In Poland, it was reported that an "airborne object" that entered from Ukraine during a massive missile attack was not shot down due to atmospheric conditions. Polish Operational Commander Maciej Klich stated he was prepared to order its destruction and was in contact with Defense Minister Vladislav Kosiniak-Kamysz and Chief of Staff Wiesław Kukuła. The object disappeared approximately 25 km into Polish territory, and poor atmospheric conditions prevented him from issuing the order to engage it.

The 46th Separate Air Assault Brigade repelled an enemy assault on their positions, destroying both equipment and personnel inside the Russian vehicles. Two MT-LBs filled with infantry were completely burned.

Ukraine's Kursk offensive has not only breached Russian borders but also defied Washington's red lines, which aimed to prevent the war from escalating into Russia. President Zelenskyy has criticized these American restrictions, suggesting they were naive and have now fallen away. This divergence reflects different priorities: the U.S. aims to support Ukraine while avoiding World War III, whereas Ukraine, fighting for its survival, is willing to risk more, even if it means drawing the U.S. into direct conflict with Russia

https://www.ft.com/content/0da7d91d-6836-4fad-a636-740de2381ee6

Zelenskyi held a meeting with his Chief of Staff. The focus is on restoring energy infrastructure after one of the largest Russian attacks, which involved at least 127 missiles and 109 drones. Reports from Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, and Ukrenergo Chairman Volodymyr Kudrytskyi detailed the effectiveness of air defense systems, electronic warfare, mobile fire groups, and engineering protection in each region.

According to Zelenskyi, decisions were made based on this analysis. Efforts are ongoing to address damage, repair, and de-mine affected areas, with some locations hit by cluster munitions requiring specialized clearing before repairs can begin. Additionally, there was a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the operational situation, including the defense of Pokrovsk, leading to decisions for additional reinforcement in that sector.

Snagost' direction

According to Russian blogger Rybar, the AFU holds presence in Byakhovo and Vnezapnoe, with the latter already confirmed by other sources. He adds that a similar situation, with AFU presence, is developing near ​​Viktorovka which is next to Byakhovo. The area in aqua is high likely to be AFU controlled.

Korenevo direction

Also according to Rybar, the AFU also managed to gain control over Matveevka, which we already had confirmed. He reports an unclear situation near Zhuravli (we have it AFU controlled). He added that Ukrainian DRG is very active north of the settlement.

Good lord. The Ukrainian Air Force reported about the huge missile and drone attack that happened this morning. A total of 236 missiles/drones were used by Russia.

Shot down:

1/3 Kinzhal Kh-47M2 aeroballistic missiles
1/6 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
1/1 Kh-22 cruise missile
99/115 Kh-101/Kalibr/Kh-59/69 cruise missiles
99/109 Shahed drones

Given the enormous size of this attack, air defense did extremely well.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi spoke with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and U.S. Army Europe Commander General Christopher Cavoli. He provided updates on the situation and ongoing battles across the frontlines, expressed gratitude for the military aid received, and outlined Ukraine's main needs, including ammunition, military equipment, and other weaponry. They discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, emphasizing the importance of protecting cities and critical infrastructure from ongoing Russian attacks.

A video reportedly showing how Russia launched Kalibr cruise missiles towards Ukraine this morning. In total, 28 Kalibr cruise missiles from surface/underwater carriers in the eastern part of the Black Sea were launched.

A Ukrainian Mi-8 chasing a Russian Shahed drone and shooting it down, probably done by a machine gunner on board.

Today, I started with a separate long conversation with Chief Commander Syrsky: we discussed in detail the repulsion of this missile strike, our response to Russia - we are preparing it, the use of F-16s, and the operation in the Kursk region - we continue our actions in the designated areas exactly as Ukraine needs. This day, we have more control over the situation, and another replenishment of the exchange fund.

The Chief of Staff also reported on the situation at the front in Donetsk region, both separately and at the Stavka: on the Pokrovsk direction - the most difficult, the most Russian assaults, as well as the Vremivsk direction, Toretsk, Kurakhivsk. There are decisions to strengthen our positions. I thank every soldier, commander, and unit who are doing their best to destroy as much enemy force as possible.

Today, Chief of Staff also received all the necessary reports on the energy sector - the current state of the system and the possibility of restoring it. The work will continue around the clock

Today, Russia conducted a combined attack on Ukraine, spending an estimated $1.2–1.3 billion. This marks a record high for the entire period of the full-scale war. In total, Russia used 236 aerial assets, including 127 missiles and 109 attack drones. https://forbes.ua/news/naymasovishiy-aviaobstril-rosii-rosiya-zapustila-po-ukraini-127-raket-ta-109-droniv-forbes-ukraine-otsinyue-ataku-yak-naydorozhchiy-obstril-z-pochatku-povnomasshtabnoi-viyni-26082024-23245

With the start of Ukraine's offensive in the Kursk region, soldiers from the 49th Engineering Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine cleared paths through minefields, ensured the advance of units deep into Russian defenses, and constructed crossings over obstacles. The 49th Engineering Assault Brigade is known for being the first in battle and the first to break through.

Roundabouts in Kursk are being restored.

The ninth day of the burning of the Rosreservoir oil depot in Proletarsk, Rostov Oblast. Little has changed.

The Russian army attacked a school building in Mykhailivka, Kherson region, using kamikaze drones, causing a fire. There were no casualties or injuries, according to the regional administration.

Explosions in Kursk are reported.