August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (2024)

Table of Contents
What we covered here Russia downs 3 drones over Moscow region, defense ministry says Countries are voicing support for Ukraine. Here are other headlines you should know At least 5 killed and 3 injured in Russian shelling, Ukrainian official says Ukrainian drones detected near Crimea change course after Russia activates fighter jets, Russia says Defense ministers of Ukraine and the Netherlands hold talks in Kyiv US military prepared to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in the United States if needed, official says Serbian president says his country respects Ukraine's territorial integrity Zelensky says he is returning home from European trip withnew political support and new agreements 10 Balkan and European leaders sign declaration supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty Biden administration confident Congress will pass supplemental funding for Ukraine, White House official says Ukraine denies Russian claim about destroying Ukrainian military boat with soldiers onboard near Snake Island Here's how Putin's public behavior has noticeably changed since Wagner's short-lived rebellion International courtto hear Russia's objections in genocide case next month Zelenskydiscusses Black Sea routes and defense with Croatian, Moldovan and North Macedonian leaders It's mid-afternoon in Kyiv. Here's what you need to know. Russian air base attacked on Saturday housed Tu-22 bombers, satellite images reveal EU chief hails “productive” meeting with Zelensky Ukraine and Bulgaria discuss cooperation to secure Black Sea "grain corridor" after Russia quits deal Russian attacks kill at least 1 in Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian official says Russian missiles strike Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih Russian fighter jet destroys Ukrainian "reconnaissance boat" in Black Sea, Moscow says It's morning in Kyiv. Here's the latest on Russia's war in Ukraine Ukrainian drone attacks thwarted over Moscow and Bryansk regions, Russia says Analysis: A key Russia-friendly bloc may decide to expand. Who stands to benefit? Russia shoots down 2 Ukrainian drones over Black Sea, defense ministry says Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin claims to be making Africa "freer" in unverified video Ukraine confirms drone attack on Russian air base near Moscow Greece will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, Zelensky says Russia and Iran agree to increase ground force military cooperation Ukraine is working on a plan to get grain shipments moving again Explore more Explore more FAQs

By Tara Subramaniam, Jack Guy, Aditi Sangal, Mike Hayes, Elise Hammond and Tori B. Powell, CNN

Updated 12:02 AM EDT, Wed August 23, 2023

August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (4)

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Thermal images show how Ukraine's elite sniper unit targets Russian soldiers

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What we covered here

  • Ukraine claimed an attack Monday on a base housing Russian supersonic bombers, the second apparent aerial attack on such a base in recent days.
  • A Russian fighter jet destroyed a Ukrainian “reconnaissance boat” near a gas facility in the Black Sea, Russia said.Recent Ukrainian attacks have brought the war to parts of the waterway that Moscow had previously considered beyond Kyiv’s reach.
  • Russia also said it took out an American-made high-speed military boat near Snake Island in the Black Sea, but Ukraine denied the claim.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is returning home “with new political support and new agreements,” after concluding a trip through Europe Tuesday.

31 Posts

Our live coverage of Russia’s war in Ukraine has moved here.

Russia downs 3 drones over Moscow region, defense ministry says

From CNN'sJoshPennington

Russian air defenses thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow early Wednesday, Russia’s defense ministry said, the latest in a string of aerial assaults targeting the Russian capital.

There were no casualties, it said.

CNN is unable to independently verify the ministry’s claims.

The alleged attack marks the fourth time in recent weeks that Moscow’s financial district has been targeted by suspected Ukrainian drones, according to a CNN tally.

Countries are voicing support for Ukraine. Here are other headlines you should know

From CNN staff
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (5)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a meeting at Maximou mansion in Athens, on Monday, August 21, 2023.

International support for Ukraine is pouring in on the heels of a Ukraine-Balkans summit held in Athens, Greece.

TenBalkanandEuropeancountriessigned ajointdeclarationto express their support for Ukraine on Tuesday. And Serbian PresidentAleksandar Vucic said his country respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity on the sidelines of the summit in Athens.

Meanwhile back in Kyiv, the Netherland’s Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren assured in a meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart that the Netherlands will remain a loyal partner of Ukraine and will continue providing support.

Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelensky said he is returning home “with new political support and new agreements,” after concluding his trip through Europe.

Here are other headlines you should know:

  • Funding for Ukraine: US national security adviser JakeSullivantold reporters Tuesday that President Joe Biden’s administration isconfidentit’ll be able to secure additionalfundingforUkraine, despite pushback from some House Republicans backing an amendment last month that would’ve stripped allUkrainefunding. Also, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday that the US was “prepared to support” F-16 fighter pilot training for Ukrainian pilots in the continental US if needed.
  • On the ground developments: Two Ukrainian drones thatwere conducting reconnaissance near Crimea changed their course after Russia activated fighter jets to counter reconnaissance activities andprevent a possible violation of the state border, Russia’s defense ministry said in a statement Tuesday.At least five people were killed and three others injured as a result of Russian shelling on Ukraine’s Donetsk region, according to the region’s military administration on Tuesday.
  • Black Sea discussions: Zelensky discussed alternate Black Sea routes and defense with the Croatian, Moldovan and North Macedonian leaders in Greece, according to Zelensky’s office. The talks come after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Also, leaders of Ukraine and Bulgaria discussed their countries’ cooperation on the Black Sea to secure a “grain corridor.”
  • ICJ update: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hear Russia’s preliminary objections in the case concerning “Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide” next month, the court said in a statement Tuesday. The public hearings will be held in the Hague between September 18 and 27 and will include oral arguments by Russia, Ukraine and 32 intervening states.

