THE RUSSO-UKRAINE WAR BRIEF

For: 2024-08-30

Aug 30, 2024

Slava Ukraini! In early 2022 I began a Telegram channel aggregating news from a number of sources daily on the war in Ukraine. In June 2023 I began providing a daily draft for the Ukraine War Brief Podcast collecting news from over 70 sources daily, much of which formed the basis of the script. While the Podcast no longer exists I have continued to make this Brief available both on my own Substack and The People’s Media for those who wish to keep up with events on a daily basis.

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GSAFU Morning Report

GSAFU Morning Report

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its Operational Information update at 22:00 on Aug 29 stated that day 918 of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation against Ukraine was about to begin.

During the past day, 156 combat engagements took place. Over the past 24 hours, the enemy carried out 3 missile strikes, 43 air strikes, 500 drone strikes and more than 3,000 artillery strikes across the positions of Ukrainian forces.

At the same time, Ukrainian soldiers continue to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupying troops, exhausting the enemy along the entire front line and continue to disrupt the plans of Russian occupiers to advance deep into the territory of Ukraine.

Air Force Daily Report

On the night of August 30, 2024, the enemy struck with an "Iskander-M" ballistic missile from Crimea and 18 "Shahed-131/136" attack UAVs from the Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Kursk regions - Russian Federation.

Aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, EW and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and the Defense Forces of Ukraine were involved.

As a result of anti-aircraft combat, 12 "Shahed-131/136" attack UAVs were shot down, four were lost in location (fell independently). Anti-aircraft defense worked in Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Sumy regions.

General Staff confirms the loss of an F-16 fighter jet during combat operations

Ukrainian General Staff has confirmed the loss of an F-16 fighter jet during combat operations against Russian forces. However, the exact reason for the crash remains unknown. Euromaidan Press reports.

During what Ukraine described as the “largest” Russian air assault since the full-scale war began, F-16s were deployed for the first time in combat and one of them crashed, killing a Ukrainian pilot, Oleksii Mes.
According to Voice of America, anonymous Air Force representatives stated that multiple scenarios about the cause of the incident are being considered, including potential friendly fire from Ukrainian air defences, technical malfunction, and pilot error.
Reuters reports, citing a US defence official, that the crash does not appear to be the result of Russian fire.

Pro-Kremlin propaganda sources claim the aircraft was destroyed on the ground during a Russian missile attack, this has not been confirmed by official Ukrainian or US sources.

F-16 fighters were deployed alongside anti-aircraft missile units to counter a Russian missile attack on Ukrainian territory, according to the General Staff of Ukraine

During the engagement, the F-16s demonstrated their effectiveness by successfully intercepting four enemy cruise missiles, the General Staff reports. However, contact was lost with one aircraft while it was approaching another target.

A special commission from the Ministry of Defense was dispatched to investigate the crash site and determine the cause of the incident.

The Russian Border Incursion

Ukrainian forces advances a further 2 kilometers into Kursk Oblast

Ukrainian troops have pushed 2 kilometers (1.4 miles) deeper into Russia's Kursk Oblast, capturing 5 square kilometers (2 square miles) of territory, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced on Aug. 30. The Kyiv Independent reports.

As Kyiv's incursion into Kursk Oblast enters its fourth week, Ukraine reportedly controls over 1,290 square kilometers (500 square miles) and 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha, according to Syrskyi on Aug. 27.

Syrskyi confirmed that the offensive in Kursk Oblast is ongoing, while the most challenging conditions on the front line persist in the Pokrosvk direction in Donetsk Oblast.

Elsewhere along the front, the situation is described as "complicated but under control," Syrskyi added.

Ukrainian Forces Advance north of Sudzha

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US based think tank, in its Aug 29 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment assessed that Ukrainian forces recently marginally advanced north of Sudzha as Russian forces recaptured some areas of Kursk Oblast on August 29. Geolocated footage published on August 29 shows that Ukrainian forces have reached Nizhnyaya Parovaya (north of Sudzha) and advanced into the northwestern part of the settlement

Ukrainian forces continued attacking near Korenevo, Komarovka (southwest of Korenevo), Kremyanoye (east of Korenevo), Lyubimovka (southeast of Korenevo), Leonidovka (northwest of Sudzha), Malaya Loknya and Russkoye Porechnoye (both north of Sudzha), Martynovka (northeast of Sudzha), and within Borki (southeast of Sudzha).

Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces are continuing to storm Korenevo to try to create a route to Rylsk (northwest of Korenevo).

Elements of the Russian "Kaskad" Operational Combat Tactical Formation (formerly of the Donetsk People's Republic [DNR] Ministry of Internal Affairs [MVD], reportedly since subordinated to Rosgvardia) are reportedly fighting near Korenevo, though the Russian military command reportedly previously dissolved the formation.

