Russia is likely to intensify its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, according to ISW

Russia is expected to increase its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW highlights that Russia used the time leading up to the summit in Alaska on August 15 to significantly stockpile missiles and drones. Their intention is to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure, aiming to worsen its condition ahead of the upcoming winter.

A survey indicates that 75% of Ukrainians are willing to agree to a ceasefire, but only if there are security guarantees in place

A new nationwide survey has revealed that three-quarters of Ukrainians support the idea of a ceasefire with Russia—but only if it comes with strong international security guarantees. The poll, conducted by the respected Rating sociological group between August 21–23, 2025, underscores the deep skepticism among Ukrainians about any deal with Moscow absent binding commitments from the West.

When asked whether Ukraine should agree to a ceasefire, 75% of respondents said they would support it only if the United States and European nations formally provided guarantees for Ukraine’s safety. Another 19% flatly rejected the idea under any circumstances, while just 3% favored an unconditional ceasefire. The remaining 3% were undecided. Among the security measures Ukrainians said they expect, the most important are: steady funding and weapons deliveries for the armed forces (52%), binding promises by allies to intervene militarily if Russia attacks again (48%), and international patrols of Ukraine’s skies and seas (44%).

The survey also highlighted divisions over how the war should end. A majority—59%—support halting hostilities and seeking a compromise, while 20% want the war to continue until both Donbas and Crimea are fully liberated. Thirteen percent favor continuing the fight until Ukraine regains control of the territory it held before Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 23, 2022. As for the path to peace, 62% believe compromise is possible with the help of international mediators, 20% favor direct negotiations with Russia, and 11% reject talks altogether, preferring to fight until every occupied region is liberated.

The poll was carried out through computer-assisted telephone interviews with 1,600 adults across Ukraine, excluding Crimea, the Russian-occupied parts of Donbas, and areas where Ukrainian cell service was unavailable. The sample was representative of Ukraine’s demographics, with a margin of error of 2.5%.

Russian attack on Kherson killed one and injured six

Russian forces carried out another deadly strike on Kherson at midday Sunday, August 31, killing one civilian and injuring at least six others.

According to the Kherson Oblast Prosecutor’s Office, the attack occurred around 12:00 p.m. when a Russian drone targeted one of the city’s streets. A woman was killed in the strike, and prosecutors have opened a war crimes investigation under Article 438.2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.

The assault did not end there. Later the same day, Russian forces shelled Kherson’s central district, damaging a medical facility, an educational institution, an administrative building, and a residential block. By early afternoon—1:43 p.m. local time—regional officials confirmed at least six people were wounded in the attacks.

Kherson, a southern city liberated by Ukrainian forces in late 2022, remains under constant bombardment due to its proximity to Russian-occupied territory across the Dnipro River. Local authorities say Moscow’s ongoing campaign of strikes deliberately targets civilian infrastructure, underscoring Ukraine’s call for tougher international action against Russia’s use of drones and artillery in densely populated areas.