A snapshot of recent news from sources around the world on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Political Developments
U.S. officials and experts are concerned about Ukraine’s ambitious but risky offensive in Kursk, as the lack of clear operational goals could leave Ukrainian forces vulnerable to a Russian counterattack. Despite Ukraine committing some of its best units to the operation, the troops are more exposed on Russian soil, with only minimal Russian resistance encountered so far.
U.S. and Ukrainian defense leaders discussed the recent attack on Russia’s Kursk province and the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The United States expressed concern about the potential escalation of the conflict.
Military Assistance to Ukraine
The United States announced a $125 million military aid package for Ukraine on August 9 , including Stinger missiles and anti-armor systems, in response to recent civilian deaths from a Russian attack. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has committed $175 billion to Ukraine, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Battlefield Updates
Ukraine’s audacious offensive into Kursk exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s seemingly formidable defenses. However, this bold gamble also stretched Ukraine’s own resources thin, extending the front line and deploying additional troops at a time when manpower is already scarce.
Ukrainian forces performed an attack on Lipetsk, a city in Russia’s western region. The attack took place on August 9. Russian officials said it was a massive drone attack by Ukraine.
Ukrainian air defense forces have engaged another Russian drone attack. Russia fired 27 Shahed attack drone during the night of August 8-9. Ukrainian officials said its air defense units shot down all of these drones.
On August 13, Russian forces launched another attack on Ukraine’s infrastructure. Two short-range ballistic missiles were fired, likely either the Iskander-M or the KN-23, the latter possibly supplied by North Korea.
The Ukrainian military has launched missile and drone attacks on three Russian airfields, following the seizure of a significant area in Russia’s Kursk region by Ukrainian ground forces. Kyiv is focusing on targeting Russian military and infrastructure sites.
Some 23 Shahed attack drones were launched by Russia in the early hours of August 14. Ukrainian officials said its air defense forces shot down 17 of these aerial threats. Russia also fired two Kh-59/69 guided air missiles as part of this attack.
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