Victorious news of 903rd day of war: 100 Russian troops captured in Kursk region, Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Russian military airfields

State of emergency declared in Belgorod region, Russia

On the morning of August 14, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, declared a regional state of emergency. Gladkov announced the decision on Telegram.

The regional emergency is supposedly aimed at enhancing civilian protection and providing additional support to those affected.

Additionally, Gladkov mentioned plans to request that the Law Commission declare a federal-level emergency.

Ukraine launches largest drone attack on four Russian military airfields

On the night of August 14, long-range drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Armed Forces and the military intelligence of Ukraine carried out the largest attack on Russian military airfields since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Radio Liberty, Ukrinform, and Deutsche Welle reported this, citing security sources. The drones targeted military airfields in Voronezh, Kursk, Savasleyka, and Borisoglebsk.

Sources confirmed that this operation was meticulously planned to stop Russia from using these airfields to launch guided bombs at the front line and Ukrainian cities.

“The SBU continues to systematically weaken the Russian military's aviation capabilities. While Russian aircraft still maintain air superiority, efforts to undermine their effectiveness persist, aiming to "clip the wings of these 'birds,'" according to the source.

Local reports indicate that there were about 10 explosions at the Savasleyka airbase, where MiG aircraft are stationed.

On August 14, Defense Express editor-in-chief Oleh Katkov informed Espreso TV that the Defense Forces of Ukraine had destroyed a fuel and lubricant depot at the Savasleyka airbase, along with at least one MiG-31 aircraft.

Additionally, drones targeting the Borisoglebsk military airfield in Russia's Voronezh region on the night of August 14 struck the northwestern part of the airfield, destroying several hangars.

Ukraine earns UAH 24.7 million from recycling destroyed Russian equipment in 2024

In the first seven months of 2024, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense received UAH 24.7 million from recycling destroyed Russian military equipment. Part of these funds is directed to the state budget, while the rest is allocated to a special fund of the Ministry of Defense.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported the information on August 14.

Colonel Oleh Koval, head of the Department for the Alienation and Utilization of Surplus Military Property, reported that in the first seven months of 2024, the Ministry of Defense received UAH 24.7 million from processing precious metals. The ministry plans to generate at least UAH 18 million more by the end of the year.

The ministry also noted that approximately 1,000 tons of scrap metal containing precious metals have been accumulated at sites of destroyed military equipment and in certain military units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In total, the scrap metal contained 100 kg of gold, 1,900 kg of silver, and 25 kg of platinum. The Ministry of Defense processes these materials exclusively through specialized private companies.

Funds from the processing of precious metals are distributed according to National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) regulations: 80% of the proceeds from gold and platinum and 50% of the proceeds from silver are allocated to the state budget. The remaining 20% of gold and platinum proceeds, and 50% of silver proceeds, are retained in a special fund of the Ministry of Defense to support the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukraine destroys Russian Su-34 in Kursk region

On the night of August 14, Ukrainian defenders targeted a Russian Su-34 fighter jet in the Kursk region during a combat mission. Ukraine’s General Staff reported the information.

The Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was destroyed by the anti-aircraft missile troops of the Ukrainian Air Force.

“The work to eliminate the Russian occupation forces, their equipment, and weapons continues unabated,” the military added.

Over 100 Russian servicemen captured in Kursk region on Aug.14

Ukrainian defenders continue to advance in Russia’s Kursk region. Since the start of August 14, the Defense Forces have captured over 100 Russian soldiers.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported this to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to Ukraine's army chief, Ukrainian forces have advanced by one to two kilometers in various areas of the Kursk region today, capturing more than 100 Russian soldiers during this period.

According to Syrskyi, the search and destruction of enemy in the town of Sudzha has been completed.

"Thank you for the exchange fund. More than 100 people this morning will help bring back our guys and girls," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Ukrainian defenders destroy Russian $60 million radar station

SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) military counterintelligence officers, working with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, have destroyed a Russian Kasta radar station in the Zaporizhzhia region. This radar station was a crucial part of the Russian air defense system.

The SBU reported that the counterintelligence officers, operating on the front lines, located and targeted Russia's 39N6 Kasta-2E2 long-range radar. The radar system, depending on its configuration, is valued at around $60 million.

"This radar station was a crucial part of the Russian air defense system, overseeing Ukraine’s airspace. Russian forces concealed it in the rear, carefully camouflaged it, and frequently moved it," the SBU added.

Despite these efforts, the Ukrainian military counterintelligence officers managed to locate and target the radar. It was destroyed with equipment purchased through Ukrainian donations, including a UAV ground station, a minibus, laptops, and power and communication tools.

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, various units of the Security Service have destroyed a total of 166 Russian air defense systems and 446 electronic warfare, electronic, and radio intelligence systems on the front line, the SBU reported.