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War in Ukraine today: latest news, 17 August, 2024 (photo)

It has been the 906th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression.

What happened in Ukraine today:

Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 6 pm:

The Defense Forces continued to fiercely resist the invaders, repelling many enemy attempts to advance deeper into Ukrainian territory. The enemy kept trying to use its advantage in manpower and air support.

On 17 August there were 72 combat engagements on the front line.

The enemy was most active towards Pokrovsk, where they carried out over a third of all attacks.

The terrorist state continued using aviation and artillery against the border vicinity of Sumy oblast. Specifically, settlements like Fotovizh, Bachivsk, Druzhba, Novovasylivka, Velyka Berizka, Romashkove, Prohres, Popivka, Tymofiivka, and Pokrovka were under artillery fire. Enemy aircraft also struck Zarutske, Starykove, Khotin, Yunakivka, and Basivka with KABs, using 11 guided bombs.

Today, towards Kharkiv, russian terrorists assaulted Ukrainian positions four times in the vicinities of Vovchansk and Lyptsi. The battle in Vovchansk is still ongoing.

Towards Kupiansk, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions four times. Ukrainian defenders repelled assaults near Berestove and towards Lozova. Two battles in the Stelmakhivka area are still ongoing.

Towards Lyman, enemy attacks continued in the vicinities of Makiivka, Nevske, Hrekivka, Novoyehorivka, and Dibrova. Since the start of the day, there were 14 engagements in this direction, with five still ongoing. The situation remained under control.

Battles continued towards Siversk, where the enemy attacked near Verkhnokamianske, Spirne, Vyimka, and Pereizne, trying to break through Ukrainian defenses six times. All attacks were repelled.

Towards Kramatorsk, the invaders launched four assaults near Chasiv Yar. Three of these engagements are still ongoing.

Toretsk remained one of the hottest and most prioritized areas for the enemy, with seven attacks reported. The enemy mainly attacked near Pivnichne, Toretsk, and Zalizne, where Ukrainian defenders put up strong resistance. Six engagements were over. The aggressor’s aviation also struck Kurdiumivka with unguided rockets.

The highest number of engagements was reported towards Pokrovsk. The occupiers made 25 attempts to push Ukrainian defenders out of their positions in the vicinities of Vozdvyzhenka, Myroliubivka, Novotroitske, Novohrodivka, Hrodivka, Mykolaivka, Zhelanne, Zavithne, and attacked towards Zelenyi Hai. The Defense Forces repelled 14 attacks, with 11 engagements still ongoing. Oleksandropil suffered an airstrike with unguided rockets.

Towards Kurakhove, the invaders attacked Ukrainian units nine times, trying to advance near Kostiantynivka. They also carried out an airstrike with a guided bomb on Memryk.

Towards Vremivka, the invaders attempted an attack towards Vuhledar but failed.

Towards Kherson, one enemy attack was also repelled.

The occupiers attacked Zaporizhzhia oblast with aviation, dropping three KABs near Novodanylivka, and struck Novandriivka and Kamianske with unguided rockets.

No significant changes were observed in other directions.

The Office of the Prosecutor General reported that an investigation into the beheading of a Ukrainian soldier in Belgorod oblast began. Terrorists committed the crime in Kolotylivka, near the state border of Ukraine with Belgorod oblast.

The Anti-Corruption Action Center (CPC) reported that Ukraine confiscated at least UAH 15 billion of russian assets since the start of the full-scale invasion. Also UAH 686.5m was transferred to the fund from bank accounts, along with claims worth UAH 40.9m.

Recent war events in the east of Ukraine

Kharkiv oblast

The Ukrainian military received three Vampire attack drones. The modern domestic UAVs were purchased by the charitable foundations ‘Making of Ukraine’ and ‘Dar’. The equipment will be sent to military units performing combat missions in the Kharkiv region.

Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the RMA, informs that construction of a new safe shelter for an educational institution is nearing completion in the village of Korotych of Pesochinska community. ‘The facility is about 80% ready. This shelter will not only protect against enemy missiles, but also against radiation hazards. It will be able to accommodate up to 600 people and create safe conditions for more than 260 students.

At 4:30am, an enemy anti-aircraft vehicle was shelled in the village of Borova, Izium region. There was no information on casualties or damage.

Around 22:00 the day before, Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi village, Kupiansk region, was shelled. The shelling damaged the glazing of windows, the doors of three private houses and a garage.

Around 10:00pm and around midnight, the enemy attacked the village of Kozacha Lopan of Derhachi community. A woman died as a result of the shelling, the details are being established. Private houses were damaged, the roof destroyed and a fire broke out in a two-storey building.

