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OVERALL OPERATIONAL PICTURE: The Russian Federation (RF) has intensified its multi-domain air offensive, with the confirmed fatality count in Kyiv now tragically rising to 18, 38 injured, and 9 still missing. Extensive damage to civilian, governmental, and financial infrastructure is confirmed across all districts of Kyiv. UAF deep strike operations into RF territory continue, confirmed with ongoing fires at the Kuybyshevsky oil refinery in Samara and previously reported strikes on other refineries and ammunition depots. UAF Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) forces have successfully struck a Project 21631 "Buyan-M" class missile corvette, a Kalibr missile carrier, in the Sea of Azov, also damaging its radar system. RF claims the "liberation" of Nelepovka in DNR and the sinking of a Ukrainian reconnaissance ship near the Danube estuary (now specifically named "Simferopol"). RF also claims to have consolidated positions in northern Kupyansk, specifically on Ukrainska Street. New reports confirm damage to the State Tax Service (DPS) building and several bank head offices (including OTP Bank) in Kyiv, the Kyiv office of "Radio Svoboda", and the British Council office. RF channels (Alex Parker Returns, Военкор Котенок) are still claiming two direct hits on a "Turkish-Ukrainian Bayraktar plant" overnight. Ukraine is demonstrating innovative military technology on the Zaporizhzhia front with drone deployment and strikes. Critically, a 49-year-old civilian male has been killed by RF KAB strikes in Malomykhailivska Hromada, Synelnykivskyi Raion, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
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Central/Northern Ukraine (Expanded Air Threat - Intensified and Lethal - Continued Civilian Impact - Economic & Diplomatic Targeting - Rising Casualties):
- Kyiv Oblast: The Kyiv City Military Administration (KMA) now confirms 18 fatalities, including four children. РБК-Україна reports 38 injured. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing for 9 missing individuals. Emergency services are active and synchronizing real-time efforts with city services, DTEK, gas companies, and the district. An oblast hospital in Podilskyi district was also affected. The EU Mission building in Kyiv is damaged. A shopping mall in the city center was hit. An "Intercity+" high-speed train depot was struck, damaging passenger trains. "Оперативний ЗСУ" and РБК-Україна confirm a missile strike on a "Nova Poshta" sorting depot in Kyiv, impacting logistical operations. UAF Air Force spokesperson Ignat reports two direct hits by cruise missiles on a residential building, confirming deliberate targeting. "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" provides video evidence capturing the moment two Russian missiles impacted a high-rise building in Kyiv and now provides video of rescue operations at a damaged apartment building. KMA has declared August 29th a Day of Mourning for the victims. A Kyiv resident's surveillance video shows the moment a Russian drone struck her building, impacting civilian morale. "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" provides video evidence of emergency response efforts in Kyiv. New reports from РБК-Україна confirm damage to the State Tax Service (DPS) building and the main offices of several banks (including OTP Bank) in Kyiv. ASTRA and РБК-Україна also confirm damage to the British Council office and "Radio Svoboda" office (now specifically highlighted by Север.Реалии). KMA head Tkachchenko reports anti-record damage across all districts of Kyiv. Air raid alerts were active in Kyiv again this morning, with KMA confirming a ballistic missile threat from the north. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: Serhiy Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration, reports a 49-year-old civilian male was killed in Malomykhailivska Hromada, Synelnykivskyi Raion, by RF KAB glide bombs. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Air Defense Performance: UAF Air Force reports a total of 598 drones and 31 missiles launched by RF, with 589 targets shot down/suppressed. Southern Defense Forces report 26 Shahed-131/136 UAVs destroyed. "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" reports some "Geran-3" drones used contained PBS TJ40-G2 engines (Czech-made). STERNENKO shares video of Ukrainian air defense shooting down 7 additional Russian UAVs, indicating ongoing air defense operations against persistent threats. A new group of UAVs is reported on the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava. Air Force warns of new ballistic missile threat from the south. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- KAB Threat: UAF Air Force reports KAB glide bombs are active in Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. Confirmed civilian fatality in Dnipropetrovsk due to KAB. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- RF Claims of Strikes: RF channels continue to claim strikes on Zhuliany and Vasylkiv airfields in Kyiv Oblast, Starokostiantyniv and Kolomyia airfields in Western Ukraine, and railway junctions in Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, and Poltava Oblasts. RF MoD via ASTRA claims group strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, on military-industrial complex enterprises and military airbases in Ukraine. Alex Parker Returns and Военкор Котенок claim "two hits" on a "Turkish-Ukrainian Bayraktar plant" overnight. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА claims a "combined strike on Ukraine," reinforcing the multi-domain nature of the RF attack. (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE)