At least 5 killed and 3 injured in Russian shelling, Ukrainian official says

From CNN’s Mariya Knight

At least five people were killed and three others injured as a result of Russian shelling on Ukraine’s Donetsk region, according to the region’s military administration on Tuesday.

The shelling happened in the Lyman district, said Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk region military administration.

Three residents were killed while sitting on a bench near a private house in the village of Torske, while another Torske resident “suffered multiple chest, shoulder and hip injuries,” according to the Donetsk regional prosecutor’s office.

In the village of Zakitne “a 26-year-old man suffered a skull fracture and a brain contusion,” the office said.

The Russian shelling killed two civilians and wounded another in the Donetsk region’s Yampil settlement on Tuesday as well, Kyrylenko said in an interview with Ukrainian media.

Russia also launched an airstrike on the Niu-York village in the Donetsk region, using aerial bombs that weigh 250 kilograms (551 pounds) each, according to Kyrylenko. There were no casualties following the strike, he added.

Kyrylenko said “171 children still remain on the frontline territories of Donetsk region.” However, local authorities plan “a forced evacuation” for them and their parents “in the next two weeks.”

A total of 492,000 people remain in the Donetsk region as Ukraine continues evacuation efforts, according to Kyrylenko.

Ukrainian drones detected near Crimea change course after Russia activates fighter jets, Russia says

From CNN's Mariya Knight and Radina Gigova

Two Ukrainian drones thatwere conducting reconnaissance near Crimea changed their course after Russia activated fighter jets to counter reconnaissance activities andprevent a possible violation of the state border, Russia’s defense ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

After fighter jets were raised into the air“the UAVs changed their flight direction and left the areas of aerial reconnaissance,” the ministry said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Russian defense ministry said Ukraine attempted a drone attack on facilities in Russia late Monday, but the drones were jammed by electronic warfare and crashed into the Black Sea northwest of Crimea.

Defense ministers of Ukraine and the Netherlands hold talks in Kyiv

From Yulia Kesaieva and Radina Gigova

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov met in Kyiv with his counterpart from the Netherlands,Kajsa Ollongren, who is in Ukraine on a working visit, according to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.

This is Ollongren’s third visit to Ukraine since February 24, 2022, “and it is a strong signal to all our defenders that we have such a powerful friend in the international arena,” Reznikov said.

Ollongren assured the Netherlands will remain a loyal partner of Ukraine and will continue providing support.She said she feels “admiration and respect” for Ukraine as well as it’s leadership and military.

The Netherlands officialsaid F-16 jet training will begin for Ukrainian pilots at a center in Romania.

“We all know how quickly the Ukrainian military learns, there is no doubt that the training will take place, but it will also need to be integrated into the support system and the system of the Armed Forces, including the Air Force,” she said.“This is not only a matter of training, but also a matter of capabilities and technical support. But we are already working on this. We have made a commitment to do this as soon as possible,” she added.

US military prepared to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in the United States if needed, official says

From CNN's Haley Britzky

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday that the US was “prepared to support” F-16 fighter pilot training for Ukrainian pilots in the continental US if needed.

Serbian president says his country respects Ukraine's territorial integrity

FromJosh Pennington, Olga Voitovych and Radina Gigova
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (6)

Serbian President AleksandarVucic shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece,on Monday, August 21.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Serbian PresidentAleksandar Vucic on the sidelines ofa Ukraine-Balkans summit in Athens on Tuesday, according to both sides.

“The parties noted that mutual support for territorial integrity and sovereignty is an important part of the partnership between Ukraine and Serbia,”Zelensky’s office said in a statement.

Vucic said he had“a good and open conversation” with Zelensky about the important issues both countries face.

Zelensky thanked Vucic for the humanitarian assistance provided by Serbia to Ukraine, as well as for the support for Ukrainians who have found refuge in Serbia after the start of the war, Zelensky’s office said.

Some background: Traditionally one of Moscow’s closest allies in Europe, Belgrade has long tried to tread the line between its historical ties to Russia and a potential future of closer European integration.

Western diplomats have sought to pull Vucic from the orbit of his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, by pledging a swifter path to EU membership while simultaneously warning of isolation if they break rank.

But, 18 months on, some observers say the current approach has been all carrot and no stick, and as a result, is failing to achieve both of its aims.

Serbia has refused to participate in all rounds of EU sanctions against Putin. And Serbia has continued to pursue its own interests in the region with diminishing accountability, stirring conflicts abroad to distract fromdiscontent at home, safe in the knowledge it will not be rebuked in the West.

