The situation 1312 – October 21, 2025

1. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Russia is unwilling to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine that does not result in Ukraine’s complete capitulation.
2. Ukraine and its European allies signaled their support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
3. Recent Russian war crimes in Pokrovsk highlight the humanitarian cost of Russian advances in more populated areas.
4. Russia’s long-range strike campaign continues to target critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of Winter 2025-2026.
5. Ukrainian Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the commander of the newly formed Joint Forces Task Force.
6. Polish and Romanian authorities connected Russian military intelligence to attempted acts of sabotage aimed at undermining European Union (EU) support to Ukraine.
7. Russian forces advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast and near Pokrovsk.

The full update of the Russian offensive 1312 is available on UNDERSTANDING WAR