Moscow promises retaliation over tanker attack
Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, added that Moscow would retaliate over the attack on a civilian tanker near the Kerch Strait.
“The Kyiv regime, meeting no condemnation from western countries and international organisations, is actively applying new terrorist methods, this time in the waters of the Black Sea.
“There can be no justification for such barbaric actions, they will not go unanswered and their authors and perpetrators will inevitably be punished.”
A summary of today’s developments
- Russia says it has captured a settlement in north-eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv has reported increased attacks. “In the area of Kupiansk, as a result of the competent and professional actions of the military units of the western command, the settlement of Novoselivske was liberated,” the Russian defence ministry said.
- Ukraine carried out a drone strike overnight on a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait, a day after one of Moscow’s ships was hit in the Black Sea.An anonymous security service source told Agence France-Presse: “Overnight the [Ukrainian security service] SBU blew up the Sig, a large oil tanker of the Russian Federation that was transporting fuel for Russian troops.” Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said Moscow would retaliate over the attack.
- The Ukrainian sea drone strike on the Russian navy landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak in the port of Novorossiysk was a “significant blow” to Moscow’s Black Sea fleet, the UK’s Ministry of Defence said.
- Ukraine’s deputy defence minister, Hanna Maliar, said an “extremely fierce battle is going on” in the long-contested eastern city of Bakhmut, with Ukrainian forces advancing “slowly but confidently” south of the city while securing control of positions north of it.
- Lithuania said it would close two of its six border crossings with Belarus because of concerns over the presence of Wagner mercenaries there. Lithuania, a Nato member on the alliance’s eastern flank, is expected to formally adopt the decision next week.
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he still hoped his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, would visit Turkey this month as Ankara works to re-establish a deal that allows Ukraine to export its grain via the Black Sea.
- Ukrainian maritime authorities warned that Russian Black Sea ports and the approaches towards them are to be considered “war risk areas” from 23 August. The Ukrainian presidential adviser also struck a hawkish tone, saying only further escalation in the conflict with Russia could bring peace.
- Talks started in Saudi Arabia to find a peaceful settlement to Russia’s war in Ukraine. It is hoped this weekend’s meeting of national security advisers and other senior officials from about 40 countries – but not Russia – will reach agreement on principles of how to end the conflict.
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