Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 290900Z AUG 25
1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain
OVERALL OPERATIONAL PICTURE: The Russian Federation (RF) continues its multi-domain offensive, characterized by persistent ground pressure on the Eastern Front and deep strike operations against Ukrainian targets. Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) deep strike operations continue to target RF internal infrastructure. The previous day saw a significant RF air assault on Kyiv, resulting in 23 fatalities (including four children). RF propaganda continues to exploit a Polish F-16 crash. Diplomatic activity remains high with discussions on a potential 40km buffer zone and European interest in RF-US talks. RF continues to claim localized ground gains in Donetsk Oblast and the capture of NATO weaponry. UPDATED: RF attacks on Zaporizhzhia district result in injury to a one-year-old child and a 70-year-old male. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Central/Northern Ukraine:
RF Internal: Persistent oil refinery fires (Kuybyshevsky), a large industrial fire in Rostov, and the UAF drone attack in Orel (one injured) highlight continued vulnerabilities to deep strikes. RF internal security measures remain active, including detentions of musicians for "violating silence" and addressing financial fraud. RF also celebrates a national ballooning record (10,464m in Altai Krai), possibly to project normalcy and national achievement. NEW: TASS reports 5 men were sentenced to 7-13 years for a "terrorist act" (arson of a sports club in Chita), demonstrating RF's continued crackdown on internal dissent or perceived threats. UPDATED: Forest fire in Gelendzhik has grown to 41.5 hectares. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Naval Operations (Sea of Azov/Black Sea): The GUR strike on a Project 21631 "Buyan-M" class missile corvette in the Sea of Azov damaged its radar system. RF continues to push the narrative of a USV sinking a Ukrainian reconnaissance vessel "Simferopol." (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Eastern Front (Donetsk/Kharkiv): RF claims pressure on UAF in Konstantinovka, DNR, from multiple directions, and the "clearing" of the southwestern part of Chasiv Yar, DPR. Colonelcassad reports FAB strikes on Ukrainian positions in Krasnoyarsk. RF MoD released footage claiming the "liberation" of Pervomaisk, DPR. RF military expert Marochko claims significant NATO small arms and grenade launchers were seized by RF forces in western LNR. TASS reports RF claims that UAF is deploying special engineering equipment, including bulldozers, to the Kharkiv direction for long-term defense due to personnel shortages. NEW: "Два майора" reports a summary for 29 AUG 25, suggesting ongoing combat operations across fronts, and includes video of Lada Niva convoys operating in challenging terrain, indicative of logistical/operational maneuvers by RF forces. NEW: Colonelcassad releases video of "combat work" by scouts from RF's 37th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade targeting UAF armored vehicles in the South Donetsk direction. NEW: TASS cites military expert Andrey Marochko claiming Kyiv has not evacuated the bodies of fallen UAF soldiers near Kupyansk and Kreminna for months. NEW: BУТУСОВ ПЛЮС reports a Ukrainian soldier from the 3rd battalion, 111th TRO brigade, Artyom Smily, successfully engaged and blew up Russian occupiers' positions with an anti-tank mine near Konstantinovka, Donetsk Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Southern Front (Zaporizhzhia/Kherson): UAF reports a UAV heading towards Dnipro/Samar. RF claims that "Dnepr group" machine gunners destroyed over 30 UAF "Baba Yaga" drones in Kherson Oblast, indicating active counter-drone operations. UPDATED: A one-year-old child and a 70-year-old male were injured as a result of a Russian attack on the Zaporizhzhia district. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations
1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures
1.4. Intelligence Gaps from Previous Report Addressed/Updated:
2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action
2.2. Recent tactical changes or adaptations
2.3. Logistics and sustainment status
2.4. Command and control effectiveness
Ukrainian force posture and readiness: UAF maintains a high state of air defense readiness against a massive, multi-domain RF air attack, achieving a high intercept rate despite the unprecedented scale. Ground forces are holding defensive lines and conducting localized counter-attacks. Deep strike operations continue successfully against high-value RF targets. Emergency services are fully engaged in mass casualty response. Military innovation initiatives (Brave1) are active. UAF continues to maintain vigilance against new RF air threats (Poltava, Dnipro/Samar). UAF is reported by RF to be deploying engineering equipment (bulldozers) for long-term defense in the Kharkiv direction, indicating a proactive approach to strengthening fortifications. UPDATED: UAF emergency services are responding to a Russian attack that injured a one-year-old child and a 70-year-old male in Zaporizhzhia district. UAF public messaging is preparing citizens for a moment of mourning and metro pause in Kyiv, indicating high morale support efforts. UAF General Staff has updated RF combat losses for the last 24 hours (850 personnel, significant equipment). NEW: The 46th Separate Airmobile Podilsk Brigade DShV of UAF observes a Day of Remembrance for Defenders of Ukraine on August 29, indicating robust internal morale and historical commemoration efforts. NEW: UAF maintains control of Kryvyi Rih. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Recent tactical successes or setbacks:
Resource requirements and constraints: The unprecedented scale of the RF air attack necessitates urgent and continuous resupply of all air defense munitions. The high casualty count and extensive damage place immense strain on civilian emergency services, medical resources, and psychological support networks. Sustaining deep strike operations requires continued access to advanced ISR and strike platforms. The US State Department approval for ERAM missiles and other aviation munitions is critical. RF claims of UAF deploying engineering equipment to Kharkiv due to personnel shortages suggest a potential constraint on available manpower for front-line defensive operations, requiring strategic allocation of resources. NEW: RF claims regarding unevacuated UAF bodies near Kupyansk/Kreminna, if having any basis in reality (even if exaggerated for propaganda), could indicate severe pressure on UAF logistical and medical evacuation chains in those sectors, further constraining resources. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Propaganda and disinformation campaigns:
Public sentiment and morale factors: The sheer scale and lethality of the RF air attack (23 fatalities in Kyiv, child injury in Zaporizhzhia) will severely test Ukrainian public morale, requiring strong, transparent leadership. Successful deep strikes and international support will serve as morale boosters. RF internal social welfare initiatives (credit holidays, pharmacy proposals, pet identification) aim to bolster domestic morale. RF propaganda efforts targeting UAF's alleged treatment of prisoners and personnel shortages aim to degrade UAF morale and confidence. NEW: The KMDA's decision to pause Kyiv metro for a minute reflects an understanding of the need for public mourning and solidarity following the mass casualty event, aiming to support morale. RF claims of unevacuated UAF bodies near Kupyansk/Kreminna are designed to exploit public sentiment and potentially impact UAF morale. NEW: UAF's official commemoration of the Day of Remembrance for Defenders will serve to bolster national morale and honor fallen soldiers. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
International support and diplomatic developments: The direct damage to diplomatic missions (Azerbaijani Embassy) will likely provoke strong international condemnation. Discussions among European leaders about a 40-kilometer buffer zone in Ukraine represent a significant diplomatic development. European interest in RF-US negotiations on Ukraine indicates a search for conflict resolution. US approval of ERAM missile and aviation munitions sales is a critical form of support. Russia and China express "most stable strategic ties." Turkey is reported to have revealed new Kremlin territorial conditions, stating RF has "refused to control 4 oblasts," potentially indicating a shift in RF's stated war aims, which could influence international diplomatic efforts. NEW: Politico report confirms the EU is proposing a 40km buffer zone, highlighting active international diplomatic engagement on de-escalation scenarios. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
5.1. Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA)
5.2. Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA)
5.3. Timeline estimates and decision points
END REPORT
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