Timeline: day 181 of Ukraine's defense against russia's aggression
Today is August 23. russia's military attack on Ukraine has been going on for 181 days. We're reporting on the current news. The article will be updated.
What about today?
Key points
The blue-yellow flag for Ukrainians has always been a symbol of freedom and the struggle for independence. Today, under the blue and yellow flag, soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine defend our country, volunteers work around the clock, and Ukrainian children sing and organize fairs to help our defenders.
Today is National Flag Day, congratulations to all patriots of Ukraine! Let each of those currently fighting for Ukraine's independence be reliably protected by our state's flag!
Our holidays disturb the occupiers. "russia plans to strike Ukraine's infrastructure shortly," Reuters reports. "We have information that russia is stepping up efforts to launch strikes against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days," the agency cites one of the US officials.
The US Embassy called on its citizens to leave Ukraine in this connection.
Our soldiers respond to the threats of the occupiers with well-aimed strikes on enemy warehouses and concentrations. In a week, the Ukrainian forces destroyed 30 ammunition warehouses and invaders' bases!
The Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled attempts to attack russian troops in the Donbas, Ukraine's General Staff reports. The key points as of the morning of August 23:
- In the Sloboda direction, the enemy is conducting combat operations to hold previously occupied areas and borders and is trying to improve the tactical position.
- In the Donetsk direction, the enemy's efforts are focused on conducting active actions in the Bakhmut and Avdiivka directions.
- In the Bakhmut direction, the enemy tried to conduct combat reconnaissance in the area of Zaitseve and conduct assault operations near Soledar and Kodema, but without success, russians retreated.
- In the Avdiivka direction, the enemy launched an offensive near Krasnohorivka and Pervomaiske without success.
- In the Novopavlivka direction, the enemy waged offensive battles in the areas of settlements of Novomykhailivka and Zolota Niva without success.
The South Operational Command confirms significant damage to the Antonivka bridge and the bridge over the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant and the destruction of the enemy's ammunition depot in Kakhovka.
Humanitarian missions
The UN created a commission to investigate the terrorist attack in Olenivka, but it is still inactive. "The United Nations has a fact-finding team ready to investigate the attack on the prison in Olenivka," said UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric. And he immediately added that the commission cannot yet start an investigation at the scene, as the situation around the colony in Olenivka continues to remain dangerous for a visit without appropriate guarantees from Ukraine and russia.
Who's coming to Ukraine?
On financial and information aid, weapons, and politicians
The EU wants to start a large-scale mission to train the Ukrainian military. As the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell said, they want to launch the operation in a country neighboring Ukraine. He did not reveal the details of the training program but noted that "of course, it will be a big mission." "It seems reasonable that a war that continues and seems doomed to end requires efforts not only in terms of supplies but also training and assistance in organizing the army," said the EU's top diplomat.
The West is preparing the Ukrainian Armed Forces for close contact combat. Such conclusions are made by The New York Times, analyzing the supply of weapons to Ukraine. Thus, in the new aid package from the USA, Kyiv will receive 40 armored personnel carriers equipped with mine clearance rollers, lighter howitzers, and recoilless guns with a firing range of several hundred meters. There are rocket launchers with slightly more than 4.5 km firing range. The administration of the US president notes that new weapons should increase the mobility of the Ukrainian army in the south.
The US Army plans to conclude a contract for producing and delivering ten advanced Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones to Ukraine in September, Defense News reported, citing the Pentagon press service.
The Bayraktar combat drone, which was presented to Ukraine by Lithuania, is already at the front and is successfully destroying the russian invaders.
The Netherlands will allocate an additional aid package of 80 million euros to Ukraine to support the economy and aid in demining.
We didn't have the opportunity to rejoice at Olaf Scholtz's words that his country would continue to supply Ukraine with "what it needs for defense" when Germany refused to give Ukraine more weapons. Deutsche Welle reports this: "Germany cannot take risks against the backdrop of russian threats," said a defense ministry representative.
As for what has already been promised, the Iris-T air defense system will be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks, the German Foreign Minister said.
Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Kyiv today to participate in the Crimea Platform–2 summit.
As early as autumn, Ukraine expects to receive anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems that will allow it to "close the sky." Andrii Sybiha, Deputy Head of the Office of the President for Foreign Policy and Strategic Partnerships, stated this.
The mass media also report that Turkey handed over 50 Kirpi MRAP armored vehicles to Ukraine. And this is only the first batch. Other supplies are expected.
In addition, there is a possibility that Slovakia will send 30 of its T-72 tanks to Ukraine.
News from partners
Ukrainians sell inscriptions on shells that are fired at the russian army. Ninety-five percent of orders are in English, and most are from the United States. "From NATO with love," "London greets," and "Remember the Alamo." After the donation, a Ukrainian soldier scratches a message on the ammunition and takes a picture. Donations go to the Ukrainian forces.
The coat of arms of Ukraine was "drawn" during a cycling race in Canada. In Edmonton, Canada, a bicycle race and a walk through the central streets were held on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine. The bicycle race track was formed so that the Coat of Arms of Ukraine was formed. "This cycling race was dedicated to our defenders, who bravely defend the Independence and Freedom of Ukraine, our native land!" the organizers of the cycling race emphasize.
russia's war in Ukraine also came to Berlin; a car burned by the occupiers, where four women tried to evacuate Bucha, was displayed in the center of the German capital. The owner of the vehicle is Zhanna Kameneva. Nobody could reach her since March 5. That day, she was taking her co-worker with her 14-year-old daughter and a neighbor to Kyiv. The car was shot from a russian armored personnel carrier and probably from machine guns, resulting in the car being burned, and all passengers died.
Meanwhile, Scholz said the West would never recognize russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories. The Chancellor of Germany also announced that Canada and Germany agreed on a new "military aid package" for Kyiv.
