Archived operational intelligence briefing
1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain
OVERALL OPERATIONAL PICTURE: RF continues a multi-domain deep strike posture, with confirmed massed UAV activity targeting critical civilian infrastructure across several Ukrainian Oblasts, and tactical drone usage for kinetic strikes on the frontlines. Ballistic missile threats persist. Civilian maritime traffic in the Black Sea remains hazardous due to mines, with a new incident reported near Odesa/Chornomorsk. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reiterates intent for long-range strikes into Russia, confirmed by UAF sources using "Flamingo" missiles. RF President Putin's continued presence at the SCO Summit emphasizes diplomatic efforts, now with a confirmed meeting with Armenian PM Pashinyan and other high-level Russian officials. UAF SOF report counter-offensive actions in Sumy Oblast. UAF sources amplify reports of RF forces encircled near Dobropillya, Donetsk Oblast, while RF claims capture of a major coal mine in Donetsk. RF claims of deep strike on DIB targets require verification. IAEA experts were denied access to a newly constructed dam near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) by RF forces. Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) exercises have commenced in Belarus. NEW: UAF GUR claims successful drone strikes against multiple RF radar and air defense systems in Crimea, indicating continued deep strike capabilities into occupied territories. RF claims that "moped" (Shahed) drone attacks on Dnipro have been neutralized. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New UAF GUR strikes in Crimea, UAF claim of drone neutralization over Dnipro.)
Northern Ukraine (Chernihiv Oblast - Nizhyn): RF massed drone attack (Shahed variants) confirmed on a critical infrastructure enterprise, resulting in widespread power and water outages. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Central Ukraine (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast - Ivanivka): Kotsnews (RF source) previously claimed RF "Vostok" Group destroyed a UAF tank near Ivanivka using aerial reconnaissance (video evidence). "Воин DV" (RF source, 14th Guards Spetsnaz Brigade, 36th Army Group "Vostok") publishes new video evidence, claiming destruction of UAF personnel and vehicles in the Novomoskovsk area of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, near Novoselivka, using drones. UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. DeepState (UAF source) reports RF advances near Maliyivka in Dnipropetropetrovsk Oblast. "Николаевский Ванёк" (UAF source) reports 4 RF "mopeds" (Shahed variants) flying one after another through Synelnykove, course towards/through Dnipro, warning of potential loud explosions. STERNENKO (UAF source) confirms Dnipro is under Shahed attack. РБК-Україна reports an explosion in Dnipro amid an air raid alert. NEW: "Николаевский Ванёк" (UAF source) reports "minus" for the "mopeds" over Dnipro, implying neutralization. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New UAF claim of neutralizing drones over Dnipro. RF claims of strikes in the Novomoskovsk area.)
Eastern Ukraine (Donbas - Redkodub, Krasnolymansk direction): "Старше Эдды" (RF source) claims RF forces "finished off" remaining UAF personnel from the 3rd Army Corps near Redkodub. "Старше Эдды" also publishes an internal critique of military deception. UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Donetsk Oblast. "Операция Z" (RF source) claims RF forces have advanced and consolidated positions under Maliyivka and in Zarichne. DeepState (UAF source) confirms RF advances in Zarichne, Donetsk Oblast. STERNENKO (UAF source) publishes video of UAF "VIDARR" FPV drone striking 5 RF personnel attempting to escape on the Lyman direction. TASS (citing MoD RF) claims RF Southern Group of Forces hit an "Akatsiya" self-propelled artillery system with a "Lancet" drone and destroyed a UAV control point with "Msta-B" howitzers near Siversk, DNR. STERNENKO (UAF source) publishes video of UAF "Signum" unit of the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade destroying enemy forces on the Lyman direction. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Eastern Ukraine (Donbas - Pokrovsk direction): "Военкор Котенок" (RF source) claims a successful FPV drone ambush by RF operators against a vehicle on a road in the Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiysk) direction. TASS (citing DNR advisor Kimakovsky) claims Kyiv has redeployed "Azov" personnel to the Krasnoarmiysk sector. "Народная милиция ДНР" claims the RF 33rd Motorized Rifle Regiment (MSR) is destroying UAF logistics and EW on the front line. TASS (citing Denis Pushilin) claims RF reconnaissance groups have entered the city of Dimitrov, DNR. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reports to President Zelenskyy that the Pokrovsk direction is where the Russian army concentrates its greatest efforts and suffers the greatest losses. "Сливочный каприз" (RF source) posts geo-located photos of Konstantinovka - Rusin Yar, and Krasnoarmiysk - Artemivka (Sofiyivka), indicating continued RF activity or observation in these areas. "Операция Z" (RF source) claims FPV drones of the "O" (Otvazhnye) Group have taken control of roads leading to Pokrovsk. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Eastern Ukraine (Donbas - Kamyshevakha/Novoselivka/Dobropillya): Alex Parker Returns (RF source) publishes a video claiming RF forces captured the 'Pisciy' coal mine in the village of Peski, Donetsk Oblast. "Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦" (UAF source) amplifies a report from OSUV "Dnipro" claiming RF forces are encircled near Dobropillya. "Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition" (RF source) publishes drone footage of explosions, claiming "Target hit" and "PU byla" (launch vehicle was). NEW: "Воин DV" (RF source) claims drone operators from the 5th Tank Guards Brigade, 36th Army, "Vostok" Group, are "severely thinning out" enemy combat formations in the Novoselivka area (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast). This likely refers to the village of Novoselivka, Novomoskovsk Raion. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New RF claims of engagements near Novoselivka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.)
Southern Ukraine (Odesa Oblast / Chornomorsk): Widespread reports/evidence of RF massed drone attacks on Odesa District overnight, confirmed targeting four DTEK energy facilities, with 29,000 residents without electricity and one wounded. "Colonelcassad" specifically claims a "Geran-2" strike on a railway ferry complex in Illichivsk (Chornomorsk). "Военкор Котенок" confirmed strikes on a port terminal and energy infrastructure in Chornomorsk. The Mayor of Chornomorsk, Vasyl Huliaiev, states this was the "most massive attack on Chornomorsk since 2022." A civilian vessel detonated a mine near Odesa's coast. "Дневник Десантника🇷🇺" (RF source) claims RF struck railway ferry infrastructure in Illichivsk. MoD Russia via TASS claims a strike on port infrastructure used by UAF. РБК-Україна reports that water supply in Chornomorsk will be on a schedule following drone attacks. "Два майора" (RF source) reports the dry cargo ship NS PRIDE, flying the flag of Belize, hit a mine off Odesa's coast near Chornomorsk (Illichivsk). "Дневник Десантника🇷🇺" (RF source) publishes video claiming RF forces hit an Azerbaijani vessel carrying military cargo and explosives for Ukraine in the Fishing Port of Illichivsk. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Southern Ukraine (Zaporizhzhia Oblast): UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. UAF Zaporizhzhia OVA issues an "ATTENTION" alert, and provides video and detailed report on consequences of 30 AUG attack, including civilian casualties (children, elderly), 182 hospitalized (some serious), and damage to 45 multi-story buildings (windows, electricity, gas). Air Raid Alert for Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been lifted. RF source "Филолог в засаде" publishes a video of RF reconnaissance thanking "subscribers" for a DJI Mavic 3T drone and NCSU. 🇺🇦 Zaporizhzhia OVA publishes a video on students and teachers preparing for "underground" schools, highlighting resilience and adaptations to security threats. РБК-Україна and STERNENKO report that IAEA experts were denied access by RF forces to a newly constructed dam near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. 🇺🇦 Zaporizhzhia OVA provides a weekly summary for the Zaporizhzhia Front. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Southern Ukraine (Kryvyi Rih area): "Дневник Десантника🇷🇺" (RF source) claims RF forces hit gas infrastructure near Kryvyi Rih with "Geran" drones yesterday. (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Southern Ukraine (Kherson Oblast - Dniprovskyi district): STERNENKO (UAF source) reports a woman was killed by an RF drone in Dniprovskyi district of Kherson. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Eastern Ukraine (Kharkiv Oblast): UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Kharkiv Oblast. ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 issues an informational message regarding the situation. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Moscow Oblast - Balashikha): ASTRA reports a large fire in Balashikha, Moscow Oblast, with "explosions heard," covering 4000 sq meters. The Balashikha Experimental Chemical Plant (BOKHZ) is located in the fire area. TASS video footage confirmed the scale of the fire. TASS reports that open burning at the warehouse fire in Balashikha has been localized. Оперативний ЗСУ publishes video and claims the fire was localized at 4000 sq meters, with neighboring enterprises also "fried." РБК-Україна reports that "Putin's palace" almost burned down during his trip to China, framing the Balashikha fire as a significant event affecting RF leadership. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Kursk Oblast - Belovsky District): ASTRA (citing acting governor) reports 6 people, including 2 police officers, were wounded in Belovsky District, Kursk Oblast, after a Ukrainian attack. (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Kursk Oblast - Kursk Nuclear Power Plant): "Военкор Котенок" (RF source) claims the third power unit of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant has had its capacity restored, specifically the transformer and turbogenerator. (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Tula Oblast): UAF GUR previously claimed destruction of an explosives warehouse in Tula Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Nizhny Novgorod Oblast - Balakhna): ASTRA and TASS report 5 people died from surrogate alcohol poisoning in Balakhna, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, with a criminal case opened. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Tuva Republic): ASTRA reports women in Tuva were paid almost half as much as men for marathon prizes, highlighting potential internal social/economic disparity. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (General): TASS reports over 60% of Russian bloggers plan to transition to the "Max" platform. TASS also reports on Eric Trump (Donald Trump's son) did not rule out running for president, and 39 Poles were banned from entering RF. TASS reports traffic police fines are being forcibly collected from actor Aleksandr Golovin. TASS reports Russians will be able to opt-out of mass phone calls from September 1st. ASTRA reports a court in RF blocked the premium taxi service "Wheely" due to "violation of anti-terrorist requirements." TASS reports on gifts to teachers and state employees, indicating internal regulations. ASTRA reports participants of an action commemorating repressed Poles were banned from entering Russia for five years. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Donetsk - Separatist Territory): "Дневник Десантника🇷🇺" posts a photo commemorating the death of the first DNR head, Alexander Zakharchenko, killed in a cafe explosion on 31 August 2018. Mash на Донбассе (RF source) publishes a video of a solemn ceremony commemorating Aleksandr Zakharchenko in Donetsk. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
RF Internal (Luhansk - Separatist Territory): NEW: Mash на Донбассе (RF source) reports a severe shortage of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline in LPR, leading to huge queues at gas stations. This indicates a potential logistical or economic issue within occupied territories. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New report on fuel shortages.)
Occupied Territories (Crimea): NEW: РБК-Україна reports, citing Ukrainian intelligence (GUR), successful drone strikes targeting multiple Russian military radar installations in Crimea, including an 'RT-70' radar, a 'GLONASS complex in a dome', and a 'RLS 96L6-AP ZRK S-400' (radar for an S-400 air defense missile system). (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New confirmed UAF strikes on RF military assets in Crimea.)
Occupied Territories (Mariupol): NEW: Mash на Донбассе (RF source) publishes a video of a man "waving an axe" near a beer stall in Mariupol, framing it as "anti-advertising for beer." This is likely an attempt to portray social disorder or mundane issues in occupied territories. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New report on social situation in Mariupol.)
Occupied Territories (Rivne Oblast): NEW: Операция Z (RF source, citing "Военкоры Русской Весны") publishes a photo and claims that "man-hunters" (referring to Ukrainian recruiters) reached a church in Rivne Oblast, where a summons was delivered directly during a funeral service. This is a PSYOP aiming to discredit UAF mobilization. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New RF PSYOP targeting UAF mobilization efforts in occupied/contested areas.)
