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War in Ukraine today: latest news, 20 August, 2024 (photo)

It has been the 909th 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 enemy continued to exert pressure on our forces and attempted to advance deeper into Ukrainian territory. The defence forces continued to fight the invaders, inflicting significant losses on them.

There were 87 engagements on the front line.

The most activity occurred towards Pokrovsk, where the enemy conducted more than a third of all attacks.

The border areas of Sumy oblast continued to suffer from russian artillery shelling. In particular, the settlements of Bachivsk, Mykhailivske, Riasne and Pokrovka were affected by artillery fire. The enemy also struck Slavhorod twice with MLRS.

Towards Kharkiv, russian terrorists stormed Ukrainian positions six times in the vicinities of Vovchansk and Lyptsi. Currently, two clashes are ongoing in Vovchansk.

The enemy attacked Ukrainian positions six times towards Kupiansk. Ukrainian defenders repelled the enemy assaults near Petropavlivka and towards Lozova and Novoosynove. One clash is still ongoing.

Towards Lyman, enemy units, with the support of aviation, congtinued to attack in the vicinities of Makiivka, Novosadove, Hrekivka and Dibrova. Since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian soldiers have repelled nine enemy attacks in this direction, and the situation remains under control.

Fighting continued towards Siversk, with the enemy attacking near Verkhnokamianske, Vyimka, and Pereiizne. The occupiers attempted to break through Ukrainian defences four times, dropping seven bombs on Serebrianka and Verkhnokamianske.

Towards Kramatorsk, the invaders carried out three assault actions near Ivanivske and Klishchiivka. They also launched unguided air rockets towards Hryhorivka and Chasiv Yar.

Towards Toretsk, the number of enemy attacks reached 14. Today, the enemy is attacking near the settlements of Niu-York, Nelipivka, Toretsk and Zalizne. Ukrainian defenders are putting up a strong resistance, with 13 clashes already concluded and one still ongoing. The enemy’s aviation launched strikes on the settlement of Druzhba with unguided air rockets, and 11 KABs were dropped on Toretsk and Nelipivka.

The highest number of clashes was recorded towards Pokrovsk. Since the beginning of the day, the occupiers have made 34 attempts to dislodge Ukrainian defenders from their positions in the vicinities of Vozdvyzhenka, Mykhailivka, Kalynivka, Novohrodivka, Hrodivka, Mykolaivka, Ptyche, Skuchne, and attacked towards Zelene Pole. The defence forces, while holding back the enemy’s pressure, have already repelled 24 attacks, with ten clashes still ongoing.

Towards Kurakhove, the invaders attacked Ukrainian units seven times, attempting to advance near Kostiantynivka, Krasnohorivka and Karlivka.

Towards Vremivka, the invaders made one unsuccessful attempt to attack Ukrainian positions.

Towards Orikhiv, Novoiakovlivka and Novopavlivka were struck by KABs, and Novoandriivka and Lobkove by unguided air rockets. Meanwhile, enemy units attempted to advance towards Novodanylivka but failed.

Towards Kherson, Ukrainian defenders repelled two enemy attacks.

Dmytro Lubinets, Commissioner for Human Rights of Verkhovna Rada, reported that Ukraine has begun receiving some information about Ukrainian prisoners of war from russia. During the last exchange, postcards were exchanged. Together with their russian counterparts, a simultaneous interview of prisoners of war was conducted, including those returned by Ukraine. There is hope that the russian side will allow representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit Ukrainian prisoners. The russians have started fulfilling their international obligations and have stopped returning Ukrainian prisoners in a terrible physical state.

The Rada supported a bill banning the activities of russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, with 265 members of parliament voting in favour of the decision.

Recent war events in the east of Ukraine

The General Staff said that more than a third of all attacks launched by the russian military along the frontline were towards Pokrovsk defence. The russian army tried to seize Ukrainian positions 63 times, most actively near Novohrodivka, Vozdvyzhenka and Mykhailivka.

The occupying russian army launched another 24 assaults towards Toretsk and launched five airstrikes on the city with nine combat aircraft.

The General Staff recorded more than 10 attacks towards Lyman, Siversk and Kurakhove.

Kharkiv oblast

The press service of the Kharkiv operational-strategic group reported that for the third day in a row, russians have been shelling Vovchansk with a Soncepyok, a heavy flamethrower system.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that towards Kharkiv, as of 4pm, two firefights continue in Vovchansk and four russian attacks have already been repelled. One combat engagement out of six continues towards Kupiansk as the russian army attacked near Petropavlivka and towards Lozova and Novoosynove.

