Ukraine in control of 92 settlements in Russia's Kursk Oblast

Ukrainian forces have reportedly taken control of 92 settlements and over 1,250 square kilometers of territory in Russia's Kursk Oblast as their ongoing incursion into the region enters its second week, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on August 19. The Ukrainian military has captured the town of Sudzha and is said to have destroyed all three bridges over the Seim River near the border. While the Kyiv Independent has not been able to independently verify these claims, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is strengthening its positions, stabilizing key areas, and taking Russian soldiers as prisoners of war (POWs) in significant numbers.

Zelensky described the operation as Ukraine's "largest investment" in freeing Ukrainians held captive by Russia, noting that it has led to the capture of the most Russian POWs in a single operation. Although exact figures have not been disclosed, Zelensky mentioned that "hundreds" of Russian soldiers were captured as of August 13. An unnamed Ukrainian colonel suggested that the number could be as high as 2,000. Zelensky also highlighted that one of the tactical goals of this incursion was to largely clear the Russian border near Ukraine's Sumy Oblast of Russian troops.

Russians attacked towns of Toretsk and Zarichne

The Russian military launched an attack on the city of Toretsk and the village of Zarichne in Donetsk Oblast on the afternoon of August 19, resulting in the deaths of four local residents. According to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, the attack on Toretsk involved artillery fire targeting the civilian population, leading to the death of a 71-year-old woman who was fatally wounded in the yard of her home.

In Zarichne, part of the Lyman hromada, the attack struck a residential area, killing three civilians—a man and a married couple—aged between 61 and 72. The type of weapon used in the Zarichne attack is still under investigation.

Children are to be mandatorily evacuated from Pokrovsk starting 20 August

The mandatory evacuation of children and families with children from Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, will begin on August 20 due to the approaching Russian forces. Vadym Filashkin, the Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, announced that this decision was made because the front line has moved dangerously close to the Pokrovsk area, which now requires urgent action.

The evacuation order applies to over 53,000 residents in the Pokrovsk hromada, including more than 4,000 children. The evacuation also extends to nearby towns and villages such as Rodynske, Hnativka, and Novopavlivka. Filashkin emphasized that ensuring the safety of children is a priority, and with the city now within range of enemy weapons, the evacuation is both necessary and inevitable. Local authorities have warned that residents have limited time to leave as services in the area may soon cease operation due to the advancing front.