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Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visits troops in Ukraine
From CNN's Olga Voitovych
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited frontline troops in Ukraine, Russia's Defense Ministry said Friday.
Shoigu was briefed by commanders of the Centre military group and thanked troops for "conducting successful offensive operations in the Lyman direction," the ministry said.
Shoigu stressed the importance of combat tactics, such as inflicting “pre-emptive fire on the enemy while knocking him out of the held positions," it said.
The defense minister's trip comes days after Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, visited troops in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.
Shoigu and Gerasimov were previously the targets of attacks by Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner mercenary group,who accused them of incompetence before he launched a short-lived rebellion in June.
Russia says it repelled Ukrainian drone attacks on Black Sea naval base and Crimea
From CNN's Olga Voitovych
Russia's Defense Ministry said Friday its forces had foiled separate Ukrainian drone attacks on Crimea and a nearby Black Sea naval base in southwest Russia.
Two uncrewed boats targeted the Novorossiysk naval base in Krasnodar province, the ministry said in a statement.
“In the course of repelling the attack, the uncrewed boats were visually detected and destroyed by fire from the standard weapons of Russian ships guarding the outer roadstead of the naval base,” it said.
Crimea attack: The ministry also said it downed 10 drones over Crimea, the peninsula illegally annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014.
“Air defense systems worked in several districts of Crimea. All objects have been shot down,”said Oleg Kryuchkov, adviser to theMoscow-installed Crimea leader SergeyAksyonov.
No casualties or damage were reported.
It's early morning in Kyiv. Here's what you need to know
From CNN staff
A satellite image shows smoke still rising from the site of apurported Russian drone strikeon port infrastructure in southwestern Ukraine, more than 24 hours after Ukrainian authorities reported the attack.
The image, taken Thursday morning by the BlackSky, shows the smoke rising in a port area along the Danube River in the city of Izmail, near the border with Romania.
Meanwhile, Russian officials said seven Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight in the Kaluga region, southwest of Moscow.
Here are other headlines you should know:
- On the ground: The UN warned about the impact of a "new wave of attacks" on civilians in Ukraine, including aid workers. Ukrainian officials continue to cool expectations for the progress of the counteroffensive as fighting remains concentrated in two parts of the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said there were no deadlines for the offensive. Meanwhile, a shopping center and hospital were damaged in shelling of the southern city of Kherson, Ukrainian officials said.
- Warnings from Poland and Lithuania: Wagner mercenaries who have moved from Russia to Belarus may try to destabilize NATO's eastern flank, Polish and Lithuanian leaders warned Thursday. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also warned of"further provocations" amidgrowing tensionsbetween Warsaw and Minsk.
- New sanctions: The European Council adopted new sanctions and further restrictive measures Thursday in response to Belarus' involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission said.The changes align the Belarus sanctions with those applied to Russia, according to the council.
- Dnipro dam recovery: Ukrainian officials have given details of a large pipeline being built to supply water to communities affected by thedestruction of the Nova Kakhovka damon the Dnipro river in June.Oleksandr Kubrakov, the minister in charge of infrastructure, said the goal is to launch the project's first link by the end of the month.
- Eye on North Korea: The US has concerns that Pyongyang is considering providing lethal aid to Moscow, with American intel showing the Kremlin is looking to increase military cooperation between the two nations to help Putin’s invasion, according to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. His comments come after Russia's defense minister recentlyvisited North Korea.
US intel shows Russia is looking to increase North Korea military cooperation, White House says
From CNN’s Sam Fossum
The United States has concerns that North Korea is considering providing lethal aid to Russia, with American intel showing the Kremlin is looking to increase military cooperation between the two nations to help President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, according to John Kirby, the US National Security Council's strategic communications coordinator.
“Our information indicates that Russia is seeking to increase military cooperation with [North Korea] such as through DPRK’s sale of artillery munitions, again, to Russia,” Kirby said, referring to to North Korea by its official name.
The comments come after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recentlyvisited North Koreaas part of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
“This is yet another example of how desperate Mr. Putin is becoming, because his war machine is being affected by the sanctions and the export controls,” Kirby added, saying that Russian officials are also reaching out to Iran and China.
During Shoigu's visit last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave hima tourof a defense exposition in Pyongyang, with images from North Korean media showing them walking past an array of weaponry, from North Korea's nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to its newest drones.
At a state reception for Shoigu and the Russian delegation, in a reference to the war in Ukraine, North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam expressed Pyongyang’s full support “for the just struggle of the Russian army and people to defend the sovereignty and security of the country,” according to a report from the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
Poland warns of "further provocations" around border with Belarus and Russia
From CNN's Radina Gigova, Antonia Mortensenand Jessie Gretener
Polish Prime MinisterMateusz Morawiecki warned Thursday of"further provocations and intrigues" that may arise from the other side of his country's eastern border with Belarus and Russia, amidgrowing tensionsbetween Warsaw and Minsk.
