The situation in the Ukrainian SMO on August 27 2025

Russian Forces Storm Shakhtarskyi District Recreating The Bakhmut Scenario

White Flags Everywhere! Ukrainian Army Crumbles as Russia Seizes Siversk & Pokrovsk

Zaluzhny waits as WEST money POURS into Ukraine

Lt Col Daniel Davis: Ukraine’s Weapons -The Problems No One Talks About

 Coercion to peace.

Trump allowed sanctions not only against Russia but also against Ukraine

The US president stated that if there is no progress towards peace, Washington may impose sanctions and tariffs against Kyiv as well.

“Zelensky is not innocent either. It takes two to tango,” Trump noted.

Trump’s statement that he can impose sanctions against Russia and Ukraine, was widely interpreted as a public hint to Zelensky.

Trump understands that Zelensky is trying to drag out the negotiation process, so it is necessary to make it clear that he won’t get away with “stalling.” We have written many times since the beginning of the year that the US may impose sanctions against Zelensky’s close circle, but this will only happen if Trump exits the game.

By the way, Zelensky fears personal sanctions against his circle the most, as they have been siphoning money out of the country all these years.

A quiet but important shift is taking place in European security architecture. After three years of war around Ukraine, there is a move away from the rhetoric of “victory at any cost” towards the search for multilayered deterrence systems, where defense, diplomacy, and risk management intertwine in new hybrid formats. In this logic, the idea of a demilitarized zone with international patrolling is not just a military project but an element of reshaping the entire model of interaction between the West, Kyiv, and Moscow.

As the Financial Times writes, a scheme is being discussed whereby a demilitarized zone could be created on Ukrainian territory. Its patrolling is proposed to be entrusted to third-party troops agreed upon by Kyiv and Moscow. At the same time, a so-called “coalition of the willing” is being formed — a group of European countries ready to deploy their own contingents deeper into Ukrainian territory as a third line of defense. In front of them is a “shield” of Ukrainian troops. Meanwhile, the US avoids giving Kyiv direct security guarantees but, according to FT, is ready to provide “strategic enabling means”: intelligence, surveillance, command and control systems, and air defense — but with formal coordination through Europe rather than directly through Washington.

The very fact that a demilitarized zone is being discussed indicates that even in Western strategic centers it is increasingly recognized that there may be no purely military solution to the conflict. For the Kremlin, this is a signal that time and the exhausting war are taking their toll — the West is beginning to seek stabilization mechanisms, albeit in the format of multilayered defense rather than capitulation.

Looking deeper, we observe a transformation in the very logic of international security. The creation of demilitarized zones represents a rejection of the idea of “total victory” and a shift to a managed risk model, where there are no absolute guarantees, only a combination of pressure, deterrence, and coordination of interests. This approach reflects a new type of war: where the space between victory and defeat is filled with hybrid security constructs agreed not on the battlefield but in negotiation rooms.

The editorial team believes this uncertainty is the main message of the FT article: today, the parties are not discussing who will win — they are discussing how to live in conditions where victory is impossible. A demilitarized zone could become a compromise tool, but its implementation will face contradictions within NATO, Kyiv, and Moscow. And it is here that the outline of future European security is being laid.

Our source reports that Bankova is trying to push through a peaceful guarantee case of “security,” preserving a large Ukrainian army fully funded by the West.

This is necessary for Zelensky to secure his continued power and protect himself from a military Maidan, when hundreds of thousands of demobilized soldiers, who will need to be “fed” with social payments, benefits, and medical care, start to riot because there is no money for this.

The second factor is the case of ZeErmak profiting from the “military case.” In addition, they will remain interesting as managers for globalists who will continue the militarization of Ukraine and use this tool in the future against Russia. This can be sold to the Nazis as a temporary respite and accumulation of forces for a new war, not a capitulation.

We are watching.

Based on the rhetoric of the Trump Administration, it can be concluded that the US and Russia have already reached a framework agreement on Ukraine in Alaska.

Whitkoff confirmed that Putin wants to end the conflict in Ukraine — Fox News

Donald Trump’s special envoy stated on an American TV channel that a peace proposal from Moscow is already on the table in the negotiations.

