Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 290933Z 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, deep strike operations against Ukrainian targets, and a new focus on information operations exploiting internal Ukrainian vulnerabilities (mobilization, economic hardship). Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) deep strike operations continue, with the successful targeting of an RF S-400 radar system in Crimea. UAF also conducts robust national commemoration events. Diplomatic activity remains high with discussions on a potential 40km buffer zone. RF continues to claim localized ground gains in Donetsk Oblast and the capture of NATO weaponry, and now claims advances in DNR and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and the liberation of six settlements in the zone of the special operation in the past week. RF claims to have cut the Dobropillya-Kramatorsk supply route. UAF General Staff reports clashes across multiple directions including Kupyansk, Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, Orikhiv, and Kherson. RF claims a successful FPV drone strike on a UAF tank near Ivanivka (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast). UAF reports RF reconnaissance UAVs active in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia, potentially acting as spotters for strikes. (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 (now four injured) highlight continued vulnerabilities to deep strikes. Forest fire in Gelendzhik has grown to 41.5 hectares. RF internal security measures remain active, including detentions of musicians for "violating silence" and addressing financial fraud. TASS reports the death of composer Rodion Shchedrin. TASS reports the first imported case of Chikungunya fever in RF. A "South Russian tarantula" is increasingly appearing in Moscow, a minor environmental/psychological factor. TASS reports new commemorative coins will be issued on September 1st. Izevsk airport to be named after Kalashnikov. TASS reports on limitations for foreign agents starting September. TASS reports on gradual recovery of the Russian automotive market. STERNENKO reports queues at gas stations in Khabarovsk Krai due to gasoline deficit. TASS reports the Central Bank will lower its key rate by 100 or 200 basis points on September 12th, indicating economic adjustments. ASTRA reports healthcare workers in Dagestan complaining about regular electricity outages paralyzing their polyclinic's work, which highlights internal infrastructure challenges and potential social unrest. (HIGH CONFIDENCE for most, LOW CONFIDENCE for tarantula's military impact)
Naval Operations (Sea of Azov/Black Sea/Crimea): 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." "Дневник Десантника🇷🇺" reports NATO reconnaissance along the Black Sea border, with video of a US Navy P-8A Poseidon. GUR has successfully struck an RF S-400 radar complex (91N6E) in Crimea. РБК-Україна reports a second UAF sailor has died from the recent RF strike on a UAF naval vessel. ASTRA confirms the death of a second UAF sailor. (RF Telegram channel "Два майора" posts a video labeled "Odesa" showing military personnel entering a secured gate with a timestamp of 26 AUG 25. This could imply RF activity or intelligence collection related to Ukrainian port infrastructure.) (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. Kotsnews provides video footage of the "capture of Pervomaisk," showing widespread destruction. 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. "Два майора" reports a summary for 29 AUG 25, suggesting ongoing combat operations across fronts. 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. TASS cites military expert Andrey Marochko claiming Kyiv has not evacuated the bodies of fallen UAF soldiers near Kupyansk and Kreminna for months. 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. "Zvиздец Мангусту" claims UAF success in repelling RF attacks, specifically retaking Zelenyi Hai and ejecting RF from Tolstoy, and liquidating several RF assault groups in Voronoe (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast). UAF reports RF attacks on 5 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. "Операция Z" claims Russian offensive is breaking the front, with UAF surrendering positions in panic, citing FT. UAF Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation on Donetsk Oblast and Suminshchyna. "Воин DV" claims operators of RF's 38th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, 35th Army, "Vostok" Group, used FPV drones to destroy a UAF platoon in under an hour on the Zaporizhzhia direction, supported by thermal imagery. RF MoD claims "Grad" MLRS crew delivered a powerful strike at AFU positions in Krasnoarmeysk direction. Colonelcassad shows RF 16th Spetsnaz Brigade operating in Kupyansk. TASS reports RF destroyed an "Azov" "strike fist" near Karpivka, Serednye, Shandryholove, and Derilove in the Krasnolymanske direction. Народная милиция ДНР posts video claiming destruction of a UAF UAV control point near Kleban-Byk. Оперативний ЗСУ shows video of an FPV drone strike on Russian soldiers hiding in trees, labeled as a "new tactic" to evade drones. RF TASS claims artillery and UAVs of "Southern" group destroyed a UAF crossing near Dronovka, DNR. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims RF forces destroyed an "Azov assault fist" on the Krasnolymansk direction. NEW INFORMATION: UAF Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation on Kharkivshchyna. Старше Эдды claims UAF is attacking on the Krasnolymansk direction, following Trump's advice. TASS reports RF forces have cut the Dobropillya-Kramatorsk road, used for UAF supply. Liveuamap Source, citing UAF General Staff, reports clashes yesterday near Zapadne, Synkivka, Holubivka, Zahryzove (Kupyansk direction); Hrekivka, Novomykhaylivka, Karpivka, Zelena Dolyna, Kolodyazi, Torske and towards Yampil, Dronivka, Serebryanka (Lyman direction); Hryhorivka, Vyyimka, Pereyizne (Siversk direction); Stupochky (Kramatorsk direction); Scherbynivka, Toretsk, Rusyn Yar (Toretsk direction); Poltavka, Volodymyrivka, Novoekonomichne, Rodynske, Lysivka, Sukhyy Yar, Dachenske, Zvirove, Udachne, Horikhove, Novoukrayinka (Pokrovsk direction); Voskresenka, Maliyivka, Zelenyy Hay, Piddubne, Oleksandrohrad, Zaporizke (Novopavlivka direction). Сливочный каприз provides video footage of a Ukrainian drone destroying a Russian 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer in a wooded area near Kozacha Lopan - Turovo. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) shares a map claiming RF advances in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. TASS, citing the RF MoD, claims units of the "Center" group are continuing offensive actions in DNR and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. TASS, citing the RF MoD, claims RF forces have liberated six settlements in the zone of the special operation over the past week. "Операция Z" (Военкоры Русской Весны) posts drone footage showing significant destruction in a settlement (labeled as Pervomaisk) with a Russian flag, claiming advances in DNR. (HIGH CONFIDENCE) "Воин DV" posts drone footage showing an armored vehicle (implied UAF) being engaged and destroyed by fire with visible personnel around it, labeled "Self-destruction in Azov style." (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. A one-year-old child, a 70-year-old male, a 59-year-old male, and a 73-year-old female were injured as a result of a Russian attack on the Zaporizhzhia district. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration observes a daily moment of silence for fallen defenders. UAF Air Force reports enemy reconnaissance UAVs in the Zaporizhzhia area. WarGonzo reports a frontline summary for the Zaporizhzhia front, indicating ongoing combat. "Воин DV" claims operators of RF's 38th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, 35th Army, "Vostok" Group, used FPV drones to destroy a UAF platoon in under an hour on the Zaporizhzhia direction, supported by thermal imagery. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports 3 women were injured in an enemy attack on Zaporizhzhia district. NEW INFORMATION: UAF General Staff reports RF aviation conducted airstrikes at Bilohirya of Zaporizhzhia region and Kozatske of Kherson region. UAF General Staff reports Ukrainian forces have repelled 3 Russian army assaults in the Kherson direction. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration posts video commemorating fallen defenders. UAF reports enemy reconnaissance UAVs active in Zaporizhzhia, with assets engaged for interception. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations
1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures
RF:
UAF:
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. Military innovation initiatives (Brave1) are active. UAF continues to maintain vigilance against new RF air threats (Poltava, Dnipro/Samar, northern Chernihivshchyna, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia). 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. UAF emergency services are responding to a Russian attack that injured a one-year-old child, a 70-year-old male, a 59-year-old male, and a 73-year-old female in Zaporizhzhia district (and 3 women). 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. UAF emergency services are responding to 2 fatalities and 3 injured in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The 46th Separate Airmobile Podilsk Brigade DShV of UAF observes August 29 as a Day of Remembrance for Defenders of Ukraine, indicating robust internal morale and historical commemoration efforts. UAF maintains control of Kryvyi Rih. Ukraine's serial production of a "Flamingo" missile with a 3000km range signals an enhanced long-range strike capability. The newly appointed female president of Kyiv Aviation Institute highlights adapting education to wartime realities and challenges perceptions of draft evasion, showing an effort to strengthen human capital for defense. Zelenskiy / Official channels are commemorating fallen defenders, reinforcing national unity. STERNENKO reports US deportation of Russian deserter, a potential morale boost. The air raid alert for Kyiv underscores continued high readiness. The Office of the Prosecutor General's reporting on corruption in Kyiv Oblast demonstrates ongoing efforts to maintain internal integrity. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS highlights the psychological toll and resilience of UAF pilots through helmet camera footage. DeepState updating its map confirms continuous monitoring and readiness. A National Military Memorial Cemetery has been opened in Kyiv Oblast. РБК-Україна is supporting a collection for vehicles for the 153rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. ОТУ "Харків", Олексій Білошицький, and UAF General Staff are actively involved in commemorating fallen defenders, boosting national morale and remembrance. UAF Marine Corps shows high readiness. NEW INFORMATION: UAF General Staff reports on clashes across multiple directions, confirming active engagement and defensive posture. UAF General Staff reports repelling 3 RF assaults in the Kherson direction, demonstrating strong defensive readiness. President's Brigade of UAF commemorates fallen defenders, reinforcing morale. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration's video commemoration further highlights national unity and remembrance efforts. Belgium's commitment to F-16s and 100M Euros in aid significantly enhances UAF long-term posture and readiness. DeepState posts an image commemorating the Day of Remembrance for Defenders of Ukraine, reinforcing national morale. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration launches a training program for veteran rehabilitation through sport. Десантно-штурмові війська ЗС України (Air Assault Forces of Ukraine) posts a video interviewing a soldier about his motivations for joining the military, focusing on patriotism and mutual support, aiming to boost morale and encourage recruitment. UAF reconnaissance UAVs are active in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia, with assets engaged for interception, demonstrating active counter-ISR operations. (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. 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. Long queues at the Polish border for Ukrainian citizens, especially the 18-22 age group newly eligible to leave, may indicate economic or security pressures impacting public sentiment and raising concerns about potential "brain drain" or draft evasion. The need for funds for property and equipment restoration by "Rubizh" NGU brigade highlights ongoing resource strain and the need for external support. Over 100 billion UAH in public utility debt signals a significant economic constraint that could impact broader national resilience. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS highlights the psychological toll on pilots, indicating potential mental health support needs. STERNENKO's crowdfunding for FPV drones indicates persistent need for materiel. РБК-Україна supporting a collection for vehicles for the 153rd Separate Mechanized Brigade further confirms ongoing equipment needs. Belgium's commitment of F-16s and 100M Euros in military aid will significantly alleviate resource constraints and enhance UAF capabilities. NEW INFORMATION: The alleged cutting of the Dobropillya-Kramatorsk road would significantly constrain UAF supply in the sector, requiring alternative logistics and potentially increasing vulnerability. The alleged multi-million dollar corruption schemes in Bila Tserkva's education sector, if verified, highlight internal resource leakage that could impact broader national resilience and resource allocation. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration's launch of a training program for veteran rehabilitation through sport requires dedicated resources and personnel. (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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