The Russian Invasion

The Russian InvasionThe Battles
Marginal Russian advance at Kursk - triple strength

Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk so far seems to be making only marginal progress, according to the American think tank ISW. When Ukraine launched its surprise offensive in the border region at the beginning of August, Russia had around 11,000 troops on the ground. Today, that number is estimated to be somewhere between 30,000 and 45,000.

Despite that, Ukraine seems to be holding its ground.

- The Ukrainian forces seem to be prepared for Russian counterattacks, says Norway's lieutenant colonel Palle Ydstebø to VG.

American intelligence estimates that Russia will need at least 50,000 military personnel in place to be able to retake all of Kursk. ISW also makes the assessment that Russia will need to send more of its most experienced forces from the front line in Ukraine to succeed in Kursk. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia's progress on the front in Donetsk is now slower than before the Kursk operation.

- And not only in Donetsk, but in the entire East, says Zelenskyy according to CNN.

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The Russian invasion. The outside world's response
Six former summits urge Starmer: Give Ukraine the OK

Six former British defense ministers and prime ministers are calling on current Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow Ukraine to use long-range Storm Shadow robots to attack targets in Russia - even if the US says no. The Sunday Times reports.

The call comes from Grant Shapps, Ben Wallace, Gavin Williamson, Penny Mordaunt and Liam Fox as well as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. They warn Starmer that "any further delay will strengthen President Putin".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been asking for months for permission to use Western weapons to attack targets in Russia. When Starmer met US President Joe Biden on Friday to discuss the issue, the parties gave no information.

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The Russian InvasionThe Battles
Russia opens state bank offices in eastern Ukraine

Russia is strengthening its presence in eastern and southern Ukraine by opening bank offices in occupied territories, writes the Financial Times.

The state-owned Russian bank Sberbank tells the newspaper that it has opened 130 ATMs and 48 local offices in eastern and southern Ukraine in occupied territory. But apart from the state-owned Russian banks, enthusiasm among Russian companies is low, writes the FT.

- Sensible entrepreneurs don't go there, it's simply not worth it, says a person in the Russian retail industry.