Russian FM Lavrov gave an accurate statement that the Kremlin's objective in Ukraine is to politically control all of Ukraine rather than to seize selected Ukrainian territories

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed in an Aug. 19 televised interview that Moscow has “never talked about the need to seize any territories” from Ukraine, insisting that Crimea, Donbas, and other regions were not war objectives. The claim contradicts Russia’s repeated demands that Ukraine and the West recognize its annexation of Ukrainian territory, including areas not under Russian control.

Lavrov framed the Kremlin’s goals as “protecting” Ukrainians from what Moscow falsely portrays as an illegitimate and oppressive government. His remarks underscore Russia’s real objective: replacing Ukraine’s elected leadership with a pro-Russian government that allows Moscow to dominate Kyiv without further annexations.

He further rejected Ukraine’s sovereignty, demanding that Kyiv repeal its language and religion laws as preconditions for any settlement. Lavrov said no long-term peace agreements are possible without “respect” for Russian security concerns and the rights of Russian speakers.

The statement highlights the Kremlin’s broader strategy: securing full political control over Ukraine. Russia continues to insist on demilitarization, regime change, and binding neutrality commitments. Moscow has made clear it intends to achieve these aims either militarily or diplomatically and has shown no willingness to compromise.

Also Lavrov rejected suggestions that Russia might accept Western security guarantees for Ukraine.

Sergei mentioned that Russia and Ukraine cannot make any long-term agreements without addressing Russia’s “security interests,” a likely reference to Moscow’s demand that Ukraine adopt permanent neutrality and renounce NATO membership.

Russian officials have consistently framed Ukrainian neutrality as a precondition for negotiations. Analysts note that this demand is aimed at blocking Western security guarantees for Kyiv and isolating Ukraine from its allies.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reinforced this position on Aug. 18, stating that Moscow “categorically rejects” any scenario involving NATO troops in Ukraine.

While the Kremlin presents neutrality as a security issue, in practice it is intended to strip Ukraine of its sovereign right to choose alliances while enabling Russia to retain leverage over Ukraine’s domestic and foreign policy.

Russian drone strike injure 14 people in Sumy Oblast

A Russian drone strike on the northeastern city of Okhtyrka in Sumy Oblast injured 14 people, including three children, local authorities reported on Aug. 20.

The attack was part of a large-scale overnight drone barrage targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, the national police said. Residential homes, apartment blocks, and other buildings sustained significant damage.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said a family with three injured children — aged five months, four years, and six years — required medical assistance following the strike. Emergency services remain on site, providing care and assessing the damage.

The strike comes as international efforts to broker peace continue, with potential bilateral talks between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin under discussion. Despite these efforts, Russian forces continue to launch regular attacks on civilian targets.

Sumy Oblast, which borders Russia, has faced relentless strikes since the start of the full-scale invasion, and hostilities intensified in June when Russia opened a new front in the region.

Russians attacked Ukraine with two ballistic missiles and 93 drones

Russian forces launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 93 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones against Ukraine on the night of Aug. 19–20, the Ukrainian Air Force reported.

As of 09:00, Ukrainian air defense units had intercepted or jammed one ballistic missile and 62 drones over the country’s north and east.

Despite the defenses, one missile and multiple drones struck 20 locations, causing damage on the ground.

The Air Force said the attack was repelled through coordinated efforts of aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups.

India's state-owned refineries resume purchases of Russian oil after brief hiatus

Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp have purchased several batches of Russian Urals crude oil, which will be shipped in September and October.

According to traders, the discount on Urals has increased from $1 to $2.50 per barrel, which is likely to have provided an additional incentive to resume purchases.

The US Treasury Secretary accused India of enriching itself on Russian oil after the start of the war, noting that its share of imports had risen from 1% to 42%. Meanwhile, China's share rose only from 13% to 16%.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)