The Ukrainian General Staff reported on July 29,2025,that ukrainian forces repelled Russian assaults in the Orikhiv direction,inflicting important losses on attacking units. This statement, corroborated by multiple sources including Telegram channels of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (ZSU) and the Operational Command South, details the destruction of mechanized columns and individual assault groups.

The fighting near Orikhiv saw Russian forces attempt to advance with mechanized columns and individual assault groups, encountering strong Ukrainian resistance. Reports indicate that Russian troops suffered heavy casualties and equipment losses during these engagements. The Ukrainian military‘s operational updates highlight the effectiveness of their defensive actions, noting that Russian tactics involved attempts to approach Ukrainian positions in waves.

Further details from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and other sources suggest that Russian forces have been attempting to adapt their tactics in response to battlefield setbacks. The assessment from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on July 26, 2025, also noted ongoing Russian offensive operations in various sectors of the front.

In a separate incident, Belarus reported an inquiry into a criminal case concerning the fall of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Minsk. The Belarusian Investigative Committee is handling the case. Simultaneously occurring, Russian media outlets also reported on developments related to drone activity.

Ukrainian forces are engaged in intense fighting near Bakhmut, with Russian troops reportedly controlling Novohrodivka and engaging in battles near Bahatyr and Horlivka. Ukrainian military reports indicate ongoing defensive operations in these areas.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine continues to be characterized by fierce ground engagements and artillery duels. Ukrainian defenders are actively repelling Russian advances in several sectors, including around Bakhmut, where control of key settlements remains contested. Reports from both sides suggest significant military activity and casualties.

In the dnipropetrovsk region, Russian forces have conducted drone and missile strikes, targeting infrastructure and civilian areas. These attacks have resulted in casualties and damage to property. Ukrainian air defence systems are actively engaged in intercepting incoming threats.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides reporting gains and losses. International observers and military analysts are closely monitoring the developments in these critical areas of the conflict.

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Kyiv Targeted in Massive Russian Air Attack

Largest strike since invasion began

Kyiv was the primary target of Russia’s largest combined drone and missile attack since the start of the full-scale invasion, marking the tenth major strike since January 2025. The intense barrage has prompted renewed calls for sustained aid to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.

Extensive Damage and Casualties Reported

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the assault involved 330 Shahed drones launched from multiple locations. In addition, Russian forces fired one Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal” aeroballistic missile, six Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and four Iskander-K cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces downed 268 drones and two cruise missiles. However, nine missiles and 63 drones struck eight locations, primarily targeting Kyiv. At least 23 people were injured in the strikes, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, hitting residential areas and civilian infrastructure across several regions.

Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed damage to the Polish Embassy’s consular building in Kyiv, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported that the Chinese consulate in Odesa was also hit.

Components Traced to China

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported that components manufactured at the Chinese Suzhou Ecod Precision Manufacturing Company were discovered in recovered Russian Geran-type drones used in the Kyiv attack. This raises concerns about the source of materials used in the production of these weapons.

Trump Acknowledges Putin’s Stance

Donald Trump acknowledged Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to end the war in Ukraine, highlighting the Kremlin’s lack of interest in good-faith negotiations. Trump stated that Putin is “not there” and not “looking to stop” military actions, reiterating his disappointment with a recent phone call. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Putin told Trump that Russia is willing to achieve its objectives through diplomatic negotiations but will continue military actions otherwise.

Following the call between Trump and Putin, Russian forces launched their largest combined strike, suggesting a continued commitment to original war objectives. These objectives, including the “denazification” and “demilitarization” of Ukraine, indicate demands for regime change and limitations on Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Zelensky and Trump Discussed Defense

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump discussed diplomatic efforts and joint work supporting Ukraine’s defense industrial base (DIB) during a phone call. Zelensky noted that they addressed increased Russian strikes against Ukraine’s civilian population and discussed strengthening air defense. The two leaders also talked about potential joint DIB production, focusing on drones and related technologies, including mutual purchases and investments. In 2024, the U.S. committed over $1 billion to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, underscoring the critical need for ongoing support (U.S. Department of Defense).

POW Exchange Completed

Ukraine and Russia conducted the eighth prisoner of war (POW) exchange since Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Istanbul in early June. An unspecified number of severely wounded and sick POWs, POWs under 25 years old, and some civilians were exchanged. Ukrainian officials noted that most of the released Ukrainian POWs and civilians were captured in 2022.

Military Situation on the Ground

Fighting continues in several areas. Ukrainian forces struck the Russian 155th Naval Infantry Brigade command post in Korenevo, reportedly killing Major General Mikhail Gudkov. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, seizing Novomykolaivka. Ukrainian forces, however, made advances near Kupyansk. Russian forces also advanced near Chasiv Yar and Velyka Novosilka.

Ongoing Hostilities

Russian forces continued attacks in unspecified areas of Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian forces struck the Russian “Research Institute of Applied Chemistry” Federal Research and Production Center in Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Oblast, which produces thermobaric parts for Shahed drones.

Russian forces attacked in northern Sumy Oblast, and a Russian milblogger claimed Ukrainian forces counterattacked. Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Kharkiv direction, but did not make confirmed advances. Ukrainian forces recently advanced east of Kolisnykivka in the Kupyansk direction.

