This article reveals how Russia has manipulated regional differences in Ukraine's Donetsk region to create a separate identity, known as 'Donbasification,' which has been used to justify separatism and territorial expansion. The author challenges the narrative of East-West division and highlights the historical context, the role of language and culture in shaping identity in the region, and the impact of Soviet rule and Russian influence on the region. The article argues against the notion that the East is fundamentally different from the West and that Ukraine's East wanted to be part of Russia.

Senior Russian lawmaker Alexei Zhuravlev openly calls for the use of tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine, echoing previous demands from nationalist figures. His comments follow reports of US and European concerns over potential nuclear use and a recent visit by the CIA Director to Moscow. Despite the Kremlin's resistance, Zhuravlev's remarks reflect renewed concerns about further Russian escalation in the conflict.

Russian forces have continued their attacks on the Dnipropetrovsk region, including the Nikopol, Kryvyi Rih, Synelnykove, and Pavlohrad districts, resulting in the injury of six people, including a child, and causing damage to civilian infrastructure such as a supermarket and an apartment building. The attacks occurred on Monday, Aug. 31.

The International Monetary Fund mission in Ukraine is assessing the country's economic outlook and reform progress under the Extended Fund Facility program. The mission is reviewing Ukraine's compliance with fiscal and tax reforms and the draft state budget for 2027, considering the impact of Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The mission has commenced its review of Ukraine's economic outlook and reform commitments, focusing on the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. Discussions are ongoing regarding Ukraine's progress on fiscal and tax reforms and the draft state budget for 2027. The mission is assessing the country's compliance with its reform commitments and the impact of Russia's continued attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which may necessitate additional financial support.

The 'Volunteer Coalition' in Ukraine, despite not achieving a swift military victory, has adapted its objectives to support the Ukrainian army in its defense against Russian missile attacks. European and allied support has been secured, and the coalition's assistance has allowed the Ukrainian army to maintain its defenses against the relentless Russian missile strikes. The coalition has redefined its goals, aiming to provide further support to the Ukrainian army. However, the Ukrainian army's defense has been weakened, with nearly all missiles reaching their targets.

Ukrainian defense company Rebel Group has developed a new counter-drone system called Brama, which is designed to detect, read, and jam FPV drones. The system is currently undergoing military codification for potential use by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Brama is a stationary electronic warfare and reconnaissance system that can detect a drone's signal and jam it, allowing an operator to suppress the drone without additional equipment. The system has already passed laboratory testing and trials in combat conditions.

A deliberate fire at a drone factory in Skarżysko-Kamienna, southern Poland, producing components for drones used by the Polish and Ukrainian militaries, has led to a terrorism investigation. The incident, believed to be an act of sabotage, is suspected to be linked to Russian espionage activities. Surveillance footage shows a masked person entering the facility prior to the fire. This event is part of a series of suspected sabotage and espionage incidents against NATO countries, which Polish and other EU authorities have described as part of Russia’s hybrid campaign.

Following the NSDC meeting on regional resilience plans, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted a decree focusing on winter preparations. The decree emphasizes the implementation of resilience plans and personal responsibility for officials, covering the Kyiv territorial community and requiring measures for critical infrastructure and public services. It includes efforts to restore and replenish rolling stock, conduct command-and-staff exercises, increase backup power capacity, maintain fuel reserves, and prepare apartment buildings for autonomous operation. The decree took effect on the day of its publication.

Ukraine is calling for international law to recognize Russia's campaign against Ukrainian culture as a form of cultural genocide, including attacks on teachers, priests, and cultural institutions. The country proposes legal changes to address the destruction of cultural heritage, systematic denial of access to cultural institutions and language, and aims to set a new standard in international law. The long-term consequences of Russia's occupation, such as indoctrination of Ukrainian children and rewriting of history, are highlighted. Ukraine seeks to add a cultural dimension to the genocide provision of its Criminal Code.

Building upon its previous partnership with a design bureau to produce guided aerial bombs, Ukrainian defense-tech company BlueBird Tech has now introduced modular drone kits for self-assembly, reflecting its growth and commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense needs. The Bebradrone Kit offers various configurations, including control systems, video transmitters, cameras, flight electronics, and navigation gear. The company, which has grown from a volunteer group, now produces electronic warfare and drone systems, employing over 350 specialists across several Ukrainian cities.

In the midst of ongoing conflict, Ukraine is resuming in-person education for 25,000 schools, implementing increased safety measures and providing a 20% pay raise for teachers. Over 82% of children in preschool education and 83% of school students have access to shelters. The government is constructing additional shelters and ensuring access to digital textbooks and ready-to-eat meals for children in areas with security restrictions, aiming to ensure the safety of children and the continuity of education, with a focus on shelter access and digital resources.

A Ukrainian influencer, Evhen Volnov, infiltrated a Russian Zoom meeting on drone production, targeting officials from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Rosaviatsia. Volnov criticized the attendees' professionalism and financial management, highlighting inefficiencies and professionalism issues among Russian officials. This event is part of the ongoing cyber operations between Ukraine and Russia, following a previous breach at a Russian university recruitment meeting. The meeting was abruptly ended after Volnov's intervention.

The Ukraine Compass presents an analysis of the use of tactical nuclear weapons in modern warfare, particularly in the context of the ongoing Ukraine war. Victor Taran argues that these weapons are not battlefield solutions but rather instruments of political blackmail, with severe implications for the user's reputation and future relations. He emphasizes that using such weapons would brand the user as a nuclear terrorist state with no chance for reversal, and that they offer no real breakthrough.

Background: Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and deep into Moscow to reduce Russian revenues and disrupt military production. Today's development: Ukraine has broadened its long-range drone campaign beyond military targets to include oil and gas infrastructure and major logistics hubs like Wildberries, explicitly aiming to bring the war home to Russians. This shift has led to a marked increase in Russian civilian casualties, with 79 killed in July 2026 alone, according to Russian authorities. Ukrainian officials defend the strategy as legitimate economic warfare, while Western analysts warn of risks to international support and note the distinction from Russia's deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilians.

On Ukraine's Independence Day, EU Council President Antonio Costa pledged continued support, including a new 90 billion euro loan, and threatened new sanctions against Russia, saying the EU will increase pressure until Russia ends the killing and shows serious peace willingness. Norway pledged an additional 9.2 billion dollars in aid for 2027. Meanwhile, Russia reported two children killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on Krasnodar, and Ukraine reported three killed in a Russian attack near Kharkiv. Russia also withdrew its ambassador from London, citing Britain's support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting Western officials, including former US Vice President Mike Pence and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, are pressing the United States to supply Patriot interceptor missiles to counter Russian ballistic missile strikes. Zelensky requested 5-10% of US Patriot inventory, while Frederiksen called for European unity and more Patriot systems. The urgency stems from depleted US stockpiles due to the Iran war and anticipated Russian attacks on energy infrastructure as winter approaches. The discussions occurred during the Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic Eight summit and meetings with US senators and former envoy Keith Kellogg.