The Khortytsia operational-strategic group

(Responsible for the northeastern part of Ukraine. )

Kharkiv axis: Russian Forces stormed Ukrainian positions in the areas of Vovchansk and Liptsiv 4 times. 2 have been repled and 2 and ongoing.

Kupyansk axis: The enemy carried out 24 attacks against Ukrainian positions near Sinkivka, Stepova Novoselivka Kolisnikivka, Lozova and Miasozharivka. 5 engagements are ongoing.

Lyman axis: The enemy carried out 18 attacks against Ukrainian positions near Tverdokhlihove, Cherneshchyna Druzhelyubivka,, Nevske, Torske and Serebryanskyy Forest

Siversk axis: Russian forces carried out 7 unsuccessful assaults in the vicinity of Verkhnokamianske and Vyimka. 3 battles are ongoing.

Kramatorsk axis: Russian forces carried out 11 unsuccessful offensive actions near Chasiv Yar, Ivanivka and Klishchiivka.

Toretsk axis: There have been 13 Russian attacks over that last day. All the efforts of the enemy were directed to the areas of Dachne, Toretsk, Nelipivka and Sukha Balka. 2 assaults are ongoing.

The Tavria operational-strategic group

(Responsible for the central-eastern and southeastern part of Ukraine.)

Pokrovsk axis: The greatest activity of the enemy today occurred in this sector. The enemy conducted 40 attacks against Ukrainian defences in this area over the last day concentrating in the vicinity of Zelene Pole, Vozdvizhenko, Myrolyubivka, Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Marynivka, Mykhailivka and Karlivka. 8 battles continue. The situation is difficult.

Kurakhove axis: Russian forces unsuccessfully tried to advance 30 times in the area of settlements Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka and Kostiantinivka. 4 clashes are ongoing.

Vremivka axis: Russian forces made 14 assaults against Ukrainian positions near Voidane and Vuhledar. The situation is controlled by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Orikhiv axis: The situation in this sector has not changed significantly. 3 enemy attack was repulsed over the last day in the vicinity of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne

The Odesa operational-strategic group

(Responsible for Kherson, Qırım, (also known as Crimea) and the Black Sea.)

Prydniprovsk axis: In this sector, over the last day, the situation has not changed significantly. Russian forces made 1 unsuccessful attempt to force Ukrainian units from their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro.

TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Nothing major to report.

THE HOME FRONT

President Zelenskyy holds meeting with Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff on Friday, 30 August. The meeting addressed three key issues: the school year, the energy system and the situation at the front, especially on the Pokrovsk front, where the situation is the most difficult. Ukrainska Pravda reports.

Separately, the Commander-in-Chief reported on the details of the operation in Kursk Oblast, including the replenishment of the exchange pool [of prisoners-of-war – ed.]. This is extremely important for strengthening our position in the exchange process."

Next was the preparation of schools for the academic year. Zelenskyy heard reports from Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi.

"Security issues, as well as analysis of the construction of shelters. The government must also be aware of its personal responsibility for preparing schools in terms of energy challenges," the president noted.

The last item on the agenda was energy. The participants discussed dealing with the consequences of Russian strikes and analysed some issues related to the construction of defence structures.

Rescue workers continue to fight large-scale fire caused by Russian strike in Sumy

Russia carried out an airstrike on the civilian infrastructure of the city of Sumy overnight on Aug 30. Buildings and private residences were destroyed. State Emergency Services reported.

Rescue workers have contained but continue to extinguish a large-scale fire at comercial building in Sumy that was hit.

2 people died as a result of the incident (one died in the hospital from the injuries received, the body of another was recovered by the State Emergency Service employees). 13 people were injured.

Ukraine will stop the transit of Russian oil through Druzhba pipeline

From January 2025, Ukraine will stop the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba oil pipeline through its territory.

This was announced by the adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podolyak, Nikvesti.com reported citing Podolyak’s interview with News.Live.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine has no intention of extending the gas transit agreement with Russia, which expires at the end of 2024.

Podolyak indicates that there were certain contracted volumes that expire on January 1, 2025. But if the cranes of Europe need Kazakh or Azerbaijani gas, then Ukraine is ready to transport it.

He adds that, in addition to gas, the Druzhba oil pipeline will also stop working on January 1, 2025.

According to him, some European countries — Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary — received Russian oil through this pipeline. But according to the EU resolution, these countries should diversify their oil supply and stop transit through Ukraine.