Read more on the West’s approach to Serbia

Zelensky says he is returning home from European trip withnew political support and new agreements

From CNN's Yulia Kesaieva and Radina Gigova
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (7)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks in Athens, Greece, on Monday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is returning home “with new political support and new agreements,” after concluding a trip through Europe Tuesday.

“We are returning home with new political support and new agreements. Everyone clearly reaffirms the territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Zelensky said in his evening address.

Zelensky said that at “almost all the meetings,” protecting export routes “through the Black Sea and through ‘solidarity corridors’ on land” was discussed.

Some more context: Over the last few days, Zelensky traveled to Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece, where he attended a Ukraine-Balkans summit. He said he held talks on the sidelines of the summitwith Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova and the President of the European CommissionUrsula von der Leyen.

“A very important agreement with Greece, for which I am particularly grateful to the Prime Minister, is Greece’s willingness to take patronage of the restoration of our Odesa. The decision is not only substantive but also very symbolic. It is filled with many historical and cultural meanings,” Zelensky said.

“The overall result of these days is that Ukraine has become stronger,” Zelensky said, adding he is grateful to Luxembourgfor joining the Group of Seven declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine.

10 Balkan and European leaders sign declaration supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty

From CNN’s Sarah El Sirgany, James Frater and Yulia Kesaieva

TenBalkanandEuropeancountriessigned a jointdeclarationto express their support for Ukraine on Tuesday in Athens.

The countries pledged “unwavering support forUkraine’s independence,sovereigntyand territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”

With Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyrZelensky, President of theEuropeanCouncil Charles Michel and the President of theEuropeanCommission Ursula von der Leyen also in attendance, the10leaderssigned the eight-pointdeclarationin a meeting marking 20 years since theEU-WesternBalkans Summit in Thessaloniki.

Thedeclarationalso expressed support for Zelensky’s 10-point peace formula, which calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops and restoration ofUkraine’s borders.

Biden administration confident Congress will pass supplemental funding for Ukraine, White House official says

From CNN's DJ Judd
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (8)

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks to the press at Camp David on Friday.

US national security adviser JakeSullivantold reporters Tuesday that President Joe Biden’s administration isconfidentit’ll be able to secure additionalfundingforUkraine, despite pushback from some House Republicans backing an amendment last month that would’ve stripped allUkrainefunding.

“So we believe that the supportwillbe there andwillbe sustained — even if there are some dissident voices on the other side of the aisle, we believe that at the core, there is still a strong bipartisan foundation of supportforourUkrainepolicy andforsupporting and defendingUkraine,” he continued.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday he expected Congress to pass a supplemental funding bill to increase support for Ukraine.

AndSullivansaid that the administration has communicated to representatives in Kyiv, as well as to allies and partners, that it has “confidence that the United Stateswillcontinue to be there as we have committed to be there as long as it takes.”

Polling: Most Americans oppose Congress authorizing additional funding to supportUkraine in its war with Russia, according to a recentCNN poll conducted by SSRS, as the public splits over whether the US has already done enough to assist Ukraine.

Overall, 55% say the US Congress should not authorize additional funding to support Ukraine vs. 45% who say Congress should authorize such funding. And 51% say that the US has already done enough to help Ukraine, while 48% say it should do more. A poll conducted in the early days of the Russian invasion in late February 2022 found 62% who felt the US should have been doing more.

Ukraine denies Russian claim about destroying Ukrainian military boat with soldiers onboard near Snake Island

From CNN’s Anna Chernova & Yulia Kesaeiva

Russia said its air force destroyed an American-made high-speed military boat “with a landing group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine” near Snake Island on Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy denied Russia’s claims.

“No such incident took place in the Ukrainian Navy.There are no losses among the Navy personnel,” the spokesperson told CNN on the phone.“Accordingly, in this case, we have nothing to comment on,” he added.

Ukraine regained control of Snake Island last year and has stepped up its attacks in the Black Sea over the past week.The small rocky island off the southwestern Ukrainian coast first gained widespread recognition early in Russia’s invasion, when sailors defending it told the Russian Navy to “go f**k yourself.”

The Russian defense ministry released video purportedly showing the military boat incident but has not provided further details.

The video shows multiple firings at a target but without identifying details. CNN cannot independently verify it.

Here's how Putin's public behavior has noticeably changed since Wagner's short-lived rebellion

CNN examines what Russian President Vladimir Putin’s public persona says about his shifting image — from long-table diplomacy to meet-and-greets with crowds of apparently adoring fans.

Remember: In June, Putin faced the greatest threat to his authority in two decadeswhen the founder of private mercenary company Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, launched anapparent insurrection, claimed control of military facilities in two Russian cities, and warned that his troops would head for Moscow, before he turned back the march.

Watch here:

August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (9)

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International courtto hear Russia's objections in genocide case next month

From CNN’s Sarah El Sirgany

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hear Russia’s preliminary objections in the case concerning “Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide” next month, the court said in a statement on Tuesday.

