On July 25, the headquarters of Russia’s 9th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade was bombed. It was located in buildings at the Zasyadko mine in the Donetsk area. 

coordinates - 48.0546, 37.7881

Satellite imagery showing the damage.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine conducted a cyber-warfare operation against Russia, accessing computer systems and servers belonging to the occupation government of Crimea. These servers included data and documents about thousands of children Russia has illegally relocated from the occupied areas. The information also includes the names and addresses of the Russians these children were sent to live with. The information has been turned over to Ukrainian law enforcement and will be used to work towards the return of these children and the punishment of perpetrators. 

Lithuania is going to invest 500 million euros over the next decade on purchasing anti-tank mines to deter Russian aggression. Belgium has purchased 40 Polish-made Piorun MANPADS, with hundreds of missiles. The deal is worth €137 million and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A letter of intent signed in May includes the possibility of purchasing an additional 200-300 launchers. Spanish arms manufacturer GDELS–Santa Bárbara Sistemas has acquired the license to produce 120mm tank guns for Rheinmetall. This production will help meet the increasing demand for more Leopard 2 tanks. 

A spokesman from Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service stated that Belarus is ramping up production of war materiel to help support Russia in the war against Ukraine. Specifically, they are expanding production facilities related to drones, dual-use electronics, and targeting equipment. A lot of expansion is expected to take place over the next year and a half. Belarus intends to manufacture chips that Russia can use in cruise missiles, including the Kh-101. Production is set to begin in 2026. 

A Hungarian company called Milspace Kft is helping Russia circumvent sanctions. The scheme involves repairing helicopters at a plant in Kazakhstan. The company will get access to documentation provided by the Russian Military Design Bureau, and parts for the repairs will be provided by Russia. InformNapalm believes that Viktor Orban knows about and approves of this scheme. InformNapalm has acquired a letter written by Milspace Kft to a Mexican company that discusses the scheme and explains that sanctions make these repairs impossible inside Russia. 

A special forces unit of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence of Ukraine successfully landed on the Tendrivska Spit in the occupied portion of Kherson Oblast, killing Russian personnel and destroying a Russian Zont electronic warfare station and a Rosa radar station. Additionally, they hoisted a Ukrainian flag on the Spit. They had to cross a distance of about 30 km across the open sea that is largely controlled by Russia. The Rosa radar system can detect aircraft, missiles, and drones within 25 km (for UAVs) and up to 1 km in altitude, tracking up to 20 targets at speeds of up to 1,000 m/s with 50-meter range accuracy. The Zont EW system can supposedly suppress drones at a range of 500 m.

Russia managed to strike a Ukrainian training camp near Honcharivs'ke, Chernihiv region. The attack used two types of Iskander-M missiles: a 9M723-1K5 with a 9N722K1 cluster warhead containing 45 submunitions, and a 9M723-1 with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The Russians claim 200 were killed and wounded. The footage does not show any visible people before the attack. Ukrainian military sources say that casualties were mitigated by soldiers taking shelter, but that despite these precautions, 3 soldiers were killed and 18 were wounded. Ukrainian drone, radio, and electronic warfare expert Serhii Flash said that everyone at the base was warned and knew a reconnaissance drone was overhead. He said that the dead and wounded were mostly those who disregarded the threat. 

Russia launched yet another large drone and missile attack on Ukraine. 

Launched: 317 weapons total

309 Shahed-type UAVs

8 Iskander-K cruise missiles

Shot Down/Suppressed: 291 weapons total

288 UAVs (93% intercept rate)

3 Iskander-K cruise missiles (38% intercept rate)

Hit Targets: 26 weapons total

5 missiles (including 1 on a residential building)

21 strike UAVs

Overall Intercept Rate: 91.8%

• 5 missile direct hits across 12 locations

• 21 drone direct hits across those same locations

• 1 residential building in Kyiv was struck by a missile

• Debris from shot-down weapons fell in 19 additional locations (mostly in Kyiv)

As a result of the attack, 15 people were killed, including 2 children aged 6 and 17. The number of people known to be injured is 155.

Part of a  9M727 Iskander-K cruise missile on a balcony in Kyiv.

A damaged apartment building in Kyiv

OSINT researcher Kyle Glen provided some stats about Russian shahed attacks. 