International: Colonelcassad reports on Xi-Modi negotiations in China, emphasizing strengthening relations and multipolarity, and crediting Trump with facilitating the meeting. Kotsnews also mentions the China summit and "exchange of territories." Colonelcassad shows footage of leaders arriving at the SCO summit in China, including Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. Alex Parker Returns shows Russian cosmonauts congratulating Kyrgyzstan on Independence Day, and uses "Dragon and Elephant" analogy to promote unity with China/India. "Операция Z" reports on new Polish regulations affecting Ukrainian refugees, claiming Ukrainians are "outraged." TASS reports Germany has removed the question of possibly sending its troops to Ukraine from the agenda, citing Bild. РБК-Україна reports Hungary does not plan to lift its veto on Ukraine's EU accession despite Trump's intervention. "Операция Z" (RF source) amplifies news that "benefits for Ukrainians in Germany will be cut and rules tightened in 2026." РБК-Україна reports Modi met Xi Jinping in China and discussed "friendship of elephant and dragon." TASS (citing Peskov) claims Europeans "hinder efforts to bring the situation in Ukraine to a peaceful course" and "put spokes in the wheels." TASS, Colonelcassad, Операция Z, and Alex Parker Returns confirm Putin's arrival at the SCO summit in China, with video footage of his handshake with Xi Jinping. Басурин о главном highlights over 3000 journalists covering the SCO summit. TASS, Colonelcassad, and ASTRA provide new video footage of Putin's arrival and participation in the SCO summit reception, including a handshake with Xi Jinping, re-emphasizing the diplomatic focus. The EU is reportedly considering new voting rules in foreign policy to bypass Hungary's veto. The USA calls on Russia to pursue peace or face sanctions. Fighterbomber (RF source) publishes a video commentary expressing frustration over France's perceived involvement in the conflict and the 'silence' of others. TASS reports that Merz (German politician) stated no one is currently discussing sending ground troops to Ukraine. Colonelcassad reports on Lithuania considering restoring dried swamps on the border with Belarus for security reasons. "Два майора" (RF source) reports US State Department approved sale of PATRIOT air defense systems to Denmark. Рыбарь (RF source) posts an infographic about "Baltic Sea in focus" and the "Northern Coasts-2025" exercise. РБК-Україна reports on Tusk and the Head of the European Commission visiting the border with Belarus, despite intelligence warnings. "Операция Z" (RF source) reports that CSTO exercises have begun in Belarus, under the theme "Strength in Unity," involving military parades and displays of readiness. TASS reports Putin met with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan, discussing bilateral and regional issues. DeepState (UAF source) reports Hungary will continue to obstruct Ukraine's EU membership talks. NEW: TASS reports the Russian delegation has returned to its residence in Tianjin after the day's working program at the SCO summit. TASS also publishes video of Putin meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, at the SCO summit. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS (UAF source) amplifies a Guardian report that the USA called on Russia to pursue peace or face sanctions. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - Continued high-level diplomatic activity by RF, including with Armenia and internal security officials. Continued IO by RF. Hungary's stance on EU membership confirmed by UAF source. New US diplomatic pressure on RF.)
Kyiv (Civilian Casualties): ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, ASTRA, РБК-Україна, and STERNENKO report on the funeral in Kyiv for 2-year-old Angelina and her mother Nadezhda, killed by a Russian missile on August 28. РБК-Україна and Басурин о главном report on the death and funeral of Andriy Parubiy. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Black Sea (ISR): Военкор Котенок (RF source) reports an American Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk (FORTE10) operating over the Black Sea at 15850 meters. "Николаевский Ванёк" (UAF source) publishes video of a successful launch of "Flamingo" missiles (likely Ukrainian-produced) from a coastal defense position. "Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦" (UAF source) also publishes a video of what appears to be a "Flamingo" missile launch. "Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition" (RF source) publishes video, captioning it with Zelenskyy's announcement of new strikes deep into Russian territory, and showing what appears to be a missile launch from a coastal area and a distant impact. This RF source is likely framing UAF missile launches as a response to Zelenskyy's statement. NEW: WarGonzo (RF source) publishes a video, "Anti-crisis flight of 'Flamingo' shown in Ukraine," showing a missile launch near a body of water at sunrise, likely referring to the same UAF "Flamingo" missile launches. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New RF IO framing of UAF missile launches.)
