Key developments on Aug. 16: * Ukrainian forces destroyed bridge over Seim River in Kursk Oblast, Russian authority claims * U.S. reluctant to allow ATACMS in Kursk Oblast due to limited supply, CNN reports * Myrnohrad residents evacuating as Russian forces reach 6 km from the town * Ukraine reportedly strikes ferry crossing
Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge over the Seim River in the Glushkovsky district in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Alexey Smirnov, the region's acting governor, claimed on Aug. 16.
The saber of Olga Kharlan, a Ukrainian fencer and Olympic gold medalist, sold for Hr 10 million (about $242,000) at an auction, the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation said on Aug. 15.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained the heads of the Bucha and Boryspil military enlistment offices over a suspected corruption scheme that allowed men to evade the draft, the SBU and the Prosecutor General’s Office said on Aug. 16.
Hungary's decision to ease entry rules for Russians "may constitute a serious security risk," leaders of Nordic and Baltic countries said in a joint letter to European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson on Aug. 16.
"People are leaving, but not as quickly or urgently as we would like and as the situation requires," administration head Yurii Tretiak said on air on RFE/RL, adding that 20,000 remain there, including around 1,000 children.
Russia downed 12 ATACMS launched overnight by Ukraine as part of an attack on the Crimean Bridge, Russian state-controlled news agency RIA Novosti reported on Aug. 16, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
The legalization of medical cannabis entered into force in Ukraine on Aug. 16, allowing veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and people with serious illnesses such as cancer to access the drug.
Russian opposition figure and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza visited the White House upon his return to the U.S. after being freed from Russian prison, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Aug. 15.
The U.S. is reluctant to allow Ukraine to use its long-range weapons inside Kursk "not because of the risk of escalation, but because the US only has a limited supply," CNN reported on Aug. 16, citing multiple unnamed U.S. officials.
This number includes 1,330 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
Kirby declined to assess the Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast but said that the U.S. was monitoring Russia's reaction and the redeployment of its troops.
Evacuated residents of Russia's Kursk Oblast are being taken to recreational facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea, Suspilne Crimea reported on Aug. 15.
Pokrovsk is an important logistical hub for the Ukrainian forces that supports their operations in Donetsk Oblast.
Key developments on Aug. 15: * Zelensky confirms full capture of Russian town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast * US-Ukraine discussions about long-range cruise missiles 'in advanced stages,' source says * Ukraine captures over 100 Russian, Chechen soldiers in a day in Kursk Oblast, source says * Russian troops intensify activity near Krynky,
Russian troops have intensified their activity near the village of Krynky in Kherson Oblast, prompting Ukrainian forces to seek new positions, Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria group of forces, said on Aug. 15.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in his address on Aug. 15 that Ukrainian forces had captured the entire Russian town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast.
"Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast advanced 35 kilometers deep and control 1,150 square kilometers," Syrskyi said.
The U.K. Defense Ministry previously confirmed that there has been no change of policy and Ukraine has the right to use British-supplied weapons – except for long-range Storm Shadow missiles – on Russian territory.
"Such an act can only be carried out with extensive technical and financial resources ... and who possessed all this at the time of the bombing? Only Russia," Mykhailo Podolyak said in a written comment for Reuters, reiterating Ukraine's position.
A Russian court has sentenced dual U.S.-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison for treason, Russian independent media outlet Mediazona reported on Aug. 15.
Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry declared a federal emergency in Belgorod Oblast on Aug. 15, as Ukraine's incursion into Russia marks its 10th day.
Writing in Russian so that "Russians can understand," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that Ukraine "must be prepared to receive Russian refugees."
Ukrainian special forces captured 102 Russian and Chechen soldiers in Kursk Oblast on Aug. 14, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 15.
"In view of the recent security incidents" in the oblasts, "Indian nationals are advised to take necessary precautions and temporarily relocate outside these regions," the Indian Embassy wrote.
Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day killed at least 5 people and injured at least 21 others, regional authorities reported early on Aug. 15.
Russia has lost 595,620 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Aug. 15.
The job ads call for "general workers" who are able to dig fortifications in Kursk Oblast, with posted pay rates ranging between 150,000-371,000 rubles (approximately $1,600-4,000).
Alexey Smirnov, the acting governor of Kursk Oblast, said the evacuation of Glushkovo will be assisted by the military and law enforcement, with the help of local volunteers.
Key developments on Aug. 14: * Over 100 Russian troops captured in Kursk Oblast in less than a day, Syrskyi says * Ukraine hits 4 Russian airbases in largest such attack, source says * Decorated Ukrainian pilot killed in action * Ukraine's operations in Kursk Oblast 'are defensive,' Polish PM says * Ukrainian TV
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that Ukraine's military is creating a "security zone" on Russian territory to protect Ukrainian border areas.
Ukraine's cross-border incursion into neighboring Kursk Oblast began on Aug. 6, and by Aug. 13, Ukraine said it controlled 74 settlements in the region.
