tourism infrastructure and development

• Publications
• Key Findings
• Interactive Data and Economy Profiles
• Full report

Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021: Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future

4. Key findings

Several key findings have been identified in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2021 results and research. First, the need for T&T development has never been greater as it plays a critical role in helping the global economic recovery by supporting the livelihoods of some of the populations hardest hit by the pandemic and by building resilience, especially when it comes to lower-income countries. Moreover, by investing in the factors that help drive T&T, many economies can leverage tourism to further their overall development. The need for T&T development has never been greater as it plays a critical role in helping the global economic recovery.

Second, the key findings show not only how ongoing challenges such as reduced capacity and labour shortages are tempering the recovery but also how shifting demand has created opportunities, forcing many T&T businesses and destinations to adapt, highlighting the sector’s impressive flexibility. Third, the analysis explores in more detail how various aspects and drivers of T&T development can be more thoughtfully and effectively considered and employed to bolster the recovery and build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient T&T sector.

4.1 The need for Travel and Tourism development has never been greater

The case for t&t development.

As already alluded to in the global context section above, the T&T sector’s significant contribution to global economic and social development makes its recovery and long-term growth paramount. In 2019, the sector’s direct, indirect and induced output accounted for about 10% of global GDP. Moreover, for many emerging economies, T&T is a major source of export revenue, foreign exchange earnings and investment. On average, out of the economies covered by the TTDI, T&T contributed 70% more towards the exports of middle-income economies than to the exports of high-income economies in 2019. 10 Consequently, restoring T&T sector growth will be particularly vital for developing economies’ recovery. For instance, the World Bank forecasts that emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) will not return to pre-pandemic economic output trends until after 2023, with more than 80% of tourism-reliant EMDEs still below their 2019 economic output at the end of 2021. 11 Recent concerns about the slowdown in globalization and trade due to the impact of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions 12 further enforce how important T&T is for global connectivity.

It is also important to note that T&T is vital not only to overall economic performance but also to the livelihood of some of the populations and businesses most vulnerable to, and hardest hit by, the pandemic. This sector contributed to about 10% of global jobs in 2019, 13 employs almost twice as many women as other sectors, has a large share of youth employment and is a major source of jobs for minorities, migrants, informal workers and low-skilled workers. 14 Moreover, SMEs account for more than 80% of T&T businesses. 15 Unsurprisingly, research has shown that T&T growth can support social progress and create opportunities and well-being for communities. 16 Consequently, investing in T&T could not only mitigate the impact of the pandemic but also improve socioeconomic progress and resilience.

Enabling the T&T development landscape

With the case for T&T’s recovery and development clear, it will be critical to focus on and invest in the factors and policies (beyond the critical need for vaccine distribution) that can help enable these goals, many of which are measured by the TTDI. World Economic Forum research shows that TTDI performance correlates with direct T&T GDP, international tourist arrivals and receipts. 17

Figure 3: Travel and Tourism economic and enabling development landscape

Figure 3 can help us understand which economies are likely to be best positioned from a T&T recovery and resiliency point of view, and which may need to prioritize greater investment in T&T enabling factors. This is illustrated by comparing the TTDI scores to economic dependence on T&T. Low- and middle-income economies tend to score below the TTDI average, indicating a potential constraining factor for their economic recovery. In particular, economies in the bottom-right quadrant would gain the most by investing in the drivers of T&T development because they are more dependent on the sector for economic development. Such investment will help their economic recovery by enabling stronger tourism growth as well as supporting their overall economies to be more robust and resilient. On the other hand, while economies in the bottom left are less dependent on T&T, their below-average TTDI score may indicate that their conditions are leading to an underuse of the sector’s ability to drive development, weakening their economic potential – a resiliency issue in itself.

Higher TTDI scores for economies in the top two quadrants indicate that they are more mature markets and are best positioned for the sector’s recovery. Countries in the top-left quadrant are in a more optimal position from a resiliency point of view as they have favourable conditions for T&T operations but are also less reliant on it for their overall economic performance. However, that is not to say that T&T does not play an important role in their overall economic development, especially at the local level and for specific segments of the labour force and SMEs. Meanwhile, economies in the top-right quadrant, like those below them, have also been more vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic, especially given that analysis shows they are typically more reliant on the export of T&T services. These factors may limit their ability to recover economically from the pandemic, but they are also better positioned to generate tourism-led economic growth as international tourism returns. In general, for the most mature T&T countries such as those higher in the top quadrants, sector performance and resilience may be less about making major improvements in aspects of T&T development such as infrastructure and more about continuously calibrating their T&T strategies to adapt to changing demand dynamics, local needs and overall T&T trends.

Figure 4: TTDI 2021 pillar performance

Figure 4 shows in more detail what gaps remain to achieving improved T&T performance and development for various countries. High-income economies and countries in the Europe and Eurasia (Europe) and Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions tend to lead the overall index in results. Among the largest differentiators between index leaders and laggards are: the distribution and promotion of natural, cultural and non-leisure assets and activities; the availability of quality transport and tourist service infrastructure; the degree of international openness; and favourable factors such as (increasingly important) ICT readiness and health and hygiene. However, as shown in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019, because T&T growth is so dependent on factors such as infrastructure and health and hygiene, which if improved bring benefits to more than the tourism sector, sector leaders can play a valuable role in encouraging investment that benefits a country’s economy as a whole. This is especially true for developing economies that have innate natural and cultural assets around which to mobilize investment. 18 The next section detailing key findings will use the TTDI results to discuss the T&T challenges and opportunities created over the past few years, as well as examining how various drivers of T&T development can be employed to bolster T&T recovery and build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient T&T sector, thereby unleashing its potential for economic and social progress.

4.2 Recovery challenges and shifting demand dynamics

The results highlight difficult operating conditions.

While varying greatly based on local, segment, national and regional conditions, the TTDI results and research help highlight some of the various and common operational challenges the T&T sector faces in its recovery.

With T&T activities being severely restricted over the past few years, the greatest decline in index performance has come from the contraction of related operations and investment. As such, average scores fell in the Air Transport Infrastructure (-9.4%), Prioritization of Travel and Tourism (-6.7%) and Tourist Service Infrastructure (-1.5%) pillars. Air route capacity and airport connectivity plummeted, especially in more mature and high-income economies. Similarly, the decline in tourist service infrastructure reflects initially reduced capacity in the accommodation and related segments. The average number of per capita short-term rental units dropped by about one-fifth between mid-2019 and 2021 across economies ranked in the index. 19 While not reflected in the TTDI results, STR data indicates that, over a similar timespan, the number of hotel rooms did not recover to pre-pandemic levels in many countries. 20 In line with these trends, both T&T capital investment and government T&T expenditures also fell. The decline in sector capacity has also been compounded by the fact that most businesses are SMEs and do not have the means to survive prolonged drops in demand or restrictions on person-to-person contact. The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on the sector is indicated by the direct T&T contribution to global GDP falling from 3.2% to 1.6% and the contribution to global employment falling from 3.8% to 3.1% between 2019 and 2020. 21

Figure 5: Select pillar 2019 to 2021 average score change

Yet, as demand resumes in line with easing travel restrictions and somewhat improving COVID-19 conditions, the initial reductions in capacity increase the potential for supply-side constraints. In advanced economies, in particular, rising demand, earlier layoffs that disproportionality hit T&T, and competition for talent with other sectors have resulted in widespread labour shortages. A WTTC report focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal estimates that the T&T sectors in these countries experienced staff shortfalls ranging from 9% to 18% in 2021. 22 The interconnected nature of the T&T supply chain and ecosystem has also created challenges. Hotels, airlines, car rental firms, tour operators, cruise lines and others all form a chain of service providers dependent on each other along the traveller journey. Bankruptcies or other disruption issues at any point along this chain have the potential to negatively affect the others.

"In addition to labour shortages and capacity constraints, the sector has also been exposed to broader global disruptions that are complicating recovery."

Over the course of the pandemic, growth in merchandise trade coincided with production, worker, equipment and space shortages to create a global supply-chain crisis. For instance, hotels have faced shortages of items ranging from slippers for clients to kitchen equipment. 23

The recent outbreak of war in Ukraine and resulting sanctions and travel restrictions related to Russia have added further pressure on the recovery. Airlines around the world have had to reroute operations, increasing travel times and costs. Meanwhile, the still fragile recovery in international tourism demand could be tempered by increased hesitancy among travellers when it comes to visiting Europe. 24 Many T&T economies in Europe, Eurasia and beyond may also be hard hit due to reduced demand from Russia and Ukraine. Combined, these two economies account for about 3% of international tourism spending, with Russia having been a major source of visitors to destinations ranging from Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. 25

While not yet fully reflected in the TTDI’s Price Competitiveness pillar, rising travel demand, the stated labour, capacity and other shortages, global supply-chain disruptions and rises in fuel prices and inflation caused by factors such as the war in Ukraine will likely increase costs and service prices throughout the entire T&T supply chain and ecosystem. For example, as of 13 May 2022, jet fuel prices were more than double what they were a year ago, 26 and if they remain high, airline yields and ticket prices will likely rise. 27 Recent UNWTO analysis cites how conflict-induced uncertainty, higher energy and food prices and inflation, in general, are putting pressure on consumer purchasing power and tempering global economic growth, potentially affecting T&T sector performance. Moreover, as economies such as the United States combat inflation by increasing interest rates, consumer demand and T&T investment may be further hit by the rising cost of credit. 28

The pandemic shifts demand dynamics, creating opportunities and driving adaptation

With travel restrictions still common and traveller confidence hampered by pandemic concerns, the past few years have also seen a shift in demand trends in global T&T. According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts, the major trends driving the T&T recovery include domestic tourism, travel close to home, open-air activities, nature-based products and rural tourism. 29 The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data shows that, on average for the 117 economies covered by the index, domestic spending’s share of T&T spending increased from 50.8% in 2019 to 62.6% in 2020 as domestic demand fared better than collapsing international demand. 30 Moreover, current projections for 2021 show that domestic spending growth is expected to substantially outpace international spend in every region outside of the Caribbean and Middle East. 31

The TTDI results further reinforce the shift in demand dynamics that the world has witnessed. The second most improved pillar is Natural Resources (+2.5% average score increase). While this was driven largely by an expansion in the number of recognized UNESCO World Heritage natural sites and protected areas, such as national parks, the greatest improvement has come from destinations’ ability to garner interest in nature-related segments as illustrated by the 20.8% average growth in natural tourism Digital Demand value, a measure of online searches for topics such as natural wonders, outdoor activities and rural accommodation.

On the other hand, the Non-Leisure Resources pillar had one of the greatest declines in average performance (-1.9%) as business travel declined. While this sector is recovering, it has rebounded at a slower rate than leisure, with factors such as workplace flexibility and the availability of virtual alternatives for in-person meetings tempering demand and potentially leading to some permanent loss in corporate travel. This will force many T&T segments to adapt. For example, operators in the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) area may have to rely more on smaller and hybrid events. 32 T&T businesses and destinations are increasingly looking to capture opportunities offered by the changing nature of work. Over the course of the pandemic, more businesses have gone virtual, and an increasing share of the labour force is becoming independent.

"In 2020, 10.9 million Americans said they were digital nomads, a 49% increase from 2019."

This sample of independent workers is also increasingly willing to travel. A recent survey showed that the share of US independent workers doing business outside the country jumped from 12% in 2013 to 28% in 2020. 33 Additionally, the trend in “bleisure” travel – the addition of leisure activities to business trips – is also growing. 34

To cater to these growing markets, T&T businesses will have to become more flexible and create new, innovative products. For instance, some major hospitality groups are creating new long-stay properties that include kitchens and living spaces, while other have introduced packages that offer reduced rates for those staying longer, which include IT and boardroom services. 35 Furthermore, while virtual business may require less office space, corporations and their employees may need options for occasional company meetings and events that the sector could provide. However, it is important to note that these new market opportunities are primarily for the high-end travel market and are not likely to replace the overall loss in business travel. Lastly, T&T operators have also had to introduce more flexible booking and cancellation policies in order to address uncertainty about travel regulations and the pandemic, in addition to increased consumer desire to make last-minute changes or to add leisure stays to their business trips. 36

From a destination point of view, many governments have also adapted to changing conditions to take advantage of shifting demand dynamics. For one thing, many countries have provided various incentives to boost domestic tourism. For example, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Japan have rolled out various programmes that provide discounts, coupons and subsidies for domestic travel. 37 Meanwhile, Aruba targeted the digital nomad market through extended work visas and other benefits via its One Happy Workation programme. 38 The trends towards more rural and nature-based tourism also offer an opportunity for less-developed economies to harness the benefits of T&T given that the distribution and quality of natural assets are less tied to overall economic development, with Natural Resources being one of the few pillars where non- high-income economies typically outperform high- income countries (see Figure 6).

Figure 6: Composition of top quartile, by income group

Overall, the above adaptations to shifting demand and COVID-19 conditions help highlight how flexible T&T business and destinations can be in times of crisis. As the sector rebuilds and addresses future risks, its adaptability will become more crucial than ever. In particular, as can be seen in the key findings that follow, the shift to domestic and nature-based travel, as well as other trends, coincides with an increased emphasis on sustainable and safe travel. Therefore, T&T development will have to become increasingly sustainability-oriented.

4.3 Building back better

Given the current challenges, shifting demand dynamics and future opportunities and risks, it is vital that T&T development strategies are employed to rebuild the sector in a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient manner.

Restoring and accelerating international openness and consumer confidence, including investment in health and security

For starters, as travel restrictions are removed, ensuring that T&T markets are open to visitors and investors will become vital. In particular, it is important that the historical trend of ever greater international openness in T&T continues. Reduced visa requirements fuel international tourism and additional air service agreements open up markets to more airlines, routes, competition and, ultimately, better service (see Figure 7). Given the recent decline in international route capacity and travel demand, prioritizing visa and air service agreement liberalization will be important – with those economies most dependent on tourism exports and lacking large domestic markets standing to benefit the most. Financial openness and an increase in regional trade agreements can also help to facilitate necessary cross-border investment in T&T and beyond, which may also help encourage more international and intra-regional travel.

TTDI results indicate that Western, Southern and Northern Europe are usually the most internationally open subregions due to the close integration that the European Union, the Schengen Area and similar blocs and agreements provide. Such systems allow T&T operators to benefit from factors such as a larger and more diverse consumer base and common market rules. It is also important to recognize that despite the pandemic and disrupted global trade, 83 economies ranked in the index increased their number of regional trade agreements in force between 2019 and 2021. Relevant recent developments include the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which came into force in 2021. Combined with related efforts such as the Free Movement Protocol and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the sub-Saharan Africa region has the potential to unlock its untapped T&T potential and grow its underdeveloped intra- regional T&T market and air route capacity. 39

Figure 7: Correlation between air service agreement liberalization and air transport infrastructure, 2019

Endnotes 40 , 41

Of course, the pandemic, along with the recent rise in geopolitical tensions, also highlights just how important health and security conditions are to protecting the openness on which T&T relies and to restoring consumer confidence in travel. Economies with sophisticated healthcare systems are better equipped to mitigate the impact of pandemics on T&T and the wider economy by protecting their populations, including the T&T workforce and visitors, thus reducing the need for travel and lockdown restrictions. Meanwhile, access to clean water and sanitation facilities helps prevent diseases or their spread. Lastly, consumers and business travellers are likely to remain more sensitive to the health and hygiene conditions at destinations for some time. A recent survey shows that the majority of travellers consider safety protocols, restrictions and cleanliness to be key factors in travel decision- making. 42 In the short term, T&T business, destinations and international organizations have responded to these issues via actions such as the introduction of various protocols and certifications. For instance, the World Travel & Tourism Council has introduced the Safe Travels protocols and certification stamp that can be used by T&T to show customers they are following standardized global health and hygiene practices. 43

In general, underdeveloped health and hygiene infrastructure and access represents an acute challenge for many developing countries, with low- and lower-middle-income economies scoring 50.0% and 25.6% below average in the Health and Hygiene pillar. These states lack physicians and hospital beds (in terms of ratio to population size) and access to basic sanitation and drinking water, and such issues, combined with lower vaccination rates, mean that these economies will struggle to recover at the same pace as others and will have difficulty building adequate resilience against future health security risks. It is therefore crucial for the success of the global T&T sector that the challenges related to vaccine distribution and roll-out are addressed in an equitable and inclusive fashion. While further effort is required, public-private cooperation can provide a useful avenue to address this challenge. For example, the World Economic Forum’s Supply Chain & Transport Industry Action Group community, which consists of leading supply-chain companies, is supporting UNICEF and the COVAX Vaccine Distribution programme with “planning, preparedness and prioritized transportation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and related supplies”. 44

The above-mentioned introduction of travel bans, flight-route adjustments, increasing fuel and food prices and potentially hindered international travel demand caused by the war in Ukraine have also shown the degree to which international T&T can be affected by geopolitical tension and conflict. Overall, it is well established that crime and security issues such as terrorism and conflict have a negative impact on tourist arrivals and sector revenue. 45 The 2021 TTDI data shows that economies in the Americas, sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia tend to score the lowest for safety and security, thereby creating a further obstacle to the future development of T&T in these areas.