- Zaporizhzhia: Air raid alert concluded, but a new alert for ballistic missile threat from the south was issued, then called off. Air raid alert for Zaporizhzhia now cleared. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
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RF Internal (Oil Refineries and Ammunition Depots - Continued Fires): "KiberBoroshno" (Ukrainian channel) provides new photo evidence of a large-scale fire after a UAV attack on the Kuybyshevsky oil refinery in Samara. ASTRA confirms local residents report the fire at the refinery continues after the night attack. "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" and "Оперативний ЗСУ" confirm successful strikes on two RF oil refineries (Afipsky, Novokuibyshevsky) and ammunition depots. WarGonzo (RF channel) reports "massive fires in Krasnodar Krai" due to drones. "Старше Эдды" discusses "Burning oil refineries: what to do," indicating internal concern. Старше Эдды continues to discuss "fighting Ukrainian perdolets (drones)" whose debris repeatedly hits RF oil refineries, indicating persistent frustration and the challenge of internal air defense. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Internal Security: "Операция Z" reports a resident in Ryazan was sentenced for cooperating with Ukrainian military intelligence in attacks on oil infrastructure. Colonelcassad reports an individual in Tula was apprehended for disrespecting a WWII monument, prompting an apology, indicating RF's focus on maintaining patriotic sentiment and order. "Север.Реалии" reports arrest of Iryna Faizulina in Perm for donations to FBK, showing continued pressure on internal dissent. TASS reports seizure of cash, gold, and watches during the detention of the director of NMIC im. Meshalkina and his deputy, indicating an ongoing internal anti-corruption campaign that could impact MIC personnel. SBU also reports detention of an FSB agent in Zaporizhzhia, tasked with preparing explosives for drone attacks and providing targeting coordinates for RF forces. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Infrastructure Security: TASS reports mobile internet speed was restricted in Vologda Oblast for security reasons, indicating RF concerns over internal communications and potential UAF actions. Север.Реалии reports that Vologda activists were sent to protest on the outskirts of the city, potentially related to the internet restrictions or a separate incident of stifled dissent. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Forest Fire: ASTRA reports a drone falling caused a forest fire near Gelendzhik, approximately 10km from Putin's palace. TASS confirms a Be-200 amphibian aircraft is involved in extinguishing the forest fire near Gelendzhik, with the area increasing to 17 hectares. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Western Company Exit: TASS reports Sennheiser is liquidating its legal entity in Russia, indicating continued withdrawal of foreign businesses. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- RF Casualties (Non-Combat): TASS and ASTRA report the death of Russian mountaineer Alexander Rastorguev due to a rockfall in Kabardino-Balkaria, with rescue operations underway. TASS also reports a fifth day of search for Nikolai Svechnikov, who disappeared during a swim in the Bosphorus. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
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Naval Operations (Sea of Azov/Black Sea): БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС, ASTRA, and Оперативний ЗСУ confirm that GUR forces have successfully struck a Russian Project 21631 "Buyan-M" class missile corvette, a Kalibr cruise missile carrier, in the Sea of Azov, near temporarily occupied Crimea. Video footage from multiple sources shows thermal imagery of the vessel being targeted and struck, with subsequent frames indicating significant damage/destruction, flames, smoke, and specifically damage to the ship's radar system. Colonelcassad acknowledges an FPV drone attack on a "Buyan" type boat in the Sea of Azov, confirming 1-2 hits and potential damage to the superstructure or radar. (HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF MoD (via Alex Parker Returns, НгП раZVедка) claims a Russian unmanned surface vessel (USV) sank the Ukrainian medium reconnaissance ship "Simferopol" at the mouth of the Danube. WarGonzo claims a "Russian BEC" (likely referring to an USV) hit its first target, reinforcing the RF claim. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reiterates the RF claim of a Russian BEC hitting the reconnaissance ship "Simferopol" in the Danube estuary, causing it to sink. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS highlights Russia's claim of sinking the "Simferopol" with a naval drone. Separately, UAF Navy spokesperson Pletenchuk states RF hit one of the Ukrainian Navy's ships, with one fatality and sailors still being sought. This confirms damage to a UAF vessel, though specific details of the incident or vessel name are not yet provided. (LOW CONFIDENCE - RF self-reported for "Simferopol" sinking, but HIGH CONFIDENCE for UAF naval vessel being hit with casualties based on UAF spokesperson).