Head Viktor Kovalenko informed that around 3pm, a russian UAV hit a ravine near one of the settlements of Zolochiv community. According to him, there were no injuries or damage.

The press service of the Ministry of Energy reported that a repair team of a regional power company were under russian attack. The personnel and equipment were not injured.

Head Viacheslav Zadorenko said that around 10:50am, russians hit a civilian car with a drone in Kozacha Lopan. According to him, the russians struck at least seven times at various civilian objects.

According to Derhachi CMA spokesman Oleksandr Kulik, a resident was killed. This 64-year-old man had just returned to Kozacha Lopan from Germany today. He had an operation there, so he was not in a very good condition, and the drone just killed him. The man was in one of the cars that was hit by the drones. He refused to be hospitalised as he had minor burns. Another injured person, an employee of the starosta district, is in hospital as he cut himself on a glass when he was pulling the 64-year-old deceased from the car.

The press service of Kharkiv Regional Military Administration reported that Kupiansk was under russian shelling at 9:50am and a 59-year-old woman was injured as a result of the attack. The injured woman was taken to a medical facility.

At 6am, the enemy attacked Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi. Information about the damage and casualties is currently being clarified.

At 1:50am, the enemy shelled Borova village of Izium region. Three private residential buildings were damaged as a result of the shelling.

Yesterday the enemy used two X-38 missiles, three KABs and one FPV drone against civilian infrastructure and unarmed residents of Kharkiv oblast.

At 11:30pm, the enemy attacked Kupiansk. A 47-year-old man was injured as a result of the enemy shelling.

At 7:15pm, the enemy shelled Kozacha Lopan village of Derhachi community, Kharkiv region. As a result of the shelling, reeds were burning on an area of 2 hectares.

At 5:10pm, the enemy targeted Odnorobivka village of Zolochiv community, Bohodukhiv region. As a result of the shelling a residential building was burning.

At 5pm, the enemy shelled Kupiansk. The shelling damaged a house and a car.

At 4:40pm, the enemy attacked Kozacha Lopan village of Derhachi community, Kharkiv region. Two houses were damaged as a result of the shelling. A man and a woman aged 54 were injured.

Aftermath of russian shelling. Photo: Kharkiv Regional Military Administration

At 2:15pm, the enemy fired on Nyzhche Solone village of Borova community, Izium region. As a result of the shelling, grass and shrubs burned over an area of 1,500 sq m.

At 1:10pm, the enemy fired on Andriivka village of Borova community, Izium region. As a result of the shelling an outbuilding was burning.

At 12:29pm, the enemy attacked Odnorobivka village of Zolochiv community, Bohodukhiv region. A house was burning as a result of the shelling.

At 10:30am, the enemy shelled Novooosynove village of Kupiansk region. A 78-year-old woman was injured as a result of the shelling.

Towards Kharkiv, the enemy continued offensive and assault actions, with a total of five combat engagements initiated by them. The fighting took place near Lyptsi and Vovchansk.

Towards Kupiansk, the number of combat engagements reached 14 yesterday. Defence forces repelled enemy attacks near Hlushkivka, Stelmakhivka, Kruhliakivka, Synkivka, Andriivka and towards Lozova.

Over six months, Kharkiv oblast was shelled more than 2,700 times with various types of weapons. The russians used 950 multiple rocket launchers and more than 340 missiles against civilian infrastructure and unarmed people, killing 293 people, including 15 children.

For the first time since the start of the full-scale war, tram №23 in Saltivka started running in Kharkiv, as this area was one of the most heavily shelled by russian forces. Tram traffic was stopped here on 26 February 2022, when the tracks and contact network were damaged by shelling. To re-launch tram №23, the utility had to restore 8km of the network damaged by shelling.

The government has allocated additional funds for protective structures in educational institutions in Kharkiv oblast and it will receive another UAH 2,177bn for 23 facilities in 19 communities. Of this, UAH 345.2m will be allocated to Kharkiv city as planned. Currently, work is underway to launch offline training in Krasnohrad and Lozova regions. About 10,000 children from these two regions are expected to return to school this year.

Donetsk oblast

The prosecutor’s office of Donetsk oblast reported that the russian army also struck Hrodivka village in Pokrovsk region. Two people were injured.

