Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected over the Volga hydroelectric power station and a refinery in Krasnoarmeysky, Volgograd, on August 21st, prompting heightened security measures. The drone activity was reported by Russian monitoring sources. On August 21st, Ukrainian forces reported counteroffensive operations underway in the Pokrovsk sector, with advances noted on the southern and southeastern outskirts of the city. Additionally, fighting for a fish farm in Torske occurred yesterday, as Russian forces attempted to dislodge Ukrainian troops who are consolidating their positions in Torske and pushing into Zarichne. Ukrainian forces are also reportedly withdrawing more troops westwards from the easternmost parts of the Serebryansky forest. In the Chernihiv region, a reconnaissance UAV was detected on August 21st. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warned that this drone could be used to guide enemy munitions and advised civilians to seek shelter during an air alarm. Meanwhile, a powerful fire continued at the Novosakhtyn oil products plant in the Rostov region as of 8:30 PM on August 21st, with the fire reportedly uncontainable. Ukrainian sources also indicated that a Ukrainian marine commander was charged with high treason for allegedly leaking unit coordinates to Russian forces and guiding airstrikes against Ukrainian ammunition warehouses and command posts. The Security Service of Ukraine reported that Russian intelligence recruited the officer through family members in occupied Luhansk Oblast, and he faces life imprisonment. Separately, a report cited former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz suggesting NATO membership for Russia. In financial news, sanctions imposed by the US and UK on August 21st reportedly caused a dramatic collapse of the stablecoin A7A5, a project linked to Russia, Ilan Shor, and Kyrgyz actors, with the stablecoin plunging by 99%. Ukraine is reportedly aiming to produce ten "Flamingo" long-range heavyweight cruise missiles per day by October, according to Fire Point's head of production. The missiles are believed to use modified FAB-1000 general-purpose bombs as warheads, with Ukraine possessing a significant stockpile from Soviet-era depots. Ukraine is also reportedly increasing its use of MZP "Putanka" wire barriers, designed to entangle personnel and equipment, sometimes in conjunction with concertina wire.
