The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that Russia's military potential is gradually decreasing, despite its mobilization resources and weapon reserves. Russia's aggression has escalated into a war of attrition, where Ukraine is strengthening its positions.
On August 28, 2025, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) hit the Russian small missile ship "Buyan-M" in the Sea of Azov. The ship was damaged by a drone strike on its radar and an attack by special forces.
Near Sevastopol, Russian air defense destroyed three unknown aerial targets. Infrastructure was not damaged, residents are advised to remain calm.
People's Deputy Petro Poroshenko is speculating on the undermining of the main oil pipeline "Druzhba" by Ukrainian military and is trying to show his involvement in this special operation.
Many Russian cities and regions are experiencing fuel shortages after Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. Authorities are introducing fuel rationing, prices are rising, and drivers are queuing for kilometers.
Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized 74 out of 95 Shahed drones and decoys launched by the Russian Federation overnight. 21 drones hit 9 locations in the north, south, and east of the country.
The SBU detained an FSB agent in Kyiv who was collecting data on administrative buildings of the Defense Forces and TCR. The enemy planned to use the information for terrorist attacks and air strikes on the capital.
The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted a special operation in temporarily occupied Crimea. As a result, logistics facilities that ensure the functioning and combat supply of military units of the Russian army were disabled.
In occupied Crimea, hits were recorded on the Urozhaina railway station in Krasnohvardiiske and a fuel train in Dzhankoi. A possible strike on an oil depot near the railway in Dzhankoi is also reported.
Turkey has begun construction of a 224-kilometer railway line worth $2. 8 billion, connecting the country with Nakhchivan via Azerbaijan. This project will become part of the "Middle Corridor" between China and Europe, bypassing Russia, and can reduce goods delivery time by 10-15 days.
On the Kuril Islands, the sale of AI-92 gasoline to the public has been completely stopped, leaving it only for official needs. The head of the district reported that there is only enough gasoline for special transport, and a new batch is expected "soon."
Kyrylo Budanov considers Ukraine's cooperation with the USA decisive for victory over Russia. He emphasizes that cooperation with Washington is key to deterring the aggressor.
Ukraine conducted its 68th prisoner exchange on Independence Day. Military personnel and civilians returned, including journalists and the former mayor of Kherson.
The "Yellow Ribbon" movement presented the 24independence. day platform for congratulating residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine on Independence Day. The website allows sending personal greetings and words of support, uniting Ukrainians.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea are an integral part of Ukraine. He expressed confidence in the future unification of all regions.
The "Yellow Ribbon" movement adorned the occupied cities of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions, and Crimea with Ukrainian flags. The action took place on August 23, Ukraine's National Flag Day, covering Yevpatoria, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zhdanivka, Henichesk, Berdiansk, Mariupol, Simferopol, and Nova Kakhovka.
China has expressed readiness to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, but only under a UN mandate. In Brussels, the plan met with a mixed reaction due to concerns about China's neutrality.
Kyrylo Vyshinsky, former head of "RIA Novosti Ukraine", died in Moscow. He was detained by the SBU in 2018, and in 2019 he was transferred to Russia during a prisoner exchange.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not give its land to the occupiers.
Two young men, aged 21 and 22, have been returned from temporarily occupied Crimea thanks to the initiative of the President of Ukraine "Bring Kids Back UA". The young people grew up under occupation and experienced constant pressure.
Pro-government Russian political scientist Sergei Markov was recognized as a "foreign agent". The likely reason is his statement about Russia's responsibility for shooting down an Azerbaijani plane on December 25, 2024.
Units of the Ukrainian Navy successfully attacked a drone basing point at the "Chersonesos" airfield in Sevastopol. Up to three "Mohajer-6" UAVs and two "Forpost" UAVs, which were used for reconnaissance in the Black Sea, were destroyed.
On the night of August 22, the enemy attacked Ukraine with 55 attack UAVs and decoy drones. Defense forces neutralized 46 enemy drones in the north and east of the country.
Russian courts impose fines or arrests for administrative cases of "disrespect" for the authorities. Since 2019, almost 400 Russians and residents of Crimea have been prosecuted under this law.
The fuel crisis is deepening in the regions of the Russian Federation, leading to restrictions on gasoline sales in the regions. The Russian authorities are urgently purchasing fuel from Belarus to meet demand.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed the situation at the front, emphasizing the effectiveness of Ukrainian troops and highlighting the need for international support. He also drew attention to the issue of countering drones, noting a change in the ratio in favor of Ukraine.
The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the night of August 21 struck a Russian rolling stock with fuel and lubricants near the Dzhankoy railway station. This complicated the supply of the southern grouping of Russian troops.
Ukraine insists on a ceasefire before negotiations with Russia, considering it necessary for a real peace process. President Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of bilateral agreements and US participation to end the conflict.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia's economy is degrading, and its problems will become noticeable within a year, and critical within two. This will force the Kremlin to seek options for ending the war.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not compromise on its territories, including Donbas and Crimea. He emphasized that legally, Ukraine does not recognize any occupation.
