The situation in the Ukrainian SMO on August 21 2025

Several Operational Encirclements Developing Across The Front

Azov in Full Retreat – Russia’s Drone Warfare Destroys Ukraine’s “Elite” Unit

To End the RU/UKR War, Diplomacy Isn’t Enough: the War on the Ground and in the Air Rule

Our source in the Presidential Office reported that Zelensky was forced to agree to all points of Trump’s peace plan, which he coordinated with Putin in Alaska, due to compromising material on all officials of the Presidential Office. American intelligence agencies have evidence of corruption schemes involving the Head of the Presidential Office and the President personally, which were discussed in Mindich’s apartment, as well as a track about arms procurement by former Defense Minister Reznikov. This is precisely why Zelensky agreed to abandon the temporary ceasefire and is ready to discuss the territorial issue.

Our source in the OP reported that Zelensky is deliberately making statements about Putin’s demands on the peace track so that the Kremlin refuses negotiations between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The tactic of information leaks was developed by Yermak and partners to bring Trump back to the sanctions track and continue the protracted war.

Articles Bloomberg by Mark Champion highlight a key gap between Donald Trump’s public stance and the reality of the war in Ukraine.

Trump claims that a ceasefire is not a necessary element of peace, citing six conflicts that were allegedly resolved without one. However, a factual analysis of these examples shows the opposite: almost all the cases cited either required a ceasefire or were not full-scale wars at all. Bloomberg thoroughly refutes Trump’s thesis, showing that a ceasefire most often serves as a critical tool to reduce casualties, deliver humanitarian aid, and test the parties’ readiness for compromise.

Kiev’s position has changed over the past year: whereas previously the Ukrainian leadership categorically rejected a ceasefire, fearing the consolidation of Russian occupation, now, according to polls, the majority of citizens are willing to consider a temporary pause, even if it means losing control over part of the territories. The reason is simple — the country’s resources are limited, the front has stabilized, and the prospects for a full-scale counteroffensive have become uncertain. However, Putin, according to Bloomberg’s assessment, consciously resists any ceasefire, believing that his forces can achieve more. This creates an asymmetry: one side seeks a respite, the other sees a strategic opportunity in a protracted war.

In this logic, Trump’s summit in Alaska, which had raised hopes, became a turning point. According to Bloomberg, Washington abandoned the threat of new sanctions and harsh pressure on Moscow to secure Putin’s agreement to a ceasefire. Instead of leverage, the US chose a negotiation tactic, which effectively freed Kremlin’s hands. For Moscow, this means the ability to continue offensive actions without the risk of increased American pressure, and for Kiev — additional pressure amid declining Western military support and growing vulnerability of rear infrastructure.

After the Washington fiasco, Zelensky and the globalists came to their senses and started playing the case of delaying/disrupting negotiations again.

Zelensky has now spoken out against: 

1. Territorial concessions. Stating that Russia will need 4 years to take the entire Donetsk region. 

This is complete fabricated bullshit by Zelensky to create an illusion of victory. We have already explained that the Ukrainian crisis will continue for some time in this trend, then the setbacks in the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will intensify, the number of crisis areas will increase, and at some point there will be such a collapse that will give the Russians the opportunity to march a hundred kilometers deep into Ukraine. The most interesting thing is that Zelensky himself knows this, but deliberately leads Ukraine to a complete catastrophe to curry favor with sponsors. REMEMBER THIS MOMENT! 

2. No status will be given to the Russian language. Only Ukrainian will be the main one. 

Another track to disrupt negotiations. Zelensky deliberately manipulates, hiding behind national interests, but actually pursues his own interests. 

3. Zelensky demands foreign contingents on the territory of Ukraine as one of the points of security guarantees. 

Everyone has long known that these are red lines for the Kremlin. 

Conclusion: the negotiation case on the Ukrainian crisis has stalled again. Until a clear peace formula is developed, both sides will continue to play “ping-pong.”