Vadym Filashkin, Head of the RMA, informed that russian troops struck at Kostiantynivka, damaging four apartment buildings. One person was killed and one injured.

Velyka Novosilka Military Administration reported that russian troops shelled Shakhtarske village in Volnovakha region. The attack damaged seven private houses and power lines.

At night, the enemy attacked Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Hannivka and Serhiivka. 11 civilian objects were damaged, including 5 residential buildings, an educational institution, a house of culture, a cafe, agricultural machinery and cars. The russian army shelled Pokrovsk with two S-300 missiles. As of the morning, 110 reports of damaged property were received.

Aftermath of the night strike on Pokrovsk. Photo: Pokrovsk CMA/Telegram

Yesterday russians killed 5 and injured 7 residents of Donetsk oblast.

Also yesterday police recorded 2,725 hostile attacks along the frontline and in the residential sector. The attacks took place in 14 settlements: Kurakhove, Myrnohrad, Selydove, Siversk, Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, Velyka Novosilka, Zarichne, Kurakhivka, Katerynivka, Nove, Novoandriivka, Toretske and Shakhtarske.

Destruction as a result of russian shelling. Photo: National Police

32 civilian objects were destroyed, including 18 residential buildings, an administrative building, an enterprise, an educational institution, garages and cars.

The occupiers struck Zarichne by Uragan MRLs, killing three civilians and damaging two private houses.

Russian troops shelled Toretsk with artillery and as a result, an elderly woman was killed, three other residents injured and a private house damaged.

In Siversk, one civilian was killed and one was injured as a result of shelling by Grad multiple rocket launchers. Seven private houses were damaged.

Two people were injured in Chasiv Yar and one in Selydove.

Ruslan Muzychuk, Spokesman of the National Guard of Ukraine, spoke about the situation towards Toretsk saying that russian claims of control over a settlement, including Niu-York, may indicate the presence of their troops in the settlement, but it is important to know whether the enemy forces “can gain a foothold there”.

Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Regional Military Administration, stated that the curfew has been tightened and will last 20 hours a day in Kurakhivka and Hirnyk. From now on, restrictions on movement will be in place from 3pm to 11am.

Yevhen Kaplin, Head of the Proliska Humanitarian Mission, reported that the biggest problem is the evacuation of people with limited mobility, as all state institutions where they can be accommodated and provided with appropriate care are already overcrowded. In total, the mission evacuates about a hundred people from Pokrovsk every day.

Yurii Tretiak, Head of the CMA, informed that there are less than 5km to Myrnohrad from the frontline. Evacuation continues in the community. People leave even during the curfew. Everyone is understanding because people need to leave. The city is open so as not to interfere with the evacuation, but there are still people who are hesitant.

Mariupol City Council said that the russian army has set up a military base on the territory of the Stone Graves reserve in Donetsk oblast. According to preliminary information, the russian command has deployed troops in a special protected area, which is part of the Ukrainian Steppe Nature Reserve.

Luhansk oblast

The enemy is putting pressure on both Kupiansk and Lyman sectors. According to the Regional Military Administration, the russians were most active near Makiivka, Nevske, Ploschanka and Stelmakhivka. There are still people in Nevske who are constantly being urged to leave. Yesterday two people were evacuated. The village is under constant fire from enemy artillery. The occupiers’ drones are “hunting” from the sky, just like in Makiivka. The invaders also hit this settlement with rocket artillery.

The so-called “lpr” published an order restricting the right to leave for collaborators who have information of particular importance or top secret information. Permission to leave the country will be granted personally by the “head of the lpr” pasichnyk after considering the applicant’s application. Within 35 days, the person wishing to leave will be checked by the FSB and the russian internal intelligence service. The application will need to specify the route of the trip, the type of transport and the personal data of the person who will receive the guest from the “lpr”.

In Starobilsk, the occupiers raid the local market on weekends. At a time when there is a large number of people gathering there. They check documents and mobile devices. If necessary, they surround the market, blocking all entrances, and let everyone out only after a thorough inspection.

What is happening now in the north of Ukraine

Kyiv oblast

Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of the Regional Military Administration, reported that russian troops attacked Kyiv oblast with attack drones and missiles at night and in the morning. The targets were shot down by air defence forces. The falling debris damaged 4 private houses and an outbuilding in one of the settlements.