The public hearings will be held in the Hague between September 18 and 27 and will include oral arguments by Russia, Ukraine and 32 intervening states.

Some more context: On February 27, 2022, Kyiv filed a case against Moscow in the ICJ, stating that “the Russian Federation has falsely claimed that acts of genocide have occurred in the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts of Ukraine, and on that basis recognized the so-called ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’, and then declared and implemented a ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine.”

The United Nations’ top court granted applications from the UK, Canada and 30 other states to participate.

Zelenskydiscusses Black Sea routes and defense with Croatian, Moldovan and North Macedonian leaders

From CNN’s Olga Voitovych
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (10)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković during the Ukraine-Balkans summit in Athens.

Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskymet with the Croatian, Moldovan and North Macedonian leaders in Greece, according to his office.

Zelenskythanked Croatia for preparing a new defense package for Ukraine and briefed Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković about Russia’s “illegal blockade of navigation in the Black Sea and heavy Russian missile strikes on Ukraine’s port infrastructure, which endanger world food security,” according toZelensky’s office.

The Ukrainian president also thanked North Macedonia Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski for defense support, his office said.

Zelenskydiscussed creating alternative routes for exporting Ukrainian grain after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, his office added.

On Monday, Zelensky also met with Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov to talk about a “grain corridor” in the Black Sea.

More background: Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal, negotiated by Turkey and the United Nations last year, threatens the safe passage of ships carrying grain to and from Ukrainian ports.

The collapse of the deal has already pushed upglobal food pricesand could tip millions in poor countries into hunger.

It's mid-afternoon in Kyiv. Here's what you need to know.

Ukraine confirms it attacked a Russian air base used to store Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues his latest European tour in Greece, where he met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolai Dekovof.

Here are the latest headlines:

  • Ukraine claims attack on Russian air base: On Monday, Ukraine confirmed that it attacked a Russian air base used to house Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers.
  • Zelensky meets Von der Leyen: Von der Leyen said she held a “productive” meeting with Zelensky in Athens on Tuesday, and Zelensky said he hopes EU member states agree to open talks for Ukraine’s membership bid by the end of 2023.
  • Bulgaria-Ukraine grain talks: Zelensky met with Bulgaria’s Denkovof to discuss cooperation on the Black Sea to secure a “grain corridor” in the wake of Russia’s withdrawal from a crucial deal that has led to growing fears about global food security.
  • Russian forces hit Ukrainian boat: A Russian fighter jet destroyed a Ukrainian “reconnaissance boat” near a Russian gas production facility in the Black Sea overnight, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said Tuesday.
  • Russia strikes Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih: A 51-year-old man was killed and another man was wounded after Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region endured a barrage of Russian attacks overnight, a local official said Tuesday.Missiles also struck the central city of Kryvyi Rih on Tuesday, damaging more than 20 homes and power infrastructure.

Russian air base attacked on Saturday housed Tu-22 bombers, satellite images reveal

From CNN’s Gianluca Mezzofiore, Eve Brennan, Ivana Kottasova and Olga Voitovych
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (11)

In this image released on social media on August 20, a Russian plane is pictured burning at the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region in northwestern Russia.

A Russian air base that came under attack on Saturday was used to house Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers, according to CNN analysis of satellite and social media images of the base.

August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (12)

In this satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC, Tupolev Tu-22M bombers sit on the apron of the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia on August 8.

Stellite images provided by Planet Labs and taken on August 8, show a number of Tu-22M3 bombers parked at the airfield in Soltsi inside Russia’snorthwestNovgorod region.

Another Planet Labs satellite image taken on August 21 appears to show charred ground where one Tu-22M3 was parked, while the rest of the parked aircrafts appear to have been moved.

August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (13)

In this satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC, the apron of the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia sits empty on August 21.

Two ocial media images geolocated by CNN show a similar aircraft on fire at the same Russian base.

Some context: The Russian defense ministry had said earlier that Ukrainian drones attacked the airfield causing fire in the aircraft parking lot. Ukraine hasn’t claimed responsibility for this August 19 attack.

Ukraine on Monday confirmed it carried out a drone attack on Shaykovka air base in Russia’s Kaluga region, located more than 200 kilometers (130 miles) northeast of the countries’ shared border, which left “at least one aircraft damaged.”

Ukrainian media reported that attacks on Russian bases over the past few days destroyed several aircrafts including two bombers, citing unnamed Ukrainian defense intelligence officials.

Ukraine on Monday confirmed it carried out a drone attack on Shaykovka air base in Russia’s Kaluga region, located more than 200 kilometers (130 miles) northeast of the countries’ shared border, which left “at least one aircraft damaged.”

The aircraft is capable of performing nuclear strikes as well as conventional attacks and anti-ship missions, according to open-source intelligence company Jane’s.

