Russia plans to respond to Ukraine's Kursk Oblast incursion

Russia is reportedly planning a response to Ukraine's ongoing operation in Kursk Oblast, according to Vadym Skibitsky, the deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency. During an event in Kyiv on August 21, Skibitsky mentioned that Ukrainian forces have advanced 28-35 kilometers (18-21 miles) into Russian territory, capturing 1,263 square kilometers (488 square miles) and 93 settlements. He emphasized that Ukraine's leadership is aware of Russia's plans and is prepared to continue the operation while disrupting Russian efforts.

Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, highlighted that the experience gained during previous counteroffensives in Kherson and Kharkiv has been instrumental in the Kursk operation. Skibitsky added that this operation will significantly impact global perceptions of Ukraine, emphasizing that it was launched to protect Ukrainian lives by preventing cross-border attacks and diverting Russian reinforcements. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the incursion would not have been necessary if Kyiv had been allowed to use Western-supplied long-range weapons against Russian targets.

Kremlin trying to convince public that Ukrainian troops on Russian soil is new normality

The Kremlin is reportedly using state media and propaganda to normalize the presence of Ukrainian troops on Russian soil, as it grapples with the reality that it may not be able to swiftly expel them. According to Meduza, a Russian independent news outlet, the government has developed three narrative lines to manage public perception: acknowledging Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast, assuring the public that Ukrainian forces will be defeated eventually, and urging patience as this process may take time.

As the unprecedented incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia's Kursk Oblast enters its third week, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported significant territorial gains, with Kyiv's forces advancing 28-35 kilometers (18-21 miles) and capturing 1,263 square kilometers (488 square miles) of Russian territory, including 93 settlements. Within the Kremlin, the initial shock of the incursion has reportedly subsided, with officials now focused on managing public expectations and preparing for an extended conflict. However, the Russian propaganda machine, usually adept at controlling narratives, has struggled with this situation, leading to confusion and mixed messaging in state media. The absence of prominent propagandist Margarita Simonyan from public view further highlights the challenges the Kremlin faces in crafting a cohesive response.

Ukraine's Defence Intelligence attacks Savasleika airfield, three Russian aircraft destroyed

On 16 August, Ukraine's Defence Intelligence reportedly carried out a special operation targeting Russia's Savasleika military airfield in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast using loitering munitions. The attack allegedly destroyed a MiG-31 aircraft, possibly a K or I modification, along with two Il-76 cargo planes. Additionally, around five other aircraft, likely MiG-31K/Is, were damaged.

This strike follows a previous attack on the same airfield on 13 August, which resulted in damage to a fuel and lubricant warehouse and another MiG-31K/I aircraft. Satellite data from that day indicated the presence of 11 MiG-31K/I aircraft, Il-76 planes, and several Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters at the airfield. However, there are currently no videos or official confirmations verifying the latest attack's outcomes.