Russian command center in Kherson allegedly targeted and struck by Ukrainian forces
The war in Ukraine continues to rage on, with no end in sight as both sides engage in military offensives and counteroffensives. The White House is undecided on whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will participate in a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
As of mid-August 2025, the conflict remains active with ongoing Russian offensives in northern Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, and continued Ukrainian counterattacks. Recent events include continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory and Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, but there is no full ceasefire, as Russian President Putin has reportedly rejected such a move [1][3].
Ukrainian forces have shown localized successes, stabilizing frontline areas east and northeast of Dobropillya and clearing several settlements north and northeast of Pokrovsk of Russian infiltrators [3]. However, Russian forces continue efforts to expand control, gaining territory in eastern Ukraine, including a 7% increase in occupied area during July–August 2025 [5].
Sustained attacks on civilian infrastructure are a concerning aspect of the conflict, with both sides responsible. Ukraine continues drone and missile strikes targeting Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and gas processing plants deep within Russian territory [2]. Russia, meanwhile, maintains frequent drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure [3].
No significant progress toward a comprehensive ceasefire or peace agreement has occurred, despite ongoing negotiations focusing narrowly on Russia’s annexed territories (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhia). Putin’s rejection of a full ceasefire and continued Russian military efforts indicate persistence in conflict rather than resolution [1].
Vitali Klitschko, Kiev's mayor, has emphasized the need for negotiations with Russia due to the great war-weariness of the people of Ukraine [01:30]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that the absence of "real peace" could give Russia the opportunity to invade again [06:21].
Notable incidents include a Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in the Russian region of Saratov, resulting in one death [09:39], and Russian troops massively deploying towards Saporishshya, marking the largest reinforcement of troops in this area this summer [11:17].
International efforts to end the conflict are ongoing. European countries have proposed adhering to the principle that international borders should not be changed by force and welcoming Donald Trump’s work to end the killing in Ukraine and create a fair peace [00:20]. The US is considering tariffs on China for buying Russian oil.
Ukraine has coordinated with representatives from the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Poland during a meeting in the UK [21:47]. The Russians have made tactical gains north and southwest of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, potentially encircling the city.
In a significant development, a precision airstrike by the Ukrainian Air Force has destroyed a Russian command center near Oleshky in the occupied territory of Kherson, killing 25 Russian soldiers and injuring 11 [unclear]. The Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office reports a Russian drone strike on civilian targets in the Ukrainian region of Kherson, killing at least two people.
British intelligence reports that Russian forces captured approximately 500 to 550 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in July 2025, similar to the previous month's gain. The Russians attacked the city of Saporischschja with guided missiles, hitting civilian infrastructure and injuring at least 19 civilians.
In diplomatic news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demands that Kyiv be involved in negotiations over an end to the Russian invasion [21:47]. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have welcomed the efforts of US President Donald Trump to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict [22:11].
The war in Ukraine continues to be a complex and intense conflict, with no major diplomatic breakthrough as of August 2025 [1][2][3]. The international community continues to work towards a peaceful resolution while supporting Ukraine in its efforts to defend its territory.
- The international community, including representatives from the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Poland, are collaborating with Ukraine to find a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, while also supporting Ukraine's defense against further encroachment.
- Despite ongoing negotiations, a comprehensive ceasefire or peace agreement remains elusive, with Russian President Putin rejecting full ceasefire proposals, and the ongoing military offensives and counteroffensives in regions such as Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhia, and Pokrovsk.
