Parliament passes law banning religious organisations linked to Russia

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament, has passed a bill in its entirety that bans religious organizations in Ukraine with links to Russia, a move that could significantly impact the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). The bill, known as draft law No. 8371, was approved in its second reading with 265 MPs voting in favor.

The law is set to take effect 30 days after its publication. However, there is a specific provision granting UOC-MP communities a nine-month period to sever their ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). This legislation, often referred to as the law prohibiting the "Moscow church," marks a significant step in Ukraine's efforts to distance itself from Russian influence amid ongoing conflict.

Russia preparing new attacks in Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast

Russia has increased aerial reconnaissance and is preparing new assault operations in Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast, according to a report from Ukraine's Kharkiv group of forces on August 20. Vovchansk, located about 60 kilometers northeast of Kharkiv, has been the site of intense battles since Russia launched a renewed offensive in the area in May.

The Ukrainian military also noted that Russian forces have intensified aerial reconnaissance in Hlyboke, a village approximately 35 kilometers west of Vovchansk. Additionally, units from the 11th Tank Regiment of the 18th Motorized Rifle Division are being redeployed, and assault groups are being formed from the 7th Motorized Rifle Regiment near Lyptsi, a village just south of Hlyboke, to replenish Russian losses. Despite the initial gains in May, the Russian offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast has stalled, with heavy losses reported on the Russian side. Some analysts suggest that this offensive was intended to stretch Ukrainian forces as Russia concentrated its efforts in Donetsk Oblast.

Ukrainian forces begin to experience shortage of shells after start of Kursk operation 

The Financial Times reported that since the start of Ukraine's military operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian units defending against Russian forces in Donetsk Oblast have returned to rationing artillery shells. According to a Ukrainian artillery brigade commander, part of the reason for the Russian advances in Donetsk is that Kyiv has shifted its limited resources to support the operation in Kursk. This reallocation has led to a scarcity of ammunition for Ukrainian forces in the east, marking the first time since U.S. aid was delayed by Congress that rationing has become necessary.

The report highlights that Ukraine has deployed over 10,000 troops, including elite units and mechanized brigades, from Donetsk and Kharkiv to support the Kursk operation. This shift has resulted in extended front-line deployments for many soldiers without rotation. The Financial Times also notes that Ukraine has lost 51 pieces of military equipment in the Kursk operation, while Russia has lost 27. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi have emphasized that the eastern front remains as crucial as the Kursk operation.

US does not change policy on long-range strikes on Russia despite Ukrainian operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast

The White House has reiterated that the U.S. policy on long-range strikes on Russian territory remains unchanged, even in light of the ongoing Ukrainian military operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, speaking aboard the presidential plane, emphasized that the U.S. stance has not shifted, despite the recent developments in Kursk.

Jean-Pierre further clarified that while the Ukrainian forces are defending their territory against Russian aggression, the United States was not involved in any aspect of the planning or preparation of this operation. She affirmed that the U.S. continues to adhere to its established policy regarding long-range strikes.