KCMA reported that 41 air alerts have been launched in Kyiv since the beginning of August. According to preliminary information, the russians attacked the capital from the north, allegedly with Iskander-K cruise missiles.

Bucha City Council reported that the territorial community volunteer force (DFTG) is recruiting for a military training course as part of the national resistance programme in Bucha. The training is open to both civilians and recruits to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The course is based on NATO standards and Territorial Defence programmes.

The staff of the Council for the Restoration of the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, destroyed by a russian missile attack on 8 July, has been formed and approved. According to Health Minister Viktor Liashko, the members will consider a phased plan for the restoration of Okhmatdyt and provide recommendations for its implementation at the first meeting.

The RMA announced that in autumn 2024, they are already planning to put into operation two high-rise buildings damaged by the russian occupiers. The head of the regional military administration inspected the progress of their reconstruction in Vasylkiv. The restoration started in autumn 2023.

Mayor Oleksandr Markushyn informed that over 10 months of operation, the social canteen in Irpin has served about 90,000 breakfasts and lunches. The institution was set up in the premises of the college of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences (NUBiP). It is noted that the doors of the social canteen in Irpin are open to everyone who needs it, including internally displaced persons.

A delegation from Kyiv City Military Administration is on a working visit to Slovenia. The purpose of the trip is to inspect the operation of a waste-to-energy plant that generates heat and electricity by disposing of about 80,000 tonnes of waste annually. This CHP plant actually meets the needs of the city community and satellite towns.

Zhytomyr oblast

The State Ecological Inspectorate of Polissia District reported that A modern laboratory centre is to be set up in Zhytomyr on the basis of the State Environmental Inspectorate, which will assess the damage caused to the environment by human activity and military operations. The centre will be created as part of the planned reform of the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine and with the financial support of the UNDP Ukraine international project.

Sumy oblast

Hlukhiv City Council reported that the russian army shelled critical infrastructure in Hlukhiv by missiles. As a result, parts of the city lost electricity and water supply. Inspections of the targeted sites are currently underway. It is known that, thanks to backup lines, critical infrastructure facilities have been reconnected to the power supply. Water supply and the operation of treatment facilities have also been restored.

During night and morning, russians carried out 44 shelling attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy oblast, resulting in 209 explosions. The attacks targeted Khotin, Myropillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Hlukhiv, Shalyhyne, Esman, Druzhbivka, Yampil communities.

On 19 August, russians carried out 69 shelling attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy oblast, resulting in 256 explosions. The attacks targeted Khotin, Bilopillia, Myropillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Hlukhiv, Shalyhyne, Esman, Druzhbivka, Seredyna-Buda communities.

Krasnopillia community: russians struck by mortars (79 explosions), MLRS (8 explosions), artilley (48 explosions) launched unguided air missiles from helicopters (8 explosions), fired FPV drones (4 explosions).

Velyka Pysarivka community: the enemy dropped explosive devices from UAVs (4 explosions), launched unguided rockets (NAR) from a helicopter (9 explosions), conducted mortar shelling (23 explosions), an airstrike with KAB munitions (1 explosion), and artillery shelling (18 explosions).

Hlukhiv community: FPV drone strikes (6 explosions).

Seredyna-Buda community: FPV drone strikes were carried out (10 explosions), along with artillery (15 explosions) and mortar shelling (9 explosions). As a result, 2 residents were injured. There was also shelling by mortars (4 explosions).

Khotin community: russian carried out an airstrike with KAB munitions (4 explosions).

Nova Sloboda community: FPV drone strikes were recorded (1 explosion).

Bilopillia community: explosive devices were dropped from UAVs (3 explosions), and an airstrike with KAB munitions occurred (1 explosion).

Shalyhyne community: the enemy dropped 9 mortar shells on the community’s territory. There were also airstrikes by KAB munitions (3 explosions) and FPV drone attacks (2 explosions).

Myropillia community: an airstrike by KAB munitions was carried out (3 explosions).

Esman community: an FPV drone attack was recorded (1 explosion), along with airstrikes by KAB munitions (3 explosions) and UAV drops of explosive devices (4 explosions), resulting in 2 civilians being injured.

Druzhbivka community: an FPV drone attack was carried out (1 explosion).

Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, reported that the White Angels crew from Donetsk have started training for police officers and rescuers in Sumy oblast, who will be involved in evacuating people. Specialists in evacuation teams will learn to quickly navigate non-standard situations, provide first aid in extreme conditions, and apply crisis communication skills.

Chernihiv oblast

The russian forces attacked three settlements in three border communities of Chernihiv oblast: Novhorod-Siverskyi, Semenivka and Snovsk. The enemy used artillery, FPV-drones and dropped explosive devices from UAVs. In total, border guards recorded 9 explosions.

Novhorod-Siverskyi community:

Towards Hremiach – 3 hits by dropped explosive devices from UAVs

Additional 4 hits from FPV-drones: one of the strikes hit a civilian infrastructure building, causing it to catch fire.

Semenivka community:

Towards Bleshnia – 1 hit by dropped explosive devices from UAVs.

Snovsk community

Towards Mistky – 1 hit by artillery.

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

Yaroslav Kuts, Head of the Department of Housing and Communal Services, announced at an extended meeting at Chernihiv City Council on 20 August that instead of destroyed bridge, a temporary road is planned to be constructed on Kiltseva Street in Chernihiv. This road will restore traffic flow until a new crossing over the Stryzhen River, which was blown up in February 2022, can be built. The estimated cost of the work is UAH 15m. Construction of the road is expected to begin around March 2025.

Vasyl Bilohura, Head of Chernihiv City Council’s Department of Education, reported that the Cabinet of Ministers is allocating nearly UAH 177m for the construction of radiation shelters in schools in Chernihiv. According to him the first such shelters will be built in gymnasiums №2, №29 and №35.

Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv RMA, informed that an alert system covering the entire Mensk community, a video surveillance system connected to around a thousand cameras, and training for the civilian population on first aid and mine safety have all become possible thanks to the participation of the Good Initiatives of Mensk community NGO and the city council in the grant competition Strengthening Community Participation in Early Recovery Processes in Liberated Territories. The funding comes from ISAR Unity, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, with support from the EU. Currently, a Safety and Social Cohesion Centre has been established in the community, which has integrated existing resources (such as community loudspeakers and business video surveillance) into a single system. Additionally, 10 alert systems and 15 cameras have been purchased.

Recent events in the central regions of Ukraine

Dnipropetrovsk oblast

At night, 2 enemy drones, a reconnaissance drone and a Shahid, and 2 missiles were shot down over the oblast.

In the evening, the occupiers attacked Nikopol twice. They attacked the region centre with a kamikaze drone and Myrove with artillery. In the morning, they fired at a village in Marhanets region and sent a kamikaze drone to Nikopol. There are victims. They also attacked Synelnykove. In the evening, the enemy used a drone against one of the settlements in the region.

The enemy attacked Nikopol region about fifteen times. They used artillery, kamikaze drones and dropped ammunition from drones. The occupiers targeted the region centre, Pokrovsk, Myrove and Marhanets. Two private houses and an outbuilding were damaged. According to the updated information, a 21-year-old man was injured in the morning attack on Nikopol. He was hospitalised in a moderate condition. The petrol station was damaged.

Vinnytsia oblast

Vinnytsia RMA announced that 10 enemy drones were shot down overnight. There was no information on casualties, damage or destruction.

A peaceful rally and exhibition are being organised in Vinnytsia on the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen Defenders of Ukraine. The exhibition will feature the stories of 20 soldiers who laid down their lives for Ukraine.

Kirovohrad oblast

Andrii Raikovych, Head of the RMA, reported that Air Defence Forces were working at night. In Oleksandriia region, the fragments of a downed drone damaged several roofs, windows, and fences of private households. Two cars were hit.

In Dmytrivka and Subottsi of Kropyvnytskyi were held the funerals of Dmytro Lapkovskyi and Yevhen Dunetskyi, who died in the war with russia. On 21 August, in Roznoshenske village of Holovanivskyi region, people will say goodbye to Vadym Kaznovskyi.

Poltava oblast

In Poltava, a memorial plaque to the fallen soldier Artem Amelin was installed on the facade of school №19. On this day, the man would have turned 30 years old. Artem Amelin served in the National Guard of Ukraine, had the rank of senior soldier and was a senior machine gunner. The soldier died on 25 February 2022 in the Luhansk oblast.

Cherkasy oblast

Cherkasy oblast held a human corridor for its fallen defenders. These are Viacheslav Shkilnyi and Mykhailo Yarotskyi.

