely concerned and reiterate my call for maximum restraint from all sides and for strict observance of the five concrete principles established for the protection of the plant.” There were no casualties and no impact on the plan’s equipment. However, the damage had affected the road between the two main gates of the plant. IAEA also reported on the increase in military activity around the plant.
References
“Russia is not ready to hold talks with Ukraine – German Ambassador to Russia,” Ukrainska Pravda, 17 August 2024
“Ukraine destroys second bridge in Kursk region,” POLITICO, 18 August 2024
“More ground, more PoWs: Zelenskyy says Ukraine strengthening position in Russia's Kursk,” First Post, 18 August 2024
“Russia opens criminal probe into Italian journalists who entered Kursk,” RFI, 17 August 2024
“IAEA raises alarm over deteriorating safety at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” Anadolu Agency, 18 August 2024
“Explosions ring out in Kyiv region as air defense activated,” Ukrinform, 18 August 2024
“Ukrainian president says push into Russia's Kursk region is to create a buffer zone there,” ABC NEWS, 18 August 2024
“Lukashenko: Belarus had to redeploy a third of its army to the border with Ukraine,” BELTA, 19 August 2024
“Ukrainian drone attack sparks oil fire in south Russia,” SCMP, 18 August 2024
“Ukraine claims striking 2nd key bridge in Russia's Kursk region,” Daily Sabah, 18 August 2024