Ukraine, 8-21-24

For today, links to seven reports: from the Moscow Times, the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, and National Public Radio, and to commentary from AP; other articles are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA entry for this date, so far, is HERE.) — MCM

   

Ukraine says destroyed Russian army pontoon bridges in Kursk Region. From the Moscow Times. Ukrainian special forces said today that they destroyed several Russian military pontoon bridges along a river in the Kursk region, coming days after authorities in Russia said Kyiv’s military blew up three bridges spanning the waterway.  READ MORE . . .

   

Moscow sees one of Ukraine’s largest drone attacks as fighting rages in Kursk and eastern Ukraine. From AP. MOSCOW — Moscow came under one of the largest attacks yet by Ukrainian drones since the start of fighting in 2022, Russian authorities reported Wednesday, saying they destroyed all of those headed toward the capital. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for report from Reuters.

   

In Kursk Region, Ukraine forces regroup, suffer losses. From Tass. MOSCOW — Ukrainian troops lost up to 300 servicemen and 26 armored vehicles in the Kursk area over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said today in a broader statement. READ MORE . . .

   

Attack on Kursk Region a priori cancels possibility of talks with Kiev — Russian MFA. From Tass. MOSCOW — Ukraine’s attack on the Kursk Region a priori reduces to nothing the chances of any negotiations with the current regime in Kiev, according to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. READ MORE . . .

   

What does Ukraine’s incursion into Russia say about a so-called ‘red line’? Reported by Steve Inskeep | NPR  Former Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Evelyn Farkas, now at the McCain Institute, talks about Ukraine’s incursion into Russia, and implications for U.S. and allied policy. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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FROM AUG. 20  Ukraine civilians try the army for a week. Reported by Polina Lytvynova | NPR  Ukraine needs more soldiers as its troops hold the defense on Ukrainian territory and carry out an offensive in Russia. An elite Ukrainian military unit offers civilians a one-week tryout as soldiers. Click HERE to listen and read.

   

Putin’s slow response to the Kursk attack could test the patience of some of his backers in Russia, by Emma Burrows | AP  Russian President Vladmir Putin has a history of responding slowly to various crises in his tenure, and he has so far played down Ukrainian forces’ attack in the Kursk Region. READ MORE . . .