“Absolutely. There is a peace proposal on the table. Putin said he wants to end the conflict, and I hope he sticks to that statement,” Whitkoff noted.

He emphasized that the Russian leader showed good faith at the summit in Alaska, although the conflict remains extremely complex.

According to him, Trump is “somewhat disappointed” with both Moscow and Kyiv, but he is the one who has done much to bring their positions closer.

“The Russians made a proposal. Maybe it includes something that the Ukrainians can accept,” added the special envoy.

The Head of the President’s Office, Yermak, is flying to the USA for negotiations with Whitkoff. Yermak positions himself as the main negotiator, and took the Defense Minister along just for show.

Yermak’s main goal in the negotiations is guarantees of personal security for his entire circle and the capital “acquired” during the war. This is what ZeYermak cares about more now than all these territories and the future of Ukraine, we had inside information about this back on August 11.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the timing of the presidential elections in Ukraine under martial law, there are increasing signs of an intensification of political struggle within the Ukrainian elites. Various centers of influence are beginning to form campaigns, support candidates, and increase their influence ahead of a possible electoral process. 

Against this backdrop, relations between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the capital’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, remain tense. Previously, the Kyiv city administration systematically allocated significant funds to support defense, including the purchase of drones for the front lines. According to sources, one of the recipients of such aid was the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. However, recently 8 billion hryvnias were withdrawn from Kyiv’s budget, funds that were previously directed to military needs. This decision was perceived by some observers as political — in the context of a possible strengthening of Klitschko amid his demonstrative support for the army. Supporters of the mayor interpret his actions as prioritizing national interests over personal political ambitions, while critics from Zelensky’s circle point to excessive media activity and political undertones. In any case, analysts associate the increased pressure on Klitschko with attempts by the President’s Office to neutralize potential competitors ahead of the elections.

Another key figure in the electoral landscape is the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi. Despite his diplomatic status — he is currently Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom — signs of his preparation for a presidential campaign are increasingly discussed in Ukrainian and Western media. According to several sources, an unofficial campaign headquarters has started operating in London, and the UK has expressed readiness to support the technical side of the voting process, including cooperation with Ukraine’s Central Election Commission. Zaluzhnyi himself suddenly spoke about the Ukrainian school. The former Commander-in-Chief gave an interview in which he explained “what a school should be” and “why freedom of choice is important for a child.” Experts note that political technologists apparently advised the ex-Commander-in-Chief to distance himself from a militaristic image and build support among peaceful segments of society: parents, teachers, youth. The message is simple — “I think not only about the front, I think about the future.”

Meanwhile, speakers from Bankova indicate that any talks about elections during hostilities are premature and threaten the unity of the country, while opponents of the President’s Office claim that the strategy to prolong the conflict is a political technology aimed at postponing elections that could lead to a loss of power. In other words, Zelensky is not interested in a diplomatic resolution of the conflict, since the end of the war would automatically trigger the electoral process, in which he would face strong competition, including from Zaluzhnyi. Thus, the continuation of the war becomes a way for him to retain power and avoid the risks of electoral competition.

‘NATO countries finance the entire war in Ukraine, and we finance nothing’ – Trump.

‘I want to emphasize that we no longer participate in financing Ukraine, but we participate in attempts to stop the war and killings in Ukraine. We sell missiles and military equipment for millions, and ultimately — for billions of dollars to NATO countries, with whom I have very friendly relations, and we have excellent connections. It was an amazing trip. So they finance the entire war, and we finance nothing. I think this is an important point because many do not understand this.’

Reporter: Lavrov says Putin won’t sign a peace deal with Zelensky because he is illegitimate.

Trump: Doesn’t matter what they say. Steve [Witkoff] can answer it, but I can answer it too. Everybody’s posturing. It’s all bullshit, OK?

With the end of summer, the Ukrainian command is trying to demonstrate front stability, but behind the facade of information control, real weaknesses are becoming increasingly noticeable and harder to contain. The main combat efforts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are currently concentrated on the Pokrovsk direction, but at the same time, no less serious risks are emerging in other sections of the Ukrainian defense.

