Ukraine: Russian forces continue military operations in east of country as of Aug. 25 /update 175

Event

Moscow is continuing its offensive in Ukraine as of Aug. 25 though the tempo of operations has reduced. The offensive remains focused in the east, though Russia has not recently gained significant territory in this sector. The most intense fighting is occuring as Russian forces attempt to advance on Bakhmut from the Soledar-Bakhmutske direction. Russian offensive activity is also reported further south of Donetsk region around Velyka Novosilka, Vuhledar, and Novomykhailivka, though this continues to be repulsed by Ukrainian defenders. Russian forces continue intense shelling of Ukrainian positions throughout this sector.

Combat is ongoing in the country's south following Ukraine's recent counteroffensive toward Kherson. The Ukrainian advance did not develop into significant ground assaults, allowing Moscow the opportunity to reinforce the region. Russian forces have recently made limited gains toward Mykolaiv, reportedly capturing Oleksandrivka and Blahodatne. Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian strongholds and ammunition warehouses in northwestern and northern Kherson. Skirmishes are ongoing north of Kharkiv as both sides fight to gain control of strategic territory, but no significant territorial changes are reported in this area.

Moscow's forces continue to conduct shelling, missile attacks, and airstrikes across the front line and other parts of the country, with a reported uptick in Ukrainian air defense activity Aug. 24-25. A Russian airstrike on a train station in Chaplyne killed at least 25 people Aug. 24. At least two missiles struck the Vyshgorod district in northern Kyiv Aug. 25; no casualties were reported. Central districts in Kharkiv city are subject to regular artillery and rocket bombardment. Russia has also continued to target Mykolaiv with three missile attacks reported Aug. 24-25 and at least one of those targeting the port.

Disruptions and Shortages
As part of the Black Sea Initiative, Ukrainian ports have continued to export grain. Without reported security incidents, dozens of vessels have left Ukraine under this accord. However, Russian forces targeted Odesa with missile strikes Aug. 21 without disrupting port operations. Ukrainian Railways (UZ) has restored near-regular commuter services throughout much of the central and western parts of the country and continues to operate evacuation trains from most major cities, including Kyiv; however, rail services are subject to disruptions without warning. Civilian aviation remains suspended.

The government has extended Ukraine's nationwide martial law decree until Nov. 21. Curfews are in effect in multiple regions. In Kyiv Region, a curfew is in effect 23:00-05:00. Nightly curfews are also in place in Mykolaiv 22:00-06:00 and Zaporizhzhia Region 22:00-05:00; Additionally, the nightly curfew in Kharkiv Region is in effect from 19:00-07:00. Generally, civilians must stay indoors during curfew hours; exemptions exist for workers in critical infrastructure and persons seeking urgent medical care or bomb shelters. Depending on local developments, authorities may extend or amend curfew hours on short notice.

Intermittent telecommunications, internet, and utility disruptions continue across the country. Reports indicate a shortage of basic supplies, including groceries and pharmaceutical products, in multiple cities facing Russian ground assaults. Finally, the National Bank of Ukraine has limited foreign currency transfers and withdrawals.

Context

Moscow is continuing its offensive in the east as it attempts to gain complete control of the Donetsk Region, with the likely immediate goal of capturing Bakhmut. Russian Defense Minister, Sergey Shoigu, announced a reduction in the tempo of offensive operations Aug. 24, ostensibly to minimize civilian casualties. However, the announcement was likely intended to justify the minimal Russian gains in recent weeks; Russian forces have not captured a significant settlement since the fall of Lysychansk on July 3. Months of fighting have degraded both sides' combat capability, resulting in stalemate conditions along much of the front. Nonetheless, Kyiv's forces continue to come under significant pressure in the Donbas as Russia conducts intense artillery and aerial bombardments amid frequent ground assaults on Ukrainian positions.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive around Kherson has so far failed to develop into significant ground advances, which allowed Moscow time to reinforce its troops in the region. As a result, Kyiv is unlikely to gain further territory in this sector, and Russian forces may attempt to push the Ukrainian line further back. Regardless of conditions on the ground, Ukrainian officials maintain that they intend to retake all lost territory. Ukrainian forces continue to strike targets deep behind Russian lines with advanced Western weaponry, including command posts, ammunition depots, and critical bridges, causing significant logistical problems for Russian troops. Several explosions have occurred at Russian military facilities in occupied Crimea. However, Kyiv has not taken explicit responsibility for these incidents. Partisan activity continues to disrupt Russian administrations in occupied areas, including targeted assassinations of Russian-appointed officials.

Russian operations north of Kharkiv continue with the aim of securing the border region and supply lines. Russian artillery and rocket fire into the Sumy Region from Russia's Kursk Oblast has also continued, with the likely aim of pinning several Ukrainian forces in the region.

As the conflict remains primarily concentrated in the east and the south of the country, particularly in the Donbas, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions, residents are increasingly returning to central and western areas, particularly Kyiv. Additionally, despite numerous foreign governments continuing to advise against travel to Ukraine, many business operations are resuming in the country's central and western regions; however, strikes continue to target critical infrastructure and other sites nationwide.

Advice

Avoid travel to active conflict zones in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine; consider leaving these areas by available ground transport if safe to do so. Exercise extreme caution if operating anywhere in Ukraine. You should shelter in place if there is fighting or airstrikes in the area. Stay away from windows and exterior walls if officials report incoming rocket or artillery fire. Follow the instructions of local security personnel, especially when instructed to seek refuge in air raid shelters. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Due to the threat of unexploded ordnance, avoid off-road travel. Travel on well-used routes only. Do not approach suspected unexploded ordnance. In areas previously occupied by Russian forces, be aware of the possibility of booby traps.

Resources

Ukrainian Railways - UZ
Listing of Available Trains by City
State Border Guard Service