Viacheslav Shkilnyi from Zvenyhorod region was killed in Donetsk oblast while performing a combat mission.

Mykhailo Yarotskyi is from Katerynopil region. He was killed during a battle for his homeland in Donetsk oblast.

Latest news from the front of the southern regions of Ukraine

Zaporizhzhia oblast

On 19 August, the russian forces launched 376 attacks on Zaporizhzhia oblast by various types of weapons. According to the RMA, russian forces carried out 4 airstrikes on Piatykhatky, Malynivka, Robotyne and Levadne.

The invaders attacked Huliaipole, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Mala Tokmachka, Levadne and Malynivka by 218 drones of various modifications. They also shelled Robotyne and Huliaipole 6 times by MLRS.

The russian military launched 148 artillery strikes on Chervonodniprovka, Stepnohirsk, Huliaipole, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka and Levadne.

There were 9 reports of damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. The RMA said that there are no casualties reported.

On 20 August 20, the State Border Service of Ukraine announced the neutralisation of enemy UAVs in Zaporizhzhia oblast. 9 enemy drones were destroyed and 1 was landed without detonation.

Dmytro Lykhovii, Spokesperson for the operational-strategic group of Tavriia troops, reported that Ukrainian Defence Forces in Zaporizhzhia destroyed a rare russian radar station Kasta, valued at over $60m.

Mykolaiv oblast

During the night of 20 August, Ukrainian Air Defence Forces destroyed 5 Shahed-136/131 drones in Mykolaiv oblast.

On 19 August, the enemy attacked Kutsurub community by FPV drones at 9:55am, 10:12am, 10:42am and 7:53pm. One of these attacks caused a fire in an open area outside a settlement, which was promptly extinguished by firefighters. There were no casualties reported.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 15,599 objects have been recorded as destroyed or damaged in Mykolaiv oblast. In Mykolaiv, environmental inspectors examined sites where waste from the destruction caused by russian shelling is temporarily stored. The inspectors found that the waste was placed on compacted soil, with a total volume of nearly 5,000 tonnes. Each community determines its own storage sites, which are approved by the head of Mykolaiv RMA. These are areas that cannot be used for other purposes.

Odesa oblast

Odesa oblast has received humanitarian aid from the Ukrainian community in the Netherlands. This is the 3rd humanitarian assistance provided to Odesa oblast. The community delivered school and office furniture, clothing, footwear, mattresses, office equipment, kitchen utensils and other necessary items. The aid was distributed to 15 institutions in Odesa oblast, including schools, orphanages and a library.

The technical fleet of the municipal utility City Roads was replenished with 2 IVECO dump trucks equipped with cranes. The assistance came from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief of Germany (THW). In 2022-2023, thanks to the partnership with THW, Odesa received generators, vehicles, protective equipment and other items used daily by municipal structures.

Kherson oblast

Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson RMA, reported that during the night of 20 August, Ukrainian Air Defence Forces destroyed 2 Shahed-131/136 drones over Kherson oblast.

On August 20, the occupation forces attacked 2 settlements in the suburbs of Kherson with drones. As a result of the explosives dropped, 2 residents were injured. Kherson itself was also affected. The russians dropped an explosive device from a UAV onto the premises of a business in Dniprovskyi district, damaging a minibus. Also, a building of an extracurricular educational institution and a car in the city center were damaged due to a drone attack.

During the night, Tekstylne in Dniprovskyi district of the city was under enemy artillery fire. 3 gas pipelines were damaged and a 14-year-old girl suffered a concussion, a traumatic brain injury and a brain contusion.

russian aggressors once again attacked civilian infrastructure in Beryslav and Kherson regions by artillery, MLRSs, mortars, tanks and drones. The settlements of Kherson, Antonivka, Bilozirka, Sadove, Pervomaiske, Poniativka, Pryozerne, Tomyna Balka, Blahovishchenske, Komyshany, Beryslav, Chervonyi Maiak, Burhunka and Mykhailivka were under russian attack. Several people were injured.

The shelling damaged 29 objects: 17 private houses, an extracurricular educational institution, 6 cars, gas pipelines, a garage and an outbuilding.

As reported by Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson RMA, 6 more children and their families were evacuated from the occupied part of Kherson oblast. These are boys and girls aged between 3 and 12 years old. He added that currently, the adults and children are safe. They are receiving assistance from doctors and psychologists to help them adapt to their new lives.

