Ukraine launches largest drone assault of the war, targeting key Russian airfields. In a notable escalation, Ukrainian defence forces and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched the largest drone attack of the war in the early hours of August 14, targeting four Russian military airfields. The airfields in Voronezh, Kursk, Savasleyka, and Borisoglebsk were struck by long-range drones in a meticulously orchestrated operation designed to incapacitate Russia’s ability to use these sites for airstrikes with guided bombs against Ukrainian positions and cities. According to Ukrainian media outlet Censor, its sources within the Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the operation was highly successful, with Russian sources admitting to substantial damage and the failure of their air defences to intercept the drones. This strike underscores the ongoing strategy by the SBU and Ukrainian forces to diminish Russia’s aerial capabilities.
Ukraine downs Russian Su-34 fighter bomber in Kursk. In a further setback to Russian air capabilities, Ukrainian forces have successfully downed a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber in the Kursk region. The aircraft was brought down by Ukraine’s Air Force anti-aircraft missile units during a combat mission. This incident forms part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to systematically dismantle Russian military assets and personnel. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces highlighted the sustained nature of these operations in a recent Facebook update, underscoring the ongoing pressure on Russian forces.
Zelensky reports steady progress in Kursk, with 74 settlements now under Ukrainian control. President Volodymyr Zelensky offered an update on the military operations in the Kursk region, highlighting the steady progress of Ukrainian forces amid fierce and arduous battles. He reported that Ukraine now holds control over 74 settlements in the area, where stabilisation and security measures are being put into place. These efforts are essential for setting the stage for further humanitarian initiatives. Zelensky also conveyed his gratitude to the Ukrainian soldiers for their courageous service and noted that preparations for upcoming strategic actions are underway, according to his recent Telegram post.
Ukraine intercepts 17 drones in a night Russian drone and missile attack. On the night of August 14, Russian forces launched an assault on Ukraine, deploying two guided missiles and 23 Shahed drones. Ukrainian defence forces intercepted and destroyed 17 of the drones across several regions, including Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zhytomyr. The missiles were fired from Russia’s Belgorod region, while the drones were launched from the Chayuda training ground in Crimea and the Russian cities of Yeysk and Kursk. This successful defensive operation highlights Ukraine’s increasingly effective capability to counter aerial threats, as noted by Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk.