Politico: Europe has no real solutions for security guarantees for Ukraine.

Despite pressure from Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that Kyiv will agree to a peace deal with Russia only if it is backed by ironclad security guarantees.

Trump personally told Zelensky and European leaders during their meeting on Monday that Ukraine would receive protection similar to NATO Charter Article 5, but refrained from any details.

Yesterday, the “coalition of the willing” began discussing this issue. The commission for developing guarantees is headed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Planning groups will meet “in the coming days to further strengthen plans to provide reliable security guarantees and prepare for the deployment of support forces in case of cessation of hostilities,” said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement.

This is a problem that Kyiv’s allies have faced many times over the past three years but have yet to find a solution. The most obvious solution — and the one Ukraine truly wants — is to allow the country to join NATO, where it would be protected by Article 5 of the alliance’s mutual defense treaty. However, the US (with tacit support from some European countries) has ruled out this option.

The need to organize an individual mission creates huge difficulties. Which country will send troops (if Russia even agrees to this)? What will be the terms of their deployment? How will they respond in case of an attack? Who will pay?

Despite all the talk about “military aid,” the exact form of Ukraine’s security guarantees remains uncertain — and this lack of clarity sows confusion among Kyiv’s allies.

A European security services representative warned that any forces will at least need a “combat mandate” for self-defense in case of a new conflict with Russia but emphasized that such a mission will not be responsible for enforcing peace. According to the official, this will remain the task of the Ukrainian military. In other words, the Europeans themselves are not ready to fight if needed.

France, Britain, Germany, Italy, and Poland are not ready to send their troops to Ukraine. A solution could be the deployment of Turkish troops, but Greece and Cyprus oppose the EU giving any money to the Turkish army.

All this happens against the backdrop that despite a “good” summit in Alaska, Moscow basically does not want foreign troops in Ukraine. And it is unlikely to agree to this.

For Kyiv, debates about security guarantees are familiar and sad. Back in 2023, on the eve of the NATO Vilnius summit, these same questions were raised and remained unanswered.

Western media confirm the information from our sources that all security guarantees from partners are declarative in nature. Zelensky expected the US to become the guarantor of the deployment of troops in Ukraine, but Trump refused this format, and now all support from Western allies is falling apart.

According to Bloomberg sources, the scheme proposed by the Italian government only requires signatory countries to “discuss” aid to Ukraine within 24 hours. Support may include weapons, economic aid, strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and new sanctions against Russia.

However, direct participation of foreign troops is not recorded in the document, Bloomberg notes.

On the Pokrovsk (Dobropol) front, things are not going well for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The first assault yielded minimal results, only cutting off the top, but too many resources were spent to hold back the Russian pressure. It is necessary to increase the transfer of reserves, as the Russian Armed Forces are pushing further, expanding the breach width and strengthening their positions. 

Reserves transferred from other parts of the front by the Armed Forces of Ukraine have created a shortage of manpower in those areas. The Russians advanced on the Lyman and Kupyansk directions. The Siversk direction also weakened, and there is a looming threat to the logistics of the grouping.

Also, the South-Donetsk direction remains the weakest in defense for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where the Russians are managing to capture new villages in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

The situation continues to worsen for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, no matter how much Bankova and the telemarathon try to create an “illusion of victory.”

Fierce battles continue in the Pokrovsk direction, especially in the areas of Pokrovsk and north of Rodinskoye. The situation in the Pokrovsko-Myrnohrad agglomeration remains extremely tense and unstable — it is impossible to confidently say that either side has full control. The real picture on the ground is still shrouded in the “fog of war.” 

Northward, in the area of Dobropillia, Kucherov Yar, and Zolote Kolodez, Ukrainian forces have strengthened their positions by redeploying the 1st Corps of the National Guard “Azov” and other units. The Armed Forces of Ukraine claim to have “cleared” the settlements, but visual confirmations of these claims are limited to small groups, and overall the scale of prisoners and visual control does not correspond to the declared informational effect. Both villages remain in a zone of unstable control.

