Newsletter 12/08/2024
Daily news digest
Commander-in-Chief: Ukraine’s Army gains control of nearly 1,000km of Russian territory
"We are pursuing an offensive operation on the territory of Kursk region. Currently, we have under our control neary 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory. Troop groupings are fulfilling their tasks. Battles are going on... all along the front. The situation is under our control," Sirskyi said.
War
Special forces install Ukrainian flag on Kinburn Spit
Video
The Ukrainian flag flies on the Kinburn Spit, which was installed by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s (HUR) special forces following an operation on August 9.
Russia's Kursk region authorities say Ukrainian forces control 28 settlements
During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the acting governor of Russia’s Kursk region, Aleksey Smirnov, said the Armed Forces of Ukraine currently control 28 settlements in the region.
Russians may stage “Ukraine’s crimes” against civilians in Kursk region - SBU
The Security Service of Ukraine warns that Russia’s security agencies may soon resort to staging war crimes, in particular, against the civilian population in Kursk region, in order to accuse the Ukrainian side.
Ukraine can use German-provided weapons at its discretion – defense ministry
Weapons provided by Germany to Ukraine become the property of Ukraine from the moment of their transfer and Kyiv can use them as it deems necessary and correct.
Military airfield near Moscow comes under drone attack - media
In the early hours of Monday, August 12, a number of drones reportedly attacked the Chkalovsky military airfield in the suburbs of Moscow. The consequences of the attack remain unclear as no official reports have been issued in this regard.
Factcheck
Russians launch fakes about Zelensky and Ukrainian officials' alleged purchase of real estate abroad
Russia's propaganda machine has recently intensified its campaign to discredit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A report was published on the Italian website Database Italia that the Zelensky family in June purchased a wine estate from English musician Sting, located in the Italian municipality of Figline e Incisa Valdarno, Tuscany region, for around EUR 75 million. Later, the report was picked up by Russian Telegram channels and pro-Kremlin English-language accounts on X.
Analytics
China as peacekeeper, or what its latest round of shuttle diplomacy on a negotiated end to Ukraine war ended up with
Politics
China reacts to situation in Kursk region
China is closely monitoring the situation developing in Russia’s Kursk region and calls on all parties to de-escalate.
This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Ukrinform reports.“China has taken note of the relevant situation (in the Kursk region of Russia – ed.),” says the comment of the foreign policy department.
Bundestag defense committee chief: Kursk operation lays basis for talks with Putin's successor
The Kursk operation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces shows that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has no control over anything and lays a good foundation for negotiations with his successor.
Russia convening Arria formula event at UNSC to complain about Ukraine’s operation in Kursk region
Russia is convening an informal meeting of UN Security Council members in the Arria format to complain about the offensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kursk region.
Invasion cost for Russia up to $211B - British Ministry of Defense
Russia has likely already spent up to $211 billion to directly finance the illegal invasion of Ukraine.