On the other hand, research has also shown that a sustainable and open tourism sector can be resilient to violence and conflict and that it may help foster positive peace, namely the “attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies”. More specifically, the mechanisms through which tourism can accomplish this include cultural and information exchange, encouragement of tolerance, better government functioning, human capital development, and local and cross-border economic gain that can reduce the risks to peace. 46 It is now more important than ever to leverage the T&T sector’s potential for peace through sustainable development.

"It is crucial for the success of the global T&T sector that the challenges related to vaccine distribution and roll- out are addressed in an equitable and inclusive fashion. While further effort is required, public- private cooperation can provide a useful avenue to address this challenge."

Building favourable and inclusive labour, business and socioeconomic conditions

Over the course of the pandemic, the T&T sector has received substantial support in the form of debt financing, tax policies, assistance with business costs, public-sector investment, employment support, incentivization of tourism demand and easing of regulations. 47 In the future, continued investment in human capital and the creation of more favourable labour, business and socioeconomic conditions will be vital components in making the sector more inclusive, addressing ongoing challenges such as labour shortages and driving T&T growth and resilience.

Factors such as accessible and quality education and staff training, supportive hiring and firing practices, programmes to source skilled labour, flexible working arrangements and efforts to improve labour productivity can help equip T&T companies with a workforce that can improve operating efficiency, provide quality services, maintain flexibility in the face of evolving business needs and challenges and take advantage of the growing role of ICT tools. For example, according to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2020 , skills gaps in the local labour market were the number one barrier to adoption of new technologies in the transport and storage, and consumer sectors, the two sectors most closely tied to T&T. 48 Furthermore, according to the WTTC, factors such as facilitation of labour mobility, upskilling and reskilling and promotion of education are vital elements in addressing the current labour shortage. 49 Meanwhile, the past few years have shown how important policy stability, access to credit and creating more business- friendly regulatory and tax environments have been in supporting the T&T sector, especially SMEs that typically do not have the same resources and access to capital as larger firms. 50

The 2021 TTDI results partially reflect some efforts by policy-makers to support their economies, with the average Business Environment score climbing 1.7% since 2019. In particular, perceptions of the burden of government regulations and SME access to finance were areas that saw some of the largest improvements. The average Human Resource and Labour Market pillar also improved by 1.5% between 2019 and 2021, due to overall progress made in areas such as staff training. Nonetheless, less developed economies still score well below the TTDI average for most indicators for both pillars.

The pandemic has also highlighted how important an economy’s socioeconomic resilience is for the T&T sector. In general, the ability of an economy to support its population through social protections such as unemployment and maternity benefits, keep youth employed or in training, effectively uphold workers’ rights and support a diverse and inclusive workforce may potentially help strengthen employee productivity, expand the labour pool and make it more resilient to risks such as pandemics. 51 This is particularly true for the T&T sector because it provides income for a large number of youth, women, informal workers, the self-employed and small enterprises, who do not always have access to social or worker protections. Figure 8 shows that there is a relationship between socioeconomic resilience and conditions and labour productivity in T&T. Recent survey data also reinforces how important issues such as benefits and working conditions are for attracting talent and addressing the ongoing labour shortage in the sector. One poll of former US hospitality workers showed that more than half won’t return to their old jobs and over a third are not planning on returning to the industry as they seek higher pay, better working conditions and benefits, and more flexibility. 52

Figure 8: Correlation between socioeconomic resilience and conditions and tourism labour productivity

The 2021 TTDI results show that, across the board, socioeconomic resilience has tended to improve due to the expansion of social protection coverage and spending in line with global efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. High-income economies do tend to score far higher on the Socioeconomic Resilience and Conditions pillar, putting them in a better position to deal with future challenges and maximize their workforce potential. Conversely, low- and lower-middle-income countries have far lower socioeconomic resilience due to more limited social protection, higher rates of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET), fewer workers rights and greater inequality of opportunity for all. As a result, the T&T sector in these economies may face more obstacles to recovery and may be more vulnerable to future risks.

While rising interest rates and debt levels represent a growing obstacle, government responses to the pandemic demonstrated their capacity to provide more comprehensive socioeconomic support, and the benefits of doing so, albeit during an unprecedented situation. While the pandemic has certainly disproportionately affected SMEs, entrepreneurs or more vulnerable populations, strengthening such mechanisms, especially in the T&T sector, could have compound benefits for the sector and economies as a whole.

The growing role of environmental sustainability

In the coming years, the success of T&T businesses and destinations will be increasingly tied to their ability to manage and operate under ever greater ecological and environmental threats. According to surveys conducted for the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2022 , environmental risks represent half of the top 10 global risks, with climate action failure, extreme weather and biodiversity role natural assets play in generating T&T demand and spend, these environmental risks represent a serious threat to long-term growth for the sector. Moreover, within this context, travellers increasingly value environmentally sustainable options. 54 df

The 2021 TTDI results indicate the extent of environmental sustainability threats and challenges. For instance, comparing the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability pillar scores helps to pinpoint where some of the greatest risks to nature-based tourism might lie. Out of the 30 economies that rank in the top quartile for natural resources, 17 score below the global average for environmental sustainability and eight rank in the bottom 25.

Figure 9 provides a regional view of the challenge. While most economies in the Americas and Asia- Pacific and almost half of those in sub-Saharan Africa score above average for natural resources, they commonly underperform in environmental sustainability, making it a critical problem for future T&T development. Environmental issues differ in these regions, but some examples include elevated climate-related risk (as measured by the Global Climate Risk Index), air and sea pollution, deforestation, poor wastewater treatment and inadequate preservation policies. In the Middle East and North Africa, common problems include water stress and air pollution. On the other hand, economies in the Europe and Eurasia region are world leaders in environmental sustainability, accounting for more than half of countries in the TTDI that score above average for this pillar. Combined with the fact that natural resources are not its greatest strength or dependency, the region and its tourism sector may be the better positioned to deal with future ecological risks.

Figure 9: Share of regional economies scoring above average for natural resources and environmental sustainability

Nonetheless, while there are some economies that have better environmental conditions, the challenge is widespread and is not easing. The difference in average score between the top and bottom quartiles for the Environmental Sustainability pillar is the second-lowest among the pillars. Moreover, performance for many indicators in this pillar has been mixed. For example, scores for deforestation continued to worsen. On the other hand, efforts to preserve the environment and T&T-generating natural assets got a boost from continued expansion in the share of protected territories and the number of environmental treaties signed.

A recent UNWTO and One Planet report reiterated the importance of a healthy environment for T&T competitiveness and development and recommended several actions to help the T&T sector produce a greener recovery. This included biodiversity protection actions such as putting tourism at the forefront of conservation efforts and ensuring that the value tourism provides for conservation efforts via monitoring mechanisms and investing in nature-based solutions is captured. Climate action efforts in T&T can be accelerated through the likes of monitoring and reporting emissions from tourism operations, accelerating decarbonization through the development of low-carbon transport options and greener infrastructure, and engaging in carbon removal via the restoration of carbon-density ecosystems and carbon-removal technologies. Finally, circular economy actions are recommended.

These include investing in transforming tourism value chains by reducing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, recycling and repurposing whenever possible; prioritizing sustainable food approaches such as local and organic procurement; creating sustainable menus and focusing on reducing food loss; and shifting towards a circularity of plastic in tourism. 55

At the World Economic Forum, efforts in this field are plentiful, and cover multistakeholder actions on decarbonizing transportation, accelerating action on plastics, ensuring the long-term, sustainable use of the ocean, and developing the circular economy. In particular, the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition 56 is working with stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem, including buyers of corporate travel, to accelerate the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels, all while better distributing the green premium for these fuels. The Forum also hosts the Global Future Council on Sustainable Tourism, 57 a community of experts from academia, business, civil society and governments who are developing a set of principles for sustainable destinations to guide decision-making on rebuilding the sector in the wake of the pandemic. The Council is also researching customer behaviour changes that can incentivize the development and delivery of more sustainable travel products and services, articulating the value of investment in the blue and green economies in tourism, and providing guidance on the ambition of achieving net-zero emissions across the various verticals in the T&T sector.

Managing tourism demand and impact

Sustainable management of tourism demand that maximizes benefits for local communities, while also mitigating negative side effects such as overcrowding, will also become a vital component of T&T development as the sector recovers.

The TTCR 2019 discussed how long-term T&T growth was starting to put pressure on local infrastructure and housing, as well as degrading cultural and natural assets that attract visitors and fuelling uneven distribution of T&T benefits. This ultimately led to falling liveability standards for residents, local backlash against tourism and diminished visitor experience. 58 Although recent lockdowns and travel restrictions led to this sustainability challenge being discussed less, it is likely to become a more common topic as demand continues to recover. In many areas, the pandemic-fuelled travel demand push towards outdoor attractions, rural communities and secondary destinations has already revealed capacity constraints. For instance, the rise in nature travel had already led to more overcrowding at many national parks, with many US national parks monthly visitation number hitting all-time highs, leading to issue such as littering, wildlife disruption and traffic jams. 59 Visitors also show signs of wanting to reduce their footprint and improve the social impact on the destinations they visit, with just over half of global travellers in a recent survey indicating that they would be willing to switch their original destination for a lesser-known one if it led to a reduced footprint and greater community impact. 60

While issues such as overcrowding and other effects of T&T on communities are typically a local rather than national-level concern, the TTDI looks at the existence of, or risk related to, overcrowding and demand volatility, as well as the quality and impact of T&T via the T&T Demand Pressure and Impact pillar. In general, pillar results indicate that T&T Demand Pressure and Impact challenges affect economies of all levels of development. For instance, the difference in the average pillar score between low- and lower-middle-income and high-income economies covered by the index is just 0.8% and 2.5%, respectively.

High-income European countries tend to be some of the top TTDI performers and include rich cultural and non-leisure assets and quality transport and tourism infrastructure that allow for the absorption of large quantities of visitors. However, they still tend to score below average for the T&T Demand Pressure and Impact pillar due to factors such as shorter lengths of stay, higher seasonality and a very high level of concentration of interest in a small number of attractions, as shown by Tripadvisor page views and backed by at times unfavourable perceptions of the dispersions of tourism. Unsurprisingly, this region has often claimed headlines for tourism overcrowding. On the other hand, less-developed economies and those ranking lower on the TTDI tend to bring in fewer tourists, but still score below average for perception of tourism dispersion and town- and city-centre accessibility and crowding, an issue that may be partially explained by these economies’ typically below-average scores for transport infrastructure.

Figure 10: T&T Demand Pressure and Impact pillar component scores, 1–7 (best)

In summary, the relatively close distribution of T&T Demand Pressure and Impact pillar scores among economies of different incomes and tourist arrival levels highlights the fact that challenges such as overcrowding have less to do with visitor numbers and more to do with local conditions and policies.

Yet, as the sector rebuilds, there is an opportunity to use increasing domestic and nature-based T&T demand, consumers’ rising preference to manage their footprint and the need to address historical issues such as overcrowding by making investments and policies that help disperse T&T, thus making the sector more resilient. For one, proper care must be paid to developing transport, tourism, health and ICT infrastructure in rural, nature and secondary destinations. This can help funnel tourism and its benefits to more communities, make them more attractive destinations and increase their capacity to absorb more visitors. Within urban centres, improved road and public transport infrastructure and access to efficient, accessible, safe and affordable transport options can reduce the chances of overcrowding and lead to both greater liveability for residents and a better visitor experience (see Figure 11).

Figure 11: Correlation between public transport and quality of town and city centres

In general, TTDI 2021 results show an improvement in the Ground and Port Infrastructure pillar (+2.2%) since 2019. In particular, middle-income economies have experienced some of the strongest growth in areas such as perceptions of road quality and efficiency of train services. Nevertheless, as already alluded to, less-developed economies still have gaps in their infrastructure, ranging from lower road and rail density to a lack of access to efficient and quality public transport. Combined with lower marks for factors such as tourist and health infrastructure, these economies will face some of the greatest challenges in distributing tourism and its benefits throughout their communities. However, they also have the most to gain from overcoming these obstacles.

Aside from investment in infrastructure, policies are also a fundamental part of proper tourism demand management and dispersion. The above subsections of the key findings section explored how governments and destinations can institute policies to develop domestic and other forms of tourism. Moreover, there are specific efforts that can be made to manage T&T to prevent overcrowding and efficiently use a destination’s carrying capacity. For instance, the UNWTO has set out strategies and measures that can combat challenges such as these in cities. Some of these include the promotion of attractions and events that disperse visitors so they are not concentrated only in certain areas, time-based dynamic pricing, the creation of pedestrian-only zones, defining the carrying capacity of city areas, focusing on lower-impact visitor segments, ensuring local communities benefit from tourism, engaging with local stakeholders and monitoring the impact of tourism, including through the use of big data. 61

T&T stakeholders can also play a more active role in broader sustainable mobility efforts and trends that can help to reduce the sector’s environmental impact, manage demand and make destinations more attractive for visitors and residents. For example, the World Economic Forum’s Global New Mobility Coalition (GNMC) is a multistakeholder community for “accelerating the shift to a Shared, Electric and Autonomous Mobility (SEAM) system”. The synchronization of high-occupancy, electric and autonomous transport options can lead to better traffic flow, higher efficiency of road usage, more equitable mobility systems, better air quality, lower carbon emissions and improved grid resilience. More specifically, SEAM may reduce carbon emissions by 95%, improve mobility efficiency by 70% and decrease commuting costs by 40%. Given SEAM’s clear potential to create more sustainable destinations, a case can be made for T&T sector involvement this area. 62

The crucial role of digital technology

All of the aforementioned efforts to build back a better T&T sector will depend on effective leveraging of the growing role of digitalization in T&T.

More T&T services are being accessed by digital systems through online travel agencies (OTAs) and sharing economy platforms, direct online bookings, digital payment systems and mobile devices, and thus consumers tend to expect the greater convenience, increased options, reduced person- to-person contact and seamless experience that these systems provide. Furthermore, digitalization enables T&T businesses to gather consumer insights and preferences, optimize operations, cut transaction costs and automate processes. 63 Online platforms also enable T&T service providers, including SMEs, to reach beyond their local markets and connect with broader domestic and international markets. Due to the above- mentioned factors, it is not surprising that a positive relationship has been found between ICT readiness and international tourism receipts. 64 In the context of shifting demand dynamics, destinations with greater ICT readiness will be better positioned to diversify their markets and take advantage of trends such as the rising numbers of digital nomads and growth in nature-related travel. For instance, research shows a clear relationship between the ICT Readiness pillar and natural tourism online searches in economies with rich natural resources. 65

A recent report by the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and UNWTO outlines how the T&T sector can use big data and digitalization for better and more sustainable tourism management and recovery. Tourism-specific data coming from sources such as T&T operators and online platforms, and non-tourism-specific data coming from sources such as credit card transactions, mobility services and sensors can help T&T stakeholders track and manage the social, economic and environmental impacts of T&T, complement more traditional data-collection efforts, manage tourism flows and target preferred source markets, thereby helping to create smart destinations.

For instance, the Macao Government Tourism Office has worked with a major Chinese multinational technology company to “optimize visitors’ travel experiences before, during and after trips; obtain insights into travellers’ behaviour through in-depth analysis of big data; and monitor, divert and disperse visitor flows at tourist districts and congested areas”. The use of big data and various digital platforms and technology can also help seamless travel and act as health and security tools by enabling safety protocols, biosecurity technologies and digital health certificates, thereby boosting traveller confidence. However, the report also highlights the various barriers to greater use of big data and digitalization within the T&T sector. Some of these challenges include privacy concerns, data reliability, governance issues, disincentives for public-private collaboration, the digital divide, skills gaps and greater efforts to include SMEs. 66

Figure 12: ICT Readiness by economic income group, 2019–2021

Figure 12 helps to illustrate the digital divide among economic income groups. Developing economies typically lag when it comes to ICT infrastructure, internet connectivity and mobile network coverage, which hampers the use of digital platforms in financial services, transport and tourism activities. On the other hand, the ICT Readiness pillar is the most improved (+3.0%) since 2019 largely due to continued improvement in low- and middle-income economies. These results indicate that while high-income economies are best positioned to leverage digitalization and create smart destinations, developing economies are building capacity. In addition, as already mentioned, creating a more highly skilled labour force will be an essential element and challenge in maximizing the use of ICT tools in T&T.