"We warn against provocations from Russia and Belarus. The Wagner group may carry out sabotage actions, and all those who underestimate this threat may be responsible for further provocations and intrigues from that side,"Morawiecki said in post on Twitter.
On July 29,Morawiecki said more than 100 Wagner mercenaries have moved toward a thin strip of land between Poland and Lithuania, known as the Suwalki gap or corridor, and thatthis was “a step towards a further hybrid attack on Polish territory.” Morawiecki also saidWagner mercenaries may try to pose as migrants in order to cross from Belarus intoPoland.
On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denied Poland's claims that about 100 of the fighters have moved closer to the Polish border and said Warsaw should "thank him" for "inviting these fighters to our place," because "otherwise, without us, they would have infiltrated there."
Belarusand Poland both summoned their respective ambassadors on Tuesday, after Poland alleged twoBelarusian helicopters had violated its airspace. Poland announced itwill increase the number of soldiers along its border withBelarusbecause of the alleged violation.
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blasczak also warned of further provocations from Belarus and said the recent “hybrid attacks” are “coordinated in the Kremlin.” He claimed the goal of these attacks is to destabilize Poland, and the country is increasing its forces on the border with Belarus to prevent that destabilization.
Zelensky says Russia is launching attacks all along the eastern front line
From CNN's Mariya Knight
Russia carried out offensive actions along the entire eastern front lineThursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
“The battles are tough. The occupiers are trying with all their might to stop our guys. The assaults are very fierce,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
Zelensky listed the cities ofKupyansk,Lyman,Bakhmut, Marinka and Avdiivka — which dot the eastern front from north to south — as among the most contested frontline areas. He said fighting is also heavy on the southern front.
“But no matter what the enemy does, it is the Ukrainian forces that dominate,” he claimed.
Ukrainian commanderMaksymZhorinsaid Thursday that“extremely difficult daily battles are taking place near Bakhmut," adding that experienced Russian units are being sent there to stop the Ukrainian advance.
Zhorin said Russia still considers the battered eastern city an important area that "can be used to launch an offensive."
Iranian drones:Zelensky also said Russia has attacked Ukraine with a total of 1,961Iranian-made dronessince Moscowinvaded his countryinFebruary 2022, adding that “a significant number of them have been shot down.”
In late July, US intelligence officials warned that Russia is buildinga drone-manufacturing facilityin the country with Iran’s help that could have a significant impact on the war once completed.
Ukraine says density of Russian mines is "insane" as it tempers counteroffensive expectations
From CNN's Tim Lister,Julia KesaievaandOlga Voitovych
A week after US officials saidUkrainewas deploying extra troops to its counteroffensive, movement is limited on the southern front lines with fighting concentrated in two parts of Zaporizhzhia region, according to available videos and statements from official sources.
At the same time, Ukrainian officials continue to cool expectations for the progress of the operation, while Russian-appointed officials in the occupied south claimed that Ukrainian attempts to break throughRussianmilitary lines have been defeated.
Pro-Russian Telegram channels have posted images and video of destroyed Ukrainian armor, though it’s unclear when and exactly where the equipment was struck.
But Ukrainian forces have struggled to breach layers of Russian defenses as tank traps and minefields slow their advance. One Ukrainian official described the density of mines as “insane” on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian military said one Russian position in the Zaporizhzhia sector had been eliminated, along with an ammunition depot.
Around the Bakhmut area, the Ukrainians have not reported any further progress but have posted video of the targeting of Russian positions.
The Ukrainians have also posted video of additional Zuzana self-propelled artillery systems provided by Slovakia.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of Ukrainian Land Forces, posted on Telegram that a “gradual advance continues” in the Bakhmut area.
At the same time, Russian military bloggers have posted video of Ukrainian infantry vehicles being struck. One of the bloggers (Readovka) said “the Russian army continues to repel the attacks of the AFU northwest of the city [of Bakhmut]. The fiercest fighting is now taking place near Klishchiivka,” a village south of Bakhmut that the Ukrainians have been trying to capture for several weeks.
Read more here.
Satellite image shows smoke rising from alleged Russian drone attack on Danube River port
From CNN's Paul P. Murphy
A satellite image shows black smoke still rising from the site of a purported Russian drone strike on port infrastructure in southwestern Ukraine, more than 24 hours after Ukrainian authorities reported the attack.
The image, taken Thursday morning by the company BlackSky, shows the smoke rising in a port area along the Danube River in the city of Izmail, near the border with Romania. It appears four large tanks were hit.
Ukraine's defense ministry said Wednesday that overnight drone strikes were responsible for damage to the port. It's located near the larger port city of Odesa, which has been pummeled by Russian attacks after Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said recent strikes on the Odesa region's port infrastructure are an attack on “global food security” and has called on the international community to intervene.
The Danube port attack also earned strong condemnation from the Romanian president, given its proximity to his country's territory. Romania is part of NATO.
FAQs
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visits troops in Ukraine? ›
Aug 4 (Reuters) - Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu has visited the frontline headquarters of the "Centre" army group involved in the Ukrainian conflict, Russian news agencies cited the defence ministry as saying on Friday.
How many tanks has Russia lost? ›According to Oryx, which records only losses it can confirm, 2,082 Russian tanks have been destroyed, damaged, abandoned or captured since the start of the war in 2022.
Who is the Defence minister of Russia? ›Aug 9 (Reuters) - Russia will build up forces at its western borders following Finland's accession to the U.S.-led NATO alliance, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told the governing board of the ministry on Wednesday.
Who is the leader of the Russian military? ›Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov (Russian: Валерий Васильевич Герасимов, IPA: [vɐˈlʲerʲɪj vɐˈsʲilʲjɪvʲɪtɕ ɡʲɪˈrasʲɪməf]; born 8 September 1955) is a Russian army general serving as the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and First Deputy Minister of Defence.
Who is winning war in Ukraine? ›Morale. If you were to judge who is winning the war based on morale, Ukraine would emerge as the victor, according to all four experts.
How many fighter jets has Russia lost in Ukraine? ›LONDON — Russia has lost 86 fixed-wing aircraft and 90 helicopters during the last 16 months of combat in Ukraine, but its national air force still poses a major threat, the head of the Royal Air Force said July 13.
How many troops does Russia have left? ›Russia's armed forces now have around 1.3 million troops, with a goal to expand this to 1.5 million by 2026. The active portion of Russia's Ground Forces is believed to comprise around 550,000 troops, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
How many time zones are there in Russia? ›Russia is the largest country in the world and extends in east-west direction over 11 time zones on a distance of about 9000 km. These time zones range from the westernmost Kaliningrad Oblast to the easternmost Kamchatka.
What does the Russian mod stand for? ›Ministry of Defence (Russia)
Where is the headquarters of the defense Ministry in Russia? ›What is Russia's military ranked? ›
2: Russia. While its military's reputation has taken a hit since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia retained its second-place spot on Global Firepower's ranking.
Where does the Russian military rank now? ›Russia is ranked 2 of 145 out of the countries considered for the annual Global Firepower review. The nation holds a Power Index score of 0.0714 with a score of 0.0000 being considered exceptional in the GFP assessment.
What rank is the Russian army? ›In terms of active-duty personnel, they are the world's fifth-largest military force, with 1.15 million and at least two million reserve personnel. Russia plans to expand its active personnel force to 1.5 million by 2026, which will make it the third largest in the world, after China and India.
Does Ukraine still have artillery? ›Added to the 424-plus howitzers received from allies, Ukraine has a total of approximately 1,600 artillery pieces. While this may seem like a lot, it is inadequate considering the shortage of Soviet-standard ammunition, the length of the front lines, and the size of the Ukrainian forces.
Who is helping Ukraine with the war? ›Countries delivering military aid to Ukraine
In total aid (military, financial and humanitarian combined), the European Union and its countries have provided the most to Ukraine, according to Kiel Institute, whereas the United States has by far provided the most in military aid.
But the Kremlin's artillery advantage eroded over 17 months of hard fighting, as Kyiv's forces destroyed 600 Russian guns and launchers and Moscow's forces in turn destroyed just 200 Ukrainian guns and launchers. That's a three-to-one loss ratio in Ukraine's favor.
How many tanks has Russia lost since the Ukraine war? ›According to the Kiel Institute's Ukraine Support Tracker, Russia has lost over 2,000 of the 3,417 tanks which it used to invade Ukraine in February 2022. Oryx estimates that the Russian army now has about 1,400 tanks remaining.
How many tanks has Russia left in Ukraine? ›Russian tank losses
According to the latest data, Ukraine currently has around 1,400 active tanks compared to Russia's 1,300.
The report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies gives stark numbers of Russian military losses – almost 10,000 units of key equipment such as tanks, trucks, artillery pieces and aerial drones, according to one estimate.
How many Bradleys has Ukraine lost? ›Oryx, an open-source military research group, reports that 34 Bradleys have now been visually confirmed as having been abandoned, damaged, or destroyed.