The Russian side demands that Ukraine cede strategically important unoccupied territory in Donetsk Oblast. This will allow Russia to gain more advantageous positions for a future offensive on Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts.
Ukrainian military liberated the outskirts of Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia. At the same time, the enemy advanced in Nykanorivka, Shcherbynivka, and near Petrivka in Donetsk region.
President Zelenskyy emphasizes that Donbas is a springboard for a Russian offensive, and its loss will open the way to further aggression. The issue of territories must be an integral part of security guarantees.
Information about a breakthrough of Russian troops in Eastern Ukraine is unreliable. The enemy uses the tactic of infiltration by small groups, which does not mean the capture of territories.
Russian troops shelled the city of Bilozerske in Donetsk region on the night of August 12. 8 multi-story buildings, an administrative building, and a car were damaged, rescuers suspended operations due to repeated attacks.
Ukraine is considering freezing the front, recognizing Russia's control over occupied lands, provided there are security guarantees and a path to NATO. This comes ahead of a meeting between Trump and Putin.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the NSDC's Center for Countering Disinformation, refutes Russian narratives about the "surrender" of territories. He emphasizes that the Defense Forces are doing everything possible to destroy the Russians, despite the objective situation at the front.
At night, Russia launched 4 ballistic missiles and 48 drones at Ukraine. 36 UAVs were neutralized, but 12 drones and 3 missiles were recorded hitting seven locations.
In the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region, Russians are cutting off water supply to homes they have labeled as "ownerless. " These are the homes of those who refused to obtain Russian documents.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine struck the command post of the 85th separate motorized rifle brigade of the Russian Armed Forces in Donetsk region. The brigade commander with the call sign "Dnepr" and five operational officers were eliminated.
According to Ukrainian Armed Forces officer Andriy Tkachuk, there are already over 110,000 Russian troops in the Pokrovsk direction. An additional transfer of forces would lead to a weakening of other sections of the front.
Russian troops have launched a full-scale offensive in the Dobropillia direction, penetrating the AFU's defense and forming a "gray zone. " The situation in the Pokrovsk direction remains very difficult, with the enemy fighting for Rodynske.
In the occupied territories of Donetsk region, the occupation authorities “regulate” prices for drinking water, which is in critical shortage. Militants conduct raids against sellers who refuse to sell water at a fixed price.
Washington likely confused Russia's readiness for a ceasefire with concessions. At the same time, the Kremlin does not plan to give up the occupied territories of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
British journalist Daniel Hannan claims that Trump's meeting with the Russian dictator in Alaska is a defeat for Ukraine and Western values. According to his predictions, Putin will retain most of the captured territories, and the US will stop supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Russian occupiers are imitating the rescue of the Kalmius River in Donetsk region by carrying out local clean-ups. The river remains polluted with construction debris and industrial waste.
US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will meet on August 15 in Alaska. The terms for ending the war in Ukraine will be discussed, which CNN observer Nick Paton Walsh calls devastating for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy states that the path to peace in Ukraine must be determined together with Ukraine. He emphasizes that only Russia can end the war it started, and Putin seeks to legalize the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Analysts warn of a possible offensive on Kharkiv Oblast if Ukraine withdraws from Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. This would allow Russia to avoid prolonged fighting and advance to the borders of Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts.
European states and Ukraine rejected Vladimir Putin's ceasefire plan. They put forward a counter-proposal, which should become the basis for future negotiations between Trump and the Russian leader.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), stated that Putin continues to pretend that he can talk about Ukraine without Ukraine. He noted that this is his way of thinking, but Russia is a country of limited subjectivity.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron, exchanging views on the diplomatic situation. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of a real end to the war and reliable security foundations.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported that 24% of water samples at bathing sites do not meet microbiological standards. Of 104 samples taken, 25 were found to be contaminated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's refusal after statements regarding territories risks angering Trump, who seeks a peace agreement.
Russian troops likely seized about 500-550 sq. km of Ukrainian territory in July 2025, continuing their offensive in the Donetsk region. At the same time, losses and Ukrainian counterattacks likely thwarted Russia's plans to create a buffer zone in the Sumy region.
On the night of August 9, the enemy attacked Ukraine with 47 attack UAVs and two "Iskander-K" missiles. Defense forces neutralized an "Iskander-K" missile and 16 enemy UAVs in the north and east of the country.
High-ranking officials from the US, Ukraine, and Europe will meet in the UK to coordinate positions ahead of the Trump-Putin summit. This comes amid concerns that Trump might accept Putin's proposals without considering Ukraine's interests.
A utility company employee from Kramatorsk was sentenced to 15 years for treason. He transmitted data to the FSB about a strategically important defense line in Donetsk region.
In Donetsk Oblast, forced evacuation of families with children has begun from 21 settlements of the Lyman community. About 109 children will be taken to a safe territory.
A potential end to the war in Ukraine could solidify the Kremlin's control over part of the occupied territories. This sets the stage for a potential meeting between Trump and Putin, while Ukraine's European allies express concern.