EU chief hails “productive” meeting with Zelensky

From CNN’s James Frater and Niamh Kennedy
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (14)

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, left, speaks with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Greek Prime Minister's office in Athens, Greece, on August 21.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she held a “productive” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Athens on Tuesday, as he carries out another tour of European nations.

Von der Leyen said the two leaders discussed “Ukraine’s progress on the EU path” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.

Zelensky said Ukraine hopes for a decision by the bloc’s member states to open accession talks linked to Ukraine’s EU membership bid by the end of 2023.

Von der Leyen also outlined the EU’s commitment to bringing “Ukraine’s grain to world markets” as the country continues to deal with the fallout from Russia’s withdrawal from a UN-brokered grain deal in July.

She also underlined a commitment to providing “economic assistance” to Ukraine as it fights off the Russian invasion.

Zelensky thanked von der Leyen for “her efforts to normalize Ukraine’s agricultural exports and transit” in a post on his official Telegram account.

Ukraine and Bulgaria discuss cooperation to secure Black Sea "grain corridor" after Russia quits deal

From CNN's Olga Voitovych and Tim Lister
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (15)

Hong-Kong-flagged container ship "Joseph Schulte" transits Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, on August 18.

Leaders of Ukraine and Bulgaria have discussed their countries’ cooperation on the Black Sea to secure a “grain corridor” in the wake of Russia’s withdrawal from a crucial deal that has led to growing fears about global food security.

The withdrawal of Russia from the grain deal negotiated by Turkey and the United Nations has had a chilling effect on merchant shipping using the three Ukrainian Black Sea ports from which most grain is exported. Russia has warned that ships leaving these ports may come under attack.

Ukraine has since created its own maritime corridor for shipping, but it is unable to guarantee its safety because of Russian naval superiority in the Black Sea.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov to talk about the corridor on the sidelines of Ukraine-Balkans Summit held in Athens, Greece on Monday.

The two leaders “discussed cooperation between the Black Sea states to ensure sustainable security in the Black Sea and the functioning of the “grain corridor” in alternative ways,” Zelensky’s office said.

Zelensky thanked Denkov for the recent Bulgarian decision to provide defense support to Ukraine, according to the office.

Some context: Kyiv is in talks with some of the world’s biggest insurance companies to cover ships traveling to and from its ports in the Black Sea — a crucial step toward a full resumption ofvital grain exportsaround the globe.

Work on an insurance mechanism followsRussia’s withdrawalfrom the Black Sea Grain Initiative last month, which threatens the safe passage of ships carrying grain to and from Ukrainian ports.

The collapse of the deal — brokered by Turkey and the United Nations a year ago — has already pushed upglobal food pricesand could tip millions in poor countries into hunger.

To keep grain shipments moving, Ukraine’s government will share potential losses with insurers, which should make cover for travel through risky Ukrainian waters more affordable for commercial shipping companies.

Russian attacks kill at least 1 in Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian official says

From CNN's Olga Voitovych

A 51-year-old man was killed and another man was wounded after Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region endured a barrage of Russian attacks overnight, a local official said Tuesday.

In a Telegram post, Zaporizhzhia military administration chief Yurii Malashko said the region was hit 96 times by missiles and shells during the past 24 hours.

Homes were damaged in Zaporizhzhia city following missile and drone strikes, he said. Firefighters later extinguished a blaze in the city covering 200 square meters, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said.

Russia also attacked multiple towns on the front line, using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and jets, Malashko added.

Russian missiles strike Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih

From CNN's Olga Voitovych

More than 20 homes and power infrastructure were damaged after Russian missiles struck the central city of Kryvyi Rih on Tuesday, a local official said.

An elderly man suffered light cuts to his face in the attack, the city’s defense council chief Oleksandr Vilkul said on Telegram.

Power and water supply in the city have been restored, Vilkul said.

Russian fighter jet destroys Ukrainian "reconnaissance boat" in Black Sea, Moscow says

From CNN's Olga Voitovych

A Russian fighter jet destroyed a Ukrainian “reconnaissance boat” in the Black Sea overnight, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said Tuesday.

In a Telegram statement, the ministry said the boat was near a Russian gas production facility.

It comes after Russian air defenses shot down two Ukrainiandrones over the Black Sea Monday, according to the defense ministry.

Some context: Recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian ships and Black Sea naval bases have brought the war to an area that Moscow had previously considered beyond the reach of Kyiv’s forces. Last week, Ukrainian security services released to CNN exclusive footage showing the moment in July when they used an experimental sea drone to attackRussia’s bridge to annexed Crimea, providing new details on the attack and warning more such assaults will follow.

It's morning in Kyiv. Here's the latest on Russia's war in Ukraine

From CNN staff

Four Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia’s Moscow and Bryansk regions early Tuesday, Russia’s defense ministry said.

It marks the latest in a barrage of alleged Ukrainian aerial attacks on Russian territory in recent days, including an assault on a Russian air base claimed by Kyiv.

The attack on Shaykovka air base in Russia’s Kaluga region left “at least one aircraft damaged,” a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence said Monday.