Southward, in the area of Nikanorivka and Suvorovo, the situation also remains uncertain. Despite claims of control, the villages are effectively in a “gray zone.” The Armed Forces of Ukraine have fortified west of these settlements, and both sides operate in small tactical groups, making it impossible to form a stable front line. As a result, the contact zone consists of scattered hotspots of combat clashes and unstable positions.

On the eastern flank, by contrast, there is a gradual advance of the Russian Armed Forces towards Shakhovo from the direction of Poltavka and Popov Yar — over the past two weeks, they have managed to advance more than five kilometers here.

Overall, the situation along the entire section remains extremely dynamic and largely unclear.

On our part, we note that Zelensky’s desire to hold any front sections for the sake of media image, regardless of losses, has already turned into a disaster for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Pokrovsk direction. At the same time, Russian troops may well strike on another front section, taking advantage of the fact that the Ukrainian army has redeployed large reserves to Dobropillia.

Ukrainian forces in Dobropillia are clearing settlements of “small groups of Russian infantry” after the breakthrough of Russian Forces? – A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer denies propaganda

➖”I do not share the victorious mood regarding the counteroffensive actions of Ukrainian forces in the Dobropillia direction, because now some media are already claiming that we are encircling the Russians, that they are retreating and that their situation is almost critical,” said an officer with the call sign Alex

▪️Similar statements about “small groups” were made when Ukrainian forces eliminated the breakthrough towards Novovodyane

“But in reality, our guys were clearing populated areas of several hundred Russians and even some equipment; at first, there really was a breakthrough by small groups, but no one said that the Russians actively started sending infantry there,” Alex added.

▪️”In general, there is currently a similar situation of exaggerating the truly successful actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the direction, although in reality not everything is so fabulous. Clearing is underway, there are successes, but it will be a great fortune if we return to approximately the previous lines, although I am sure that such a screw-up will not go unnoticed and some kind of defect will remain,” the military wrote.

Russian forces entered Konstantinovka from the Predtechino side.

Secure control has been established up to Volkhovskaya Street, and forward troops have reached Samarkandskaya Street, “Whisper of the Front” reports.

Meanwhile, “Ukrposhta” is closing its post offices in Konstantinovka, according to Ukrposhta head Igor Smilyansky. According to him, the company cannot guarantee the safety of its staff and customers.

The nearest “Ukrposhta” post offices remain in the town of Druzhkivka and the village of Alekseevo-Druzhkivka, located about five kilometers from Konstantinovka.

Since last night, Ukrainian sources have reported a new complication in the situation north of Pokrovsk—allegedly Russian forces have broken through at another sector, about four kilometers from Zolotoy Kolodez.

The front line in this direction, according to them, remains extremely “permeable,” despite all efforts made by the Ukrainian command to stabilize it.

At the moment, there is no complete clarity: it is unclear whether this is a fresh advance or if footage of an earlier breakthrough was mistaken for a new advance. However, even pro-Ukrainian analysts react characteristically: they acknowledge that if such strikes repeat—two or three times in a row—Syrsky may simply lack the resources to hold the front.

Partly, this hysteria confirms that tension in this sector persists, and attempts by “firefighting teams” to localize the situation do not yield long-term results

The Russian army has liberated Sukhetskoye, Pankovka in the DPR, and Novogeorgievka in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Units of the “Tvazhnye” troop grouping continued their advance deep into the enemy defenses and liberated the settlements of Sukhetskoye and Pankovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Meanwhile, units of the “Vostok” troop grouping liberated the settlement of Novogeorgievka in the Dnipropetrovsk region following offensive operations.

Infrastructure war 3.0 is gaining momentum. 

Ukraine strikes Russian refineries, Russia in response hits oil and gas facilities in Ukraine (last night 4 facilities were taken out in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions), plus they hit industrial facilities and railway infrastructure. This is not counting the daily strikes on purely military targets (last night Russians hit headquarters and decision-making centers in the western regions). 