The growing role of digitalization and, in particular, digital platforms, within the T&T space can also create other labour and socioeconomic challenges. Globally, the number of active digital labour platforms, which include ride-hailing taxi and delivery services, has grown from fewer than 200 in 2010 to at least 777 at the start of 2021. As stated, these platforms create new avenues for flexible employment for people, allow business to access wider markets and talent pools, improve productivity and provide convenience for customers. However, they could also lead to greater income and job insecurity. Commonly raised issues include less favourable working conditions, deficient social protection and employment benefits and a lack of access to fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining. 67 The growth in popularity of digital platforms offering short-term rentals has also led to concerns about residents’ access to housing at destinations where housing capacity is increasingly taken up by the T&T sector. 68 The concentration of market share in the hands of digital platforms may also lead to imbalances in the bargaining and pricing power of the various stakeholders, including workers and SMEs. 69

If proper efforts are made, from employee training and supporting SMEs’ use of ICT to fair and effective regulation of digital platforms and their impact on workers and destination communities, digitalization in T&T will become one of the driving forces in growing the sector’s role in inclusive, sustainable and resilient development. However, failing in these areas could also transform this key aspect of T&T operations into an increasingly acute barrier to future T&T growth.

4.4 Conclusion to the key findings

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact have underscored the T&T sector’s vital role in global connectivity and development. In the coming years it will therefore be crucial for T&T stakeholders to devise strategies that make the sector more inclusive, sustainable and resilient.

As the TTDI 2021 results reveal, any such enterprise will require a comprehensive and holistic approach. Creating a better T&T economy is not just about improving infrastructure or offering favourable pricing. It also involves creating better health and hygiene conditions, ensuring natural resources are protected and that the workforce on which the sector depends has access to training and social protection. This necessitates the active participation and coordination of sector and non-sector business, employers and employees, government agencies ranging from tourism and health ministries to local authorities, environmental and conservation groups, and international organizations. Over the course of the pandemic, often uncoordinated travel restrictions and health protocols revealed the difficulty and necessity of such cooperation.

In the future, efforts will need to be made to devise common frameworks for defining and measuring T&T sustainability, including the creation of commonly accepted environment, social and governance metrics. The safe and ethical use of big data will prove fundamental to this cause. Moreover, in an increasingly complex and technology-enabled environment, it will be vital to ensure that developing economies, workers and SMEs are not left behind.

While these challenges may be difficult, the flexibility and adaptation the T&T sector has shown in the past few years also indicates that sector stakeholders are more than capable of rising to the occasion.

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Global fdi greenfield investment trends in tourism, share this content.

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

Tourism Investment Report 2020

In association with fdi intelligence from the financial times.

For the third year in a row, the UNWTO has partnered with the fDi intelligence from the Financial Times to develop a joint publication on Tourism Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) analyzing data on Greenfield investments trends. The relevance of this report is pivotal to governments and investors because it exposed data on flows of capital, and destinations for investments providing insight on market trends for the tourism recovery.

In times of uncertainty, expertise and trusted information is more important than ever. This report provides investment and market data that both investors and stakeholders will need to maximize their impact of the sector in terms of economic growth, job creation and sustainability. Especially when around 100-120 million direct tourism jobs are at risk, which threatens to roll back the progress we have made in establishing tourism as a driver towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For this edition, the UNWTO’ Innovation, Digital Transformation and Investments department has developed an interactive report using data (2015-2019) from the fDi Intelligence on Tourism FDI.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism sector hard; the data suggests that global FDI into tourism plummeted by 73.2% in the first half of 2020, compared with a year earlier. This put an end to the sector’s record high years. This data has a close relationship with the UNWTO’ scenarios for international tourist numbers decline, which could fall between 60 and 80% this year depending on the speed with which travel restrictions are lifted. This could translate into a loss of 850 million to 1.1 billion international tourist arrivals and a fall of $910 billion to $1.2 trillion in export revenues.

If you want to learn more, please register here

Although, the investment cycle remained strong throughout 2019, with tourism mobilizing $61.8bn in global FDI, which, in turn, created more than 135,000 jobs. The trend appeared particularly consistent in Latin America and the Caribbean, where FDI reached new record levels. For example it created more than 56.000 jobs in Mexico from 2015 – 2019. Tourism FDI was also strong in the Middle East and Africa, where it rose to the highest level in a decade. However, almost half of all tourism investments globally (46.51%) are made at top 10 countries. From which around 30% of projects are concentrated in five countries: United Kingdom, United States, Germany, China, and Spain. It is important to notice that more than 30% of projects and of capital investment announced in the tourism cluster between 2015 and 2019 occurred in 2019.

The major sub sector that has led tourism investments are consider traditional investments, with construction as the main driver for around 57% of total Greenfield investments from 2015 to 2019. As such, the trends in accommodation are around
the sustainability where multinational companies are investing in green, and clean energy matrix of their operations. According to the fDi intelligence of the Financial Times, investors are paying increasing attention to the social and environmental footprint
of the projects they assess in tourism. They seem willing to prioritize developments that lift communities and preserve ecosystems, as long as financial sustainability is also taken into account.

Finally, there is also an increasing number of non-traditional investments related to services around software technologies that include: Travel arrangement & reservation services, Internet publishing, web search among other, which represent around 32% of total investments considering investments between 2015 - 2019. This data invites to research more about investments in technology as a source of FDI in the tourism sector. The Travel Tech startups have been introducing innovations in the tourism ecosystem, and they are constantly changing business models attracting more investors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that sustainable tourism requires that sustainable investments are at the center of new solutions, and not just of traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity. It has also highlighted the importance of non-traditional investments that enhance innovation through the creation and diffusion of new solutions to decarbonize the sector. To harness the advantages of investments, it is critical that governments promote policies as well as new investment vehicles to recover, retain and attract foreign direct investments. Only this way can we reimagine tourism and enhance the sector’s positive impact on people and planet as we accelerate the achievement of SDGs.

The UNWTO is developing a series of investment guidelines to understand and generate sustainable investments and promote innovations in the tourism ecosystem. If you are interested in the UNWTO’ reports and guidelines to understand, enable and mobilize tourism investments , we invite you to register to receive the our investment updates.

Please feel free to download the full report:

TOURISM INVESTMENT 2020  

TOURISM INVESTMENT 2019  

TOURISM INVESTMENT 2018  

If you have questions about the report, or need more specific information about tourism investments white us an email to [email protected]

If you want to receive news about tourism investments please register in the bottom bellow.

Infrastructural Facilities for Tourism Development

• First Online: 05 November 2020

Cite this chapter

• Vishwambhar Prasad Sati   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6423-3119 5  

Part of the book series: Environmental Science and Engineering ((ESE))

206 Accesses

In this chapter, infrastructural facilities—transportation, accommodation, and institutional facilities, including medical and educational are described. Road transportation dominates, connecting most of the tourists’ places/pilgrimages of the Uttarakhand Himalaya. There are seven types of roads including National Highways and State Highways with a total length of 41,374.96 km. However, many tourists’ places and pilgrimages are inaccessible. Railways are limited in the plain areas and there are a total of five airports. Besides, a helipad is located at Fata, providing air services to the Kedarnath pilgrimage. Accommodation facilities are not adequate and institutional facilities are yet to be developed. It has been suggested that the adequate construction of infrastructural facilities will manifest tourism development in the Uttarakhand Himalaya.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save.

• Get 10 units per month
• Download Article/Chapter or eBook
• 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
• Cancel anytime
• Available as PDF
• Read on any device
• Instant download
• Own it forever
• Available as EPUB and PDF
• Compact, lightweight edition
• Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
• Free shipping worldwide - see info
• Durable hardcover edition

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Adobayo KA, Iweka COA (2014) Optimizing the Sustainability of tourism infrastructure in nigeria through design for deconstruction framework. Am J Tourism Manage 3(1A):13–19

Google Scholar  

Cooper C, Fletcher J, Fyall A, Gilbert D, Wanhill S (2008) Tourism principles and practice. Pearson Education Limited, England

Crouch G, Ritchie JRB (1999) Tourism, competitiveness, and societal prosperity. J Bus Res 44(3):137–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0148-2963(97)00196-3

Article   Google Scholar  

Crouch G, Ritchie JRB (2000) The competitive destination: a sustainability perspective. Tourism Manage 21(1):1–7

Dwyer L, Forsyth P, Dwyer W (2010) Tourism economics and policy. Channel View Publications, Bristol

Formica S, Uysal M (1996) Market segmentation of an international cultural-historical event in Italy. J Travel Res 36(4):16–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/004728759803600402

Fourie J, Santana GM (2011) The impact of mega-sport events on tourist arrivals, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics. Viewed, Mar 2018. https://econpapers.repec.org/paper/szawpaper/wpapers119.htm

Garay L, Canoves G (2011) Life cycles, stages and tourism history. Ann Tourism Res 38 (2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2010.12.006

Getz D (1992) Tourism planning and destination life cycle. Ann Tourism Res 19(4):752–770. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(92)90065-W

Hadzik A, Grabara M (2014) Investments in recreational and sports infrastructure as a basis for the development of sports tourism on the example of spa municipalities. Pol J Sport Tourism 21:97–101. https://doi.org/10.2478/pjst-2014-0010

Hansen NM (1965) Unbalanced growth and regional development. Western Econ J 4:3–14

Heath RA (1992) Wildlife-based tourism in Zimbabwe: an outline of its development and future policy options. Geogr J Zimbabwe 23:59–78

Khadaroo J, Seetanah B (2008) Transport infrastructure and tourism development: a dynamic gravity model approach. Tourism Manage 29:831–840. In: Jafari J, Xiao H (eds) Encyclopedia of tourism. Springer Reference, Switzerland

Lohmann G, Netto AP (2017) Tourism theory concepts, models and systems. CABI, Oxfordshire

Book   Google Scholar  

Lovelock J, Lovelock K (2013) The ethics of tourism: critical and applied perspectives. Routledge, New York

McConnell KH (1985) The economics of outdoor recreation. In: Kneese AV, Sweeney JL (eds) Handbook of natural resources and energy economics, vol 11. Elsevier Science Publisher, New York, pp 678–722

Mera, K. (1973) Regional production functions and social overhead capital: An analysis of the Japanese case, Regional and Urban Economics,Vol. 3,pp. 157–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/00343331(73)90013-4

Murphy P, Pritchard MP, Smith B (2000) The destination product and its impact on traveler perceptions. Tourism Manage 21(1):43–52

Nest & Wings (2010) Uttarakhand hotels guide. Nest & Wings, New Delhi

Popesku J (2011) Menadžment turističke destinacije. Univerzitet Singidunum, Beograd

Ritchie JRB, Crouch GI (2005) The competitive destination: a sustainable tourism perspective. CABI, Wallingford

Sati VP (2018) Carrying capacity analysis and destination development: a case study of Gangotri Tourists/Pilgrims’ circuit in the Himalaya. Asia Pacific J Tourism Res 23(3):312–322. https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2018.1433220

Sakai M (2006) Public sector investment in tourism infrastructure. In: Dwyer L, Forsyth P (eds) International handbook on the economics of tourism. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, pp 266–279

Sharpley R (2009) Tourism development and the environment: beyond Sustainability? Earthscan, New York

Swarbrooke J, Horner S (2001) Business travel and tourism. Butterworth-Heinemann, Jordan Hill

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) (2012) Tourism infrastructure policy and priorities. https://www.ttf.org.au/Content/infprio201112.aspx . Accessed 20 Mar 2015

UNWTO (2007) A practical guide to tourism destination management. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284412433

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Geography and Resource Management, School of Earth Sciences, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl, Mizoram, India

Vishwambhar Prasad Sati

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vishwambhar Prasad Sati .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Sati, V.P. (2020). Infrastructural Facilities for Tourism Development. In: Sustainable Tourism Development in the Himalaya: Constraints and Prospects. Environmental Science and Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58854-0_8

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58854-0_8

Published : 05 November 2020

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-030-58853-3

Online ISBN : 978-3-030-58854-0

eBook Packages : Social Sciences Social Sciences (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

• Have any questions ?
• +971 552272114
• [email protected]

• Links with the Industry
• Our Partners
• Online Executive MBA - CMU
• MBA – Strategic Management & Leadership - CMU
• MBA International - CCCU
• MBA International (Top- up)
• MBA - University of Gloucestershire (GLOS)
• MBA with Global Business Administration (GLOS)
• MBA with Global Business Administration with Marketing Intelligence and Big Data (GLOS)
• MBA with Global Business Administration with Cyber Governance and Digital Transformation (GLOS)
• MBA with Global Business Administration with Financial Services Management (GLOS)
• MBA with Global Business Administration with Applied Entrepreneurship, Design Thinking and Innovation (GLOS)
• MBA in Global Business Administration with International Tourism and Hospitality Management (GLOS)
• MBA with Supply Chain Management - Abertay University
• MBA with Healthcare Management - Abertay University
• MBA with HR and Organizational Psychology - Abertay University
• MBA with Finance and Risk Management - Abertay University
• MBA with Engineering Management - Abertay University
• MBA with Information Technology - Abertay University
• MBA with Educational Leadership - Abertay University
• MBA with Health and Safety Leadership - Abertay University
• MBA with Management of Public Health
• MBA with Cyber Governance and Law - Abertay University
• MBA with Entrepreneurship & Innovation - Abertay University
• MBA with Business Analytics - Abertay University
• MBA with Operations and Project Management - Abertay University
• MBA with Marketing Intelligence & Big data - Abertay University
• MBA with Sales and Marketing - Abertay University
• Executive MBA in HR Management and Analytics - UCAM
• Executive MBA in Business Operations
• Executive MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Leadership - UCAM
• Executive MBA in Global Business Management - UCAM
• Executive MBA in Engineering Management - UCAM
• Executive MBA in Healthcare Leadership - UCAM
• Executive MBA in Information Technology Leadership - UCAM
• MBA with Sales & Marketing - UCAM
• MBA with Specialization - Girne American University
• CMI L7 Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
• MSc Digital Marketing and e-Business
• MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway)
• MSc. Construction and Project Management
• Masters in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• BSc (Hons) Business with International Business Management (LJMU)
• BSc (Hons) Business with Finance (LJMU)
• BSc (Hons) Business with Digital Marketing (LJMU)
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science - LJMU
• BSc (Hons) Business Psychology with Human Resource Management - LJMU
• BA (Hons) in Fashion: Design and Communication - LJMU
• BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Communication - LJMU
• BA (Hons) Sports Business - LJMU
• BSc (Hons) Business Management - CCCU
• BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance - GLOS
• BA (Hons ) Business Management - ABERTAY
• BA (Hons) Business Management with Business Analytics - ABERTAY
• BA (Hons) in Business with Digital Marketing - Abertay University
• BA (Hons) in Business with Finance - Abertay University

• Doctorate of Business Administration - UCAM
• Doctorate of Business Administration - Abertay University
• Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement & Contract Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Sales & Marketing Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Management and Leadership
• Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management | HRM
• Postgraduate Diploma in Finance & Risk Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
• Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
• CMI Programs
• Diploma in Business Psychology
• Diploma in Fashion Illustration
• Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• Diploma in Business Analytics
• Diploma in Information Technology
• Diploma in Finance and Risk Management
• Diploma in Business Management
• Diploma in Fashion Design
• Diploma in Healthcare Management and Leadership
• Diploma in Business Finance 
• Diploma in Digital Marketing ​
• Diploma in Operations and Project Management
• Diploma in Engineering Management
• Diploma in Human Resources & Organizational Culture ​
• Diploma in Computing
• Diploma in Film and Media
• Diploma in Sports Management
• Higher National Diploma in Art and Design (Fashion)
• Higher National Diploma in Computing
• HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology
• Higher National Diploma In Business
• Higher National Diploma in Sport
• BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business
• Master of Arts in Leadership in Education
• Master of Arts in Education
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) - LJMU

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education International (PGCEi)
• Notable Westford Alumni
• Student Interview
• DBA Candidates
• Research Journals
• Humans Of Westford
• MBA Decoded
• Mentorship program
• International Immersion Program
• Toastmaster Club
• Accommodation Partner- Nest
• International Student Research Conference (ISRC)
• International Faculty Research Conference (IFRC)
• Student Recruitment Drive
• Fashion Workshop Series
• Westford for Business
• April 6, 2016
• Tourism & Hospitality Management
• 5 Minutes Read

Importance of Tourism Infrastructure Development

The Tourism Industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the 21st century. The Travel & Tourism industry contributed 9.1% to the global GDP in 2023, an increase of 23.2% from 2022. 

