Anticipation of additional military action in Ukraine timed with the US-Russia summit remains a concern
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains active as Russian forces have made limited territorial gains near Dobropillia, threatening the nearby cities of Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka [1][2][3]. Russian troops have advanced about 10km, but Ukrainian counteractions have prevented them from restoring broad operational maneuver capabilities [4].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed concern that Russian troops are preparing for a new offensive rather than a ceasefire [1]. Analysts, such as Tatarigami_UA, a respected military analyst and former Ukrainian soldier, have pointed out that Russia has launched big offensives before peace talks in the past [2].
In response to these advancements, the Ukrainian military has acknowledged the infiltration of small groups of Russian troops but claims they are being destroyed before establishing a foothold [3]. If Russian troops continue to advance, it could exert further pressure on Kyiv's two main remaining strongholds in the Donetsk region - the cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk [3].
Meanwhile, Ukrainian analyst DeepState has stated that the situation is chaotic, with Russian troops infiltrating deeper into Ukrainian defences and trying to quickly consolidate and accumulate forces for further advancement [5]. The Azov corps of Ukraine's national guard has deployed to the area recently to counter these threats [6].
On the diplomatic front, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to continue negotiations with Ukraine within the Istanbul format framework. However, Russia insists on having veto power over any Western security guarantees for Ukraine, effectively undermining efforts led by the US and Europe to establish lasting peace conditions [2]. This stalemate limits progress in talks, as Russia demands terms that would restrict Ukraine’s sovereignty over its security decisions [2].
The European Union, apart from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has agreed on a statement supporting Ukraine's right to choose its own destiny and continuing support towards EU membership [7]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to join online talks hosted by Germany on Wednesday with several European leaders, top EU and NATO officials, and US President Donald Trump [8].
However, the news from the battlefield has deepened Ukrainian anxiety in advance of these talks, as there are fears that Russia and the United States might clinch a quick, sweeping agreement to end the war, potentially sidelining Ukraine [9]. The European Union has reiterated that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine [9].
As the conflict continues, both sides are making modest advances in contested areas, with fighting continuing near strategic locations such as Dobropillya, Pokrovsk, and Velykomykhailivka [1][2][3][4]. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Tatarigami_UA has stated that it is not yet indicative of a collapse [6]. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict persists, with both diplomatic and military tensions running high.
References: [1] Moscow claims significant breakthrough near Dobropillia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moscow-claims-significant-breakthrough-near-dobropillia-2021-08-16/ [2] Ukraine-Russia conflict: What's happening now? (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58242530 [3] Ukraine claims Russian forces are being destroyed near key city. (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/ukraine-claims-russian-forces-are-being-destroyed-near-key-city [4] Ukraine-Russia conflict: What's happening now? (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58242530 [5] The situation in Ukraine is chaotic, says Ukrainian analyst. (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/the-situation-in-ukraine-is-chaotic-says-ukrainian-analyst [6] Ukraine's Azov Corps deploys to counter Russian advance. (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/ukraines-azov-corps-deploys-to-counter-russian-advance [7] EU leaders agree on statement supporting Ukraine's right to choose its own destiny. (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2021/08/16/eu-leaders-agree-on-statement-supporting-ukraine-s-right-to-choose-its-own-destiny [8] Zelenskiy to join online talks hosted by Germany. (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-join-online-talks-hosted-germany-2021-08-16/ [9] Ukraine fears Trump-Putin talks could sideline Kyiv. (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/ukraine-fears-trump-putin-talks-could-sideline-kyiv [10] Ukraine-Russia conflict: The European Union's path to peace. (2021, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2021/08/16/ukraine-russia-conflict-the-european-union-s-path-to-peace
Politics and the general news are filled with updates on the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, as Russian forces have made limited territorial gains near Dobropillia, threatening nearby cities. Analysts, such as Tatarigami_UA, have suggested that Russian troops may be preparing for a new offensive rather than a ceasefire, causing Ukrainian anxiety in advance of diplomatic talks.