Here’s what else you need to know:

  • F-16s to Ukraine: Greecewill train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday, after the Netherlands and Denmark pledged to give the fighter jets to Kyiv. Earlier, in an address to Denmark’s Parliament, Zelensky said the first group of pilots in the country would be immediately retrained on the F-16. Another group of pilots will head to the United Kingdom to complete a longer program, which will take up to two years, he added. Meanwhile, Russia’s ambassador to Denmark said theproposed transfer of the jets marked an “escalation” in the conflict.
  • Kupiansk latest: Evacuations are ongoing from the northeastern city of Kupiansk, where Russian forces have intensified attacks in recent weeks, Ukrainian officials said. More than 550 people have been evacuated since August 9, according to the head of the Kharkiv region military administration.
  • On the front lines: Heavy fighting rages in Bakhmut with Russian forces trying to knock Ukraine’s troops out of position in the eastern city. So far, Ukraine has recaptured a total of 42 square kilometers there, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said. Elsewhere in the Donetsk region,Russian forces attempting to encircle the town ofAvdiivka “are not succeeding,” Maliar said. In the south,Ukrainian forcescontinue their offensive toward Melitopol and Berdiansk in the Zaporizhzhia region, she added.
  • Grain shipping: Ukraine is in talks with some of the world’s biggest insurance companies to cover ships traveling to and from its ports in the Black Sea — a crucial step toward a full resumption ofvital grain exportsaround the globe. Work on an insurance mechanism followsRussia’s withdrawal from a key grain deal last month, which threatens the safe passage of ships from Ukrainian ports.
  • Tehran ties: Russia and Iranhave agreed to increase ground force military cooperation, according to both countries’ state media.Relations between Tehran and Moscow have grown closer during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last month, US intelligence officials warned that Russia is building a drone-manufacturing facilityin country with Iran’s help that could have a significant impact on the war.
  • Putin no-show: Russian President Vladimir Putin, who facesan international arrest warrantover alleged war crimes in Ukraine, will be notably absent as BRICS leaders gather in-person for thefirst time since the pandemic. Putin will attend the South Africa summit Africa virtually.
  • Warlord’s claim: Meanwhile, Wagner chiefYevgeny Prigozhinsays he is in Africa “making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even freer,” in an unverified video, which comes months after he launched an abortive mutiny against Russia’s military leadership.

Ukrainian drone attacks thwarted over Moscow and Bryansk regions, Russia says

From CNN's Josh Pennington
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (16)

Law enforcement officers work at the site of a drone attack in Krasnogorsk, in the Moscow region, Russia, on August 22.

Four Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia’s Moscow and Bryansk regions early Tuesday, Russia’s defense ministry said.

It marks the latest in a barrage of alleged Ukrainian aerial attacks on Russian territory in recent days, including an assault on a Russian air base claimed by Kyiv.

Another two UAVs were destroyed over the Moscow region, the statement added.

There were no casualties, it said.

The drones intercepted over the Moscow region Tuesday were brought down near Krasnogorsk, northwest of the capital, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said on Telegram.

Another UAV was brought down over Chastsy, southwest of Moscow, he said.

Flights have resumed in Moscow Tuesday after aviation authorities temporarily closed all airports in the region.

Ukraine has not commented on Tuesday’s alleged attack.

Remember: Astring of drone strikes have peppered Russian cities including Moscow throughout the summer, with an emboldened Kyiv warning that more will come.

Analysis: A key Russia-friendly bloc may decide to expand. Who stands to benefit?

Analysis from CNN's Simone McCarthy
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (17)

A person walks past the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 19.

Members of the BRICS economic group of major emerging economies are meeting this week in South Africa for a summit that could determine the future of the bloc — and how hard it pushes back against a world order it sees as unfairly dominated by the West.

The group of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa has never been more prominent on the world stage. But the BRICS themselves are complicated.

Russia’s leader can’t attend the summit because host country South Africa would be obliged to arrest him for alleged war crimes. Two other members, India and China, have a simmeringborder conflict. And while Beijing islocked in a rivalrywith the United States, New Delhi hasclose tieswith Washington.

It’s not the happiest of families. But nonetheless that family is now entertaining formal bids from nearly two dozen countries to join their bloc of major emerging economies.

Discussions around adding new members are expected to figure high on the agenda of the three-day summit beginning Tuesday,where BRICS leaders — with the exception of Russia’s Vladimir Putin — will gather in-person for thefirst time since the pandemic.

Putin, who has an International Criminal Courtwarrantout for his arrest linked to hisbrutal invasion of Ukraine, will attend virtually.

At stake in decisions around expanding is the direction and identity of the group, whose members aim for more say in an international system they see as favoring the West and Group of Seven (G7) nations, despite a shift in who dominates the global economy over recent decades.

Read the full analysis here.

Russia shoots down 2 Ukrainian drones over Black Sea, defense ministry says

From CNN’s Mariya Knight

Russian air defenses shot down two Ukrainiandrones over the Black Sea Monday, Russia’s defense ministry said.