Summary:

In July 2025, Russia launched 6,297 Shahed, Geran, and decoy drones at Ukraine, an increase of 1,378% from July 2024, when they launched 426. This is how many drones Russia attacked Ukraine with from January to October 2024. This is the first time Ukraine reported being attacked with over 6,000 drones in a single month. The previous record was over 5,000 in June 2025. 

Monthly drone totals:

• Sep 2024: 1,000
  
  

• Nov 2024: 2,000
  
  

• Feb 2025: 3,000
  
  

• Mar 2025: 4,000
  
  

• Jun 2025: 5,000
  
  

• Jul 2025: 6,000+

  
  

  
  

A Russian Shahed with a 16-element CRPA crashed in Russia, reportedly brought down by electronic warfare. If true, this is a major, but possibly temporary, success for Ukraine. 16-element CRPAs are some of Russia’s most powerful, effective, and expensive measures to protect their drones and missiles from electronic warfare.   

Ukraine launched a successful GBU-62 JDAM-ER strike against Russian drone operators in the Tyotkino area of Kursk. 

Ukraine’s Security Service, the SSU, has arrested a Ukrainian Air Force major accused of passing data to the Russian GRU about bases of F-16s, Mirage 2000s, and Su-24s. The major was an instructor pilot and served in a unit tasked with intercepting Russian missiles and drones. He provided Russia with details about deployment, aircraft coordinates, plane tail numbers, and flight schedules, and provided suggestions on how to be more successful in targeting Ukrainian airbases. He also provided the Russians with information about pilots. He was arrested in the process of gathering new information. He faces charges of high treason, a punishment of life in prison, and property confiscation. 

According to Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, Ukraine and the US were working on a deal where Ukraine would sell domestically produced drones to the US in exchange for modern American weapons systems. Stefanchuk described it as a “mega deal” and said that Ukraine is entering a “new chapter” where Ukraine becomes a “security provider for the world.”

Ukrainian blogger Kherson_non_fake reported that the 34th Brigade in Kherson suffers from poor command of a 27-year-old lieutenant colonel who recently took charge of the unit.  He reportedly ceased focusing on effective drone operations and is opting instead for ill-fated river-crossing missions whose goals are unclear and unexplained to the men risking their lives. Ukrainian troops are sent to capture islands in the Dnipro and are dying needlessly. The commander reportedly gives little thought to the survival or supply of men who make it to their objectives.  At the same time, he is cutting support for reconnaissance drone operations while simultaneously cutting combat pay bonuses. Soldiers already spending portions of their paychecks on combat-related equipment; these cuts will make already struggling units worse off. On top of everything else, he has reduced the focus on targeting Russian drone crews. Even when the locations of Russian drone operators are known, he isn’t ordering attacks on their positions. 

https://t.me/kherson_non_fake/22680

Ukrainian OSINT blog war_home reported that Russian jet-powered shaheds are becoming more frequently used. They are still a small proportion of the drones used in attacks, but the “Geran 3” is becoming more common. War_home reports Russia will likely keep using the standard “Geran 2” shaheds, but will use 5-10 jet-powered ones per attack. The goal of these “Geran 3s” is to force Ukraine to use more air defense missiles, as interceptor drones are effective enough against regular shaheds that missiles are being used less.


Ukrainian mapper Petrenko_ihs: On the Pokrovsk front, Russia advanced in the Beryuchin Yar ravine area across up to 8.8 km² and continues assaulting toward Vladimivka and Shakhove. Fighting continues in Chasiv Yar around the Shevchenko neighborhood. Russian troops are pressing toward Nikolaevka and the southern part of the city.

Petrenko_ihs: On the Pokrovsk front, Russia advanced in the settlement of Zverevo and is assaulting toward Leontovychi village and Pokrovsk city. Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups continue operating in the latter. Ukrainian forces also report that Russian sabotage groups are operating near Mirnograd. North of the city, Russia occupied the area around a mine ventilation shaft and established positions on the eastern outskirts of Krasny Lyman.

Ukrainian soldier Officer_33: The [Russians] are way ahead of us in terms of optics development — because they were the first to break into this niche, it was mostly enthusiasts working on it, whose priority was quality and system functionality, unlike those who just copy (most of our producers), especially once businessmen jumped in, who only want to make a quick buck and don’t give a damn about quality.

