On Thursday, September 18th, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) launched a strike on the logistics hub of Russia’s 810th Separate Marine Brigade in the Kursk region, targeting ammunition depots and concealed weapons. The 810th Brigade, known for its involvement in war crimes, has been actively engaged in offensive operations. This marks a continued effort to disrupt Russian forces, following a previous strike on a command post in early January and a larger Ukrainian incursion in August 2024. Ukrainian forces, led by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, maintain defensive positions in the Kursk and Belgorod regions to contain a significant enemy force.
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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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Ukrainian forces launched a strike on a Russian troop column in the Kursk region on August 17, severely wounding Lt. Gen. Esedulla Abachev, who later had a limb amputated. The Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported the attack and linked Abachev to war crimes, emphasizing retribution for such actions. This strike, along with a separate operation that destroyed a Russian ammunition depot and eliminated Russian personnel in Melitopol, reflects intensified Ukrainian military activity. These events add to a pattern of high-ranking Russian military figures being targeted, including the reported killing of Deputy Navy Chief Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov earlier in July.
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Two separate bridge collapses in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions, bordering Ukraine, resulted in at least seven deaths and numerous injuries. Both incidents involved trains; in Bryansk, a road bridge collapsed onto a passenger train, with authorities citing “illegal interference,” while in Kursk, a freight train caused a bridge to collapse. Russian authorities initially labeled the events “terrorist acts,” but later removed those references, while Ukraine denied involvement. The incidents follow a pattern of attacks and sabotage targeting Russian infrastructure near the Ukrainian border.
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Two bridge collapses in Bryansk and Kursk regions bordering Ukraine resulted in seven fatalities and at least 69 injuries. In Bryansk, a train derailment following a bridge explosion claimed seven lives, with the governor blaming sabotage. A second bridge collapse in Kursk injured a freight train driver. While local officials cite “illegal interference,” a Russian senator attributed the Bryansk incident to Ukrainian terrorism. Cross-border attacks have been frequent in these regions since the start of the war.
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President Zelensky warned of an imminent Russian offensive in Ukraine’s north, citing 50,000 troops amassed near Kursk, aiming to recapture lost territory and push into the Sumy region. Despite Russia’s claims of expelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk, Zelensky asserted continued Ukrainian presence and recent Russian advances in the Sumy region. Simultaneously, Russia is attempting to breach the Dnipropetrovsk region, while Ukraine launched a major drone strike targeting Russian military infrastructure near Moscow. Amidst these escalating events, peace negotiations remain ongoing, although Russia’s demands for Ukrainian concessions, including Nato restrictions and territorial surrender, present significant obstacles.
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A recent daily crossword puzzle attracted 33,950 players. The puzzle’s popularity highlights the enduring appeal of word games. The number of participants suggests a significant level of engagement with this specific puzzle. Players are now challenged to test their crossword solving skills against a large and competitive player base.
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General Cavoli confirmed Ukrainian troops’ presence in the Belgorod region, a development not yet officially acknowledged by Ukraine, though Ukrainian airstrikes there are regularly reported. While the extent of Ukrainian control in Kursk remains unstated, DeepState OSINT suggests a significant portion of territory seized last summer is still held. Cavoli assesses Ukraine’s defensive positions as strong and improving, with manpower issues alleviated and a contrast to Russia’s apparent shortages of equipment and personnel. He ultimately views a Ukrainian defeat as unlikely, emphasizing their improved strategic position.
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Ukrainian air forces reportedly destroyed a Russian military base in the Kursk region, killing up to 30 Russian troops, according to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The reported strike, which Kyiv claims significantly weakens Russian capabilities, follows previous Ukrainian incursions into the region. While Russia has yet to comment, the incident highlights the ongoing conflict’s expansion and Ukraine’s strategy to divert Russian resources from other key battlefronts. The ongoing fighting in the region now involves North Korean troops supporting Russian forces.
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Intelligence shared with the White House indicates that Ukrainian forces in Kursk are not, in fact, encircled, despite claims to the contrary from certain prominent figures. This contradicts narratives suggesting a complete encirclement, painting a more nuanced picture of the ongoing conflict.
The discrepancy between the intelligence reports and public statements highlights a significant concern regarding the reliability of information sources. The stark contrast raises questions about the accuracy of information reaching the public and the potential for deliberate misinformation campaigns to influence public perception.
This situation underscores the importance of critically evaluating information and its origin. Blindly accepting claims without verifying them against credible sources can lead to a skewed understanding of complex events, potentially hindering effective analysis and decision-making.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood