Russian forces intensify operations to encircle Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk, ISW report reveals. According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces are currently executing two tactical operations as part of a broader offensive aimed at capturing Pokrovsk and encircling Ukrainian positions between Myrnohrad and Hrodivka. The first operation advances along the Novohrodivka-Hrodivka axis, targeting the seizure of Myrnohrad and a subsequent push towards the outskirts of Pokrovsk. The second operation, concentrated along the Selidove-Ukrainsk-Hirnyk line southeast of Pokrovsk, aims to extend Russian presence in the region and mitigate vulnerabilities to Ukrainian counterattacks. These manoeuvres are likely seen by Russian military leadership as essential precursors to more concentrated assaults on Pokrovsk itself. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has confirmed that the fiercest battles are taking place on the eastern outskirts of Hrodivka and surrounding areas.
Ukrainian F-16 lost in missile interception mission. In recent developments, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has reported the unfortunate loss of an F-16 fighter jet during a mission to intercept a Russian missile attack. The aircraft, which was actively engaged in countering Russian cruise missiles, lost communication while pursuing its next target. It was later confirmed that the jet had crashed, tragically resulting in the pilot’s death. In response, the General Staff has appointed a special investigation team to probe the cause of the crash. This team is currently conducting operations in the area where the aircraft went down.
Ukrainian forces reportedly strengthened their positions in Kherson and Orikhiv. According to the Ukrainian media outlet Censor, Ukrainian defence forces have successfully strengthened their tactical positions on the left bank of Kherson and along the Orikhiv front, as reported by Dmytro Lykhoviy, spokesperson for the Tavria Operational Group. Ukrainian troops have not ceded any ground despite ongoing defensive operations and have even made gains in certain areas. This progress indicates that Russian forces may struggle with the resources needed to sustain effective offensive operations across multiple fronts. Lykhoviy further noted a decrease in the intensity of Russian artillery attacks in August, attributing this to successful strikes by Ukrainian missile forces, aviation, and drone units. However, Russian forces continue to employ aviation and UAVs, with significant activity still reported in the Kherson region.
Italy reaffirms defensive stance on military aid to Ukraine but says weapons must not target Russia. According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has reiterated Italy’s position on using its military aid to Ukraine, stressing that Italian-supplied weapons must not be employed to strike Russian territory. This position was restated during an informal EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, which Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also attended. Tajani emphasized that while each nation determines its own policies, Italy’s contributions remain strictly defensive, including the upcoming delivery of the Samp-T missile system, which is designed solely for defensive purposes and not for offensive actions against Russia. He further clarified that Italy is not at war with Russia, and neither is NATO, underscoring that Italian arms are intended exclusively for use within Ukraine.