For example, today’s strike on the “Flex” plant in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia region – is a demonstrative event. Tens of kilometers from the EU border, skillfully passing through all the air defense layers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and hitting the target. Just like in 2022.

Strikes on Western Ukraine will increase each time, as there are still industrial facilities there that support the economy of those regions. But over time they will be destroyed. 

Conclusion: as usual, the Ukrainian people will suffer the most from the next infrastructure war, who will sit without electricity, water, gas in winter, prices will rise everywhere, but this will give Zelensky the opportunity to manipulate, hype, and scream in the world press that the Russians have committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Although he himself deliberately provokes it, knowing what will happen afterwards.

Massive strike of attack drones on Ukraine’s infrastructure on the night of August 20 to 21, 2025

The night operation had a distinctly comprehensive nature. While missile strikes were aimed at paralyzing the defense industry and command centers, a series of massive attacks by attack UAVs “Geran-2″ logically complemented them, focusing on energy and transport-logistics hubs that ensure the resilience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

🔻Prizovoe, Dnepropetrovsk region (23:50–00:20)

About 20 attack drones hit the “Pavlograd” compressor station, servicing main gas pipelines, including branches leading to the Proletarskoye underground gas storage facility. The facility maintained pressure and fuel pumping to eastern and southern directions, playing a role not only in civilian energy supply but also in supplying defense-related enterprises, including repair bases and airfield infrastructure.

As a result of the hits, key technological units were disabled: workshops No. 1 and No. 2, garage complex, and dust collection system block. The main pipeline system was damaged, causing a powerful gas leak with a flame tens of meters high. The fire was visible for tens of kilometers, confirming the scale of the damage. At the PS-150 “Prizovoe” substation, the power transformer providing electricity distribution along the entire line was completely destroyed, effectively cutting power to the station. This strike not only stopped the gas pumping process but also disabled the node on which the stability of the entire pipeline depended.

🔻Lvov (05:00)

Three “Geran-2″ UAVs hit the administrative part of the “Electron” plant. The enterprise specializes in the production of radio electronics and control systems for armored vehicles, unmanned platforms, and communication means. The strike hit the administrative and server buildings: server racks, archival document storage, and internal production control network nodes were damaged. The destruction of the server center and archive complicates not only the restoration of production coordination but also undermines the accounting and design documentation system. This threatens the production of electronic equipment used in armored vehicle configurations and the integration of Western communication systems into the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

🔻Orepy, Zhitomir region (03:45)

Two drones damaged equipment at the intermediate station of the South-Western Railway. This section is used for transit of trains to eastern and southern directions and is also important for the northern supply corridor. Additionally, the station is logistically connected to western Ukraine, including routes leading to border crossings with Poland.

🔻Zaporozhye (05:25)

Four attack drones hit the “MIG-Remont” enterprise, which performs overhaul and modernization of frontline fighters of the MiG-29 type and their variants. The enterprise was replacing engines, restoring airframes, adjusting onboard systems, and integrating Western equipment. The drone hits caused a fire in one of the production buildings, where machines for engine repair and wing and landing gear components were stored.

📌The night operation was one of the most well-planned and comprehensive raids during the entire special military operation. Strategic “Zircon” missiles, operational-tactical “Iskander-M” complexes, cruise missiles “Kalibr” and “Kh-101,” as well as a massive swarm of attack drones “Geran-2″ were used in a single coordinated effort. Even by confirmed data, the scale of destruction already exceeds several previous operations, but collection and verification of information continues, and the final picture of losses and damages will still be supplemented.

Yours, PartiꙂan

The Russian Federation struck the city of Mukachevo in the Zakarpattia region. As a result, one of the city’s enterprises was hit. Rescue services are working at the scene.