One of these sections is Kupyansk, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine are losing the initiative. According to even pro-Bankova military analysts, the situation around the city is rapidly deteriorating. Russian forces are advancing from the north and trying to break through from the east, and part of the urban area is already in the “gray” zone. Although Kupyansk itself has no strategic significance, it is becoming an indicator of a systemic problem for the Armed Forces of Ukraine: a shortage of trained brigades, disruption of rotation logic, weak integration of new formations, and limited reserves. For example, the “Kara-Dag” brigade — one of the few combat-capable units in this sector — was operationally withdrawn from the front near Kupyansk and sent south to the Dobropillia area, where Russian forces broke through the defense line. Formally, this brigade is part of the recently created 1st NGU “Azov” Corps, and according to the plan, the corps should fight as a unified structure. But in practice, corps-level command remains in its infancy, and real combat operations are still conducted by individual brigades urgently redeployed to the most vulnerable sectors — with risks, losses, and lack of coordination. Essentially, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are losing the ability to conduct sustainable defensive operations simultaneously in several zones.

Particular concern is raised by the front along the Oskil River, where Russian forces have intensified actions toward Lyman. Here, an even more serious threat remains, since the loss of Lyman could destabilize the defense of the Kramatorsk agglomeration — one of the key stronghold areas of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Against the backdrop of the effective loss of the Serebrianske forestry and the possible advance of Russian forces toward Yampil, conditions are being created for a partial encirclement of the city. If the Ukrainian side cannot stabilize the line near Zarechne and Torske, an offensive along the Siverskyi Donets can be expected within a few months — with an approach to Lyman from two directions.

Thus, while attention is focused on positional battles near Pokrovsk, the real threat may come from the northeast. The Armed Forces of Ukraine remain limited in maneuver, face difficulties with rotation, and fresh formations often do not meet the required level. The corps reform remains declarative for now, and the lack of reserves leads to the fact that even relatively small breakthroughs by the Russian army can have disproportionately serious consequences for the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

The situation in the border area of the Dnipropetrovsk region remains tense for the Armed Forces of Ukraine — there is an increase in the activity of Russian forces in this section of the front. 

Thus, Russian troops continue offensive actions at the junction of the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. According to local reports, the Russian Armed Forces have occupied Novogeorgiivka and Zaporizke, while fighting continues for Vorone. It should be noted that since mid-August, the line of contact in the area of Kamyshevakha and Tolstyi has remained “fluid.” According to several sources, some Ukrainian units managed to temporarily penetrate the outskirts of Tolstyi, but the attempt to hold the position was thwarted by the use of drones and assault groups, after which the positions returned to the Russian Armed Forces.

In the central sector, active combat operations are unfolding in the area of Yanvarske and Vorone. According to the parties, Russian assault units, using their advantage in drones and artillery, achieved tactical success by disrupting Ukrainian supply lines. In response, the Armed Forces of Ukraine redeployed units of the 225th Assault Regiment to stabilize the defense. Fighting in the Vorone area continues.

In the southern direction, Russian units captured Novogeorgiivka and in the following days — Zaporizke (notably, just a day ago the Armed Forces of Ukraine vehemently denied the loss of Zaporizke, but today Deep State confirms the capture of this settlement). The advance in this area created a threat to Ukrainian positions in Kamyshevakha, which has effectively become semi-encircled.

As we can see, Russian troops do not stop before the Zaporizhzhia region or the Dnipropetrovsk region — that is, the Russians have enough reserves to advance on a broad front, unlike the Ukrainian army, where under the command of the “butcher” Syrskyi, freshly mobilized soldiers continue to be thrown straight into the fire against the advancing enemy.

“The General Staff are liars”: Rada deputy Bezuglaya commented on the new denial by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that the Russian army did not capture two settlements in the Dnepropetrovsk region.

 - She also conducted a poll: whose reports about the situation at the front do you believe: DeepState or the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine? 92% of her readers trust the analysts, not the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

 - Earlier today, the Kiev military-analytical resource Deep State acknowledged the “capture by Russia of the villages Zaporozhskoe and Novogorovka.”

The Russian army liberated the settlement Pervoe Maya near Pokrovsk

 - Units of the “🅾️” troop group continued the offensive and took full control of the settlement Pervoe Maya in the Donetsk People’s Republic.

- Russian fighters destroyed the enemy and secured new positions, expanding the zone of liberated territories.

