Ukraine Breaking News Today Live on 08-15-2024

From a tactical standpoint, Ukraine achieved a major military victory. But the more far-reaching success has been strategic and psychological, impacting decision-makers in both Washington and Moscow.

The Ukrainian army entered the Kursk region on August 6, capturing dozens of settlements in the biggest offensive by a foreign army on Russian soil since World War II and forcing thousands to flee.

Most Ukrainian men of fighting age cannot leave. Thousands have risked swimming the Tysa River to reach Romania, avoiding mobilization.

Russian authorities have said that around 120,000 people have fled or been evacuated from the area. European commentators debate how Russia will respond.

Serhiy Kolyada on the the current mood in the Kremlin bunker.

Ukrainian officials have said the Kursk offensive was an act of self-defence against Russian troops, whose full-scale invasion stretches into its third year.

Latest from the Institute for the Study of War.