Meanwhile, Russian air defenses intercepted twodrones over Russia’s Belgorod region and twodrones over the Moscow region on Monday.

There were no casualties reported and only minimal damage, the ministry said.

Accounts from other Russian officials said two people were injured after Russia downed two Ukrainian drones near Moscow early Monday. It follows a weekend of multiple alleged drone attacks across Russia, including at a railway station in the city ofKursk.

Ukraine has not yet commented.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin claims to be making Africa "freer" in unverified video

From CNN's Jennifer HauserandTara John
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (18)

Yevgeny Prigozhin attends a meeting in Moscow on July 4, 2017.

Wagner mercenary chiefYevgeny Prigozhinsays he is in Africa “making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even freer,” in a video circulating on pro-Russian military blogs Monday.

In the clip, Prigozhin is seen holding a rifle in a desert area while wearing camouflage. Behind him, in the distance, is a truck and two other men in camouflage.

The warlord says “the temperature is plus 50 [degrees Celsius],” and that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search operations.

CNN has not been able to locate where the clip was filmed nor verify the authenticity of the video, which comes months after Prigozhin launched an abortive mutiny against Russia’s military leadership.

Read the full story here.

Ukraine confirms drone attack on Russian air base near Moscow

From CNN’s Mariya Knight

Ukraine on Monday confirmed it carried out a drone attack on a Russian military air base located more than 200 kilometers (130 miles) northeast of the countries’ shared border.

The Ukrainian drone attack on Shaykovka air base in Russia’s Kaluga region left “at least one aircraft damaged,” said Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, in an interview with Ukrainian media Liga.net.

The air base operates Tupolev Tu-22M3 supersonic long-range bombers that have been used by Russia to strike targets in Ukraine since the start of the invasion last year.

The Ukrainian air force reported on August 15 that aircraft operating from the base had launched four Kh-22 air cruise missiles toward Ukraine.

According to Yusov, Monday’s attack was carried out “in clear coordination with the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.”

Unofficial Russian accounts: Russian social media blog Baza, which has close contacts with the Russian security services, said a Ukrainian drone had crashed on the territory of the Shaykovka air base on Monday.Baza reported that “an unused aircraft at the airfield was damaged … However, this information has not been officially confirmed.”

Another Russian Telegram channel, Mash, said “the Ukrainian armed forces attempted to attack the Shaykovka military airfield in the Kaluga region.”

The Russian defense ministry has not commented on the incident.

Greece will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, Zelensky says

From CNN’s Mariya Knight

Greecewill train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens Monday.

Zelensky said that in addition to the training, Kyiv is grateful for a new defense package for Ukraine pledged by Athens.

Zelensky also said “Greek companies are ready to take part in the transporting of Ukrainian grain,” and his country is counting on it as restoration work on the port of Odesa is under way.

Mitsotakisemphasized that Greece will help reconstruct Ukraine with a focus on the city of Odesa.

Zelensky also noted that Greece, a NATO member, has joined the G7 countries on security guarantees for Ukraine and signed a declaration to support Ukrainian Euro-Atlantic integration.

Ukraine’s appreciation for F-16s:Earlier, Zelensky used an address to Denmark’s Parliament tothank the countryfor its support, including a pledge to provide Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets. The Netherlands is also sending the aircraft. The Russian ambassador to Denmark has described the proposed transfer of F-16s as an “escalation” in the conflict.

Russia and Iran agree to increase ground force military cooperation

From CNN's Hande Atay Alam and JoshPennington

Russia and Iranon Monday agreed to increase ground force military cooperation, according to both countries’ state media.

Russian state-run news agency TASS reported that “the sides reached an agreement on further enhancing cooperation between the Russian and Iranian Ground Forces in various areas,” citing Russia’s Defense Ministry.

“Iran is considered by the Russian Federation to be a key state in the Middle East. It is Russia’s strategic partner, and continual, intensive political dialog is a characteristic feature of the current stage of our partnership,” the commander-in-chief of Russian ground forces,Gen. Oleg Salyukov, said during the talks, according to TASS.

Remember: Relations between Tehran and Moscow have grown much closer during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last month, US intelligence officials warned that Russia is building a drone-manufacturing facilityin country with Iran’s help that could have a significant impact on the war in Ukraineonce it is completed.

Ukraine is working on a plan to get grain shipments moving again

From CNN's Hanna Ziady,Tim ListerandMaria Kostenko

Ukraine is in talks with some of the world’s biggest insurance companies to cover ships traveling to and from its ports in the Black Sea — a crucial step toward a full resumption ofvital grain exportsaround the globe.

Work on an insurance mechanism followsRussia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative last month, which threatens the safe passage of ships carrying grain to and from Ukrainian ports.

The collapse of the deal — brokered by Turkey and the United Nations a year ago — has already pushed upglobal food pricesand could tip millions in poor countries into hunger.

To keep grain shipments moving, Ukraine’s government will share potential losses with insurers, which should make cover for travel through risky Ukrainian waters more affordable for commercial shipping companies.

Read more here.