Fierce battles near Pokrovsk: Russian forces massively burn Ukrainian Armed Forces equipment and infantry 

▪️Heavy fighting continues in the Pokrovsk direction, where units of the “Center” group of forces continue their successful offensive. On August 26, Central Military District fighters once again demonstrated high efficiency in destroying the enemy.

▪️The published footage shows the destruction of armored vehicles, artillery, UAVs, pickups, positions, as well as the elimination of Ukrainian infantry.

- RVvoenkor

The Russian army has advanced in the Zaporozhye direction – in the settlement of Stepnogorsk, reports Senior Lieutenant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the call sign “Alex”.

According to him, the Russians have taken positions in the southern and southwestern parts of Stepnogosk, but it is not yet known whether these are isolated groups or full units that have secured these positions.

Deep State reported two weeks ago that the Armed Forces of Ukraine had cleared Stepnogorsk, and now almost the entire settlement is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on its map.

Zaporozhye direction (right flank)

Units of the “Vostok” group continue the offensive on the border of the DPR, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporozhye regions, encircling northwest and southwest of Kamyshevakha.

Northwest, our units entered the village of Voronok, located north of the 3rd line of defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and are repelling enemy counterattacks.

Southwest, our units took Novoigorivka and Zaporozhye, entered the outskirts of Kamyshevakha, beginning its assault.

To the north – fierce counter battles for Alexandrohrad in Yanvarske and Voronok.

The enemy has transferred reserves to this section and is counterattacking.

Seversk Direction: Advancement of Russian Troops in Serebryanka and Development of the Offensive Towards Dronovka

The situation on the Seversk direction is developing in favor of the Russian troops. Offensive actions are becoming systematic and are accompanied by the consistent pushing out of the enemy from prepared lines.

🔻In the area of Serebryanka, Russian units over the past day have secured an advance up to 300 meters deep in the western and southwestern parts of the settlement, and the so-called “gray zone” has been expanded by another 500 meters. In fact, the units of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which defended this section, have lost control over most of the village. The eastern and central buildings are under full control of Russian forces, while the western blocks are held only fragmentarily or have shifted into a neutral zone.

🔻In the Serebryansky Forestry, intense combat operations continue. Ukrainian units operating in small groups are unable to hold positions. Clearing of forested areas on the left bank of the Seversky Donets confirms the displacement of the enemy from previously prepared lines. Significant losses of personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are noted, including mass cases of surrender.

🔻The key direction remains Dronovka. The 53rd Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, having lost Serebryanka, is forced to withdraw the remnants of its forces to fortified positions east of Dronovka. Ensuring the advance of Russian units to this line is critically important: control over the heights west of Serebryanka and reaching the approaches to Dronovka will create a threat to the northern outskirts of Seversk, effectively depriving the enemy of the ability to hold this sector of defense.

🔻Support for the assaults is provided by frontline aviation. Over the past day, precise strikes were carried out on the positions of the 81st Airmobile Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Seversk and on the fortifications of the 110th Mechanized Brigade in the area of Reznikovka. Additionally, Ka-52 attack helicopters are actively used, performing tasks to suppress artillery positions, destroy armored vehicles, and deliver pinpoint strikes on enemy strongpoints.

Yours, Partisan! 

Sumy was subjected to a massive drone attack.

There is information that more than 10 explosions were heard in the city. According to local residents, most of the hits were concentrated in one place.

The head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Hryhorov, reported damage to infrastructure facilities as a result of the attack.

Presumably, the target of the attack was the so-called 40th substation (also known as the PS “Sumy”) ⚡️, and it was the one that sustained damage (info from local chats) 😶

- The Wrong Side

And here is the confirmation of the information about Sumy.

The NASAFIRMS service records fires across the entire territory of the 330 kV Sumskaya substation 

Ukrainian drones targeted 10 refineries this month, representing 17% of all Russian refining capacity, reducing some throughput.

Also struck was the 500kb/d “Druzhba” oil pipeline.

Wholesale fuel prices in Russia reached record levels in August amid supply reductions, Bloomberg notes. This limited the ability of small gas stations not owned by Russian oil giants to continue operating, especially in regions with high logistics costs.