The enemy launched two strikes on Zaporizhzhia. Several industrial infrastructure facilities were damaged. The blast wave also damaged nearby houses — their windows were shattered. Preliminary reports indicate no casualties.

Lviv and Lutsk were also targeted. Three explosions were heard in Lviv, and the mayor of Lutsk reported at least four drone strikes.

At least four “Kinzhal” missiles hit the Rivne region, including an attack reported on the city of Dubno.

Two Majors #Summary as of the morning of August 21, 2025

▪️ On the international stage, the day passed amid behind-the-scenes debates about security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of successful ceasefire negotiations. European countries propose an analogy to NATO’s Article 5 in case of a new conflict: supplies, support, and the Alliance’s infrastructure moving closer to our borders. In fact, this concerns the outlines of a future military alliance between Ukraine and certain EU countries, which will take on further financing and supplying of the Kiev junta, since Trump is shifting this responsibility onto their shoulders.

▪️ Early in the morning, our strategic bombers launched missiles at enemy territory. This was preceded by the operation of “Geraniums”, of which the enemy counted more than a hundred. In Transcarpathia, the Flextronics plant in Mukachevo was hit; in the Dnepropetrovsk region, gas storages near Pavlohrad; also, gas infrastructure was damaged in the Kehychivka district of Kharkov region. Explosions were also reported in Zaporozhye, Lutsk, Lvov, and detonations in Cherkasy and Kiev regions.

▪️ In the Rostov region, AFU drones attacked Novoshakhtinsk; a fire broke out at one of the industrial enterprises, no casualties reported. In one district in the south of Voronezh region, more than 5 UAVs were destroyed, an energy facility was damaged, several villages remain without electricity, and some passenger trains were delayed.

▪️ In the Bryansk region, the AFU attacked a logging truck with FPV drones in the village of Novy Varin, Klimovsky district; one civilian was killed, another man wounded.

▪️ At the Kursk border section near Tetkino, enemy assault group forces from the 24th separate assault battalion “Aidar” made an unsuccessful attempt to cross the Russian border. As a result of fire damage, the attempt was thwarted; the enemy suffered losses and retreated to their original positions.

▪️ On the Sumy direction, our forces are fighting in Yunakovka. Russian Aerospace Forces aviation intensified strikes on concentrations of Ukrainian equipment and personnel along the entire front line in Sumy region.

▪️ On the Kharkov direction, the Ukrainian command deployed fresh reserves and is trying to regain lost positions in Volchansk on the left bank of the Volchya River. Heavy fighting continues in the forest west of Synelnykove. Assault groups of the Northern Operational Group are advancing towards Khatne.

▪️ At the Belgorod-Kharkov border section in the Melovoe-Khatne direction, after massive airstrikes on Ukrainian positions and artillery preparation, our assault troops advanced 1 km into the forested areas towards Khatne. The enemy attempted to stop the advance using armored vehicles but failed. In the Belgorod region, five people were wounded as a result of terrorist attacks by Ukrainian forces.

▪️ On the Krasnoliman direction, in the Serebryansky forest, Russian forces occupied two “pockets” totaling up to 10.5 km², according to enemy channels.

▪️ North of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk), Russian forces are expanding a wedge into the enemy defense, capturing the villages of Sukhetskoye and Pankovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic.

▪️ In the Dnepropetrovsk region, the Eastern Operational Group liberated the settlement of Novogeorgievka. Fighting continues in the area around the village.

▪️ On the Zaporozhye front, fighting continued near Stepnogorsk, with notable advances east of Olhivske and north of Levadne. The enemy sees this maneuver as part of further plans to flank enemy groupings near Huliaipole.

▪️ In the Black Sea, another enemy amphibious operation (https://t.me/dva_majors/77885) against gas extraction platforms was thwarted. The enemy used about 10 boats, indicating they still retain the capability to conduct sabotage operations in maritime areas, including limited amphibious operations.

Source: http://blogdogcicle.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-situation-in-ukrainian-smo-on_21.html