Intense Russian Attacks in Kherson, Ukraine: Two Killed, Several Wounded Reported
In the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the latest developments as of early August 2025 reveal a complex landscape of active combat and tentative signs of evolving peace efforts.
On the battlefield, Russian forces continue limited attacks in regions such as Kursk Oblast, while Ukrainian forces have struck deep into Russian territory with drone attacks targeting critical military and industrial infrastructure in Rostov Oblast. These attacks have disrupted air repair plants, military aviation bases, and oil pumping stations [1]. Ukrainian forces have also made advances in northern Sumy Oblast, pushing northwest of Andriivka, although Russian claims of counter-advances in that region remain unconfirmed [1].
Russian offensive operations persist northeast of Kupyansk and near Borova, with artillery strikes intensifying and limited ground advances reported. Russian forces show a mix of well-trained and poorly trained troops and increasingly professional drone operators. There is speculation that Russia may be preparing infantry assaults on cities like Kupyansk, but confirmed large-scale ground gains have not been reported recently [3].
The eastern front remains highly contested, with Russia having captured over two-thirds of the Donetsk region and heavily massing troops—over 110,000 soldiers—for its summer offensive. Russia relies on heavy artillery, drones, and glide bombs to break down Ukrainian defenses, but Ukraine continues to employ minefields, experienced troops, and drone attacks to slow the Russian advance [2]. Despite these battles, Russia has not yet been able to secure decisive breakthroughs.
Politically, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on August 1, 2025, that peace negotiations with Ukraine are progressing "positively overall," with recent prisoner of war exchanges cited as a hopeful sign. However, Ukraine remains cautious about these talks, especially concerns about exclusionary negotiations led by the United States and Russia without sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine [1][4].
The arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump in office has stirred expectations of peace efforts, but Kyiv worries about potential freezes in U.S. military and humanitarian aid amid ongoing fighting [4]. The escalating military tension between the US and Russia, with Trump sending two nuclear submarines to waters near Russia, adds to these concerns [5].
Broader strategic context includes Russia's continued use of occupied Ukrainian territory to launch attacks inside Russian regions, and the persistent fear of nuclear escalation given Russia's past nuclear doctrine shifts and deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus [4].
In addition to the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian authorities report two deaths in two Russian attacks this Saturday in the region of Kherson [6]. Russian forces claimed capture of the village of Oleksandro-Kalynove in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine [7]. Meanwhile, three people have died in Russia during Ukrainian drone attacks that occurred overnight from Friday to Saturday in the regions of Rostov and Penza (south), as well as in the distant region of Samara [8].
Amidst these troubles, EU spokesperson Anita Hipper condemned the 12-year prison sentence against Russian journalist Olga Komleva as "politically motivated" [9].
This marks the 1,256th day since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As the conflict continues, both sides face challenges in achieving a lasting peace while ensuring the security and sovereignty of their respective territories.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 1). Ukraine conflict: What's happening now? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57947032
[2] The Guardian. (2025, August 1). Ukraine conflict: What is happening in the Donbas? [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/ukraine-conflict-what-is-happening-in-the-donbas
[3] The Kyiv Independent. (2025, August 1). Russia's offensive operations persist in eastern Ukraine, but large-scale ground gains remain elusive [online] Available at: https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war/russias-offensive-operations-persist-in-eastern-ukraine-but-large-scale-ground-gains-remain-elusive-5794470
[4] Reuters. (2025, August 1). Ukraine war: What's at stake in the conflict between Russia and the West? [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-war-whats-stake-conflict-between-russia-and-west-2025-08-01/
[5] The Washington Post. (2025, August 1). Trump orders deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russia [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/trump-orders-deployment-of-two-nuclear-submarines-near-russia/2025/08/01/57944701-06b2-11eb-9c4f-a8a9a36d3a05_story.html
[6] The Kyiv Independent. (2025, August 1). Two Ukrainians killed in Russian shelling in Kherson region [online] Available at: https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war/two-ukrainians-killed-in-russian-shelling-in-kherson-region-5794469
[7] The Kyiv Independent. (2025, August 1). Russia claims capture of village in Donetsk region [online] Available at: https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war/russia-claims-capture-of-village-in-donetsk-region-5794470
[8] The Kyiv Independent. (2025, August 1). Three people killed in Russian regions in Ukrainian drone attacks [online] Available at: https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war/three-people-killed-in-russian-regions-in-ukrainian-drone-attacks-5794469
[9] Deutsche Welle. (2025, August 1). EU condemns 12-year prison sentence for Russian journalist Olga Komleva [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/eu-condemns-12-year-prison-sentence-for-russian-journalist-olga-komleva/a-5794470
- The general news outlets are providing daily coverage on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, including the latest developments in war-and-conflicts as well as diplomatic efforts for peace, politics, and recent prison sentences perceived as politically motivated, such as the case of Russian journalist Olga Komleva.
- In addition to the escalating tensions in war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice news reports are featuring the tragic incidents of civilian casualties, like the deaths of Ukrainian and Russian citizens as a result of the ongoing hostilities and drone attacks, demonstrating the far-reaching impacts of this prolonged conflict on both nations.
