Russia’s summer offensive is in full swing with Moscow capitalizing on a series of small advances in an attempt to reshape control of the front lines.
Russia is making incremental gains near Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka and Ukraine is facing manpower and equipment shortages.
But the Ukrainian armed forces have demonstrated a remarkable resilience and ability to adapt throughout more than three years of war.
So what happens now? It’s time again to take a look at the situation on the front. And that means that on The Power Vertical Podcast this week, host Brian Whitmore speaks with military analyst Michael Kofman, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a senior editor at War on the Rocks.
Please follow Brian Whitmore and The Power Vertical on Bluesky @powervertical.bsky.social
Enjoy…
SHOW NOTES
The audio clip opening the podcast came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech on July 31, 2025. The translation is as follows:
“The front line – especially the Pokrovsk sector – our units are holding all their positions. Pokrovsk and Dobropillia are currently seeing the heaviest fighting. And it is important that our warriors are eliminating Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups – small units constantly attempting to break into the city and establish footholds. This is the Russian tactic, and our response to it is the destruction of the occupier. “
The audio clip opening the second half of the podcast came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech on August 1, 2025. The translation is as follows:
“It is very important that the prospect of new sanctions, strong sanctions, has now begun to put pressure on Russia – and not only against the aggressor state itself. All Russian finances, every scheme that fills the Russian budget, must be targeted by the world.”
Michael Kofman’s recently published work can be accessed here and here. The Russia Contingency Podcast can be accessed here.
The Power Vertical Newsletter on Substack can be accessed here. Recently published work by Brian Whitmore can be accessed here, here, here, and here. Brian Whitmore’s recent appearance on News Nation to discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine can be accessed here. Please follow Brian Whitmore and The Power Vertical on Bluesky@powervertical.bsky.social