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The BCFA Archive dates back to February 2022. Our archives allow members to study information preceding the most recent reports in order to gain full understanding regardless of their current familiarity with the topic of interest.

Russian Ministry of Defense: up to 2,130 Ukrainian casualties in 24 hours 

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. ▫️ The Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 42nd Mechanised Brigade, 82nd Assault, 92nd Air Assault, 57th Motorised Infantry brigades, and 36th Marine Brigade near Tikhoye, Staritsa, Liptsy, and Volchansk (Kharkov region).  

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July 31, 2024

Institute for the Study of War: Russian offensive in Donetsk proves costly in tanks and armored vehicles

Russian forces conducted five platoon- to battalion-sized mechanized assaults in western Donetsk Oblast on July 29 and 30. Such localized mechanized pushes are likely the manifestation of Russia’s forecasted summer offensive—Russian forces likely lack the wider operational capacity to mount a separate renewed offensive operation in Donetsk Oblast or elsewhere on

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July 30, 2024

Russian Ministry of Defense: up to 1,930 Ukrainian casualties in 24 hours

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 57th Mechanised Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade, 36th Marine Brigade, and 3rd National Guard Brigade near Staritsa, Liptsy, Volchansk, and Tikhoye (Kharkov region). Seven counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of

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July 30, 2024
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July 31, 2024

Institute for the Study of War: Russian troops advance on six fronts in eastern Ukraine

Institute for the Study of War

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Israel conducted an airstrike killing Hamas Political Bureau Chairperson Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran to derail attempts to establish peace in the Middle East. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also responded to Haniyeh’s death, stating that it “strongly condemned” Haniyeh’s assassination and emphasized that Haniyeh’s assassination occurred during his visit to Tehran for Masoud Pezeshkian’s presidential inauguration. The Russian MFA did not explicitly implicate Israel but claimed that the “organizers of this political assassination” were aware of the “dangerous consequences” Haniyeh’s death would have on the entire region. Russia’s decision to publicly blame Israel for destabilizing peace prospects in the Middle East and indirectly threaten Israel with “dangerous consequences” demonstrates Russia’s increasing willingness to publicly align with Iran amid deepening Russian-Iranian military cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has increasingly expressed anti-Israel positions since the start of the Israel–Hamas war in October 2023 and notably amplified information operations designed to justify Iranian aggression against Israel, including the April 13 large-scale missile and drone strikes against Israel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Israel conducted an airstrike killing Hamas Political Bureau Chairperson Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran to derail attempts to establish peace in the Middle East. 
  • The Russian State Duma revised some aspects of a recent bill criminalizing Russian soldiers’ use of personal devices on the battlefield following outcry in the Russian ultranationalist community.
  • Russian officials may be taking steps to address domestic security issues following the March 2024 Crocus City Hall terrorist attack and June 2024 shootings in the Republic of Dagestan.
  • Ukrainian forces struck a weapons and equipment warehouse in Kursk City on the night of July 30 to 31.
  • Russian border guards withdrew from Armenia’s main international airport.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Svatove, Chasiv Yar, Torestsk, and Donetsk City and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on July 31 increasing financial incentives for signing a Russian military service contract, likely to support ongoing crypto-mobilization efforts.

For full report:  https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-31-2024 

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

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Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.