RUSSIAN WORLD

Putin desperately attempts to avoid mobilisation

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US based think tank, in its Aug 29 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment stated that Russian authorities are creating new volunteer territorial defence units in response to the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast, highlighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to counter the incursion more seriously with a mobilisation due to the risks of societal discontent or with large-scale redeployments due to possible disruptions to Russia's ongoing offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.

Acting Kursk Oblast Governor Alexei Smirnov publicly announced on August 29 the creation of the "BARS-Kursk" volunteer detachment and stated that the detachment's main function will be to "ensure security" in Kursk Oblast during the incursion and the re-settlement of border settlements in Kursk Oblast at an unspecified later date.

Smirnov stated that the detachment will cooperate with the Russian military and the counterterrorism operational headquarters — which are overseeing the ongoing Russian response in Kursk Oblast — and will also provide humanitarian support for residents of border settlements. Smirnov stated that volunteers will sign six-month contracts, undergo training, and receive any "necessary" weapons to perform their duties. Kursk Oblast officials published a recruitment ad for the detachment on August 24.

Ukrainian Kharkiv Group of Forces Spokesperson Colonel Vitaly Sarantsev reported that Russian authorities are also forming "BARS-Bryansk" and "BARS-Belgorod" detachments and that the three detachments will support the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces. Sarantsev estimated that the three detachments will be comprised of 4,921 volunteers in total.

Russia's largest chip project goes bankrupt

Crocus Nanoelectronics, the largest chip manufacturing project of Rosnano, Russia’s company to develop nanotechnologies, has filed for bankruptcy. cThe Moscow Times reports.

Crocus Nanoelectronics LLC is Rosnano's largest chip manufacturing project. It was founded in 2011 together with the French startup Crocus Technology.

Crocus Nanoelectronics LLC is the largest Rusnano project for chip production. The enterprise was supposed to be engaged in the creation of magnetoresistive memory - random access memory devices based on spin valves (MRAM). The total investment in the project exceeded €200 million, including co-financing from Rusnano in the amount of €100 million.

In February, Rusnano intended to declare its subsidiary Plastic Logic LLC, into which 7.1 billion rubles had been invested, bankrupt. This project was conceived for the production of electronic tablets, which the former head of the state corporation Anatoly Chubais presented to Vladimir Putin back in 2011. But in the end, the plant was never built, and the Russian market did not see a single tablet.

NEWS WORLDWIDE

Some long-ago promised Patriot systems not yet delivered to Ukraine

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claimed that some Patriot air defence systems that partners promised to Ukraine, have not yet been delivered, exposing a gap between the partners’ announcement of military aid and its actual delivery. Euromaidan Press reports.

The Patriot systems are vital for Ukraine’s air defence to counter the variety of missiles used by Russia against critical infrastructure and civilians. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine requires 25 Patriot air defence systems to achieve full protection against Russian missile attacks.

Kuleba called on European Union partners to accelerate the delivery of promised military assistance, particularly Patriot air defence systems, during an informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels on 29 August.

“These things after two and a half years of the war should work as a Swiss watch without any delays in the most efficient way,” he stated. “We have to protect our cities, we have to protect our children,” Kuleba said.

Chinese banks stopping transactions with Russia 'en masse,' Reuters reports

Chinese banks are shutting down transactions with Russia "en masse," with delays in payments intensifying during August, Reuters reported on Aug. 30, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The U.S. unveiled a new set of sanctions against Chinese and Russian companies over their support for Moscow's aggression last week. Despite efforts to avoid or mitigate the impact of the trade restrictions, Chinese institutions have begun scaling back their business dealings with Russia.

Specifically, a number of major Chinese banks have begun blocking transactions for electronics out of fear of secondary sanctions.

Transactions worth tens of billions of yuan are currently stuck in limbo, a source told Reuters.

It's just the latest case of mounting obstacles in Russian-Chinese economic relations amid the growing pressure of U.S. sanctions imposed over Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Trade between Russia and China has surged by 121% since 2021, underscoring China's role as Moscow's economic lifeline.

A functioning payment system is necessary for maintaining trade relations, and Russia was cut off from the international SWIFT system in 2022.

By mid-2024, Chinese banks were rejecting and returning about 80% of Russian payments made in Chinese yuan, the Russian state-controlled media outlet Kommersant reported on July 29, citing sources.

According to sources cited by Kommersant, Chinese banks routinely let Russian yuan payments delay for several weeks before ultimately rejecting them, often without providing a reason.

Some Russian businesses have begun using intermediaries in third countries in an attempt to circumvent Chinese compliance checks, but this adds time and cost to transactions.

Then in a further blow, it was reported that banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been rejecting transactions from Russian companies for electronic components and consumer electronics from China since early August.

MILITARY & TECH