- All reports on the Ukraine war can be found in the Newsticker.
Ukraine update: What happened in the night
Russian attack near Bakhmut goes awry – army loses three of their super tanks
The Russian army has probably failed with an attack on the city of Andriivka. As the Russian military blog “Lost War in UA” reported on Telegram, the Russians suffered heavy losses of material. Including three of the most modern Russian T-90M tanks, which Putin had described as the “best tanks in the world”. A total of five vehicles were damaged and abandoned.
The Telegram channel also shared pictures and videos of the allegedly severe loss. It shows several tanks standing motionless and visibly damaged in some kind of field.
Zelenskyy visits the front near Bakhmut – Ukraine records small successes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited positions of several units of his army north of the Russian-occupied city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. “Thank you for protecting the lives of our people,” said Zelenskyy in a video released on Monday, which was recorded in a reception center for the wounded.
During his visit to the front, Zelenskyy presented awards to soldiers. He was accompanied by the head of his office, Andriy Yermak, his deputy Roman Mashovets and Brigadier General Artem Bohomolow. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maljar had previously announced that the Ukrainian units south of Bakhmut had recaptured three square kilometers of land last week.
It is important to talk to the soldiers personally, said Zelenskyy in his evening video address, which he apparently recorded on the train on the way back from the eastern region of Donetsk. In it he also stated that Ukraine must produce and import more drones in order to protect human lives on the front lines.
Night Russian air raid on western Ukraine
According to the authorities, western Ukraine was heavily fired at on Tuesday night with Russian cruise missiles. At least three people were killed in the city of Lutsk, according to the head of the administration of the Volyn region, Yuriy Pohulyaiko. Several injured were taken to hospitals. The city of Lviv and its environs were also hit, as Mayor Andriy Sadowy announced. In Lviv, the attic of an apartment building caught fire. The cruise missiles were reportedly fired by Russian fighter bombers over the Caspian Sea. The affected areas of western Ukraine border on Poland and thus on NATO and the EU.
New US military aid of $200 million
The US is providing Ukraine with another US$200 million (€183 million) in military aid. The new package includes ammunition for the Patriot air defense system, Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin anti-tank missiles and spare parts, the Ministry of Defense said. In addition, additional artillery ammunition and mine clearance equipment from US military stocks will be delivered.
The United States is considered Ukraine’s main ally in defending against the Russian invasion. According to the Pentagon, since the war began at the end of February 2022, the USA has provided or promised military aid totaling more than 43 billion US dollars (around 39 billion euros) for Kiev.
Lindner expresses sympathy for Taurus deliveries to Ukraine
During his visit to Kiev, Federal Finance Minister Lindner expressed his support for a possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to the Ukraine. The FDP leader said: “Ukraine must win this war. That’s why it’s also part of our responsibility that Ukraine’s staying power is always greater than the malice emanating from Putin’s war.” The German government therefore wants to continue to do everything in its power to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities. Much has already been done to this end.
With regard to the Taurus debate, Lindner said that the usual procedure applies. Germany will discuss with its allies what is needed and what is possible. “Since I know that many, like myself, have sympathy for such support, I hope that these questions will be clarified soon, very soon.”
What will be important on Tuesday
In the east and south of Ukraine, Kiev’s counter-offensive to liberate the areas occupied by Russia continues.
The Ukraine update on August 14th.
phs/with agency material
