Despite the Ukrainian diversionary operation in Kursk region, the situation in the Pokrovsk sector remains difficult

Dmytro Zhmaylo, executive director of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation, said that according to his estimates, the occupiers are not actively moving troops from Ukrainian territory to the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, and are looking for reserves in Russia itself.

The Pokrovsk direction remains relatively calm for now, as the enemy is not conducting active offensive actions in this area. They are trying to move some units from the south, including from the Zaporizhzhia direction, as well as from northern directions, such as the Kupiansk direction. However, these actions are still isolated. According to Dmytro Zhymaylo, the Russians will likely try to concentrate all available forces from Russian territory to maintain their positions.

The Pokrovsk direction is under the responsibility of the Russian "Center" group.

It is noted that the enemy is advancing at an average of 400 meters per day due to their numerical superiority and dominance in artillery and other weaponry. The Ukrainian Defense Forces' operation in the Kursk region has dealt a serious blow to the Russian "North" group, which is responsible for guarding Russia's northern border—from Chernihiv to the Kharkiv bridgehead.

Ukrainian forces have disrupted the enemy's logistics, eliminated the threat to the city of Sumy, and drawn Russian reserves out of the Bryansk region that could have threatened Chernihiv. Currently, Ukrainian forces are rapidly advancing and have already taken control of over 80 settlements, as reported by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

The expert notes that Russia is trying to maintain balance. Still, the success of the Ukrainian operation may force the Russian command to redeploy more and more units from the front in this direction. Since Russia cannot afford the presence of Ukrainian troops on its own territory, this would be a significant reputational loss, which in turn would provoke a negative reaction from its international partners.

Myrnohrad residents evacuating as Russian forces aproaching the town

Residents of Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast are evacuating as Russian forces advance to within just 6 kilometers (3.8 miles) of the town, according to the acting head of the town's military administration, Yurii Tretiak, who spoke with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on August 16.

Myrnohrad, located just east of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub, has become a focal point of the Russian offensive in Donetsk Oblast. Tretiak expressed concern that while people are leaving, the pace of evacuation is not as fast or as urgent as the situation demands. Despite ongoing efforts, around 20,000 people remain in Myrnohrad, including approximately 1,000 children. Before Russia's full-scale invasion, the town's population was about 46,000, but many have fled due to persistent Russian attacks and the shifting front lines.

Tretiak reported that the front line is now about 6 kilometers from Myrnohrad. Authorities are organizing evacuations, focusing on children and the elderly, but many residents are leaving on their own due to the constant threat of Russian attacks. The goal is to have Myrnohrad fully evacuated by the end of August.

The evacuation effort is also underway in neighboring Pokrovsk as Russian forces continue to push forward. Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin announced earlier in August that over 700 children would be evacuated from four communities in the oblast due to the ongoing heavy fighting in the Pokrovsk direction.

As Russian forces intensify their offensive in Donetsk Oblast, the situation in the Pokrovsk direction remains "extremely challenging," according to Kyiv's assessment.

Russians hit apartment building and gas pipeline in Kramatorsk

A Russian strike on the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast on 17 August destroyed a residential building, with rescue operations underway to recover a person trapped under the rubble.

Oleksandr Honcharenko, the Head of Kramatorsk City Military Administration; Donetsk Oblast Military Administration; Kramatorsk City Council

The Donetsk Oblast Military Administration reported that one of the rockets from a Smerch Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) struck a two-storey residential building. In contrast, other rockets hit an industrial area. The impact caused significant damage to the building and a gas pipeline.

As a result, 310 customers were left without gas, including 178 apartments and 132 private households. The gas pipeline suffered extensive damage, including a guillotine break, causing disruptions to the gas supply in the area.

US blocks UK authorisation for Ukraine to strike Russia with Storm Shadow missiles

The United States is reportedly delaying the UK's authorization for Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory due to concerns about escalating the conflict. The UK has been waiting for over a month for the US to approve the use of these long-range missiles, which have a range of 250 kilometers and could target Russian military bases deep within Russia. While the UK is keen to give Ukraine the freedom to use these weapons, consensus from key allies, including the US, France, and another unnamed NATO country, is required. The issue is said to be "stuck in the system," with ongoing discussions among allies.

The delay is rooted in the Biden administration's concerns about the potential escalation that could result from Ukraine using such long-range weapons. Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh has suggested that long-range weapons might not be necessary for Ukraine to achieve its objectives, reflecting a cautious approach from the US. Meanwhile, UK sources have acknowledged that policy changes like this take time and do not blame the US for the delay. There is speculation that the US may be waiting to assess the impact of Ukraine's ongoing operations in Russia before making a final decision on the matter.