Ukraine to produce Storm Shadow missiles with UK/French tech; Russia moves to nationalize vulnerable infrastructure
Britain and France pledged technology for Ukraine to produce Storm Shadow missiles, as Kyiv continues long-range strikes and Russia moves to nationalize vulnerable infrastructure.
The day on the war
During a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting in Kyiv on August 24, marking Ukraine's Independence Day, Britain and France committed to providing Ukraine with stronger military support, including access to classified technology for its own production of Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles. This move would enable Ukraine to strike targets deeper within Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine can significantly expand long-range strikes if partners provide more funding. In response, the Kremlin indicated that the use of classified British technology would "add fuel to the fire." Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree, published on August 24, allowing the state to temporarily take control of critical infrastructure deemed inadequately protected from attack. This measure comes as Ukraine intensifies its drone campaign against Russian infrastructure.
Along the front
| Sector | Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Slovyansk and Hulyaipole directions | Ukrainian forces recently advanced. | ISW |
| Western Zaporizhia Oblast | Ukrainian forces recently advanced. | ISW |
| Borova and Kupyansk directions | Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian logistics and infrastructure. | ISW |
| Izyum | Russian forces are prioritizing coordinated strikes to disrupt Ukrainian logistics. | Russian milblogger |
Strikes & the grid
Chernihiv
What: A Russian drone struck a residential apartment building.
Toll: At least 20 people injured, including three children (local authorities claim).
Odesa region
What: Russian forces launched two Onyx anti-ship missiles, six Kh-31P/Kh-59 guided aerial missiles, and 143 drones, striking food warehouses and energy facilities.
Toll: Two Epicentr hypermarkets caught fire; Ukrainian Air Force confirmed hits at 22 locations and debris at five.
Millerovo Air Base (Dolotinka, Rostov Oblast)
What: Ukrainian forces struck a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet and a Kamov Ka-52 helicopter.
Toll: Geolocated footage published on August 24 shows the MiG-29 strike (ISW).
Rostov Oblast and occupied Crimea
What: Ukrainian forces struck two air-surveillance radars, an air-defense sensor, and an air surveillance radar system.
Toll: Damage confirmed (ISW).
Makhachkala, Nevinnomyssk, and Enem (Russia)
What: Ukrainian forces struck Ozon logistics centers.
Toll: Ozon Press Service confirmed fires at logistics centers in Dagestan and Krasnodar Krai.
Diplomacy & talks
Prisoner Exchange. Ukraine brought home 10 service members, previously considered missing in action, from Russian captivity in a "special exchange" via Belarus on August 24. President Zelenskyy announced the exchange.
Aid & sanctions
Britain and France
Measure: Military technology transfer
Detail: Pledged to provide Ukraine with access to classified technology to enable its own production of Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles.
Coalition of the Willing
Measure: Joint commitment
Detail: Agreed to urgently strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, increase military assistance, deepen cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry, and tighten sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex.
United States (Senators)
Measure: Legislative proposal
Detail: US Senators introduced a bill to allow Ukraine to use frozen Russian sovereign assets, estimated between $5 billion and $7 billion, to purchase weapons, expanding the scope of the existing REPO Act.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- Monitoring the implementation of the UK and French commitment to share classified technology for Storm Shadow missile production.
- Observing the effects of Russia's decree allowing temporary state control of inadequately protected critical infrastructure.
- Tracking the temporary maritime ban on sailing off the southwestern coast of occupied Crimea, in effect from August 26 until September 5.
- Watching for any signs of Russia's anticipated mobilization of an additional 300,000 troops following parliamentary elections in mid-September.
- Following Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's active discussions with European capitals regarding the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.