At 5:51pm, Odnorobivka, Bohodukhiv region was shelled. As a result of the shelling, a destroyed house and an outbuilding were burning and grass was burning in the open area.

Around 4:10pm, there was a hit in Malodanylivka community. The enemy conducted an airstrike. There was no information about casualties or damage. Parts of a D-30 UMPB were found at the crash site.

At 4:05pm and 3:00pm Novooosynove village, Kupiansk region was damaged. The shelling damaged a private house and an outbuilding.

Towards Kharkiv, the occupiers carried out 9 attacks near Lyptsi and Vovchansk. Ukrainian Armed Forces units successfully repelled 7 assaults, 2 more combat engagements are ongoing.

Towards Kupiansk, the Ukrainian Armed Forces recorded 10 enemy attacks in the vicinity of Hlushkivka, Andriivka and Kruhliakivka, three of them are ongoing, the situation is under control.

Donetsk oblast

There were five explosions in Kramatorsk. One of the Smerch MLRS missiles hit a two-storey building, while the others hit an industrial area. Shrapnel damaged a gas pipeline. As of 8:00pm, there are 1 killed and 4 wounded. The russians destroyed an unfinished 9-storey building, damaged 6 high-rise buildings, a pharmacy, a cinema and 2 shops. Authorities, police and rescuers are working at the scene.

The operational situation in the region as of the morning of 17 August:

Pokrovsk region. Numerous private houses and multi-storey buildings were damaged in Kurakhove, a petrol station was damaged in Hirnyk.

Kramatorsk region. A gas pipeline was damaged in Mykolaiivka community. In Markove of Kostiantynivka community, 3 houses were damaged.

Bakhmut region. In Toretsk, 1 person was killed and 1 injured, 2 houses were damaged. In Chasiv Yar community, 1 person was killed, 6 private houses, 2 multi-storey buildings, 2 industrial buildings and 2 non-residential buildings were damaged. In Siversk, a person was wounded and a house damaged.

In total, russians fired 14 times at the settlements of Donetsk oblast over the last day. 2,610 people were evacuated from the frontline, including 325 children.

Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Military Administration, says that over the past day, russians killed 2 residents in Toretsk and Chasovyi Yar. Another 2 people were wounded.

Luhansk oblast

The enemy is conducting offensive actions in the vicinity of Andriivka, Nevske and Makiivka. They are attacking with the support of aviation. The russians fired at the settlements with various types of artillery – Nevske and Makiivka were hit. The occupiers used 66 drones in the same area.

Artem Lysohor, Head of Luhansk Military Regional Administration, reports that the municipal archive of the so-called ‘lpr’ announced the collection of documents related to the ‘participants and events’ of the russian aggression in Ukraine since 2014, namely evidence of local and russian militants who took part in the occupation of cities and villages in Luhansk oblast, as well as documentation kept by the invaders for ten years.

What is happening now in the north of Ukraine

Kyiv oblast

Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of the RMA, reported that for the fifth night in a row, the enemy has been attacking Kyiv oblast with attack drones. The state of emergency was raised three times at night. Air defence forces were working in oblast. There were no hits to residential or critical infrastructure. There were no casualties. According to the operational teams, the falling debris caused the forest floor to catch fire, and the roof of one private house was damaged.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klychko announced that in Desnianskyi district of the capital, the wreckage of a UAV fell in a forestry park. As a result, a small area of grass flooring caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the forestry workers.

The funeral of Oleksandra Mulkevych, a medic of the Hospitallers project, took place in Kyiv. The girl was killed on 14 August in Kharkiv oblast. She was in an evacuation vehicle that was hit by a russian FPV drone. The funeral and burial took place at the Baikove cemetery. About a hundred people came to honour the memory of the deceased doctor.

The State Emergency Service reported that a grenade was found in a playground in Gostomel – parents noticed it in time and took their children to a safe distance. The sappers seized the F-1 hand grenade on the spot.

Kyiv Regional Military Administration reported that the community of Brovary handed over equipment for the fortifications construction and drones to the defenders. Soldiers of the 72nd Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians received 4 mini-excavators purchased at the expense of the city budget. Another 9 mini-excavators will soon be handed over to the military by the community of Vyshneve.

Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of the RMA, informed that Kyiv oblast has been actively working to create industrial parks and using all opportunities to attract investment, which stimulates the creation of new jobs and conditions for economic development. The government has registered KIT Park, which will be located in Bucha. Currently, 13 industrial parks have already been registered in oblast.

