New defense packages from allies and continuation of Kursk operation: highlights for August 19

Advance of the Defense Forces and the destruction of the bridge: situation in Kursk region

Ukrainian troops continue their defense operation in certain areas of the Kursk region. Currently, the Defense Forces control over 1,250 km² and 92 settlements.

In addition, the so-called Russian military authorities claimed that the third bridge over the Seim River in the Glushkovsky district of Kursk region was allegedly destroyed by the Ukrainian military. This could cut off Russian supplies.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that this operation “became Ukraine's largest investment” in the process of liberating its citizens from Russian captivity. According to him, no one had heard of the Kursk operation because earlier in the world it would have been called unrealistic.

Indian Prime Minister Modi to visit Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23, the eve of Independence Day. This is his first visit since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized him for meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

In addition, according to Bloomberg, India has agreed to transmit messages between Zelenskyy and Putin.

Russia does not want to hold negotiations over the Kursk operation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ruled out the possibility of holding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine after the Defense Forces began fighting in the Kursk region of Russia. In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is facing a crisis on the “Ukrainian direction”.

Defense packages from allies

Germany announced a new aid package for Ukraine. It includes a new air defense system, drones, rifles, and shells.

Meanwhile, the Danish government has decided to provide Ukraine with the 20th military support package worth more than 104 million euros. The details were not disclosed, but it is known that part of the funds will be used to purchase Ukrainian-made hardware.

Deterioration of the situation in Donetsk region and evacuation

The security situation is expected to deteriorate in the areas of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk region. Local authorities say that Pokrovsk still has two weeks to evacuate, while Myrnohrad has only a few days left.

On August 19, the forced evacuation of families with children began in the Pokrovsk community. More than 53,000 people still live there, including almost 4,000 children.

Fire at oil depot extinguished for second day in Rostov region

A fire has been extinguished for two days in Proletarsk, Rostov Region, following Ukraine's attack on the Kavkaz oil refinery. Forty-one firefighters were injured.

Telegram channels report that 11 tanks there were depressurized, which led to an explosion. Currently, 457 rescuers are working there.

Pre-trial restraint extended for Tyshchenko

On July 19, the Pechersk Court of Kyiv extended the pre-trial restraint for MP Mykola Tyshchenko, who is involved in the case of an attack on a veteran in Dnipro. The politician will remain under house arrest until September 23 inclusive.

Other important news

• The government submits a bill to the Verkhovna Rada to ban the use of Russian programs.
• Ukrenergo is completing the construction of anti-drone protection at its facilities. A second phase of such work is planned.
• The number of those reserved and hereby exempted from mobilization is close to one million, Defense Ministry reports.
• In Russia, a Ukrainian man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for “espionage”. He said he was acting in favor of his homeland.
• The United States denied that it was blocking permission to launch Storm Shadow missiles at Russian territory.