SW confirms advance of Ukrainian troops 10 kilometres deep into Russia's Kursk Oblast

Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have confirmed that Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 10 kilometers into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This confirmation comes from an analysis of data collected on 7 August.

The review notes that geolocation footage released on 6 and 7 August shows Ukrainian armored vehicles positioning themselves along the 38K-030 motorway, approximately 10 kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border. The evidence suggests that Ukrainian forces have penetrated at least two Russian defense lines and a stronghold.

The ISW highlights that the Kremlin’s response to these Ukrainian advances has been contradictory. Russian officials are attempting to present the Ukrainian efforts as a significant escalation while simultaneously avoiding exaggerating the situation’s implications to prevent domestic discontent.

Russians hit high-rise building in Kherson

On the morning of 8 August, Russian troops bombarded the center of Kherson, hitting and completely destroying a high-rise building in the city. No injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied.

The previous day, Russian attacks targeted multiple settlements in Kherson Oblast, including Romashkove, Kizomys, Mykhailivka, Novoberyslav, Chornobaivka, Stanislav, Antonivka, Kachkarivka, Veletenske, Tiahynka, Lvove, Oleksandrivka, Kalynivske, Blahodativka, Prydniprovske, Sadove, and Kherson city. The strikes damaged critical infrastructure, an educational institution, office buildings, a public catering facility, residential areas, nine apartment buildings, and eleven houses. Additionally, a gas pipeline, outbuildings, and vehicles were damaged, and eight people were injured.

Ukrainian air defense forces successfully downed a Shahed-131/136 drone over Kherson Oblast during the nighttime attack.

Crimean Tatar woman detained by Russia for alleged espionage to be judged in Moscow

Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian citizen Leniie Umerova, who is accused of espionage by Russia, has announced that her court hearing is scheduled to take place in Moscow this autumn. In a letter, Umerova mentioned that the investigator handling her case had been replaced recently. During a recent meeting with the new investigator, she was informed that the main trial is expected to occur in the fall and will be held in Moscow, rather than in the Caucasus. However, she noted that this information is not yet confirmed with certainty.

Russians close three railway stations in Kursk Oblast due to hostilities

Russian Railways, a state-owned company, has temporarily suspended passenger services at the Sudzha, Korenevo, and Psel stations in Kursk Oblast due to ongoing hostilities.

Local authorities are conducting additional infrastructure inspections and briefing staff to ensure traffic safety in the region. Train services are continuing as usual outside the Sudzha and Korenevo districts.

Earlier, Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the advance of Ukrainian forces into two districts of Kursk Oblast and reported that reserves had been moved to the border, with airstrikes being used against Ukrainian troops.

Russians hit a school in Sumy Oblast with glide bombs killing two civilians, including a child

On Thursday, 8 August, Russian forces struck the village of Mohrytsia in the Sumy district with glide bombs, targeting a village school. This attack resulted in the deaths of a 22-year-old man and a 6-year-old girl.

According to reports, the victims were siblings who were in the schoolyard at the time of the strike. Over the past 24 hours, the Russians have dropped 56 GABs on settlements across four border districts of Sumy Oblast. Additionally, two other civilians were injured, though the specific locations were not detailed.