The RMA reported that Kyiv oblast and Stockholm County discussed areas of cooperation during a video call. They discussed cooperation in the medical field, the possibility of establishing an educational partnership between higher education institutions, and cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

From 14 August to 15 September, a series of immersive performances called Pomitna will be held at the Kyiv railway station, dedicated to women waiting for their loved ones from the war. There will be 28 performances lasting 90 minutes, each for 25 spectators. The Pomitna performance was created by the Uzahvati team based on the idea presented by Veteran Hub and with the support of Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Foundation and Ukrzaliznytsia.

Zhytomyr oblast

1,019 applications for compensation for the restoration of housing with minor damage have been submitted by citizens in Zhytomyr Oblast using the eRestoration electronic public service. The highest number of applications was submitted in the Malyn community – 206, Ovruch – 181, Zhytomyr – 152, and Stanyshivka – 104.

The YaMariupol IDP Support Centre was opened in Zhytomyr. According to Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol, such centres are created to support and help citizens from the hero city of Mariupol, as well as to preserve and unite the community that was forced to evacuate. The centre has an administrator, a recruiter, a veteran’s assistant, legal, medical and humanitarian assistance, psychological support, ASC services, and a children’s area.

Sumy oblast

Sumy Regional Military Administration reported that in the morning of 17 August, the enemy launched a missile attack on the civilian infrastructure of the regional centre. There was an explosion around 6 am. It hit in the area of Svobody Avenue. A fire broke out in the car park there, and many windows in nearby buildings were damaged. Oleksii Drozdenko, Head of Sumy RMA, informed that according to the city council, two people were injured, 10 houses and more than 50 cars, 369 windows and 4 doors were damaged.

The Air Force reported that russian troops hit Sumy with an Iskander-K cruise missile launched from the Voronezh oblast of russia. An operational headquarters has been set up near the site of the hit, so that the representatives of charitable and international organisations would work there to provide assistance.

Consequences of the russian missile strike on Sumy, 17.08.2024. Photo: SES

At night and in the morning, russians fired 18 times at the border areas and settlements of Sumy oblast. Forty-one explosions were recorded. Sumy, Khotin, Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Hlukhiv, Esman communities were shelled.

During the day on 16 August, the russians fired 48 times at the border areas and settlements of Sumy oblast. 161 explosions were recorded. Khotiyn, Yunakivka, Miropillia, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Esman, Shalyhyne, Druzhbivka, Seredyna-Buda communities were shelled.

Nova Sloboda community: airstrikes by CAB (4 explosions), mortar shelling (2 explosions).

Velyka Pysarivka community: FPV drone strikes (6 explosions), a rocket attack (1 explosion), and mortar attacks (10 explosions).

Bilopillia community: FPV drone strikes (2 explosions), mortar attacks (12 explosions), and artillery (5 explosions) were recorded.

Druzhbivka community: artillery shelling (3 explosions).

Khotin community: air strikes by KAB (8 explosions).

Yunakivka community: KAB air strikes (6 explosions).

Krasnopillia community: attacks with artillery (43 explosions), mortars (22 explosions), FPV drones (3 explosions).

Esman community: 6 mines dropped. There was also a CAB air strike (3 explosions).

Seredyna-Buda community: artillery shelling (6 explosions), FPV drone strikes (7 explosions).

Miropillia community: artillery shelling (7 explosions).

Shalyhyne community: 5 mines on the territory of the community.

The city council informed that given the security situation in Sumy oblast, the format of the educational process in schools will be determined in accordance with the decision of the Regional Defence Council and/or the order of the head of the regional administration or the pedagogical council of the educational institution.

Chernihiv oblast

On 16 August, throughout the day, russian forces attacked three settlements in two border communities of Chernihiv oblast: Semenivka and Snovskiy. The enemy used mortars, FPV drones, and dropped explosives from UAVs.

Semenivka community: 4 hits from UAV-dropped explosive devices in Karpovichi.

Snovska community: 2 hits from 120mm mortar shells in Hirsk; 1 hit from FPV drone in Kliusi.

No casualties or injuries from shelling among the local population have been reported.

The communities of Chernihiv oblast received two fire trucks equipped with special equipment, an ambulance, and medical supplies. One of the fire trucks has been sent to serve to Novobilouska community, while the other will soon be dispatched to Dobrianska community. The ambulance will be operating at Chernihiv Central Hospital. This was made possible by a partnership agreement between Chernihiv RMA and Segeberg administration. The delivery was assisted by the “Freunde Helfen Konvoi” charitable organization, People’s Self-Defense Lviv, Rotary Club Lviv International, and Rotary Club Segeberg. In addition to the equipment, German partners also organized a retreat for children from vulnerable categories.