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Ukrainian pilots begin training on much sought after F-16 fighter jets, Kyiv says
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Drone crashes into Russian railway station, leaving 5 injured
Ukraine is working on a plan to get grain shipments moving again

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Ukrainian pilots begin training on much sought after F-16 fighter jets, Kyiv says
Zelensky hails ‘historic’ supply of F-16s as Ukraine seeks to counter Russian air supremacy
Drone crashes into Russian railway station, leaving 5 injured
Ukraine is working on a plan to get grain shipments moving again
August 22, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN (2024)

FAQs

How long can Russia sustain war? ›

The authors concluded Russia could sustain its current rate of attrition for up to three years and maybe longer.

Did Ukraine shoot down Russian missiles? ›

A Ukrainian soldier successfully downed a Russian cruise missile using just a machine gun, according to claims from the Ukrainian armed forces. The feat took place over the Kyiv region during a massive Russian aerial bombardment overnight on June 12, Ukraine's Air Force Command said on Thursday.

How many people died in the Ukraine war 2023? ›

Subsequently, several months later, Meduza gave a new estimate of 64,000 soldiers killed in 2022 and 2023, based on excess deaths reported by Rosstat, including those in Crimea, but not other Ukrainian regions seized by Russia.

How much territory has Ukraine lost? ›

By 11 November 2022, the Institute for the Study of War calculated that Ukrainian forces had liberated an area of 74,443 km2 (28,743 sq mi) from Russian occupation, leaving Russia with control of about 18% of Ukraine's territory.

How many troops does Russia have left? ›

The Russian Armed Forces are the world's fifth largest military force, with 1.15 million active-duty personnel and close to two million reservists.

How long until Russia runs out of tanks? ›

But these old vehicles are a finite resource. Built during the Soviet Union's industrial heyday, they cannot be replaced with new production. Ominously for the Russians, the most recent projections anticipate that, as early as mid-2025, there won't be any more old tanks and fighting vehicles left in storage.

How many Russian aircraft have been shot down in the Ukraine war? ›

Ukraine says a total of 342 Russian planes and 325 helicopters have been shot down since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

How many missiles does Russia have? ›

Of the stockpiled warheads, 1,710 strategic warheads are deployed: about 870 on land-based ballistic missiles, about 640 on submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and possibly 200 at heavy bomber bases, FAS said. Such numbers mean that both Moscow could destroy the world many times over.

How many missiles has Russia dropped on Ukraine? ›

By the end of 2023, Russian forces launched about 7,400 missiles and 3,900 Shahed drone strikes against Ukraine according to Ukrainian military officials. On 10 October 2022 Russia attacked the power grid throughout Ukraine, including the in Kyiv, with a wave of 84 cruise missiles and 24 suicide drones.

How big is Russia's army? ›

As of 2024, it ranks fourth by active military personnel, which stands at 1.32 million, following China, India, and the United States. The Army is one of the most trusted public authorities in the country, as per nearly 80 percent of Russians.

How many soldiers does Ukraine have? ›

Armed Forces of Ukraine
Ukrainian Armed Forces
Military age18
Conscription12–18 months (depending on branches)
Active personnel1,250,000+ (2024)
Reserve personnel2,500,000 (2024)
22 more rows

Why is Russia invading Ukraine? ›

In late 2021, Russia massed troops near Ukraine's borders and demanded security guarantees that Ukraine not join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Who owns Crimea? ›

The region has been under Russian occupation since 2014. Called the Tauric Peninsula until the early modern period, Crimea has historically been at the boundary between the classical world and the steppe.

What language is spoken in Ukraine? ›

The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, a Slavic language, which is spoken regularly by 88% of Ukraine's population at home in their personal life, and as high as 87% at work or study. It is followed by Russian which is spoken by 34% in their personal life.

What countries are under Russian control? ›

The term is applied to Georgia (in Abkhazia and South Ossetia), Moldova (in Transnistria), Ukraine (in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia) and sometimes Chechnya (completely occupied).

Can the Russian economy sustain a war? ›

Russian Economy Can Sustain War 'Indefinitely' Under Two Conditions—Report. Spending on Russia's military—which has soared since the start of Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine—is sustainable in the long term if the country's workforce is big enough and oil prices are high enough, it has been reported.

How long can Putin rule Russia? ›

Putin was elected president in 2012 and then reelected in the 2018 election. The constitution was amended in 2020 to reset the number of terms Putin has served, allowing him to circumvent term limits in the 2024 and 2030 elections, enabling him to legally stay in office until 2036.

How long will the average war last? ›

Most conflicts are brief. Over the last two centuries, most wars have lasted an average of three to four months. That brevity owes much to the fact that war is the worst way to settle political differences. As the costs of fighting become apparent, adversaries usually look for a settlement.

How many fighter jets does Russia have left? ›

The IISS reported that the Russian air force has around 1,169 fixed-wing aircraft—including 129 bombers, 188 fighters, 433 fighter/ground attack planes and 257 dedicated ground attack aircraft—plus 208 more assigned to naval aviation units.

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