Like many other industries, the travel & tourism sector also witnessed dramatic transformation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the industry had come to a grinding halt during the global lockdowns, now the industry has returned to normalcy. 

Tourism infrastructure is one of the key elements of tourism development. In this post-COVID world, there’s a renewed focus on tourism infrastructure development. What is meant by tourism infrastructure, and what is its relevance?

In this article, we explore more about these questions and discuss how investing in tourism infrastructure can help boost the travel and hospitality industry.

How Infrastructure Affects the Travel and Hotel Industry?

Nowadays travelers are becoming increasingly selective about travel destinations hence a robust tourism infrastructure plays a key role in boosting tourism. The availability of quality infrastructure such as road transport facilities, accommodation and healthcare facilities will increase tourist visits. 

Tourist influx results in better development of an area and its facilities, such as roads, parks, museums, public toilets, water & drainage systems.

While there are many development programs organized by the government at a larger level, the local government plays a crucial role in supporting these tourism development initiatives.  

Poor tourism infrastructure leads to negative travel experiences and that impacts the reputation of a destination. Places that offer safe, comfortable & enjoyable experiences to tourists will witness rapid growth. 

Why Is Tourism Infrastructure Important?

What is the importance of tourism infrastructure? Good tourism infrastructure facilities ensure easy access for tourists to visit various places and an enjoyable stay for them. From good transportation and hotels to clean public spaces and attractions, a well-established infrastructure is paramount for thriving tourism.

We can say that tourism infrastructure is the foundation of the tourism industry. It facilitates comfortable stays, seamless travel and memorable travel experiences for tourists. 

Importance of Tourism Development

Tourists bring income to local communities and help in the development of the local economy. Tourism will further enhance the living standards of the region and result in more job opportunities. Tourism development is not just about creating better infrastructure but also about creating new opportunities for locals. 

Other than the financial benefits, tourism development helps to preserve cultural heritage and promote overall development of the area. 

Benefits of Tourism Infrastructure

Let’s now discuss the major advantages of tourism infrastructure.  

Tourism infrastructure has various benefits such as improved quality of life, cultural preservation and increased investment opportunities. 

Improved Quality of Life:

Cultural preservation:, investment opportunities:, how does tourism infrastructure affect the economy of a country.

Tourism infrastructure significantly impacts a country’s economic status. 

Improved tourism infrastructure results in increased spending in local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, malls and local shops. 

This revenue generation caused by tourists can boost the economy by creating more jobs, and stimulating the growth of many related industries. Moreover, tourism infrastructure development often results in higher foreign investment, further contributing to economic growth. 

The Most Important Components of Tourism Infrastructure

The main components of tourism infrastructure are transportation, accommodation, utilities, healthcare, recreational facilities and security. 

A solid tourism infrastructure has several key elements.

Transportation:

Accommodation:, healthcare:, recreational facilities:, steps in tourism infrastructure development.

How can we build a robust tourism infrastructure? Here are some steps to follow: 

Assessment & Planning:

Investment & funding:, implementation:, management & maintenance:, what is the concept of sustainable tourism infrastructure development.

Ever heard of the term ‘sustainable tourism infrastructure development’? Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Development focuses on creating tourism facilities and services that have minimum environmental impact. Some initiatives may involve use of eco-friendly materials, minimized energy consumption, construction without harming natural habitats, etc. 

Three Stages of Tourism Infrastructure Development

The three stages of tourism infrastructure development are namely exploration stage, development stage and consolidation stage. 

Exploration Stage:

Development stage:, consolidation stage:, tourism infrastructure classification s.

Tourism infrastructure can be categorized into three namely:

Primary Infrastructure:

Secondary infrastructure:, tertiary infrastructure:, future outlook: tourism infrastructure.

The future of tourism infrastructure is bright and is brimming with exciting possibilities. The future tourism sector is likely to focus on aspects like sustainability, technology integration, etc. The industry is fast-evolving with concepts like smart cities, eco-friendly living, personalized travel experiences, etc. .Technology is transforming the way people travel. From virtual tours to online booking assistants, technology is making travel easier and convenient for tourists across the globe. 

Tourism infrastructure development is not just about creating new roads and buildings, it’s about creating a better community with focus on cultural preservation and sustainable development. 

Investments in tourism infrastructure not only benefits tourists but also brings much wealth for local communities. 

As we progress into this post-COVID era, the relevance of well-planned, sustainable tourism infrastructure is more crucial than ever before.

For interested people, Westford University College offers a Diploma program in Tourism Management . This program helps students to gain an in-depth understanding of managing projects in the industry and build their strategic planning capabilities internationally.

get in touch

Phone Number

Latest Blogs

Building Success: Exploring the Benefits and Functions of Construction and Project Management

Revolutionizing Education: Innovative Teacher Training on a Global Scale

The Importance of Healthcare Management Courses in Today’s Evolving Industry

TEDxWestfordUniSharjah 2024: FUTURE SPECTRA

Unlocking Success: How Businesses Can Harness the Power of Digital Marketing Strategies

Established in 2009, The Westford University College  is the most trusted executive educational institution in UAE, providing flexible learning and affordable programs for regular students and working professionals (Perfect ‘Work-Life-Study’ Balance). We provide top rated MBA Programs, Bachelors Courses, Professional Programs and corporate training. 13300+ students, 80+ Courses, 130+ Nationalities, 20+ Academic Partners, 14+ years in the market.

Our Student Base

Mba programs.

• Cardiff Met MBA (Advanced Entry)
• MBA – Cardiff Metropolitan University
• MBA – Healthcare Management
• MBA – Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• MBA – Engineering Management
• MBA – Information Technology
• MBA – HR & Organizational Psychology
• MBA – Project Management
• MBA – International
• MBA - University of Gloucestershire
• MBA with Specialization - GAU
• MBA – Education Leadership
• UCAM MBA Executive

Bachelors Programs

• BSc (Hons) in Business with Finance
• BSc (Hons) in Business with Digital Marketing
• BSc (Hons) in Business with International Business
• BA (Hons) in Media, Culture and Communication
• BSc (Hons) in Business Psychology with Human Resource Management

Diploma Coures

• Diploma in Business Finance
• Diploma in Human Resources & Organizational Culture
• PG Diploma in Engineering Management
• PG Diploma in Retail Management
• PG Diploma in Sales & Marketing Management
• HND in Art and Design
• HND in Computing

Other Programs

• Teacher Training

Ready to get started ? Talk to us today

Al Taawun Campus Tejara 3, Al Taawun, Sharjah, UAE

Westford University College | Masters Degree | Under Graduate Degree | Diploma Courses | Certificate Courses | Corporate Training | Management Programs

• Privacy Policy
• Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy
• Data Protection Policy
• Equality & Diversity Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Refund Policy

We apologize for the inconvenience...

To ensure we keep this website safe, please can you confirm you are a human by ticking the box below.

If you are unable to complete the above request please contact us using the below link, providing a screenshot of your experience.

https://ioppublishing.org/contacts/

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Newsletters
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Native Tourism Gets $1.4M Boost

The Tribal Tourism Grant Program just received a $1.4 million boon, according to an announcement from The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development this week.

The money will fund 10-15 projects for tribes working to plan, develop, and manage tourism and related infrastructure in support of economic development in their communities.

“Revitalizing Tribal economies and promoting Tribal self-determination are key to our aiding Tribes in their efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities," said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland in a statement.

The grants are authorized under the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, or NATIVE Act.

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 25, 2024. Details on how to apply can be found at https://www.bia.gov/service/grants/ttgp. Questions about this solicitation may be addressed to Mr. Dennis Wilson, OIED-DED Grant Management Specialist, at 505-917-3235 and by e-mail at [email protected] .

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected]. "

Contact: [email protected]

Recommended Stories

How new plans from kamala harris could impact the $35 trillion national debt.

Kamala Harris's economic agenda is beginning to come into focus as she proposes a cost-of-living plan, removing taxes on tips, and raising the corporate tax rate. How will these ideas impact the national debt?

Americans think they'll be out of work and are looking for jobs at highest rate in 10 years: NY Fed survey

More Americans are looking for jobs as unemployment concerns rise to their highest level in a decade.

US employment falls by 818,000 in latest government revision

Wednesday's release shows the US labor market added fewer jobs than initially reported in the 12-month period ending in March 2024 but economists are wary about reading too much into the release.

The state of the American consumer in a single quote

Every once in a while, we’ll get a single anecdote that succinctly reflects a much bigger story in the economy.

Who's winning the 7 key swing states, Harris or Trump? Inside the latest polls.

A handy Yahoo News guide to the 2024 map.

Could Trump's AI-generated Taylor Swift endorsement be illegal?

On Sunday, former President Donald Trump posted a collection of memes on Truth Social -- the platform owned by his media company -- that make it seem like Taylor Swift and her fans are coming out in support of his candidacy. "One of the things I'm seeing a lot of in my practice right now is the rise of AI impersonators across the board for endorsements," Noah Downs, an IP and entertainment lawyer, told TechCrunch, with the condition that his comments are not legal advice. In one of the images Trump posted, hordes of young women wear matching "Swifties for Trump" t-shirts.

Roubini: Certain Trump economic proposals are 'highly dangerous' for markets

Veteran economist Nouriel Roubini warns that former President Donald Trump’s proposed policies — including across-the-board tariffs and an extension of the 2017 tax cuts— are “highly dangerous” for both the economy and the market.

Now it’s Democrats who want the House to investigate X for political censorship

The US House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member sent a letter to committee chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) on Thursday, imploring him to investigate inaccurate information about the presidential election on X. Jordan, a self-proclaimed free speech advocate, has relentlessly pursued claims that social platforms have censored conservative voices.

Oprah endorses Harris at DNC: Freedom 'requires standing up to life's bullies'

Oprah Winfrey made a direct pitch that Vice President Kamala Harris would offer more “joy” compared to the darker warnings of former President Donald Trump.

Kamala Harris has promised to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. What is it, why has it stalled in Congress and how could it affect voters?

Ahead of November, Vice President Kamala Harris pushes to revive the stalled John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a law aimed at preventing discriminatory practices during the voting process.

Biden makes case for Harris at DNC, Israel agrees to U.S. ceasefire proposal and the 'Love Island USA' reunion airs

Get caught up on this morning’s news: Biden’s DNC speech, the ‘Love Island USA’ reunion and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter

Democratic National Convention begins, Northeast storms cause serious flooding, Caitlin Clark breaks 26-year-old WNBA record

Get caught up on this morning’s news: The DNC begins, Caitlin Clark’s new WNBA record and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter

Goldman Sachs is no longer worried about a recession. Its top economist reveals the reasons behind this new call.

Goldman walks back a key economic call.

Biden dropped out. Trump should too.

Baby boomers have held the presidency for 32 straight years. Enough!

Former NBA player Royce White wins Republican nomination for Senate seat in Minnesota

White, who played nine minutes total in the NBA, has embraced antisemitic conspiracy theories and hateful language in his bid for Amy Klobuchar's Senate seat.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp is ‘not going to apologize’ for military work

Data analytics company Palantir has faced criticism and even protests over its work with the military, police, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but co-founder and CEO Alex Karp isn’t interested in “the apology show.” In a lengthy New York Times profile, Karp told writer Maureen Dowd that the company has "a consistently pro-Western view" and that its critics “believe we should appease Iran, Russia and China.” Karp doesn’t give many interviews, so it’s interesting to see him speak so extensively about everything from his political views (which he describes as “progressive but not woke”) to his friendship with Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel and his dating preferences.

Vance agrees to CBS VP debate with Walz on Oct. 1 — and proposes another in September

The Republican vice presidential nominee said Thursday that he has accepted to debate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on CBS on Oct. 1 while challenging Walz to an earlier debate, Sept. 18, on CNN.

The Democratic National Convention is giving influencers media credentials for the first time. Why both campaigns are pivoting to social-first strategies.

200 content creators have been given press credentials to the DNC next week.

X appears to be suppressing Trump-related searches

According to Mediaite, X has switched off the ability to search for Trump's tweets.

Kamala Harris just unveiled her economic plan to 'lower the cost of living.' Would it work — and how does it compare to Trump's?

Friday's populist speech marked the first time Harris has delved into any significant detail about her governing vision — and clearly tried to differentiate herself on policy from President Biden.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

How dharavi redevelopment plan will change the face of mumbai.

Adnan Syed, 24, celebrates his team's victory at the T10 Dharavi Premier League cricket tournament, winning `1 lakh. The tournament, supported by the Adani Group that aims to redevelop Dharavi, Asia's largest slum. The project, worth `5,029 crore, faces challenges due to Dharavi's cultural, economic, and political significance. The redevelopment promises modernisation, job creation, and improved living conditions, yet faces resistance and controversies. The plan involves state-of-the-art infrastructure, social overhaul, and economic upgradation, aiming to transform Dharavi into a modern business hub.

MVA will scrap Dharavi project if residents don't get 500 sq ft homes: Aaditya Thackeray

Mumbai Assembly Elections 2024: EC postpones announcing Maharashtra election dates

L&T Realty, Valor in pact for Rs 8,500-cr joint development in Mumbai’s Bandra west

UNDERSTANDING DHARAVI

THE PITCH AND THE PROMISE

CHALLENGES APLENTY

More controversies.

Realty developer Emperium targets Rs 700 crore from two residential projects

Read More News on

(Catch all the Business News , Breaking News , Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times .)

Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

Hero, Bajaj, and TVS rev up electric scooter play. But at what cost?

Key challenges that will welcome CS Setty as he takes the corner office at SBI

Automakers vs car dealers: Who is telling the truth?

How one punishment can change the way audit firms behave

Infy tossed it out as a wrong ANSR. It’s now helping Accenture make the right move.

The forces at play slicing India’s big family business conglomerates

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Uh-oh this is an exclusive story available for selected readers only..

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

To read full story, subscribe to ET Prime

₹34 per week

Billed annually at ₹2499 ₹1749

Super Saver Sale - Flat 30% Off

On ET Prime Membership

Unlock this story and enjoy all members-only benefits.

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Freedom Offer

Get flat 20% off on ETPrime

90 Days Prime access worth Rs999 unlocked for you

Exclusive Economic Times Stories, Editorials & Expert opinion across 20+ sectors

Stock analysis. Market Research. Industry Trends on 4000+ Stocks

​Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-​

Stories you might be interested in

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• Belgorod oblast
• Bryansk oblast
• Ivanovo oblast
• Kaluga oblast
• Kostroma oblast
• Kursk oblast
• Lipetsk oblast
• Moskovskaya oblast
• Orlovskaya oblast
• Ryazan oblast
• Smolensk oblast
• Tambov oblast
• Tula oblast
• Tver oblast
• Vladimir oblast
• Voronezh oblast
• Yaroslavl oblast
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Voronezh city, Russia

The capital city of Voronezh oblast .

Voronezh - Overview

Voronezh is a city located in the central part of European Russia, about 520 km south of Moscow. The administrative center of Voronezh Oblast, it stands on the banks of the Voronezh River, 12 km from its confluence with the Don River. Voronezh is considered the cradle of the Russian navy and the birthplace of the airborne troops.

The population of Voronezh is about 1,048,700 (2022), the area - 596 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 473, the postal codes - 394000-394094.

Voronezh city flag

Voronezh city coat of arms.

Voronezh city map, Russia

Voronezh city latest news and posts from our blog:.

9 September, 2015 / Kalacheevskaya Cave - the longest cave in Voronezh region .

10 May, 2010 / Voronezh oblast palace of the princess photos .

History of Voronezh

Foundation of voronezh.

The first mention of Voronezh dates back to 1177 in connection with the battle of the Vladimir and Ryazan princes and the escape of Yaropolk of Ryazan to “Voronozh”. Some historians suggest, based on fragments of these chronicles, that Voronezh (Voronozh) existed as a settlement back in the 12th century. Other historians believe that the chronicle meant only the Voronezh River.

The second, very significant, mention of Voronezh in the chronicles refers to 1237, when the conquest of the Russian principalities by Khan Batu began during the Western campaign of the Mongols. The Russian princes decided to give the first battle to the enemies “and came out against them in Voronozh”, but were defeated. Again, the word “Voronozh” probably means the Voronezh River, not a settlement.

The Tsar’s decree on the foundation of Voronezh has not yet been found. The archive has an order of the boyar Nikita Yuriev from 1586 on the reorganization of the guard service on the southern outskirts of the Moscow state and on the construction of two fortified settlements: Livny and Voronezh. Thus, the official year of the foundation of Voronezh is 1586.

Located on the trade route at the confluence of the Voronezh River with the Don, Voronezh could not remain an exclusively military town for a long time. In 1615, its population was about 7 thousand people. From the middle of the 17th century, Russian and foreign ambassadors to the Ottoman Empire, the Crimean Khanate, and the Caucasus travelled through Voronezh. It became part of the Belgorod line - fortifications that protected the Russian state from the raids of the Crimean Tatars until the end of the 17th century.

More Historical Facts…

Voronezh - the cradle of the Russian navy

In 1695, during the first Azov campaign, Russian troops were unable to capture the fortress of Azov standing on the bank of the Don River, several kilometers from its confluence with the Sea of Azov. The siege was unsuccessful, as the Ottoman garrison in the fortress received support from the sea.

Therefore, Peter I decided to start building a fleet. Voronezh was chosen for this because of its strategic position on the Voronezh River flowing into the Don. Secondly, there were forests near the town that could be used as building materials. Thirdly, the residents of Voronezh had experience in the construction and use of river vessels.

In 1696, as a result of the second campaign, the Azov fortress was taken by Russian troops. The Russian fleet prevented the supply of people, ammunition and food to the fortress. From 1696 to 1711, about 215 ships were built in Voronezh, including the ship “Goto Predestinatsia” (The Providence of God) - the first Russian ship of the line.

In Voronezh, the organizational foundations for the subsequent construction of the Russian fleets in the Baltic and Black Seas were laid. The first Admiralty in Russia was also created here. However, the military shipyard in Voronezh did not exist for long due to the gradual shallowing of the rivers.

Voronezh in the 18th-19th centuries

In 1709, Voronezh became part of the Azov Governorate. In 1711, its center moved from Azov to Tambov, and in 1715 - to Voronezh. In 1725, after the death of the first Russian emperor, the region was renamed into the Voronezh Governorate. In 1745, the first educational institution was opened - the theological seminary (closed in 1918, reopened in 1993).

In 1748, Voronezh was badly damaged by fire. Almost the entire center, which was located on the bank of the river, burned down. After that, the center of Voronezh again began to be located in the place of today’s Universitetskaya Square.

In 1774, after another big fire, Catherine II approved the general plan for the regular development of Voronezh. In the second half of the 18th - the first half of the 19th centuries, Voronezh was one of the centers of the Russian cloth industry.

In 1781, the coat of arms of Voronezh was approved: “The shield is divided in two, in the upper part in a golden field - a two-headed black eagle, and in the lower part in a red field - an overturned jar, from which the Voronezh River flows”.

In 1863, according to the census of residents, Voronezh numbered 38,672 people (the 12th largest city in the Russian Empire). The first public library was opened in 1864. In 1868, Voronezh was connected by railway with Moscow, in 1871 - with Rostov-on-Don, in 1894 - with Kursk.

Voronezh in the first half of the 20th century

In 1913, the first secular higher educational institution in Voronezh was opened - the Agricultural Institute named after Peter the Great (Voronezh State Agrarian University named after Emperor Peter I). In 1914, the population of the city was 93,700 people. During the First World War, reserve military units were formed in Voronezh, defense enterprises from the western regions of the Russian Empire were evacuated here.

In 1928, Voronezh became the center of the Central Black Earth Oblast. And after its liquidation in 1934, it remained the center of Voronezh Oblast. On August 2, 1930, the first Soviet airborne assault was parachuted two kilometers from Voronezh. Today, August 2 is celebrated as the birthday of the Russian airborne forces.

In 1932, two large factories were built on the left bank - aviation and rubber. One of the most important industrial and scientific complexes in the USSR was formed in the city. Many types of aircraft produced in Voronezh began to enter the Red Air Force several years before the outbreak of World War II. In 1939, the population of Voronezh was 326,932 people.

In October-November 1941, during the Second World War, most of the large enterprises were evacuated to the east. From July 7, 1942 to January 25, 1943, the right-bank part of Voronezh, being under German occupation, suffered significant damage, about 18 thousand houses were destroyed (92% of all residential buildings). The active defense of Voronezh helped the Red Army to withstand and win in Stalingrad.

In November 1945, it was decided to prioritize the restoration of 15 oldest Russian cities, including Voronezh. In the late 1940s, the restoration of industrial enterprises was completed, by the mid-1950s - residential and public buildings. In 1956, the population of the city exceeded 400 thousand people.

Voronezh in the second half of the 20th century

In 1968, the first serial Soviet supersonic passenger aircraft Tu-144 was produced at the Voronezh Aviation Plant; in October 1977 - the first Soviet airbus (wide-body aircraft) Il-86. In 1972, the Voronezh reservoir was built, which became the largest in the region.

In 1983, about 6 km from the city limits, the construction of the Voronezh nuclear power plant for heat supply began. In 1990, under the influence of the Chernobyl disaster, it was suspended on the basis of a referendum held among Voronezh residents. The station, which was approximately 65% completed, was mothballed. In 2020, work began on its dismantling. In 1989, the population of Voronezh was about 887,000.

In the 1990s, in connection with the collapse of the USSR, the largest industrial enterprises of Voronezh were on the verge of bankruptcy due to a sharp decline in defense orders and the breakdown of existing economic ties. A lot of churches were returned to the Russian Orthodox Church; their restoration was carried out.

In the early and mid-1990s, agreements on twinning relations were concluded between Voronezh and the cities of Charlotte (USA), Chongqing (China) and Sliven (Bulgaria).

In 2008, Voronezh was awarded the title “City of Military Glory”. In 2009, a new Cathedral of the Annunciation, the third largest Orthodox church in Russia, was built to replace the destroyed one. On December 17, 2012, a millionth resident was born in the city, which made Voronezh the 15th city in Russia with a population of over 1 million.

Street views of Voronezh

On a busy street in Voronezh

Author: Lantsov Dmitriy

Autumn in Voronezh

Author: Katerina Sorokina

Beautiful architecture of Voronezh

Author: Boris Fedorov

Voronezh - Features

Initially, the city stood on the banks of the Voronezh River. In the 1970s, it was turned into a reservoir - one of the largest reservoirs in the world located entirely within the city. The Voronezh reservoir divides the city into two parts. Its center, cultural institutions, embankments, the best establishments, and the most prestigious districts are located on the right bank. On the left bank there are industrial enterprises, residential areas, and one beautiful park. The two banks are connected by three bridges: the longest of them is Severnyy Bridge (2 km long).

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the Voronezh River after which the city of Voronezh was named. Most likely it comes from the word “voron” (“raven”) or “voronoy” (black) reflecting the dark color of the water in the Voronezh River. The City Day of Voronezh is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September.

Voronezh is located in a temperate zone. Winter is moderately frosty with a permanent snow cover that forms in December. Quite often there are thaws accompanied by rains (especially in December). Also there are often drops in temperature below minus 20 degrees Celsius, which can last up to a week or more.

Summer is warm, even hot (especially July and the first half of August), in some years - rainy, in some years - dry. Autumn is mild and rainy. The Voronezh reservoir is covered with ice in late November - early December. Spring ice drift lasts from March to April. The average temperature in January is minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 22.7 degrees Celsius.

Voronezh is the economic center of the Voronezh region and one of the largest economic centers in Russia. The leading sectors of the economy are food, chemical, radio-electronic industries, mechanical engineering and retail trade. The largest enterprises of Voronezh are Voronezh Joint-Stock Aircraft Building Company, Voronezh Mechanical Plant, Voronezh Ceramic Plant, Carriage Repair Plant named after V.I. Thalmann.

This city is a major transport hub, the transport system of which consists of air, rail and road transport systems. The Peter the Great Voronezh International Airport offers regular flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kaliningrad, Samara, Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don. Public transport is represented by mini-buses, buses and trolleybuses.

Voronezh is worth visiting not only for its interesting museums, beautiful parks and picturesque squares. Here you can also see funny monuments to animals - heroes of famous literary works, replicas of the first ships of the Russian navy, unusual buildings in the Art Nouveau and Gothic style of the late 19th-20th centuries.

There are a lot of traditional Russian churches, theaters, and former merchant mansions in Voronezh that catch the eye with their noble and elegant appearance. Also, tourists should pay attention to the monuments perpetuating the image of the heroes of the Second World War. The Voronezh Sea, a huge reservoir stretching for tens of kilometers, is of no less interest.

Main Attractions of Voronezh

Monument to White Bim Black Ear - one of the unofficial symbols of Voronezh; a dog sitting on a pavement and patiently waiting for the return of its owner. The monument is dedicated to the main character of the story of the same name created by the Voronezh writer Gavriil Troyepolsky. The monument is located at Revolyutsii Avenue, 48, near the puppet theater “Shut” (“Jester”).

Monument to Kitten from Lizyukova Street - a monument dedicated to the kitten Vasily from the Soviet cartoon “Kitten from Lizyukova Street”, who, according to the plot, lived on Lizyukova Street in Voronezh. The monument looks like a tree on the branches of which a kitten and a crow are sitting and conducting a conversation. Generala Lizyukova Street, 4.

Memorial Complex “Victory Square” - one of the central squares of Voronezh with the memorial complex in honor of the defenders of the city in 1942-1943. At the northern end of the square, there is a monument made of red granite and metal, consisting of 12 figures depicting all branches of the Red Army, as well as partisans and militias. The eternal flame burns in front of the monument. At the southern end of the square, there is a 40-meter high stele.

Annunciation Cathedral (1998-2009) - the third largest Orthodox church in Russia and one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world (85 meters) constructed in a picturesque Russian-Byzantine style and located in close proximity to Victory Square. Revolyutsii Avenue, 14B.

Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos (1833-1841) - one of the main architectural sights of Voronezh. The main feature of this church is its gradual construction, in several stages, therefore its premises differ stylistically. Bekhtereva Street, 36.

Voronezh Museum of Local Lore - one of the leading museums in Voronezh. Here you can see numismatic, ethnographic, philatelic, weapons collections, as well as collections of porcelain, ceramics, rare books, and other unique exhibits. The main building of the museum is a picturesque urban mansion of the early 20th century with a bright red facade. Plekhanovskaya Street, 29. The museum “Arsenal” , a department of the local history museum, is completely devoted to weapons of the 13th-20th centuries and the Second World War. Stepan Razin Street, 43.

Ship Museum “Goto Predestinatsia” - a replica of a real ship from the times of Peter I docked at Admiralty Square; the first Russian ship of the line. Its exposition tells about the origin and development of the Russian navy. Another attraction located on Admiralty Square is the Assumption Admiralty Church built in the 17th century - the oldest preserved church in Voronezh.

Art Museum named after I. N. Kramskoy - one of the largest cultural centers of Voronezh located in a palace built in the Baroque style in 1777-1779, an architectural monument of federal significance. The museum presents a unique collection of art works of Ancient Egypt, antiquity, Russian and Western European painting of the 18th-20th centuries, icon painting, graphics, decorative and applied art, sculpture, paintings created by famous Voronezh artists, as well as works of contemporary Voronezh artists. Revolyutsii Avenue, 18.

“Museum of Forgotten Music” - one of the most interesting and unusual exhibitions in Voronezh, which consists of musical instruments of different nations. The collection includes exhibits found in different parts of Russia, many of which have been restored. Another part of the unusual exposition is the instruments that have been recreated from books, old drawings, and even from works of art. It is noteworthy that any of the exhibits can not only be touched and held in hands, but you can also play them. 9 Yanvarya Street, 108.

Rotunda - the ruins of the main entrance to the building of the Voronezh regional children’s hospital. Destroyed during the battles for Voronezh during World War II, it was preserved as a monument that always reminds of what hard times the city left behind. There are similar monuments in Berlin and Dresden (Germany), in Coventry (England), in Warsaw (Poland), and in Volgograd (former Stalingrad). Transportnaya Street, 69.

Park “Scarlet Sails” - one of the most beautiful natural attractions of Voronezh, located in the Levoberezhny (left-bank) district of the city, on the bank of the Voronezh reservoir. The total area of this pine park is 6.2 hectares. For residents and guests of the city, various concerts and festive programs, fairs, and theatrical performances are held here. Arzamasskaya Street, 4?.

Voronezh Oceanarium - one of the best oceanariums in Russia located in the village of Solnechny (Parkovaya Street, 3), about 3 km from the city limits of Voronezh along the Voronezh-Moscow highway. This oceanarium features 180 species of fish, 55 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and other animals.

Princess Oldenburg’s Palace (Ramon Palace) - a unique palace complex of the late 19th century located in the village of Ramon, about 37 km north of Voronezh, a brick neo-Gothic architectural monument rare for the Russian province. Its owner was the granddaughter of Emperor Nicholas I and the niece of Emperor Alexander II, Princess Eugenia Maximilianovna of Oldenburg.

Natural, Architectural, and Archaeological Museum Reserve “Divnogorye” - one of the most popular and recognizable attractions of the Voronezh region, located on the right bank of the Don River, about 80 km south of Voronezh. Divnogorye is the center of Orthodox pilgrimage. Here you can see archeological monuments of the Paleolithic, Bronze, and Middle Ages. The unique Church of the Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God, built by Russian monks inside a chalk mountain in the first half of the 19th century, is its main sight.

Voronezh city of Russia photos

Pictures of voronezh.

Street traffic in Voronezh

Author: Sarychev Sergei

Voronezh architecture

Author: Constantin Silkin

Severnyy (Northern) Bridge - the longest bridge in Voronezh

Author: Mikhail Tsennykh

Places of Interest in Voronezh

The monumental building of Southeast Railway Administration in Voronezh

Author: Mikhail Maksimov

House of Samuil Marshak in Voronezh

Author: Sergey Bobrov

Movie theater Proletarian in Voronezh

Sights of Voronezh

Voronezh Opera and Ballet Theater

Author: Akim Sviridov

Voronezh Drama Theater

Author: Nikolay Hatuntsev

Church of Elijah the Prophet in Voronezh

Author: Averyanov Yuri

The questions of our visitors

• Currently 2.88/5

Rating: 2.9 /5 (191 votes cast)

• Business Today
• India Today
• India Today Gaming
• Cosmopolitan
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Aajtak Campus

• Budget 2024
• Magazine Cover Story Editor's Note Deep Dive Interview The Buzz
• BT TV Market Today Easynomics Drive Today BT Explainer
• Market Today Trending Stocks Indices Stocks List Stocks News Share Market News IPO Corner
• Tech Today Unbox Today Authen Tech Tech Deck Tech Shorts
• Money Today Tax Investment Insurance Tools & Calculator
• Mutual Funds
• Industry Banking IT Auto Energy Commodities Pharma Real Estate Telecom
• Visual Stories

INDICES ANALYSIS

Mutual funds.

• Cover Story
• Editor's Note
• Market Today
• Drive Today
• BT Explainer
• Trending Stocks
• Stocks List
• Stocks News
• Share Market News
• Unbox Today
• Authen Tech
• Tech Shorts
• Tools & Calculator
• Commodities
• Real Estate
• Economic Indicators
• BT-TR GCC Listing

NITI Aayog sets roadmap to increase Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s GDP to $300 billion in five years

MMR comprises Mumbai city, suburbs, Palghar, Raigad and Thane districts, and accounts for a third of Maharashtra’s GDP, according to the report.  

• Updated Aug 22, 2024, 7:06 PM IST

The NITI Aayog has charted a development plan for the development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which aims to double the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the next five years. The planning agency targets to make Mumbai and its satellite towns a global economic hub.  

At present the region’s GDP is Rs 12 lakh crore ($140 billion) and it should reach Rs 26 lakh crore ($300 billion) by 2030, NITI Aayog said in its report submitted to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde by its CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said. 

At present, there are employment opportunities for one crore people in the MMR, however, there is a need to create job opportunity for 30 lakh more people, the report added.  

CM Shinde said infrastructure and communication facilities are the foundation for the state’s development and work was underway in that direction. 

The report highlighted seven sectors for the state government to focus on: Developing Mumbai into a global services hub, facilitating affordable housing, transforming MMR into global tourism centre, integrated development of ports in MMR, creating an industrial and logistics hub, development of cities and sustainable, all-inclusive infrastructure facilities of global standards.  

In private sector, investment of about Rs 10-11 lakh crore was needed, and cities should be developed as growth engines, the report said. 

CM Shinde said his government is working on affordable housing, employment generation, a data centre in Navi Mumbai and the Alibag multi-modal corridor, Recently, investment projects worth Rs 80,000 crore have been sanctioned, and efforts are on to develop the 720 km-coastline of the state for tourism, the chief minister added. 

TOP STORIES

• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Press Releases

Copyright©2024 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today

Add Business Today to Home Screen

Search form

• Publications
• Get Involved
• Planned Giving

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 21, 2024

Angelica Evans, Karolina Hird, Nicole Wolkov, Kateryna Stepanenko, and George Barros

August 21, 2024, 8:40pm ET

Click here to see ISW’s interactive map of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This map is updated daily alongside the static maps present in this report.

Click here to see ISW’s 3D control of terrain topographic map of Ukraine. Use of a computer (not a mobile device) is strongly recommended for using this data-heavy tool.

Click here to access ISW’s archive of interactive time-lapse maps of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These maps complement the static control-of-terrain map that ISW produces daily by showing a dynamic frontline. ISW will update this time-lapse map archive monthly.

Note: The data cut-off for this product was 1pm ET on August 21. ISW will cover subsequent reports in the August 22 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment.

The Kremlin appears to have launched an intricate messaging campaign aimed at justifying to its domestic audience why Russia is prioritizing maintaining the initiative in eastern Ukraine over immediately expelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast. Russian government sources close to the Russian Presidential Administration told Russian independent outlet Meduza that the Kremlin is actively trying to condition Russian society to accept the limited Ukrainian presence in Kursk Oblast as a “new normal” and downplay the significance of the incursion. [1] The sources noted that the Kremlin will use propaganda to encourage Russians to wait for Russian forces to retake these territories after an “inevitable” Ukrainian defeat in eastern Ukraine. The sources also added that the Kremlin is redirecting Russians’ concerns over Kursk Oblast by preoccupying domestic society with humanitarian assistance drives to assist the affected residents of Kursk Oblast and noted that the Kremlin decided against canceling the upcoming Kursk Oblast gubernatorial elections scheduled for September to minimize panic in the region. [2] The Russian Central Election Commission, however, decided to postpone local elections in the seven raions in Kursk Oblast that are impacted by the Ukrainian incursion due to security risks, and the Kremlin may have decided to maintain gubernatorial elections as scheduled to replace the interim Kursk Oblast Governor Alexei Smirnov, who has overseen much of the local Russian response to the incursion. [3] Meduza also highlighted Russian state media’s coverage of the incursion, which began increasingly portraying Kursk Oblast and its residents as supporting the Russian war effort in Ukraine, despite encountering some mild wartime disruptions to residents’ ordinary lives. [4] The Kremlin may be also attempting to weaponize state media's coverage of its months-long offensive in eastern Ukraine to advance its messaging campaign about the incursion. Russian state TV channels are notably covering Ukraine’s incursion in Kursk Oblast as a limited operation, while actively contrasting it with Russian advances in the Pokrovsk direction, which Russian media is painting as major victories. [5]

The Kremlin may be using this messaging campaign to afford itself time and space to respond to the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast after achieving its offensive objectives in eastern Ukraine. Russian government sources told Meduza that the Kremlin was initially shocked and worried about Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast but calmed down within a week because Ukrainian forces’ advances were far from more densely populated regional centers such as Kursk City. [6] Meduza reported that all interviewed officials expressed confidence that battles in Kursk Oblast will continue at their current scale for months, indicating that the Kremlin may not be rushing to repel Ukrainian forces from the region and will instead continue to prioritize its offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. A Ukrainian source in the military-political leadership, on the contrary, told Ukrainian news wire RBC-Ukraine that Putin tasked Russian forces with repelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast by October 1 without re-deploying forces from key frontlines areas – namely from the Pokrovsk and Toretsk directions. ISW previously assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian military command likely view maintaining the theater-wide initiative as a strategic imperative to win the war of attrition against Ukraine and are continuing to prioritize the Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. [7] Putin’s reported October 1 deadline assumes a long time for Russia’s territorial integrity to have been contested given that the incursion began on August 6th. Such a protracted occupation of Russian territory undermines the Kremlin’s longstanding narratives about why Russia is at war in the first place; the Kremlin had been justifying its war in Ukraine as a defensive war that aims to protect Russian sovereignty and territorial integrity. [8] The Kremlin’s relaxed approach to the temporal aspect implies that the Kremlin has decided to prioritize tactical advances in Ukraine over rapidly restoring Russia’s territorial integrity in Kursk, and this apparent decision undermines a series of long-standing narratives about Russian “red lines.”

Putin notably appears to be demanding that Russia defeat Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast without sacrificing the stability of his regime, deprioritizing the offensive in eastern Ukraine, or firing his incompetent but loyal lieutenants. The results of such a strategy are too early to forecast. Meduza’s sources also noted that the Kremlin also considered the need for a new mobilization wave at the start of the incursion, but that the Russian Cabinet of Ministers and Kremlin-affiliated businessmen immediately opposed general mobilization due to ongoing labor shortages in Russia — although it is unclear whether Kremlin even considered this argument. [9] Meduza’s sources assessed that the Kremlin is much more likely to double down on the use of conscripts in Kursk Oblast, which if true, would mark another example of Putin making unrealistic demands of the Russian military command without providing the command appropriate manpower and resources to achieve its objectives. ISW has repeatedly assessed that Putin has neglected the need to declare general mobilization throughout the course of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine out of concern for his regime’s stability on numerous occasions, and his recent decision to announce a counterterrorism operation in Kursk Oblast (as opposed to declaring war or mobilization) may indicate that he is not prepared to respond to the incursion with mobilization at this time. [10] Meduza’s sources also observed that there are currently no rumors within the Kremlin about the removal of Russian Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov due to his ongoing involvement in the Russian offensive in Donbas or the ongoing crisis in Kursk Oblast. The sources noted that the Kremlin might need to appoint a scapegoat for the incursion in the future but is not currently considering placing Gerasimov in that position. ISW cannot independently verify these reports, but they appear to be consistent with ISW's assessments about the Kremlin's prioritization of the offensive in eastern Ukraine and Putin’s, inability to dynamically adjust objectives, and his aversion to taking risks. [11] The Kremlin’s reported approach to command changes appears to be consistent with Putin’s observed pattern of withholding command changes until he is no longer actively facing a crisis. [12]

Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations throughout the Kursk Oblast salient on August 21 and have made additional marginal advances. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces posted footage on August 21 showing Ukrainian strikes on several pontoon bridges and staging areas along the Seim River in Glushkovsky Raion, west of the current Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast. [13] The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces suggested that Ukrainian forces may have used HIMARS in some of the strikes against pontoon bridges, while milbloggers speculated that Ukrainian forces used air-launched small-diameter glide bombs. [14] Geolocated footage published on August 21 shows drone operators of Russia's 155th Naval Infantry Brigade (Pacific Fleet, Eastern Military District [EMD]) striking Ukrainian forces in and around Vishnevka (south of Koreveno and 14km from the international border), confirming that Ukrainian forces have likely advanced into and beyond the settlement. [15] A Russian milblogger claimed that a reinforced platoon-sized Ukrainian element unsuccessfully attacked from Vishnevka towards Komarovka (southwest of Koreveno and 12km from the international border), but that Russian drone strikes and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) fire stopped Ukrainian forces from establishing positions within Komarovka. [16] Another Russian milblogger claimed that Ukrainian forces conducted a platoon-sized mechanized attack towards Korenevo but were unsuccessful. [17] Additional geolocated footage published on August 21 indicates that Ukrainian forces hold positions in forest areas east of Aleksandrovka (northeast of Koreveno and 33km from the international border). [18] Geolocated footage published on August 21 also shows that elements of the Russian 200th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade (14th Army Corps, Leningrad Military District [LMD]) hold positions along the 38H-564 road east of Zhuravli (east of Koreveno and 21km from the international border), indicating that Russian forces either recently retook these positions or that Ukrainian forces have not yet closed the small salient along the 38H-564 road near Zhuravli. [19] Russian milbloggers continued to claim that Ukrainian forces are advancing north of Sudzha near Malaya Loknya and are encircling Russian forces in Martynovka (northeast of Sudzha and 19km from the international border). [20] Elements of the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade (Black Sea Fleet) are reportedly facing encirclement in Martynovka, and Russian milbloggers lauded a soldier from the Russian 11th Airborne (VDV) Brigade for allegedly leading conscripts out of an encirclement in an unspecified area in Kursk Oblast, potentially in reference to the Martynovka pocket. [21] Geolocated footage published on August 21 indicates that Ukrainian forces have advanced into southern Russkaya Konopelka (east of Sudzha and 12km from the international border). [22] The Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade appears to be deployed particularly sporadically throughout the Kursk Oblast salient — various Russian sources have reported that its elements are operating as far north as the Kauchuk area (30km from the international border) and between Martynovka and Spalnoye (southeast of Sudzha and 45km away from Kauchuk). [23]

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Republic of Chechnya for the first time in 13 years on August 20, likely in an effort to shift domestic focus away from the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast and posture normalcy and stability. Putin met with Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov in Grozny, Chechnya, and praised Kadyrov for his socio-economic development programs. [24] Kadyrov claimed that Chechnya has sent 47,000 military personnel to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, including 19,000 volunteers who trained at the Spetsnaz University in Gudermes, Chechnya. Kadyrov also claimed that Chechnya has "several tens of thousands" of trained and equipped military personnel in reserve. Putin visited Spetsnaz University, which trains military personnel from across Russia and spoke to a group of military commanders, instructors, and volunteers. Putin claimed that all Russians — no matter their ethnicity or religious affiliations — are united by their morals, ethics, love for the Fatherland, respect for elders, respect for Russia's history, and faith in Russia's future. [25] Putin also ostentatiously kissed a Quran to demonstrate his purported respect for the Islamic faith and the people of Chechnya. Putin consistently attempts to portray Russia as a harmonious multi-ethnic and multi-religious country despite growing xenophobia against migrants and ethnic and religious minorities [26] Putin additionally emphasized Russian soldiers' alleged heroism for putting themselves at risk to protect Russia by fighting in Ukraine. [27] Putin also may have intended to use his visit to Chechnya to commend Chechen leaders for dedicating forces to the defensive effort in Kursk Oblast and address concerns about the reportedly significant number of Chechen military personnel that Ukrainian forces have taken as prisoners of war in Kursk Oblast. [28]

Recent US intelligence assessments highlight Ukraine's efforts to develop alternative and asymmetric capabilities in the face of Russian manpower and materiel advantages, as well as Ukraine's continued dependence on Western security assistance. The US Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General's Office published a series of assessments by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in the DoD's quarterly review of US military assistance to Ukraine on August 15. [29] DIA's assessments largely cohere with trends and phenomena observable in the open source, although it is unclear what conclusions policymakers should draw from DIA's assessments given that some of these assessments assume that certain battlefield conditions are totally static, whereas ISW assesses the same conditions to be in flux.

The DIA assesses that recent US military assistance to Ukraine will "almost certainly" be insufficient in helping Ukraine match or overcome Russia's artillery advantage in Ukraine and the estimated Russian daily fire rate of 10,000 artillery rounds. [30] Ukrainian servicemembers have consistently expressed concern about Ukrainian artillery shortages following significant delays in US aid in Winter 2023–2024 and Spring 2024, and Ukrainian officials have previously acknowledged the impact of artillery constraints on Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities, particularly in Donetsk Oblast. [31] Destructive Russian shelling and glide bomb strikes appear to be a fundamental aspect of the Kremlin's theory of victory in Ukraine, which posits that Russian forces can continue slow, grinding advances aided by razing Ukrainian settlements to the ground regardless of Russian manpower losses and premised on the assumption that Russian forces can deprive Ukraine of the ability to contest the theater-wide initiative in perpetuity. [32] Ukrainian forces have, on the contrary, demonstrated their commitment and ability to develop and employ alternative and asymmetric capabilities, namely drones and long-range strikes, to partially counter Russia's artillery advantage in Ukraine and to defend against Russian mechanized and infantry assaults, often to outsized effect compared to the smaller-scale systems Ukrainian forces are employing. Ukrainian forces successfully defended against a series of large-scale Russian mechanized assaults in western Donetsk Oblast in late July 2024 with drone strikes and limited artillery support, and Russian milbloggers have previously warned about the threat of targeted Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) drone strikes throughout the frontline in Ukraine. [33] Ukrainian forces have also used long-range strikes against Russian military targets and oil depots supplying military equipment in Russia to complicate Russian logistics, force Russia to reallocate air defense assets, and disrupt Russia's oil and gas industry. [34] The most recent allotment of US aid to Ukraine is undoubtedly insufficient to address the ongoing artillery disparity between Russian and Ukrainian forces and asymmetric means are not a replacement for artillery and other conventional means, but the US and wider Western alliance remain capable of addressing Ukraine's constraints caused by delays in Western security assistance.

The DIA also assesses that Ukraine "probably" remains capable of continuing defensive operations in Ukraine but is not capable of conducting large-scale counteroffensive operations for at least the next six months. [35] ISW recently assessed that both Russian and Ukrainian forces lack the capability to conduct individual decisive war-winning operations and must instead conduct multiple successful operations with limited operational objectives that, in the aggregate, can achieve strategic objectives. [36] ISW continues to assess that Ukrainian forces could use smaller-scale Ukrainian counterattacks and localized counteroffensive operations to liberate territory while avoiding the challenges associated with conducting large-scale counteroffensive operations amid continued Western delays and hesitancy in allocating further military assistance to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have conducted several localized counterattacks in northern Kharkiv Oblast and towards Kreminna (in the Luhansk-Donetsk Oblast border area) in recent months, suggesting that Ukrainian forces are already attempting to contest the tactical initiative in select frontline areas. [37] Ukrainian forces have also succeeded in launching a localized offensive operation into Kursk Oblast and seizing the operational initiative in this sector of the frontline, which is drawing Russian forces from other, lower-priority frontline areas in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have identified drawing Russian forces from lower-priority frontline areas as a key goal of Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast, and this effort could force Russia to leave some of these areas vulnerable to further Ukrainian counterattacks. [38] ISW continues to assess that Ukrainian forces can contest the battlefield initiative and eventually set conditions to conduct both limited and eventually large-scale counteroffensive operations provided timely and appropriate Western security assistance. [39] The US and the international coalition supporting Ukraine retain significant influence over Ukrainian warfighting capabilities and Western decisions about Ukraine’s resourcing levels and rules of engagement regarding Russian military targets can substantially alter the trajectory of the war.

Ukraine continues efforts to attrit Russia's air defense and aviation capabilities. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that overnight on August 20 to 21, Ukrainian naval forces and other Ukrainian units conducted a coordinated strike with unspecified weapons and hit a Russian S-300 air defense system's position near Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov Oblast. [40] The Ukrainian General Staff noted that it is still clarifying the results of the strike but reported explosions near the S-300 site. Russian Rostov Oblast officials claimed that Russian air defense forces shot down an unspecified type of missile over Rostov Oblast early in the morning on August 21, and social media footage shows a fire at an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk reportedly caused by debris from the downed missile. [41] A prominent Kremlin-affiliated milblogger claimed that Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian ATACMS missile over Novoshakhtinsk, alleging that this is the first ATACMS strike against Russian territory. [42] ISW has not observed any visual evidence or additional reports of the purported use of ATACMS, however.

Russian opposition sources and milbloggers also claimed that Ukraine conducted a long-range drone strike against targets in Russia's far-northern Murmansk Oblast (nearly 2,000 kilometers away from Ukraine) on August 21. [43] Geolocated Russian social media footage shows Russian forces shooting down a small aircraft-type drone flying at low altitude over Vysokiy, Murmansk Oblast, and Russian sources claimed that this is the fourth day in a row that attack drones have been targeting Murmansk Oblast. [44] The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsya) temporarily restricted the airspace over the Murmansk and Apatity airports on August 21, likely due to the operation of drones in the airspace. [45] Several Russian sources speculated that the drones were targeting Olenya airfield, which is co-located with the village of Vysokiy and from which Russia launches Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 strategic bomber aircraft. [46] Ukrainian sources previously confirmed that Ukrainian long-range drones damaged a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber at Olenya on the night of July 26 to 27. [47] ISW has not observed visual evidence or official Ukrainian or Russian confirmation of drones impacting the Olenya airfield at the time of this publication, however.

Russian authorities may have attempted to block Telegram and other non-Russian internet communications services on August 21. Russian sources stated that Russian internet users reported outages of multiple internet communication, internet streaming, and telecommunication services on August 21. [48] Russian state media censor Roskomnadzor claimed that distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks caused the outages, but that it successfully repelled the attack. [49] Russian activist and Director of the Internet Defense Society Mikhail Klimarev told Russian opposition outlet Agentstvo Novosti that such outages usually occur when Russian authorities activate the "anti-messenger mode" and noted that similar outages occurred during the antisemitic pogroms in Dagestan Republic in November 2023, and during protests in the Sakha and Bashkortostan republics in January 2024. [50] Experts from Roskomsvoboda, an independent Russian organization that supports internet freedom and digital rights, told Agentstvo Novosti that a centralized impact likely caused the outages and assessed that Roskomnadzor attempted to block Telegram, which inadvertently blocked other internet-based services in Russia. The experts also noted that similar outages occurred in 2018 when Russian authorities tried to block Telegram. [51] Russian authorities have also been attempting to further censor the Russian information space by disconnecting Russia from the global internet, and also temporarily disconnected Russia at least partially from the global internet during a test of its “sovereign internet” system overnight on July 4–5, 2023. [52]

The Russian government is reportedly supporting a bill that would allow Russian authorities to draw up administrative protocols against Russian citizens who violate Russian law while living abroad. Kremlin-affiliated business outlet Kommersant reported on August 21 that the bill would allow the Russian government to charge Russian citizens living abroad under vague charges of extremism, abuse of freedom of speech, and discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. [53] Unnamed Russian lawyers told Kommersant that Russian courts have previously prosecuted Russian citizens living outside of Russia for social media posts under similar charges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and People's Republic of China (PRC) Premier Li Qiang discussed deepening bilateral economic and trade relations in Moscow on August 21. Putin stated that Russia and the PRC have jointly developed large-scale economic and humanitarian plans, and Li stated that the PRC is ready to develop a multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia. [54] Li also met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on August 21, and they signed a joint communique that includes a plan for Russian–PRC investment cooperation and 15 other unspecified intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents. [55] Li also noted during his meeting with Mishustin that Russia and the PRC are increasing cooperation in the energy sector. [56]

  Key Takeaways:

• The Kremlin appears to have launched an intricate messaging campaign aimed at justifying to its domestic audience why Russia is prioritizing maintaining the initiative in eastern Ukraine over immediately expelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast.
• Putin notably appears to be demanding that Russia defeat Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast without sacrificing the stability of his regime, deprioritizing the offensive in eastern Ukraine, or firing his incompetent but loyal lieutenants. The results of such a strategy are too early to forecast.
• Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations throughout the Kursk Oblast salient on August 21 and have made additional marginal advances.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Republic of Chechnya for the first time in 13 years on August 20, likely in an effort to shift domestic focus away from the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast and posture normalcy and stability.
• Recent US intelligence assessments highlight Ukraine's efforts to develop alternative and asymmetric capabilities in the face of Russian manpower and materiel advantages, as well as Ukraine's continued dependence on Western security assistance.
• Ukraine continues efforts to attrit Russia's air defense and aviation capabilities.
• Russian authorities may have attempted to block Telegram and other non-Russian internet communications services on August 21.
• The Russian government is reportedly supporting a bill that would allow Russian authorities to draw up administrative protocols against Russian citizens who violate Russian law while living abroad.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin and People's Republic of China (PRC) Premier Li Qiang discussed deepening bilateral economic and trade relations in Moscow on August 21.
• Russian forces recently advanced southeast of Pokrovsk, southwest of Donetsk City, and northeast of Robotyne.
• Russian occupation authorities continue to create Cossack organizations in occupied Ukraine, likely to build out Russia's military reserves and law enforcement bodies in occupied Ukraine.

We do not report in detail on Russian war crimes because these activities are well-covered in Western media and do not directly affect the military operations we are assessing and forecasting. We will continue to evaluate and report on the effects of these criminal activities on the Ukrainian military and the Ukrainian population and specifically on combat in Ukrainian urban areas. We utterly condemn Russian violations of the laws of armed conflict and the Geneva Conventions and crimes against humanity even though we do not describe them in these reports.

• Russian Main Effort – Eastern Ukraine (comprised of three subordinate main efforts)
• Russian Subordinate Main Effort #1 – Push Ukrainian forces back from the international border with Belgorod Oblast and approach to within tube artillery range of Kharkiv City
• Russian Subordinate Main Effort #2 – Capture the remainder of Luhansk Oblast and push westward into eastern Kharkiv Oblast and encircle northern Donetsk Oblast
• Russian Subordinate Main Effort #3 – Capture the entirety of Donetsk Oblast
• Russian Supporting Effort – Southern Axis
• Russian Air, Missile, and Drone Campaign
• Russian Mobilization and Force Generation Efforts
• Russian Technological Adaptations
• Activities in Russian-occupied areas
• Ukrainian Defense Industrial Base Efforts

Russian Information Operations and Narratives

• Significant Activity in Belarus

Russian Main Effort – Eastern Ukraine

Russian Subordinate Main Effort #1 – Kharkiv Oblast ( Russian objective: Push Ukrainian forces back from the international border with Belgorod Oblast and approach to within tube artillery range of Kharkiv City)

Limited positional engagements continued in northern Kharkiv Oblast on August 21, but there were no confirmed changes to the frontline. Ukrainian Kharkiv Group of Forces Spokesperson Colonel Vitaly Sarantsev noted that Russian forces have decreased their use of tactical aviation targeting Kharkiv Oblast in order to prioritize airstrikes in other areas of the theater and in Kursk Oblast. [57] Sarantsev also reported that a contingent of Russian forces remains blocked in the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant in Vovchansk (northeast of Kharkiv City), but that they are unable to attack their way out of the plant because Ukrainian forces control all logistics routes into and out of the plant. [58] Fighting continued north of Kharkiv City near Lyptsi and Hlyboke and in and around Vovchansk. [59] Elements of the Russian 11th Tank Regiment (18th Motorized Rifle Division, 11th Army Corps [AC], Leningrad Military District [LMD]) and 7th Motorized Rifle Regiment (11th AC, LMD) reportedly continue operating near Hlyboke and Lukyantsi (north of Kharkiv City and east of Hlyboke), respectively. [60]

Russian Subordinate Main Effort #2 – Luhansk Oblast (Russian objective: Capture the remainder of Luhansk Oblast and push westward into eastern Kharkiv Oblast and northern Donetsk Oblast)

Limited positional engagements continued along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on August 21, but there were no confirmed changes to the frontline. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces attacked northeast of Kupyansk near Synkivka; east of Kupyansk near Petropavlivka; southeast of Kupyansk near Stepova Novoselivka and Berestove; northwest of Svatove near Stelmakhivka; west of Svatove near Andriivka; southwest of Svatove near Serhiivka and Novoserhiivka; northwest of Kreminna near Novosadove, Makiivka, Hrekivka, and Torske; and southwest of Kreminna near Dibrova on August 20 and 21. [61] Elements of the Russian 144th Motorized Rifle Division (20th Combined Arms Army [CAA], Moscow Military District [MMD]) reportedly continue operating in the Lyman direction (west of Kreminna). [62]

Russian Subordinate Main Effort #3 – Donetsk Oblast (Russian objective: Capture the entirety of Donetsk Oblast, the claimed territory of Russia’s proxies in Donbas)

Russian forces continued limited offensive operations southeast of Siversk near Spirne and Vyimka and south of Siversk near Pereizne on August 20 and 21. [63]

Russian forces did not make confirmed advances in the Chasiv Yar direction amid ongoing offensive operations on August 20 and 21. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces continued offensive operations near Chasiv Yar; north of Chasiv Yar near Hryhorivka; southeast of Chasiv Yar near Ivanivske and Klishchiivka; and south of Chasiv Yar near Predtechyne on August 20 and 21. [64] A Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces consolidated their positions in the forest south of Hryhorivka (north of Chasiv Yar) in an area up to 2.36 kilometers wide and that elements of the Russian Sever-V Brigade (Russian Volunteer Corps) reportedly continued operating near Hryhorivka. [65] A Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces advanced southeast of Orikhovo-Vasylivka (northeast of Chasiv Yar), but ISW has not observed confirmation of this claim. [66]

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov claimed on August 21 that Russian forces seized Niu York (south of Toretsk), but Ukrainian military sources continue to report that Ukrainian forces still control 20 percent of the settlement. [67] Belousov credited elements of the Russian 9th Motorized Rifle Brigade (1st Donetsk People’s Republic Army Corps [DNR AC]) for the seizure of Niu York. [68] A source from a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Toretsk direction told Ukrainian outlet Suspilne that the situation in Niu York is very difficult because Russian forces are constantly attacking the settlement in small assault groups but that Ukrainian forces still control about 20 percent of Niu York. [69] Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces advanced in the fields northeast of Druzhba (east of Toretsk); in northwestern Pivnichne (east of Toretsk); and in eastern Toretsk. [70] The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces launched assaults near Toretsk; southeast of Toretsk near Zalizne; south of Toretsk near Nelipivka and Niu York; and southwest of Toretsk near Panteleymonivka on August 20 and 21. [71] Belousov claimed on August 20 that elements of the Russian 132nd Motorized Rifle Brigade and 1st Slavic Brigade (both 1st DNR AC) seized Zalizne. [72]

Russian forces recently advanced southeast of Pokrovsk and continued offensive operations in this direction on August 20 and 21. Geolocated footage published on August 20 shows that Russian forces advanced in northwestern Zhuravka (southeast of Pokrovsk), and some Russian milbloggers claimed that elements of the Russian 27th Motorized Rifle Division (2nd Combined Arms Army [CAA], Central Military District [CMD]) seized Zhuravka. [73] ISW had not observed visual evidence confirming Russian advances in the northwesternmost part of Zhuravka, nor to suggest that Russian forces control the entire settlement. Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces advanced northeast of Hrodivka (east of Porkrovsk) and northeast of Novohrodivka, south of Mykolaivka, and north of Ptyche (all southeast of Pokrovsk). [74] Russian milbloggers also claimed that Russian forces seized Komyshivka (southeast of Pokrovsk) but ISW has not yet observed visual evidence confirming these milblogger claims. [75] The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) retroactively announced on August 21 that the Russian Central Grouping of Forces (GoF) seized Zhelanne, and ISW assessed that Russian forces likely seized Zhelanne around August 18. [76] The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces continued offensive operations east of Pokrovsk near Vozdvyzhenka, Zelene Pole, Myrolyubivka, Hrodivka, and Kalynove; and southeast of Pokrovsk near Mykolaivka, Novohrodivka, Mykhailivka, Ptyche, and Skuchne. [77] Elements of the Russian BARS-15 unit (Russian Combat Army Reserve) are reportedly operating in the Avdiivka direction, and a drone company of the ”Volga” Brigade is reportedly operating near Novohrodivka. [78]

Russian forces continued offensive operations west of Donetsk City near Krasnohorivka and Heorhiivka on August 20 and 21, but there were no confirmed changes to the frontline in the area. [79]

Russian forces recently advanced southwest of Donetsk City amid continued assaults in the area on August 21. Geolocated footage published on August 20 and 21 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced north of Kostyantynivka and southeast of Vodyane (both northeast of Vuhledar). [80] Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces are also advancing northwest of Paraskoviivka. [81] Russian forces also continued offensive operations near Pobieda on August 21. [82] A Russian milblogger noted that Russian forces recently advanced up to another area of O-0532 (T-0524) Vuhledar-Kostyantynivka highway near Vuhledar, which is consistent with ISW's assessment of Russian advances in the area. [83] Russian forces achieved their longstanding tactical objective of reaching the O-0532 highway and cutting the Ukrainian ground line of communication (GLOC) between Vuhledar and Kostyantynivka on August 2, although these advances have not significantly impacted Russian nor Ukrainian operations in the area in subsequent weeks. [84]

Neither Russian nor Ukrainian sources reported ground attacks in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area on August 21.

Russian Supporting Effort – Southern Axis (Russian objective: Maintain frontline positions and secure rear areas against Ukrainian strikes)

Geolocated footage published on August 20 indicates that Russian forces have recently advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast to the southern outskirts of Luhivske (northeast of Robotyne). [85] Some Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces are preparing for offensive operations in Zaporizhia Oblast, with one milblogger claiming on the evening of August 20 that Ukrainian forces launched an offensive operation near Polohy (in central Zaporizhia Oblast east of Robotyne). [86] Former Roscosmos (Russian space agency) head and Zaporizhia Oblast occupation senator Dmitry Rogozin and several milbloggers denied claims of Ukrainian activation anywhere in Zaporizhia Oblast, however, and accused other Russian commentators of overhyping false information and creating panic in the information space. [87] The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces attacked north of Robotyne near Novodanylivka and northeast of Robotyne near Mala Tokmachka on August 20 and 21. [88] Elements of BARS-32 (Russian Combat Army Reserve) are reportedly operating near Enerhodar (west of Robotyne), while elements of the 503rd Motorized Rifle Regiment (19th Motorized Rifle Division, 58th Combined Arms Army [CAA], Southern Military District [SMD]) and BARS-3 are operating in the general Zaporizhia Oblast direction. [89]

Russian forces continued unsuccessful ground attacks in east (left) bank Kherson Oblast on August 20 and 21 but did not make any confirmed advances. [90] Russian forces conducted drone, artillery, and air strikes against settlements and civilian infrastructure in west bank Kherson Oblast. [91]

Russian Air, Missile, and Drone Campaign (Russian Objective: Target Ukrainian military and civilian infrastructure in the rear and on the frontline)

Russian forces conducted a series of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine on the night of August 20 to 21. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk reported that Russian forces launched two Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles from Voronezh Oblast, a Kh-59/69 cruise missile from the airspace over Kursk Oblast, and 69 Shahed-136/131 drones from Kursk Oblastand Yeysk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Krasnodar Krai. [92] Oleshchuk stated that Ukrainian forces shot down one Kh-59/69 missile and 50 Shahed drones over Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts. Oleshchuk added that 16 Shahed drones did not reach their targets and likely fell due to Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) suppression and that another Shahed drone flew from Chernihiv Oblast's airspace into Belgorod Oblast's airspace via Belarussian airspace. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported that Ukrainian forces destroyed up to a dozen drones near Kyiv City. [93]

Russian Mobilization and Force Generation Efforts (Russian objective: Expand combat power without conducting general mobilization)

Russian occupation authorities continue to create Cossack organizations in occupied Ukraine, likely to build out Russia's military reserves and law enforcement bodies in occupied Ukraine. Zaporizhia Oblast occupation administration head Yevgeny Balitsky announced on August 21 that Russian occupation authorities are attempting to recreate the "Zaporizhian Cossack Army" - in reference to the historical Zaporizhian Cossacks (which, ironically, fought against the Russian Empire to exist as an independent and democratic polity) - and will start registering Cossack societies in occupied Zaporizhia Oblast before the end of 2024. [94] Balitsky further claimed that the BARS-32 Detachment of the Sudoplatov Volunteer Battalion already operating in Zaporizhia Oblast is staffed with Cossacks. Kherson Oblast occupation administration head Vladimir Saldo also announced that occupied Kherson Oblast will start registering Cossack societies in October 2024. [95] Saldo claimed that over 18,000 Cossacks are currently fighting in Ukraine and that unspecified Cossack units are operating in occupied Kherson Oblast and on the occupied Kinburn Spit, Mykolaiv Oblast. Russian President Vladimir Putin notably signed a law in March 2024 that authorized members of the All-Russian Cossack Society who are in the Russian military and security services reserves to join the mobilization reserve, and Putin transferred control of the Cossack Cadet Corps to the jurisdiction of the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) in June 2024. [96]

Moscow City authorities are advertising their Military Service Consulting Center, which provides administrative and social services to Russians who signed military service contracts, amid recent reports that Moscow City is struggling to recruit military personnel. [97] Moscow's Military Service Consulting center advertises Russian military contract service and provides contract service personnel with travel and administrative assistance and provides accommodation and food to prospective personnel undergoing selection. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin recently claimed that 43,000 Muscovites are currently fighting in Ukraine and that another 23,000 Muscovites will deploy to Ukraine as volunteers by the end of 2024, although a source within Sobyanin's office told Russian opposition outlet Verstka that most of the recruits registered as being from Moscow actually originate from other regions of Russia. [98]

Russian opposition outlet Verstka reported that 48 high-ranking Russian military officials have resigned or been dismissed since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. [99] Verstka reported that 21 officials left offices within the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD), including former Russian Defense Minister and current Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and six of his deputies. Verstka also noted that 13 of the 48 senior military officials held leadership positions within the Joint Grouping of Forces in Ukraine, that eight of them were military district commanders, and that five of them held main commands. Verstka reported that Russian authorities have opened criminal cases against at least seven of these officials.

The Russian MoD appointed Former CEO of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Goszagransobstvennost," Yevgeny Logvinov to the position of director of the MoD's Military Property Department. [100]

Russian Technological Adaptations (Russian objective: Introduce technological innovations to optimize systems for use in Ukraine)

Russia continues to find ways to incorporate US-produced electronic components into its weapons and censorship, and surveillance systems. Russian investigative outlet The Insider published a story on August 20 detailing how Russia is importing programmable logic devices (PLDs) for use in missile and drone navigation systems, internet content filtration, and facial recognition, many of which come from US companies. [101] The Insider noted that Russia is using Xilex and Altera integrated circuits, both products of American PLD manufacturers, in the navigation systems for Iskander and Kalibr missiles. The Insider also emphasized that Russia is able to import such PLDs despite extensive international sanctions, largely because many export companies are ignoring international embargoes.