Chernihiv oblast, the residents paid tribute to three soldiers of UAF: junior sergeant Alik Akimov and soldiers Vitalii Petukhov and Oleksandr Bilenko, who died defending Ukraine.

Recent events in the central regions of Ukraine

Dnipropetrovsk oblast

Mykola Lukashuk, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration, reported that the defenders of the sky destroyed 2 enemy Shahids over the oblast at night. Attacks in Nikopol region did not stop either. At night, the occupiers fired artillery at the region centre and Myrove. They launched almost a dozen shells. In the morning, they attacked Nikopol again. Artillery was joined by drone strikes.

Throughout the day, the enemy fired at Nikopol region fifteen times. A 30-year-old man was injured in Marganets. He was hospitalised in moderate condition. Nikopol, Pokrovsk and Myrove were also attacked by kamikaze drones and artillery. A private house and two outbuildings caught fire. Another house, a recreation centre, infrastructure, a gas pipeline and a power line were damaged.

According to the updated information, a residential building was hit by the morning shelling of Nikopol.

Vinnytsia oblast

A memorial plaque was unveiled in the village of Pereorky in honour of Vladyslav Hrynevych, a fallen National Guard soldier of the Chervona Kalyna brigade, nicknamed ‘The Grinch’. The defender would have turned 22 in August 2024.

Kirovohrad oblast

A peaceful rally was held in Kropyvnytskyi in support of captured and missing soldiers. It was attended by parents, wives and children of the defenders.

Poltava oblast

The commander of the Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk reported that air defence was operating in Poltava oblast shooting down UAVs at night.

Cherkasy oblast

Ihor Taburets, Head of the Cherkasy Oblast State Administration, reported that three russian UAVs were destroyed in Cherkasy oblast.

Latest news from the front of the southern regions of Ukraine

Zaporizhzhia oblast

On 16 August, russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia oblast 401 times, targeting 15 settlements. There were no reported casualties among the residents.

9 attacks with MLRS hit Novodanylivka and Tavriiske. There were 93 artillery strikes on Rivne, Stepnohirsk, Prymorske, Huliaipole, Novoandriivka, Novodanylivka, Robotyne, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka and Poltavka.

299 drones of various modifications attacked Malokaterynivka, Bilenke, Malyshivka, Prymorske, Huliaipole, Novoandriivka, Novodanylivka, Robotyne, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka and Poltavka.

There were 15 reports of damage to residential buildings and infrastructure.

Mykolaiv oblast

On the night of 17 August, Ukrainian air defence forces destroyed a Shahed 131/136 drone in Mykolaiv oblast. Also, on 16 August, the waters of Ochakiv community and the territory of Kutsurub community were under enemy artillery attack. There were no casualties reported.

According to the National Police of Ukraine, russian forces continues to strike Mykolaiv oblast. Recently, an FPV drone attacked a police service vehicle in Kutsurub community. There were no casualties reported.

Odesa oblast

Defenders from the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade of Odesa, named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, have begun using a new innovation on the front lines—British robotic dogs. These high-maneuverability ground drones, operated by an operator, can reach places inaccessible to aerial drones and conduct reconnaissance, such as inside buildings or russian trenches. To remain undetected, the robo-dog is equipped with a special suit that makes it invisible to thermal imaging. Also, it can detect booby traps, set up ambushes, and monitor the movement of occupiers. Such innovations help protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. The cost of one robotic dog ranges from €4,000 to €8,000. A small batch of these robots is currently undergoing trials in Odesa brigade.

Kherson oblast

On Saturday morning, Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the RMA, Kherson oblast was again under russian shelling, resulting in 6 people being injured, including a child. There was also a hit on a critical infrastructure facility.

On 16 August, the settlements of Sadove, Prydniprovske, Komyshany, Antonivka, Inhulets, Stanislav, Romashkove, Poniativka, Veletenske, Sofiivka, Inzhenerne, Kizomys, Tomyna Balka, Pervomaiske, Beryslav, Novovorontsovka, Zolota Balka, Zamozhne, Odradokamianka, Novokairy, Zmiivka and Kherson were targeted by enemy attack and airstrikes.

According to the RMA, russian forces struck a critical infrastructure facility, educational institutions and residential areas of the oblast, including an apartment building and 22 private houses. The occupiers also damaged a gas pipeline, private cars and a rescue vehicle.

Latest news for today in the western regions of Ukraine

Volyn oblast

Lutsk City Council sent 25 FPV drones Dart Bee 8 with a thermal imaging camera, 3 quadcopters of various modifications (DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 3 PRO RC, DJI Mavic 3T Enterprise (Thermal)) and a portable radio-electronic means of combating unmanned aerial vehicles Quertus to the Military Unit A1778.

