Ukrainian Presidential Office Deputy Head Colonel Pavlo Palisa reported on August 29 that Russian political leadership ordered forces to seize the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts by December 31, 2026, with Russian military leadership reportedly requesting a deadline extension to March 31, 2027.
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Ukrainian Presidential Office Deputy Head Colonel Pavlo Palisa reported on August 29 that Russian political leadership ordered Russian forces to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (the entirety of Donbas) by December 31, 2026.
Palisa stated that Russian military leadership reportedly replied that this order was unrealistic and asked for a March 31, 2027 deadline instead.
Russian political leadership ordered military commanders to draft contingency plans for an operation targeting Kyiv and Chernihiv.
No immediate Russian offensive grouping is currently forming for an attack on Kyiv or Chernihiv.
Ukrainian General Staff has developed strategic options for defense and counteraction against potential Russian plans.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the Kremlin could seek to mobilize several hundred thousand citizens by the end of the year.
Demand for long-term apartment rentals in Tbilisi and Yerevan surged by up to 30 percent in mid-August due to fears of Russian mobilization.
Ukraine may lose Chasiv Yar and Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast by the end of 2026 as they will be occupied by Russians.
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Source story: russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-29-2026