8/29 Ukraine News Roundup

USAToday: F-16s in Ukraine: After a long delay, F-16s are now being used in combat in Ukraine. These warplanes are playing a key role in defending Ukrainian civilians from Russian bombardment. As always, the delay was premised on fears of provoking Putin or Russian escalation.

Foreign Minister Kuleba makes the same point in Poland

"Ever since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, the biggest problem Ukraine has been facing is the domination of the concept of escalation in the decision-making processes among our partners," Kuleba said.

Poland's foreign minister Sikorski said that while Russian is using long-range weapons against Ukraine, allies should "let Ukraine fight with whatever it has, with whatever we have delivered them and let’s deliver them more."

He said that Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump's people have an idea on how to end the war. "Some of these people say the plan is to accelerate the end of the war by threatening Putin with the escalation," Sikorski said.

The Hill Zelensky to present peace plan to Biden, Harris, Trump

President Zelensky is planning to visit NY in September. It will be of interest to see how the 4-stage plan will differ from the plan outlined in June and attended by Vice President Harris. The successful incursion into Kursk gives Ukraine additional bargaining chips.

Ukraine continues to innovate on the battlefield:

Kyiv Independent: Ukrainian drones hit oil depots in Russia's Rostov, Kirov oblasts

Drones hit a target 745 miles away.

Newsweek: Ukraine Carries Out Successful Test of First Ballistic Missile: Zelensky

As the Warzone.com notes “ It would also not be subject to any foreign restrictions on its use, as it continues to be the case with many longer-ranged weapons supplied by the United States and other Western partners.”

More opportunities for the American military to learn from the Ukrainian military.