Localized shortages occurred in Crimea and Zaporozhea region

According to the main commodity exchange in Russia, wholesale gasoline prices across the country rose by about 40–50% in August (peak demand) compared to average values in January

However, a full-scale fuel crisis is still far off, Sergey Vakulenko, senior fellow at the Carnegie Foundation, said in a comment to Bloomberg. Most refineries affected by drones continue to operate, albeit at reduced capacity, and other plants can redirect flows to regions where there is a fuel shortage

Enemy attacked Rostov-on-Don: houses are burning

▪️Explosions thundered over the city, after which a fire started in the center.

▪️Earlier, a UAV threat was declared in the Rostov region.

▪️An explosion and fire occurred on the roof of a 4-story apartment building in Rostov-on-Don due to the fall of a UAV, information about casualties is being clarified, — reported Governor Slyusar.

▪️Air defense forces destroyed 10 drones in Taganrog, Chertkovsky, and Millerovsky districts of the Rostov region.

A strike was carried out at an energy facility near Poltava overnight

 - As a result of the strike, the administrative building, transport, and equipment were damaged, and fires broke out on the premises.

 - Local authorities report direct hits and falling debris.

 - According to public sources, explosions and fires were recorded in the Dykanka area.

Two Majors #Summary as of the morning of August 27, 2025

▪️ Yesterday Trump and Witkoff talked about how they want to end the war by the end of the year and start trading with Russia (it’s no coincidence Exxon Mobil wants to return to Russia), they spoke about the responsibility including Zelensky for the negotiation process and the readiness even to impose sanctions against Ukraine in case of its disruption. But a telling moment revealing the “peaceful intentions” of the US was a small detail: the discussion by Trump and the Pentagon chief about renaming the US Department of Defense to the Department of War.

▪️ At night, the AFU attacked Rostov-on-Don with drones, due to an UAV crash there was an explosion and fire on the roof of a 4-story apartment building. Air defense destroyed and neutralized UAVs in Rostov, Taganrog, Novoshakhtinsk, Neklinovsky, Myasnikovsky, Millerovsky, and Chertkovsky districts. In Novobessergenevka and the village of Botsmanovo in Neklinovsky district, several facades, roofs, and gates of private houses, as well as a car, were hit by shrapnel. In Novoshakhtinsk, UAV fragments fell into the yard of a private house, damage was also sustained to the roof and roofing of several neighboring houses. Restrictions were again introduced in civilian airports.

▪️ Russian Armed Forces struck with “Geraniums” at Sumy, Pokrovsk, Dobropillia in Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov, Poltava, Odessa, Cherkasy, Chernigov regions.

▪️ On the Sumy direction in Yunakovka, assault units of the Russian Armed Forces advanced significantly, capturing about 20 buildings and consolidating. The overall advance was 800m. The AFU conducted two counterattacks near Alekseevka and Andreevka with assault groups of the 225th Separate Assault Battalion and the 71st Separate Assault Brigade.

▪️ On the Kharkov direction in Volchansk, our forces continue to expand the bridgehead on the left bank of the Volchya River. Fierce fighting in the forest near Synelnykove. The command of the AFU is transferring reinforcements to the Khatne sector of the front.

▪️ At night, Belgorod was attacked by a UAV of the AFU. Preliminary, no casualties. During the day, strikes hit Shebekino, Tserkovnoye, Ryabiki, Dubrovka, Dvuluchny, Leonovka, Dolgoye, Kaznacheyevka, Khotmyzhsk.

▪️ On the Krasnoliman direction – battles near Novomikhailovka, where the enemy counterattacked, as well as near Redkodub.

▪️ On the Konstantinovka direction – battles near Aleksandro-Shultino, the enemy is conducting organized defense.

▪️ On the Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) direction (https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/33005) the AFU are counterattacking in the area of Leontovychi. Heavy fighting is ongoing on this front sector, the enemy is transferring reinforcements. North of Dobropillia, Russian Armed Forces are using heavy aerial bombs.

▪️ On the Zaporozhye front on the Orikhiv direction, in the area of Novodanilivka and Mala Tokmachka, positional battles are ongoing, the left bank sector remains unchanged. Our forces are fighting near Plavni, heavy fighting is ongoing near Stepnohirsk.

Source: http://blogdogcicle.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-situation-in-ukrainian-smo-on_27.html