Ukrainian forces are striking targets in the occupied territories of Donetsk Oblast to halt Russian preparation for an autumn counteroffensive, says Oleksii Hetman, Radio NV reports. 

Ukrainian attacks lay the groundwork for an advance

“The Russians are planning very powerful attacks, so they are pulling in troops and redeploying,” explains Hetman. 

That’s why Ukraine must destroy and weaken them as much as possible, and prepare for its own offensive actions. 

A variety of Ukrainian weapons

Hetman believes that it is difficult to say exactly which weapons were used in the strikes, but that is not critical.

“We have a large arsenal of missiles: ‘Palyanytsya,’ ‘Peklo,’ ‘Trembita,’ ‘Flamingo.’ What exactly hit doesn’t make much difference. We carefully plan attacks and don’t use high-powered missiles where smaller ones are sufficient,” he says.

Precision strike strategy

According to the expert, every attack is carefully calculated. Ukraine employs its weapons based on the strategic importance of each target: more powerful missiles are used only where maximum effect is needed.

These actions drain the Russian military and set the conditions for future offensive operations.

As of 2.20 PM, all miners are now being brought to the surface. Power has been restored, and people are being evacuated from two mines. 

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian shelling cut power to the mines of the Dobropillia community. 148 miners remain trapped underground, says Mykhailo Volynets, head of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine.

Dobropillia — the industrial heart of Donbas

Dobropillia, located in Pokrovsk district of Donetsk Oblast, is an industrial center of a major coal region. The city is known for some of the largest coal deposits in Ukraine and gained city status in 1953.

War and infrastructure destruction

During Russia’s aggression, Dobropillia became a zone of active combat. Regular shelling has damaged residential areas, social infrastructure, water supply, and power networks, making life difficult for local residents.

Miners underground: critical situation

Due to the power outage, the mines remain without electricity. According to DTEK, Ukraine’s top energy company, the Russian attack hit a mine, killing one person and injuring three people. 

Ukrainian forces destroy the “brains” of Russia’s elite drone unit Rubicon in Donetsk Oblast. Kyiv troops delivered a precise strike on the unmanned aerial command post of the unit, destroying a large ammunition depot, the General Staff of the Armed Forces reports. 

Ukrainian forces struck a number of important Russian targets in Donetsk Oblast

A command post of the Russian elite “Rubikon” UAV unit and a large ammunition depot were targeted General Staff pic.twitter.com/6lsE53FJ71

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) August 22, 2025

“Rubicon” — Kremlin’s elite drone project

The Rubicon unit was created only in August 2024, but quickly became one of Russia’s most dangerous high-tech formations. It brought together the most skilled personnel, effective command, and virtually unlimited funding.

Russia has been deploying Rubicon with several hundred to several thousand fighters, aiming to expand its operations across the entire frontline, according to Army Inform. 

Azov commander: “After Rubicon appeared, it got tougher”

The commander of the Azov Brigade’s unmanned systems battalion, call sign Bud, told Radio NV:

“They caused us obvious problems, primarily with logistics. I think when they entered this direction, their clear mission was to hit our supply lines as much as possible.”

Since Rubicon’s appearance, the situation for Ukrainian units has become more complicated, as the Russians actively target transport and supply routes.

A strategic success for Ukraine

Experts note that the loss of Rubicon’s command post could significantly slow the development of this Russian project.

“The combat work of missile troops and artillery continues constantly,” the General Staff emphasized.

Earlier, Forbes reported that Rubicon significantly weakened Ukraine’s drone advantage in Russia’s Kursk Oblast by inflicting serious losses on logistics and destroying equipment.

Additionally, Rubicon employs advanced radio-control systems capable of bypassing Ukrainian electronic warfare defenses. As a result, Ukrainian logistics suffered heavy damage from drone attacks, with hundreds of Ukrainian vehicles destroyed, including supply trucks, M2 Bradleys, and MaxxPro armored vehicles.

Russia is redeploying forces from Sumy Oblast to Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, preparing for decisive battles in the Pokrovsk sector. The buildup coincides with preparations for US President Donald Trump’s and Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s meeting in Alaska, where ending the war in Ukraine will be discussed, Ranok.Live reports.

Over 100,000 Russian troops near Pokrovsk

Spokesman for the Dnipro Operational-Strategic Grouping Victor Trehubov says more than 100,000 Russian troops are concentrated in the Pokrovsk front despite heavy losses. He explains that Moscow troops are willing to sacrifice positions in Sumy Oblast to create an illusion of success in Donetsk Oblast.

“That’s a huge number for such a scale — enough to attack a European country, not just one unfortunate small Pokrovsk,” Trehubov says.

Ukrainian forces inflict losses and stabilize the front

In the past two days, Ukrainian defenders have repelled 53 Russian assaults in more than 20 settlements in the Pokrovsk sector. The Defense Forces, including the 1st NGU Azov Corps, eliminated 151 occupiers, wounded over 70, and captured eight Russian soldiers.

“As a result of the fighting, the enemy is suffering heavy losses,” Azov stated.

Putin strengthens position before talks

Analysts believe the troop concentration in Donetsk Oblast is an attempt by the Kremlin to create a media effect and strengthen Putin’s negotiating position ahead of the 15 August Alaska summit with Trump, UNN reports. The key topic there will be a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.