The enemy’s been flying digital setups for a while now — which require replacing the standard FPV camera, but allow using a cheaper media converter. As a result, the picture is much better than analog.

We’re only now starting to dip our toes into this field and don’t even have a functioning digital solution.

All of this means that, unfortunately, we don’t give a shit about R&D — and when it comes to drones, we’re lagging behind on that front.

Officer_33: I still don’t know if the [Russians] have entered Pokrovsk yet [fully entered, as opposed to small infiltration units], but the situation around the city is far from easy or calm, as some people think — there are definitely fresh corpses there.

Some enemy units are those same DRGs, so again — it’s not all so black and white.

Officer_33: The situation in Pokrovsk reminds me of Selydove last year: when LBZ [the frontlines] came right up to the city, the [Russians] started sending in small assault teams of 2–3 men, to crawl through every gap and try to hold on and push forward in the city.

Back then they also tried to encircle Selydove from the flanks — they’d already wised up a bit by then and stopped charging head-on.

Pokrovsk 2025 — same picture. The LBZ isn’t a line of strongpoints or company bases, but isolated positions that the enemy uses to leak into the city, where it’s easier for them to hide and move forward chaotically.

The enemy learned — no more frontal assaults. They flanked the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad agglomeration. So the situation is pretty grim. I hope that the command in the city gets their act together and continues organizing the defense.

Ukrainian blogger Bakhmutskyy: Chasiv Yar - the bastards are storming our positions, using small group tactics, also very active on the flanks where they crawl like flies. We knock them out with whatever we can, help the infantry, provide support with drones as logistics are very difficult. The bastards try to control approaches and logistics routes, constant shelling from aviation and Shaheds on the rear. We have wounded pilots and our vehicle destroyed - everyone is alive. We're holding on. Thank you for your support and help.

Ukrainian soldier Muchnoy_airborn: Pokrovsk direction: One of the key approaches to the city from the southwestern flank is Kotlyne village. Russia constantly tries to reach the railway and highway leading toward Pokrovsk - this is a logistically important hub. In this area there were successful Ukrainian attacks, managed to push Russia beyond the outskirts. Russia has set itself the goal of cutting the path between Pokrovsk and rear areas through the road. In the area of Pershiy Traven (Leontovychi), positional fighting continues. Russia is trying to make a breakthrough or open a passage closer to the mining districts of Pokrovsk, for them it's important to enter the city from the southwest and flank us. The Novoukrainka line is actively attacked because it's an important "lower loop" for bypassing the city from the east. Russia wants to either get behind our fighters in Lysivka or reach Pokrovsk's industrial zone from the south. Very active fighting continues here, often with large losses for both sides. The pigs are trying to expand their bridgehead and take Pokrovsk in pincers from the southeast. In the area of Lysivka itself, Russia uses assault groups, direct attacks continue. They enter the village like it's their home, gradually establishing themselves in destroyed houses - at this pace we could lose it. The bastards' goal is to break through the line and reach the eastern quarters of the city. Overall, the Russians' goal hasn't changed - encirclement of the city from three sides, cutting roads and logistics routes or isolating the city + gradual tightening of the ring and entry into Pokrovsk itself without a large frontal assault, but through exhaustion and maneuvers. The situation is very tense and requires reinforcement.

Muchnoy_airborn: Mirnograd direction: Russia conducts systematic pressure on the eastern outskirts of the city, carries out constant attacks and shelling. At the Mirnograd Central Enrichment Factory itself, the situation is very tense, Russia is trying to get a foothold at this point - because it gives access to the Central Mine and to the eastern outskirts of the private sector. Fighting continues at the approaches for now, Russia actively storms with infantry. Fighting also continues for the slag heap near Krasny Lyman, the Russians are trying to take the height under their control. The pigs haven't reached the slag heap itself yet but advancement toward it continues from Novoekonomichne. The eastern part of Krasny Lyman is under threat, Russia advances here from the southeast + further seeks to advance to Rodynske to get behind the city from the flank. Mine before Rodynske: Here Russia tries to establish itself and deploy a bridgehead. There are signs they occupied part of this section or are very close to it. Fire damage from this side has intensified, the mine has certain tactical significance for fire control of the road. In the city itself, sabotage and reconnaissance group actions were noticed, Russia tries to penetrate the city with small groups. Risks are constantly growing, the eastern part of the city is precisely this zone, fighters need to be careful. There are also signs of sabotage group actions in Bilytske, probably the bastards are also trying to scout the defense and bypass the village from the north. There are no active fights here yet, but pressure through sabotage groups indicates an attempt to stretch our defense line and identify weak points. In the Volodymyrivka area, Russia was spotted from the eastern flank - has tactical advancement, similarly from the south along the forest strip leading to industrial zone No. 1 "Oksamyt" - they will try to get a foothold here, probably already preparing for assault actions.

