Monday, August 26. Russia’s War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine

Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 915.

In one of the biggest bombardments since the start of its invasion, Russia battered Ukraine with more than 100 missiles, and approximately 100 drones in the early hours of Aug. 26, severely damaging the country’s energy infrastructure and killing at least six people.

Dozens were injured, with widespread damage reported in at least 15 oblasts, or regions: more than half of the country. Ukraine’s energy utility Ukrenergo implemented emergency shutdowns following power outages in several cities, including the capital, Kyiv. Regional governors across the country opened so-called “Points of Invincibility,” emergency shelters with electricity, food and water, where residents can charge phones during power outages. In the northwestern city of Lutsk, one person was confirmed dead after Russian missiles hit a multi-story apartment building.

In Kyiv, the hydroelectric power plant was hit, but didn’t sustain critical damage. At least one person was injured.

In southern Odesa oblast, four people were injured, including a 10-year-old boy, who had to be hospitalized. “The terrorists targeted the energy and civilian infrastructure of the region,” regional governor Oleh Kiper said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to lift restrictions on the range of weapons Ukraine can use to reach military targets inside Russia to stop the attacks at their source. Our “partners have the power to help us stop terror.” Zelenskyy said on his Telegram social media channel. “We need decisions.”

115 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned home on Aug. 24, the day Ukraine celebrates its independence from the former Soviet Union. Among those released were members of the national guard, the regular armed forces, the navy, and the state border guard service. “We remember each and every one,” of our brave servicemembers President Zelenskyy said in a Telegram social media post, pledging Ukraine’s continued commitment to locating and bringing back every individual still held captive. The return of these defenders is a testament to the tireless work of the Ukrainian negotiation team and the support of international partners, particularly the United Arab Emirates, Zelenskyy added.

On Aug. 24, Russian forces shelled the downtown of Kostyantynivka, an industrial city in eastern Donetsk oblast, killing five civilians and injuring at least five others. The attack, likely using artillery, targeted a residential neighborhood mid-day, the regional prosecutor’s office said. Those fatally wounded in this assault were three men and two women.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyiv on Aug. 23, marking the first such visit by an Indian premier. The symbolic visit came on Ukraine’s Flag Day, and one day before the anniversary of its independence from the former Soviet Union. “On the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, this gesture signals Modi’s recognition of Ukraine’s statehood, territorial integrity, and sovereignty,” said Mridula Ghosh, chairman of the board of the Eastern European Development Institute, in an interview with Radio Liberty. Ghosh further noted that Modi’s visit may symbolize a reassessment of India’s foreign policy towards Russia’s war against Ukraine. India has thus far refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while continuing to increase its imports of Russian oil, filling the Kremlin’s coffers. In July, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy had decried Modi’s embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Moscow visit on the exact day Russia bombed a children’s hospital in Kyiv as “a devastating blow to peace efforts.” By contrast, during his Kyiv visit, Modi and Zelenskyy laid flowers at the monument of Mahatma Gandhi and honored the memory of Ukrainian children who lost their lives due to Russian aggression.

Ukraine warned Russian ally Belarus on Aug. 25. to pull back its forces, which have been amassing near Ukraine’s northern border. Ukraine’s foreign ministry reported that Belarus is amassing personnel, including special operations forces and military equipment, in its Gomel region near the border with Ukraine. Kyiv intelligence has also detected the presence of mercenaries from the former Wagner group, the Kremlin’s private army, in the area. “We warn Belarusian officials not to make tragic mistakes for their country under Moscow’s pressure,” Ukraine’s foreign ministry said, “and we urge its armed forces to cease unfriendly actions and withdraw forces away from Ukraine’s state border to a distance greater than the firing range of Belarus’ systems.” In mid-August, the Belarusian ministry of defense announced plans to fortify its military positions near the Ukraine border in response to Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region of Russia.

World.

The United States is sending new military aid to Ukraine, President Biden announced on Aug. 23 in a statement ahead of Ukraine’s independence day. “When Russia’s senseless war began, Ukraine was a free country,” the President said. “Today, it is still a free country. And the war will end with Ukraine remaining a free, sovereign, and independent country.” The aid package, valued at $125 million, includes air defense capabilities, munitions for missile systems and artillery, and anti-tank weaponry. Biden also said that Washington will be imposing sanctions on some 400 entities and individuals “who are enabling Russia’s illegal war as part of our enduring commitment to hold Russia accountable for its aggression.”

While honoring Ukraine’s independence day in Kyiv, Lithuanian Prime Pinister Ingrida Simonyte announced new military aid to its ally, comprising short-range air defense systems and missiles, anti-drones systems, guns and ammunition and other equipment. “By end-autumn, ≥5000 Lithuanian-made drones will be handed to Ukraine. We’re also allocating €35 million [$39 million] to purchase radars and demining equipment for Ukraine,” she added. In 2024, Vilnius will most likely surpass the undertaken commitment to spend 0.25% of GDP on defense and security aid to Ukraine, Simonyte noted. “I urge all our partners and allies to commit to the same target.”

Ukraine’s Independence Day.

Amid the third year of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian communities worldwide celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence over the past weekend. Celebrations, involving officials, community activists and displaced Ukrainians forced to flee their homes due to the war took place from the US and Canada to Europe and South America.

In New York, the mayor Eric Adams, congratulated Ukrainians on Ukraine’s Independence Day during the flag raising ceremony, when Ukraine’s blue-and-yellow flag, as well as the American flag, went up at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan.

By Daria Dzysiuk, Karina L. Tahiliani