Intensified clashes in Eastern Ukraine: Ukrainian military acknowledges tough battles against Russian forces - Tough battles reported in Russian territorial expansion following Ukrainian military update
As of mid-August 2025, the Donetsk region in Ukraine remains largely under Russian control, with ongoing offensive operations aimed at capturing the full administrative borders of Donetsk Oblast. The fighting and territorial gains have been most active in this region compared to other frontlines in Ukraine.
Specifically around Dobropillja, the frontlines have seen ongoing battles. Russian forces have made advances in nearby areas such as Siversk and Serebryanka, north of Siversk. These advances signal attempts to push deeper into Donetsk Oblast, potentially enveloping key towns and villages around Dobropillja.
However, while Russian forces have captured additional territory in Donetsk, Ukrainian forces continue to resist and counterattack. Dobropillja itself remains under Ukrainian control amid ongoing fighting. The broader territorial status is dynamic, with Russia aiming for full control of the Donetsk region but Ukraine mounting resistance and occasional counteroffensives.
The city of Kostjantiniwka, one of the last major urban areas in the Donetsk region under Ukrainian control, is also under threat of Russian advances. The city remains a major urban area under Ukrainian control, but its future remains uncertain due to the volatile situation.
Moscow demands that Kyiv cede the four partially occupied eastern Ukrainian regions of Saporischschja, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Cherson, as well as the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula, and renounce Western military aid and NATO membership. Ukraine rejects these demands as unacceptable.
The situation in and around Dobropillja and Kostjantiniwka remains volatile due to Russian advances. The city of Dobropillja, under threat due to a Russian-controlled corridor, is particularly vulnerable. Talks about a ceasefire in the nearly four-year-long Russian aggression in Ukraine have so far failed.
In a separate development, the Ukraine war is the topic of an upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place in the U.S. state of Alaska on Friday. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not invited to the meeting.
[1] Institute for the Study of War, "Ukraine Crisis Daily Update: August 16, 2025," accessed August 16, 2025, https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/ukraine-crisis-daily-update/ukraine-crisis-daily-update-august-16-2025. [2] Institute for the Study of War, "Ukraine Crisis Daily Update: August 13, 2025," accessed August 16, 2025, https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/ukraine-crisis-daily-update/ukraine-crisis-daily-update-august-13-2025. [3] Institute for the Study of War, "Ukraine Crisis Daily Update: August 14, 2025," accessed August 16, 2025, https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/ukraine-crisis-daily-update/ukraine-crisis-daily-update-august-14-2025.
- Amidst the ongoing military conflict in the Donetsk region, the political landscape of Ukraine is deeply affected by the Russian aggression, as negotiations for a ceasefire remain unsuccessful.
- Meanwhile, the general-news coverage extensively features the sports world overlooked, as the critical situation in Ukraine has dominated headlines and discussions.