Russian forces recently advanced in the Chasiv Yar direction, seizing the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant Building No. 2. Additionally, they recently seized Vesele and advanced north of Shevchenko in the Velyka Novosilka direction.

This is a good, detailed report providing insights into various aspects of Russian society and its war effort. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths, potential weaknesses, and some suggestions for betterment:

Strengths:

Extensive Coverage: The report covers a wide range of topics, including veteran integration, societal militarization, discipline problems within the Russian military, and the defense industrial base.
Clear Institution: The use of headings and subheadings makes the report easy too navigate and understand.
Specific Examples: The report provides concrete examples and anecdotes to support its claims, making the analysis more compelling.
Source Citation: The report includes citations, allowing readers to verify the details and delve deeper into specific topics.
Assessment of Russian Objectives: The report explicitly states the assessed Russian objectives,providing a clear framework for the analysis.
identification of Contradictions and Challenges: The report highlights contradictions and challenges within the Russian system,such as the arrest of individuals searching for MIAs despite the government’s claims of supporting veterans,and the struggles veterans face in finding employment.
forward-Looking Analysis: The report makes informed predictions about future trends, such as the Kremlin‘s likely continued efforts to silence milbloggers.

Reliance on Open-Source Information: While open-source information is valuable, it can be subject to bias, inaccuracies, or manipulation. The report should acknowledge this limitation and consider cross-referencing information from multiple sources whenever possible.
Attribution of Motives: The report sometimes attributes motives to the Kremlin or Russian officials. While these attributions may be reasonable based on the available evidence, it’s important to acknowledge that they are interpretations and not necessarily definitive statements of fact.
Depth of Analysis: While the report covers a broad range of topics, some sections could benefit from deeper analysis. For example, the section on the defense industrial base could explore the specific challenges Rostec faces in increasing production, such as supply chain bottlenecks or skilled labor shortages.
Lack of Counterarguments: The report primarily presents information that supports its central arguments. Including counterarguments or alternative perspectives could strengthen the analysis and demonstrate a more balanced understanding of the situation.

Strengthen Source Criticism: Explicitly acknowledge the limitations of relying on open-source information and describe the methods used to verify the accuracy and reliability of sources.
Qualify Attributions of Motives: Use language that acknowledges the speculative nature of attributing motives. For example, instead of stating “The Kremlin is trying to…”, consider using phrases like “It is indeed likely that the Kremlin is trying to…” or “The Kremlin may be attempting to…”. Expand Analysis of Challenges: Provide more detailed analysis of the challenges Russia faces in achieving its objectives. Such as, in the section on veteran integration, discuss the specific barriers veterans face in accessing benefits or finding employment.
Include Counterarguments: Present alternative perspectives or counterarguments to the report’s central claims. For example, in the section on societal militarization, discuss potential resistance to the Kremlin’s efforts to indoctrinate youth.
Quantify Impacts Where Possible: While challenging, try to quantify the impacts of the trends discussed. For example, estimate the potential impact of the rostec workforce expansion on the Russian economy.
Consider Regional variations: Acknowledge that the situation may vary across different regions of Russia. For example, the effectiveness of veteran integration programs may differ depending on the local economic conditions and the availability of resources.
Add a Conclusion: Summarize the key findings of the report and reiterate the overall assessment of the situation.

Specific Comments on Sections:

Integration of Veterans: This section is well-developed and provides a good overview of the Kremlin’s efforts to manage the veteran population. The inclusion of the arrest of Mikhail polynkov is notably insightful.
militarization of Society and Youth: This section effectively highlights the Kremlin’s efforts to indoctrinate young people. The information about increased spending on patriotic education is meaningful.
Russian Discipline Problems: This section provides a concise overview of the disciplinary challenges facing the Russian military.
Russian defense Industrial Base: This section is informative but could benefit from a more critical analysis of Rostec’s claims. Consider exploring potential limitations or challenges to Rostec’s production increases.

By addressing these potential weaknesses and incorporating the suggestions for improvement, the report can become even more comprehensive, nuanced, and insightful.

Putin’s Demands Unchanged as War Rages On

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, Vladimir Putin has reiterated his uncompromising demands, setting the stage for continued conflict. His insistence on Ukrainian capitulation underscores the deep divide and lack of progress toward a peaceful resolution.

Putin’s Unwavering Stance

Putin recently told Sky News Arabia that Ukraine must adopt neutrality and reject alliances with other nations. He added that it must also agree to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons before a long-term peace can be established. The Russian leader further insisted that Kyiv recognize Moscow’s control over occupied territories, or face further aggression.

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According to a report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, Russia’s military activity has intensified, with over 2,800 violent events recorded in Ukraine in May 2025 alone (ACLED, June 2025).

Responses and Developments

Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have strongly condemned Putin’s statements. Zelensky emphasized that Putin’s objectives extend beyond Ukraine, potentially threatening other nations. Ukrainian officials are urging international action to counter Russia’s ambitions.

As fighting continues and diplomatic efforts remain stalled, the path to peace in Ukraine appears increasingly complex. The international community must remain focused on finding a solution.