Sumi Oblast (Counter-Offensive): "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" (UAF source) publishes dynamic GoPro footage from Ukrainian special forces of the "Shybenyk Squad" (part of GUR MOD "KRAKEN") conducting counter-offensive actions in the Sumy direction, showing soldiers clearing rooms and discovering a hidden cache in a destroyed building. "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" publishes new drone footage from a first-person perspective, observing military vehicles (trucks, possibly armored vehicles) moving on a dirt road, and showing a damaged/abandoned military vehicle, suggesting continued reconnaissance or active operations in a conflict zone. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Chernobyl Zone (RHB Reconnaissance): UAF General Staff publishes photos of RHB (Radiological, Chemical, Biological) reconnaissance units from the 704th Separate RHB Protection Brigade (Support Forces) operating in the Chernobyl exclusion zone. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
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
Capabilities:
Intentions:
Courses of Action (COA) Currently Observed:
Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA):
Timeline Estimates and Decision Points:
IMMEDIATE: Enhance Point-Defense for All Critical Civilian Infrastructure (Energy, Transport, Industrial, Water, Gas, especially Ports) and Bolster IAMD for All Threatened Oblasts Against Missile/Drone Threats - FOCUS ON DEFEATING MASSED DRONE ATTACKS, AND ENHANCE MARITIME MINE COUNTERMEASURES; PREPARE FOR RF RETALIATION ON BORDER REGIONS; MAINTAIN RHB DEFENSE POSTURE; CONDEMN IAEA ACCESS DENIAL; ENHANCE PROTECTION FOR RADAR/AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS IN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES:
IMMEDIATE: Intensify All-Source ISR on RF Deep Strike Assets (UAVs, Missile Platforms, Kinetic Drone Launch/Control Units, Tactical COTS Drone Operations by Ground Units, and Logistical Support Networks including External Supply Chains) and Ground Force Movements in Eastern and Northern Axes, with Focus on Contested Areas, Drone C2/Launch Logistics for Multiple Axes, RF Tactical Concealment, Black Sea Mine Laying, RF Counter-UAV Capabilities, RF Internal Defense Capabilities, and CSTO Exercises in Belarus; CONFIRM AND EXPLOIT RF ENCIRCLEMENT CLAIMS; VERIFY LPR FUEL SHORTAGES; ASSESS RF TACTICAL COUNTER-DRONE EFFECTIVENESS:
IMMEDIATE: Assess and Mitigate Risks from Predicted Magnetic Storms:
HIGH: Proactive STRATCOM Campaign to Counter RF Disinformation, Highlight Critical Infrastructure Attacks and Atrocities, and Advocate for Urgent, Broad IAMD Aid (Including Tactical Drone Defense Against COTS Drones and Counter-Critical Infrastructure Defense), and Counter Disinformation Targeting Polish-Ukrainian and German-Ukrainian Relations and Western Division; Continue to Signal Offensive Intent and Publicize Indigenous Long-Range Strike Capabilities; Address Internal Societal Impacts Transparently; Highlight Adaptive Civilian Resilience; Condemn IAEA Access Denial; Counter CSTO Exercise Narratives; Promote Military Fundraising; AMPLIFY RECONSTRUCTION NEEDS AND COUNTER EU INTEGRATION OBSTRUCTION; PUBLICIZE UAF GUR STRIKES IN CRIMEA; ADDRESS US DIPLOMATIC PRESSURE ON RF; COUNTER RF PSYOP ON UAF MOBILIZATION AND MISSILE LAUNCHES:
MEDIUM: Enhance Tactical Counter-Drone Capabilities for Frontline Units and Target RF Volunteer Logistical Networks; Sustain UAF SOF Counter-Offensive Operations in Sumy Oblast; Exploit RF Encirclement; Monitor CSTO Exercises for Threat Generation; Continue Fundraising for Frontline Vehicles; ADDRESS LPR FUEL SHORTAGES; MONITOR MARIUPOL SOCIAL ORDER:
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