Muchnoy_airborn: South Donetsk direction: In the area of Oleksandrohrad, Russia is trying to wedge in from the eastern side, pressures the flanks and tries to shake our defense. Positional fighting continues, mainly with small assault groups, the situation is gradually worsening. Similarly in the area of Iskra, Russia is trying to cross the Vovcha River and push our forces from the left (eastern) bank. Maneuvering actions continue here, the bastards partially advanced in separate sections but couldn't establish themselves for long. Instead, the Russians have intensive artillery, drones and aviation working (they hit villages with FABs). Our infantry units actively hold the flanks because there's a threat that Russia will start pushing us out. In the area of Voskresenska, Russia repels our attacks and doesn't allow full control over the village to be established. So the western part also remains with us. Russia is maximally fortified, fighting continues harshly, head-to-head, both sides use artillery and FPV drones. In the direction of Maliivka (Dnipropetrovsk region) the situation is complicated and dynamic. Our cossacks conducted counterattacks, there were reports of partial enemy displacement - as of now the village is in a gray zone, partially under our control. Fighting continues for the outskirts, especially for heights and plantations around. Russia tries to hold what it captured but receives rebuff - so it's too early to talk about complete loss of Maliivka.

Muchnoy_airborn: Kostiantynivka direction: Our fighters don't let Russia advance further from the eastern part of Oleksandro-Kalynove, so far Russia has stalled. In the area of Katerynivka, defensive actions continue, Russia tries to pass with reconnaissance groups from the southeast but was repelled by artillery and infantry fire. The Shcherbynivka area remains the hottest, Russia tries to break through plantations on eastern and southeastern approaches. Harsh positional fighting continues, the situation is very tense. Regarding Oleksandro-Shultyne, no changes yet, Russia constantly shells the defense line with mortars, FPV drones and barrel artillery. Trying to discharge the situation, so it's alarming now. As a result of pressure in the area of Oleksandro-Kalynove, Shcherbynivka and Ivanopillya, some strongpoints are in the zone of direct reach of enemy artillery. This complicates evacuation of wounded, delivery of ammunition and equipment. If pressure continues, local "pockets" may appear or problems with supply rhythm. The situation is getting worse every day but we must hold out, because if not us - then who?

 

Deepstate_maps: Footage often appears showing Russia raising a flag deep in Ukraine's rear positions. In most cases, these are propaganda stunts confirmed by prisoner testimonies and intercepted radio communications. Russian troops are promised paid leave if they can sneak into a settlement undetected and raise the Russian flag. For example, this was the case with Maliivka in Dnipropetrovsk region, where the task was to infiltrate past Ukrainian positions wearing cloaks, enter the village, raise the flag, then retreat and get leave. However, it didn't go according to plan, and their vacation was canceled. Russian state media promptly reported yet another "occupation" on credit. While these Russian flag stunts can be seen as positive for Ukraine - often exposing enemy movements - the reverse has negative consequences. It is completely senseless for Ukraine's Defense Forces to publish images of flags placed directly at frontline positions. These posts give Russia clear targets for strikes. Unfortunately, some brigade commanders still see this as "something positive" and force soldiers to film this kind of "media content" from the trenches. One such example in Donetsk ended in total destruction of the location and the troops stationed there. As one soldier put it: "Everything they [the Russians] had was flying at that spot."

 

Quote of the Day:
"Is the labubu loved by the hedgehogs because it is labubu, or is it labubu because it is loved by the hedgehogs?”

 -Greek philosopher Euthyphro