On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Russia accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in its Kursk region, though radiation levels remained normal. Simultaneously, a fire erupted at a fuel export terminal in Russia’s Leningrad region following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack. While Russia claimed to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones, Ukraine’s air force reported launching 72 drones and decoys. International support was shown as Canada pledged significant military aid and Norway offered substantial air defense assistance, while Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace.
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President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is solely employing its own domestically produced long-range weapons to strike targets within Russian territory. This statement was made in response to inquiries regarding Western media reports, specifically one from The Wall Street Journal, suggesting the US had imposed restrictions on the use of ATACMS missiles. Zelenskyy indicated that such limitations are not currently a topic of discussion with the United States, contrasting with past instances where discussions regarding retaliatory strikes were more prevalent. This is a shift from previous practice.
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On August 23rd, drones targeted Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. Authorities, including the Governors of Leningrad Oblast and St. Petersburg, reported multiple drone downings across various districts and the capital. Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg temporarily suspended operations, leading to flight delays, and a possible mobile internet slowdown was warned. Moscow’s mayor confirmed a drone was shot down near the capital, with emergency services responding to the scene.
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A natural gas terminal owned by Novatek in the port of Ust-Luga, Russia, experienced a fire on August 24th following a drone attack in the Leningrad Oblast. According to reports from Meduza, the blaze was sparked by falling drone debris, with local authorities stating there were no casualties and fuel storage tanks were unaffected. Simultaneously, other drone incidents occurred near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, causing transformer damage, and at an industrial facility in Syzran, potentially targeting an oil refinery. As a result of the attacks, several Russian airports, including Pulkovo in St. Petersburg, faced operational disruptions and flight delays.
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Following a recent drone and missile attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia’s Bryansk region, Hungary and Slovakia are requesting the European Commission to pressure Ukraine to halt attacks on the pipeline. This incident marks the third disruption to the pipeline in under two weeks, which supplies oil to both countries. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó condemned the strike as an attempt to involve Hungary in the war and asserted that his country will continue to support peace efforts while defending its national interests. Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Saková confirmed that the attack has also disrupted oil deliveries to Slovakia.
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Russia has accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks on a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region, resulting in a fire that was quickly extinguished, with no injuries reported. Concurrently, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, marked by support from international allies, including Canada and the UK, who pledged continued military and financial aid. Amidst these events, Russian forces claimed to have seized two villages in the Donetsk region, highlighting ongoing territorial struggles. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, US President Donald Trump is now considering imposing further sanctions on Russia or withdrawing from peace talks.
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Reports indicate that US defense officials have restricted Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, including the US-made ATACMS, against targets within Russia. This restriction, implemented since late spring, is part of an effort to encourage Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks, according to sources. The Pentagon employs a review mechanism to govern the use of US long-range weapons, effectively granting approval authority to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This policy shift follows former President Trump’s criticism of allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia.
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On Ukraine’s National Flag Day, drone operators from the “Rugby Team” battalion raised the Ukrainian flag over two villages in Russia’s Kursk region. These villages, Hornal and Huyevo, are historically part of Ukrainian Slobozhanshchyna. While this occurred, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled Russian attacks and regained control of the village of Zelenyi Hai in Donetsk Oblast. Despite this, Russia has been making battlefield gains, particularly in the Pokrovsk sector and achieving the fastest advance rate since March.
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The Pentagon has reportedly been restricting Ukraine from using U.S.-made ATACMS to strike targets within Russia, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. This decision limits Kyiv’s use of these weapons against Moscow’s invasion. This news comes amidst increasing frustration from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war and the lack of progress in peace negotiations. Trump is now considering imposing further sanctions on Russia or potentially withdrawing from the peace process altogether, as efforts to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy have proven unsuccessful.
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The possibility of Germany contributing troops to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine has ignited significant debate in Berlin. Despite Chancellor Merz’s insistence on Germany’s international responsibility, skepticism abounds, with many politicians and a majority of German citizens opposing such a deployment. Concerns exist about the strain on the Bundeswehr, the potential for escalation, and historical sensitivities, particularly in eastern Germany. Consequently, a decision to send German soldiers to Ukraine appears distant, amidst ongoing war and doubts about the feasibility of peace talks with Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker