ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 12, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 12, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Ukrainian Incursion into Kursk Continues
• Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Kazakhstan
• China Boosts Low-Altitude Economy with Largest Cargo Drone and New Aerial Routes

Ukrainian Incursion into Kursk Continues

In his first acknowledgement of Ukraine’s surprise offensive into western Kursk region in Russia, President Zelenskiy stated that the attack was to “restore justice” and put pressure on Moscow forces. It marks the largest Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory since the war began, leading to intense battles that have left parts of southwestern Russia vulnerable before reinforcements arrived. August 9 marked the fourth day of the incursion. Media reports had indicated some small Ukrainian detachments were geolocated up to about 22 miles beyond the international border. Ukrainian troops are not holding territory this deep inside Russia. They are conducting smaller-scale operations at this depth. However, Ukraine is currently holding positions up to 6 miles inside of Russia. As the incursion continues to gain momentum, Russia has reportedly dispatched reinforcements to Kursk and began civilian evacuations in some areas.

Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Kazakhstan

On August 9, the leaders of all five Central Asia states— Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmensistan, and Uzbekistan— met in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. Azerbaijan also attended the meeting. Throughout the event, Central Asian leaders discussed ways to promote economic cooperation and integration. Rhetoric from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other leaders also included anti-Russia undertones, which signaled a desire to promote growth within Central Asia independent of Russia's regional predominance. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Tokayev especially has been trying to walk a fine line of distancing Kazakhstan and Central Asia from Russia, while also avoiding any conflict with Russia.

China Boosts Low-Altitude Economy with Largest Cargo Drone and New Aerial Routes

China successfully flew its largest unmanned cargo aircraft, signaling its push to expand the low-altitude economy with autonomous drones. The twin-engine drone, with a payload capacityg two metric tons, completed a 20-minute flight in Sichuan. With China aiming for a USD 279 billion drone industry by 2030, other companies like AVIC and SF Express are also advancing cargo drone technology. China has already used drones for commercial deliveries. Besides promises of shorter delivery times and lower transport costs, the drones might also be used to ferry people on taxi services.