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Eastern Front (Donetsk/Kharkiv):
- RF Claims: TASS and "Операция Z" (citing RF MoD) claim RF forces have "liberated" the settlement of Nelepovka in DNR. Kotsnews reiterates this claim. MoD Russia shares video of "Sever Group's Msta-B towed howitzers" destroying AFU temporary deployment areas to facilitate offensive operations. "Воин DV" shares video of FAB strikes on "enemy forward positions" in Novoselovka. TASS, citing military expert Vitaly Kiselev, reports Russian troops have consolidated positions in the northern part of Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast, specifically on Ukrainska Street. MoD Russia officially states Nelepovka in DNR was liberated. "Z комитет + карта СВО" shows a tactical map of the "Dobropolskoye Direction." Z комитет + карта СВО provides a tactical map of the Krasnolimanskoye direction, showing territorial control, settlements, and defensive lines as of 28 AUG 25. Colonelcassad provides the full RF MoD summary of the SVO for August 28, 2025, detailing claimed successes across various axes. MoD Russia video claims a T-72B3M tank crew destroyed AFU fortifications in forest belts. "Воин DV" claims operators of the 14th Guards Brigade and 5th Guards Tank Brigade (Vostok group) are hitting enemy armored vehicles near Novoselovka (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast). (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE)
- UAF Reports: "Анатолій Штефан "Штірліц"" shares video of a large smoke plume over Donetsk, possibly indicating an ongoing event. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday in Lyman direction near Novomykhaylivka, Novyi Myr, Zelena Dolyna, Kolodyazi, Torske, Serebryanka and towards Yampil, Zakitne, Dronivka and Shandryholove. Also, clashes in Siversk direction near Fedorivka, Hryhorivka and towards Siversk; Toretsk direction near Pleschiyivka, Toretsk, Scherbynivka, Rusyn Yar and Poltavka; Pokrovsk direction near Volodymyrivka, Novoekonomichne, Myrolubivka, Sukhetske, Lysivka, Udachne, Mayak, Kotlyne, Novomykolayivka, Molodetske, Novoukrayinka and towards Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Promin, Balahan, Novopavlivka, Chervonyy Lyman, Pokrovsk. "ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦" shares video of 6 precise strikes by the "STRIKS" unit in the Southern Slobozhansky direction, including on a communication antenna. "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shares a video report of the "Artist" group, 78th Air Assault Regiment, capturing 15 RF personnel. Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of a precise strike on a fortified enemy position, implying successful UAF counter-actions. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Donetsk Deterioration: БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС shares images/videos highlighting the severe deterioration of Donetsk after 7 years of "Russian world," using terms like "caricature" and "awful Donetsk" (уёвый Донецк), specifically showing a resident collecting water in a bathtub, indicating infrastructure collapse. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Mine Clearance: Oleg Synehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast State Administration, reports over 262 hectares of territory in Kharkiv Oblast were demined in a week. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
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Northern Border (Sumy/Kharkiv/Kursk): Liveuamap Source reports Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Zarichchya of Sumy region. UAF General Staff reports repelling 9 Russian army assaults in Kursk and North Slobozhansky (Sumy) directions. Clashes also reported in South Slobozhansky (Kharkiv) direction near Hlyboke, Kolodyazne, Vovchansk and Kamyanka, and in Kupyansk direction near Kupyansk. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports a new group of enemy UAVs in northern Chernihiv region, moving southwest, and reconnaissance UAVs in northern Chernihiv, in the Chernihiv region, and eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, potentially acting as spotters for enemy weapons. AV БогомаZ (RF channel) claims a civilian was wounded in an AFU attack on a civilian vehicle in Churovichi village, Bryansk Oblast. WarGonzo shares video of agricultural harvest operations in Kursk border regions "under fire," likely to create a narrative of UAF aggression and RF resilience. A new group of UAVs is reported on the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
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Southern Front (Zaporizhzhia/Kherson): UAF Air Force reports KABs on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration reports eight multi-apartment buildings and non-residential buildings damaged from enemy attack. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Stepnohirsk of Zaporizhzhia region and Mykolayivka of Kherson region. Liveuamap Source reports clashes in Novopavlivka direction near Filiya, Ivanivka, Voskresenka, Zaporizke, Tolstoy, Andriyivka-Klevtsove, Piddubne, Komyshuvakha, Temyrivka and towards Sichneve, Lisne. Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration announces an end to the air raid alert, but a new ballistic missile threat from the south was announced, then called off. Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration shares video showcasing a multi-rotor drone targeting and striking a location on the Zaporizhzhia front, highlighting military innovations. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
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Friendly Forces (Anti-Drone Operations/Logistics/Internal Security/Training): STERNENKO shares video of an artillery strike on a Russian military vehicle convoy (drone footage with thermal imagery). "Оперативний ЗСУ" shares video of successful drone attacks on Afipsky and Kuybyshevsky oil refineries. The Office of the General Prosecutor reports a Russian agent setting up explosive caches in Zaporizhzhia will be prosecuted. DeepState provides a video instruction on how to return to service via "Army+" app after AWOL, indicating efforts to re-integrate personnel. UAF General Staff shares video of Ukrainian marines engaged in live-fire training, emphasizing continuous professional development. STERNENKO shares a video of Ukrainian Air Defense Forces (PPO) shooting down 7 additional Russian drones. РБК-Україна promotes a fundraising campaign for vehicles for the 153rd Separate Mechanized Brigade (OMBR), indicating ongoing logistical needs. KMA is synchronizing real-time efforts for consequence management in Kyiv. Оперативний ЗСУ shares an interview with a Ukrainian POW, Yuriy Sergiyovych, from the 7th Separate Radio Technical Regiment, who discusses his injury, lack of proper medical care, and poor food provisions. UAF Navy spokesperson Pletenchuk confirmed one of the Ukrainian Navy ships was hit, with one fatality and sailors being sought, acknowledging a setback but providing transparent information. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Memorials: Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration shares photos of a memorial plaque unveiled in Zaporizhzhia for fallen defender Valeriy Vostrikov. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Prisoner of War Support: The Coordination Staff for POW Affairs held a meeting with families of the 120th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in Zaporizhzhia, indicating ongoing support for POW families. TASS reports that Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Moskalikova stated Russia and Ukraine could exchange parcels for military prisoners of war before the new year. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)