As part of international technical assistance, Kherson pyrotechnicians received high-quality equipment and gear, which will contribute to faster, higher-quality and safer demining of territories. We are immensely grateful for the support of the project implementers, namely the US government, the Republic of Lithuania and EU countries for the provided assistance, as we have a very important mission ahead of us – to clear the de-occupied territories, and you are helping us with this, said Andrii Masharo, Head of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kherson oblast.

Latest news for today in the western regions of Ukraine

Volyn oblast

Lutsk City Council sent a DJI Mavic 3 Pro (DJI RC) quadcopter to the 3rd Mechanised Battalion of the 54th Separate Mechanised Brigade thanks to the budget funds.

Zakarpattia oblast

In the oblast, the state of compliance with the legislation in the field of civil protection will be checked. The profile commission of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine will work in the oblast from 19 to 30 August.

Ivano-Frankivsk oblast

The RMA reported that relatives of Mykola Mocherniuk, Nazar Hristan, Vladyslav Chudakorov and Petro Yakymyshyn received the III degree For Courage Order (posthumously) and the For the Defense of Ukraine President’s award.

Lviv oblast

The scientific and practical centre Operator of Remotely Controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles was opened in the oblast. For training, the institution has drones and all the necessary material and technical equipment. Both students and anyone interested can acquire the necessary skills here. The total project budget is UAH 600,000.

Mykhailo Opriska, position of machine gunner of the 3rd Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after King Danylo, from Strii region, was awarded the III degree For Courage order (posthumously). He was killed on 24 March 2023 on the outskirts of Bakhmut. He was wounded as a result of enemy fire on positions. Previously, the serviceman was awarded the Hero’s Cross order (posthumously).

Rivne oblast

Settlers from Kremin community created a rehabilitation space in Rivne oblast for people with disabilities, veterans and IDPs, as well as military personnel and their family members and the elderly. The centre will provide free preventive and muscle-relaxing massage, as well as art therapy, group classes with a psychologist, and master classes.

In Rivne oblast, over 100 defenders have already received free dental prosthetics and planned dentistry. In total, 130 institutions in Ukraine provide such services, and the defender can turn to any of them, wherever it is convenient. The place of residence does not play a role here.

Ternopil oblast

Around 3am, the enemy struck an industrial facility in Ternopil, which caused a fire. All the services necessary for its liquidation promptly went to the scene. None of the people were hurt.

As a result of the enemy attack, the fuel and lubricants at the industrial enterprise caught fire. Firefighters from Ternopil garrison, as well as from other cities of the oblast, were involved in extinguishing the fire. 20 units of equipment and more than 90 rescuers worked. 2 fire engines from Ternopil and Lviv were also involved. At 6:50am, the fire was contained.

Consequences of an enemy attack. Ternopil oblast. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ternopil oblast.

Oksana Chaichuk, Director General of Ternopil Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, reported that 7 measurements of the content of combustion products were made this morning in Ternopil and the oblast. So far, no high concentrations of harmful substances have been detected.

Khmelnytskyi oblast

At night, during the air alarm signal, the Air Defense Forces destroyed 1 enemy UAV of the Shahed type. There was no information about property damage. There were no casualties or injuries.

The RMA reported that Military exercises were conducted within Khmelnytskyi community.

Chernivtsi oblast

The RMA held a meeting with representatives of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. They discussed ensuring proper living conditions for IDPs and promoting their integration.

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

Germany updated the list of aid provided to Ukraine. The updated list includes:

1 IRIS-T SLS air defence system;
14,000 artillery ammunition of 155 mm calibre;
10 ground drones;
26 VECTOR reconnaissance UAVs with spare parts;
materials for disposal of explosive ammunition;
6 HMEE highly mobile backhoe loaders;
1 Bergepanzer 2 armoured recovery vehicle;
55,000 first-aid kits;
700 MK 556 assault rifles;
50 CR 308 rifles.
10 high-precision HLR 338 rifles and 240,000 cartridges for them.

Denmark announced the 20th package of military support for Ukraine worth $116m. It should satisfy the military needs of Ukraine both in the short-term and in the long-term. It was drawn up based on the wishes and needs of Ukraine. Details about the contents of the package are not given for security reasons.

Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, expressed his support and unchanged position regarding the use of their weapons on the territory of moscow. He supported the use of Danish weapons in the operation to liberate Kursk oblast, commenting on these events.

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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