Zakarpattia oblast

This week, the Owl’s Nest Humanitarian Aid Center provided IDPs registered in Uzhgorod with 34 packages with necessary things for children under 1 year old, 47 bags with grocery sets and 120 packs of adult diapers. During the week, volunteers gave out clothes, shoes, bed linen and dishes (2,695 items) from the PDUM Partnerschaft Deutschland-Ukraine/Moldova e. V., Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen / Wings of Help e.V. and other benefactors.

Ivano-Frankivsk oblast

Ivano-Frankivsk City Council reported that the community sent 25 FPV drones to the Amphibious Assault Brigade.

Ivano-Frankivsk hosted the photo exhibition Crimea Through Eyes Of Citizen Journalists: 10 Years In Captivity – photo evidence of the abuse of the Crimean Tatar people by the russian occupiers. A large coat of arms of the Crimean Tatars Tamga was laid out on Vichev Maidan from 48 photos.

Over 2,600 relatives of fallen and missing defenders have become participants in the regional social project Care for the Hero’s Family, which has been ongoing in Prykarpattia for over a year. The project is successfully implemented with the support of Carpathian businesses, public organisations and international partners.

Lviv oblast

In the centre of UNBROKEN, 19-year-old Artem Oliinyk who lost a leg at the front is getting ready for prosthetics. He went to war as soon as he turned 18. Now the fighter of the 3rd Assault Brigade is undergoing rehabilitation and preparing for prosthetics at the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center. The defender wants to return to the squad as soon as possible.

Soldiers, sergeants and officers of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after King Danylo were awarded the II and III degrees For Courage orders, the III degree orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi and the Defender of the Fatherland medal.

Rivne oblast

The police received an anonymous report about the mining of the building of Rivne RMA and the Regional Council. Employees were evacuated according to the protocol. Special services examined the premises. No explosive objects were found.

The RMA reported that in the new academic year, schools of Rivne oblast will teach a course on social-emotional learning Lessons of Happiness.

Ternopil oblast

Ternopil community sent an anti-drone gun to the 82nd Battalion of the 105th Territorial Defense Brigade thanks to the budget funds.

28 servicemen from Ternopil oblast were awarded with the II and III degrees For Courage orders, the Defender of the Fatherland and the For Military Service to Ukraine medals (posthumously). State awards were presented to relatives of fallen Heroes.

Khmelnytskyi oblast

Khmelnytskyi City Council allocated UAH 32m from the city budget to military units in the form of subventions. UAH 25m was allocated to purchase UAVs, ERW and REP equipment. UAH 3m was allocated to the Program of Innovative Support in the Field of Defense Capability.

Khmelnytskyi City Council allocated a one-time financial aid of UAH 2.5m to 45 families of prisoners or missing persons. Also, 14 households that suffered from terrorist attacks by the russian state received financial aid. Amounts vary depending on the degree of damage.

The III degree For Courage orders (posthumously) were awarded to soldier Oleksii Andreyev, senior soldier Vadym Dzyad, junior sergeant Roman Tkachenko, soldier Arsenii Pilts, soldier Artem Hotsaluk and soldier Oleksii Sherdiukov. State awards were presented to relatives of fallen Heroes.

Chernivtsi oblast

The RMA reported that a group of 47 children living in family-type children’s homes went on a 2-week vacation to the out-of-town children’s rehabilitation and recreation facility Artek-Bukovel.

International support of Ukraine in the russian-Ukrainian war (russia’s invasion of Ukraine)

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency ordered 12 minibuses for the State Emergency Service from the Ukrainian company Cherkasky Bus. They are planned to be sent in November. In addition, TRANS-AVTO-D was ordered to manufacture 8 trailers for the transportation of demining machines (trailers are mounted on IVECO trucks).

Markus Faber, Head of the Bundestag‘s Defense Committee, called for Ukraine to receive Fuchs armoured vehicles and more Leopard 2 tanks.

The White House told putin what to do if he does not like what is happening in Kursk oblast. The coordinator for strategic communications of the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, noted that this is putin’s war against Ukraine and if he does not like something, if something does not satisfy him, there is a very simple solution – he needs to get out of Ukraine and stop.

Materials compiled by Tetiana Kliuchnyk-Horobets, Tetyana Pidgorna, Olena Reka, Yana Hushchyna, Tamara Moshkovska, Sofia Ratynska, Ioanna Kryvenko, Аnna Efremova, Albahachiieva Helena

Translated by Tetyana Pidgorna, Yana Hushchyna, Litrovnyk Alla, Marharyta Koval, Tetiana Kurbatova

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