Victorious news of 912th day of war: Ukrainian flag waves in Russia-occupied town, U.S. to send $125 million in military aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian flag appears in Russia-occupied town in Kherson region

On National Flag Day, August 23, Ukrainian soldiers made a symbolic gesture by placing the Ukrainian flag in the temporarily occupied town of Oleshky, Kherson region.

The 124th Territorial Defense Brigade reported that this was done using a drone.

The message stated: “Putting the blue and yellow flag in the heart of Russia-occupied Oleshky on the left bank of the Kherson region is not just a symbol of our strength and courage, but also a clear message to the occupying army: Ukraine will always return to its land. Our fight goes on, and each step forward brings us closer to victory. Glory to Ukraine!”

Oleshky has been under Russian occupation since 2022.

Latvia to donate 1,400 drones to Ukraine

Latvia has prepared its largest shipment to date for Ukraine, packing 1,400 drones made by Latvian manufacturers.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds announced this.

"The largest package of Latvian manufacturers, including 1,400 drones, has been prepared for shipment to Ukraine. Thus, the Defense Ministry has completed the purchase of more than 2,700 drones from the Latvian industry for delivery to Ukraine," he said.

According to him, within the framework of the international coalition of drones, Latvia has provided Ukraine with 3,000 combat drones of various types and characteristics.

"Together with Latvian companies, we will continue to provide support until Ukraine's victory," Sprūds emphasized.

U.S. to send $125 million in military aid to Ukraine for Independence Day

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is preparing to announce a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine.

The Associated Press reported the information, citing American officials.

“The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid has not been publicly announced. The formal announcement could come as soon as Friday, which is the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day,” the publication reported.

According to AP, the aid package includes air defense missiles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and a range of other combat equipment of this type, ammunition for HIMARS rocket artillery systems, equipment for countering drones, electronic warfare systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, vehicles, and other equipment.

“The weapons are being provided through presidential drawdown authority, which means they are taken from Pentagon stockpiles and can be delivered more quickly,” the outlet notes.

U.S. imposes new sanctions on Russia ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day

The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions targeting nearly 400 individuals and entities. These sanctions are aimed at those whose products and services have helped Russia wage the war in Ukraine and bypass Western sanctions.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced this on its website.

“Russia has turned its economy into a tool in service of the Kremlin’s military-industrial complex. Treasury’s actions today continue to implement the commitments made by President Biden and his G7 counterparts to disrupt Russia’s military-industrial base supply chains and payment channels,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “Companies, financial institutions, and governments around the world need to ensure they are not supporting Russia’s military-industrial supply chains.”

The sanctions list includes over 100 individuals and entities across 16 countries, including China, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.

It also targets more than 60 Russia-based technology and defense companies that are critical for the sustainment and development of Russia’s defense industry.

“These sanctions target Russia’s defense industry while protecting the access by Russian citizens to crucial telecommunications and other digital technology,” the statement reads.

The new sanctions list also covers Russian military research institutes, UAV manufacturers, and companies that support the Russian military-industrial complex. It includes their owners and management as well.

Ukrainian forces make gains near Novovodiane, Luhansk region

On August 22, Ukrainian defenders conducted successful offensives in the Luhansk region.

DeepState OSINT project reported the information.

"The Ukrainian Defense Forces have achieved success near Novovodiane," the statement says.

The area in question is located in the Luhansk region, near the border with the Kharkiv region. According to DeepState, the area of 4.28 square kilometers was liberated.

At the same time, Russian forces have advanced near Novohrodivka, Zavitne, Toretsk, and Ptyche.