Ukrainian Defense Industrial Efforts (Ukrainian objective: Develop its defense industrial base to become more self-sufficient in cooperation with US, European, and international partners)

ISW is suspending publishing coverage of Ukrainian defense industrial efforts until further notice.

Activities in Russian-occupied areas (Russian objective: Consolidate administrative control of annexed areas; forcibly integrate Ukrainian citizens into Russian sociocultural, economic, military, and governance systems)

ISW is not publishing coverage of activities in Russian-occupied areas today.

Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Deputy Chief Major General Vadym Skibitskyi reported on August 21 that Russian and pro-Russian actors are conducting an information operation aimed at discouraging Ukrainian refugees in the European Union (EU) from returning to Ukraine and degrading their Ukrainian identity. [102] Skibitskyi stated that pro-Russian journalists are distributing publications in Italy about supposed Ukrainian crimes against civilians in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

Russian officials continue to seize on the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast as part of a long-standing Kremlin information operation that falsely portrays Ukraine as unwilling to engage in legitimate, good-faith negotiations and places the onus for peace negotiations on Ukraine. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev claimed on August 21 that Russia could have previously fallen into a "negotiation trap" by entering into "unnecessary peace negotiations" with Ukraine, but that the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast has clarified that Russia will not negotiate with Ukraine until Ukraine is "completely defeated." [103] Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast a priori cancels the possibility of peace negotiations. [104] ISW continues to assess that the Kremlin is only interested in a negotiated settlement that results in complete Ukrainian capitulation and that any Russian statements to the contrary are intended to delude the West into making pre-emptive concessions on Ukraine's sovereignty and territory integrity. [105]

Significant activity in Belarus (Russian efforts to increase its military presence in Belarus and further integrate Belarus into Russian-favorable frameworks and Wagner Group activity in Belarus)

The Belarusian Ministry of Defense (MoD) reported on August 21 that the head of the MoD's First Directorate of the Department of International Military Cooperation, Colonel Dmitry Ryabikhin, visited an unspecified People's Liberation Army (PLA) unit during his visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC). [106]

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed Major General Igor Butkevich as First Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Border Committee due to Butkevich's age on August 21 and appointed Colonel Andrey Filatov as the new first deputy chairman. [107]

Note: ISW does not receive any classified material from any source, uses only publicly available information, and draws extensively on Russian, Ukrainian, and Western reporting and social media as well as commercially available satellite imagery and other geospatial data as the basis for these reports. References to all sources used are provided in the endnotes of each update.

[1] https://meduza dot io/feature/2024/08/21/v-kremle-schitayut-chto-boi-v-kurskoy-oblasti-prodlyatsya-neskolko-mesyatsev-i-hotyat-ubedit-rossiyan-chto-eto-novaya-normalnost

[2] https://www.pravda dot com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/21/7471267/

[3] https://www.pravda dot com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/21/7471267/; https://t.me/cikrossii/3944

[4] https://meduza dot io/paragraph/2024/08/21/kursk-ne-slomit-kak-v-geroicheskom-1943-m-my-vse-ot-hipsterov-do-vatnikov-dolzhny-ob-edinitsya

[5] https://t.me/warhistoryalconafter/180564

[6] https://meduza dot io/feature/2024/08/21/v-kremle-schitayut-chto-boi-v-kurskoy-oblasti-prodlyatsya-neskolko-mesyatsev-i-hotyat-ubedit-rossiyan-chto-eto-novaya-normalnost

[7] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/assessing-significance-current-russian-and-ukrainian-operations-course-war

[8] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-7-2024

[9] https://meduza dot io/feature/2024/08/21/v-kremle-schitayut-chto-boi-v-kurskoy-oblasti-prodlyatsya-neskolko-mesyatsev-i-hotyat-ubedit-rossiyan-chto-eto-novaya-normalnost

[10] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-26-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-12-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-10-2024

[11] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/putin-vulnerable-western-policy-masks-russian-weakness

[12] https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-30-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-12-2024 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-24-2023

[13] https://t.me/ukr_sof/1183; https://t.me/kiber_boroshno/9623 ; https://t.me/WarArchive_ua/19046 ; https://t.me/warhistoryalconafter/180535 ; https://x.com/666_mancer/status/1826175406610829766

[14] https://t.me/ukr_sof/1183; https://t.me/motopatriot/26477

[15] https://t.me/VARYAGI_155/105 ; https://x.com/AudaxonX/status/1826198757483896954 ; https://x.com/AudaxonX/status/1826222767802351867 ; https://x.com/AudaxonX/status/1826225646197952718 ; https://x.com/AudaxonX/status/1826233665426456948 ; https://x.com/AudaxonX/status/1826236574507679841; https://x.com/giK1893/status/1826214202534437305; https://t.me/creamy_caprice/6464

[16] https://t.me/rusich_army/16657

[17] https://t.me/dva_majors/50276

[18] https://t.me/morpexiMO/6306 ; https://x.com/franfran2424/status/1826200674851344588 ; https://x.com/GNovosibir79446/status/1826192342170189845; https://x.com/moklasen/status/1826202988295127510; https://x.com/moklasen/status/1826202992103539130; https://t.me/morpexiMO/6306; https://t.me/creamy_caprice/6462

[19] https://x.com/moklasen/status/1826296192013304096; https://t.me/khornegroup/2556

[20] https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/14331; https://t.me/motopatriot/26459; https://t.me/motopatriot/26447; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/58401; https://t.me/philologist_zov/1260

[21] https://t.me/dva_majors/50306 ; https://t.me/RVvoenkor/75284 ; https://t.me/s/NgP_raZVedka ; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/134360 ; https://t.me/mobilizationnews/19905

[22] https://x.com/EjShahid/status/1826295667318280343; https://t.me/rusich_army/16669

[23] https://t.me/astrapress/62346 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/50306; https://x.com/AudaxonX/status/1825990685901615544 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/50231; https://t.me/control_sigma/33709 ; https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/14319

[24] http://kremlin dot ru/events/president/news/74906

[25] http://kremlin dot ru/events/president/news/74904

[26] https://isw.pub/UkrWar103023 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar122023 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar033024

[27] http://kremlin dot ru/events/president/news/74904

[28] https://isw.pub/UkrWar081624 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar081924 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar081424

[29] https://media.defense.gov/2024/Aug/16/2003527561/-1/-1/1/OAR_Q3_JUN2024_FINAL_508.PDF

[30] https://media.defense.gov/2024/Aug/16/2003527561/-1/-1/1/OAR_Q3_JUN2024_FINAL_508.PDF

[31] https://isw.pub/UkrWar061524 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar042024 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar041924 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar020924 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-2-2024 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar041924 ; https://www.ft.com/content/daa1a6ad-9ada-42ba-bfb2-2c199118e904 ; https://archive.ph/7LGbR

[32] https://isw.pub/UkrWar060724

[33] https://isw.pub/UkrWar072524 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar073024 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar052124 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar031224 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar121623 ;

[34] https://isw.pub/UkrWar071624 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar071424 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-9-2024 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar042324 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar040824 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar032024 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-29-2024 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-21-2024

[35] https://media.defense.gov/2024/Aug/16/2003527561/-1/-1/1/OAR_Q3_JUN2024_FINAL_508.PDF

[36] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-17-2024

[37] https://isw.pub/UkrWar071224

[38] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-17-2024

[39] https://isw.pub/UkrWar072424 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar072024

[40] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid0xJoc2FgD5hUcErqdGSmku86d2jBJSLAp22DNCGhaDHtvNVkjW5hVySfgxy9PRMbJl

[41] h ttps://t.me/andriyshTime/26252 ; https://t.me/vrogov/17127 ; https://x.com/666_mancer/status/1826251220308430880 ; https://vk.com/wall-90644414_39836 ; https://t.me/golubev_vu/1494 ; https://t.me/golubev_vu/1495 ; https://t.me/etorostov/62864 ; https://t.me/vchkogpu/50118

[42] https://t.me/rybar/62951

[43] https://t.me/sotaproject/85660 ; https://t.me/astrapress/62407; https://t.me/milinfolive/128915

[44] https://t.me/VGrudina/2794 ; https://x.com/666_mancer/status/1826270072307855362 https://x.com/666_mancer/status/1826292246460711184 ; https://x.com/Grimm_Intel/status/1826270127722996150; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/58419 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/58417 ; https://t.me/milinfolive/128912%20;%20https:/t.me/milinfolive/128915

[45] https://t.me/tass_agency/267622 ; https://t.me/sotaproject/85664

[46] https://t.me/milinfolive/128915 ; https://t.me/vchkogpu/50145 ; https://meduza dot io/news/2024/08/21/glava-murmanskoy-oblasti-zayavil-ob-ugroze-bespilotnikov-v-regione-mestnyy-aeroport-vremenno-zakryli

[47] https://suspilne dot media/800159-droni-gur-atakuvali-npz-vijskovi-aerodromi-rf-i-poskodili-nadzvukovij-bombarduvalnik-dzerela/ ; https://armyinform.com dot ua/2024/07/27/chorni-dni-rosijskoyi-aviacziyi-detali-atak-na-obyekty-v-tylu-rf/

[48] https://t.me/tass_agency/267588 ; https://t.me/tass_agency/267597 ; https://meduza dot io/feature/2024/08/21/v-rossii-perestali-otkryvatsya-telegram-whatsapp-steam-discord-i-mnogie-drugie-servisy-chto-proishodit-neponyatno

[49] https://t.me/tass_agency/267601

[50] https://t.me/agentstvonews/7046

[51] https://meduza dot io/short/2020/06/18/dva-goda-popytok-blokirovki-telegram-v-rossii-kak-eto-bylo

[52] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-7-2023

[53] https://www.kommersant dot ru/doc/6905653 ; https://www.vesti dot ru/article/4103600; https://meduza dot io/feature/2024/08/21/vlasti-smogut-privlekat-uehavshih-rossiyan-po-politicheskim-statyam-koap-a-razve-ranshe-ne-privlekali-ili-teper-oni-budut-delat-eto-chasche

[54] http://kremlin dot ru/events/president/news/74910

[55] https://t.me/tass_agency/267576

[56] https://t.me/tass_agency/267528

[57] https://armyinform dot com.ua/2024/08/21/na-harkivskomu-napryamku-rosiyany-zmenshyly-zastosuvannya-taktychnoyi-aviacziyi/

[58] https://suspilne dot media/817997-zsu-kontroluut-93-naseleni-punkti-v-kurskij-oblasti-trivae-evakuacia-z-pokrovska-910-den-vijni-onlajn/?anchor=live_1724252042&utm_source=copylink&utm_medium=ps; https://armyinform.com dot ua/2024/08/21/v-otu-harkiv-rozpovily-pro-stanovyshhe-okupantiv-na-agregatnomu-zavodu-u-vovchansku/

[59] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l; https://t.me/wargonzo/21670

[60] https://t.me/otukharkiv/841

[61] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l

[62] https://t.me/vysokygovorit/17012

[63] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02KwX54hpu7qM9kdUS9qLQhEGJavR3XHNSBMNzsBeoh6Q6oH644FBij6cnaZVo2Cssl; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl

[64] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02KwX54hpu7qM9kdUS9qLQhEGJavR3XHNSBMNzsBeoh6Q6oH644FBij6cnaZVo2Cssl

[65] https://t.me/RVvoenkor/75309; https://t.me/voin_dv/10389

[66] https://t [dot] me/motopatriot/26441

[67] https://t.me/mod_russia/42426 ; https://suspilne dot media/817997-zsu-kontroluut-93-naseleni-punkti-v-kurskij-oblasti-trivae-evakuacia-z-pokrovska-910-den-vijni-onlajn/?anchor=live_1724242209&utm_source=copylink&utm_medium=ps

[68] https://t.me/mod_russia/42426

[69] https://suspilne dot media/817997-zsu-kontroluut-93-naseleni-punkti-v-kurskij-oblasti-trivae-evakuacia-z-pokrovska-910-den-vijni-onlajn/?anchor=live_1724242209&utm_source=copylink&utm_medium=ps

[70] https://t [dot] me/z_arhiv/27719; https://t.me/rybar/62934 ; https://t.me/RVvoenkor/75309; https://t.me/dva_majors/50276; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/134415

[71] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02KwX54hpu7qM9kdUS9qLQhEGJavR3XHNSBMNzsBeoh6Q6oH644FBij6cnaZVo2Cssl

[72] https://t.me/mod_russia/42396

[73] https://t.me/dva_majors/50276 ; https://t.me/motopatriot/26417; https://t.me/RVvoenkor/75278

[74] https://t [dot] me/z_arhiv/27717; https://t [dot] me/boris_rozhin/134415; https://t [dot] me/z_arhiv/27715; https://t [dot] me/motopatriot/26443; https://t [dot] me/boris_rozhin/134415

[75] https://t.me/RVvoenkor/75281 ; https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/14318; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/134415

[76] https://t.me/mod_russia/42412 ; https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-19-2024

[77] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02KwX54hpu7qM9kdUS9qLQhEGJavR3XHNSBMNzsBeoh6Q6oH644FBij6cnaZVo2Cssl

[78] https://t.me/ButusovPlus/12923 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/58405 ; https://t.me/motopatriot/26423

[79] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02KwX54hpu7qM9kdUS9qLQhEGJavR3XHNSBMNzsBeoh6Q6oH644FBij6cnaZVo2Cssl ; https://t.me/wargonzo/21670 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/58402

[80] https://x.com/PuenteUribarri/status/1826153970517029174; https://x.com/klinger66/status/1826174132343517470; https://x.com/klinger66/status/1826188895937020218; https://t.me/creamy_caprice/6461 ; https://t.me/odshbr79/304; https://t.me/creamy_caprice/6452

[81] https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/14324 ; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/134415 ; https://t.me/z_arhiv/27713

[82] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02mbcfj2CsF4Zev5JUw6tqFFzHABZsE9uVBhz9tSKev7YcfT8NvQUYajTna6B7vAUQl

[83] https://t.me/motopatriot/26456

[84] https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-2-2024

[85] https://t.me/operativnoZSU/154906; https://t.me/creamy_caprice/6459

[86] https://t.me/romanov_92/45062; https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/14310; https://t.me/sashakots/48517; https://t.me/sashakots/48517

[87] https://t.me/rogozin_do/6326; https://t.me/NgP_raZVedka/18763 ; https://t.me/NgP_raZVedka/18762; https://t.me/NgP_raZVedka/18765; https://t.me/dva_majors/50271 ; https://t.me/romanov_92/45062

[88] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02KwX54hpu7qM9kdUS9qLQhEGJavR3XHNSBMNzsBeoh6Q6oH644FBij6cnaZVo2Cssl; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l ; https://t.me/SJTF_Odes/11036

[89] https://t.me/orly_rs/5549;

[90] https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02KwX54hpu7qM9kdUS9qLQhEGJavR3XHNSBMNzsBeoh6Q6oH644FBij6cnaZVo2Cssl ; https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid02F1pqeXSUWGYRQ1xdb5t2uwAyf9GudeWCy3oNHFZvP775hNmxQpgwqVTfYVPgbnD6l; https://t.me/SJTF_Odes/11036

[91] https://t.me/khersonskaODA/23489; https://t.me/olexandrprokudin/4265; https://t.me/khersonskaODA/23488; https://t.me/khersonskaODA/23482; https://t.me/khersonskaODA/23468; https://t.me/khersonskaODA/23467; https://t.me/khersonskaODA/23459; https://t.me/olexandrprokudin/4268

[92] https://t.me/ComAFUA/393

[93] https://t.me/VA_Kyiv/7492

[94] https://t.me/BalitskyEV/3765

[95] https://t.me/SALDO_VGA/4063

[96] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-23-2024 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24-2024

[97] https://t.me/voenkom_on_line/410 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-13-2024

[98] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-13-2024

[99] https://t.me/svobodnieslova/5479 ; https://verstka dot media/chistki-v-minoborony-50-uvoleno

[100] https://www.interfax dot ru/russia/977489

[101] https://theins dot ru/obshestvo/273811

[102] https://t.me/DIUkraine/4274; https://armyinform dot com.ua/2024/08/21/operacziyi-proty-ukrayinskyh-bizhencziv-u-yevropi-gotuye-rf-gur/

[103] https://t.me/tass_agency/267509 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/50281 ; https://t.me/medvedev_telegram/523 ; https://t.me/medvedev_telegramE/19

[104] https://t.me/tass_agency/267567

[105] https://isw.pub/UkrWar081324 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar072524 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar072424 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar071924

[106] https://t.me/modmilby/41217

[107] https://t.me/pul_1/13409