In recent days, the hottest point on the front line between Ukraine and Russia has once again become the Pokrovsk sector in the Donetsk region. Several Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian defenses near the city of Dobropillia and advanced toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. However, these claims have not been confirmed by independent sources, and there are currently no videos online that clearly show such a deep advance.
OSINT analysis and situation on the ground
According to the DeepState OSINT project, which is close to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Russian troops have advanced 8–10 kilometers north of Pokrovsk and reached the villages of Kucheryv Yar and Zolotyi Kolodets. They are gathering forces there and preparing positions for further movement. Small groups have also been reported in the village of Vesele. The Russian army is attempting to fortify positions in Novovodyane and Petrovka along the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk highway.
DeepState analysts state that Russian forces are bypassing Ukrainian engineering fortifications and later using them for their own defense. If Zolotyi Kolodets, Kucheryv Yar, Vesele, and nearby villages are captured, Dobropillia may fall before Pokrovsk.
International analysis and additional data
Finnish military analyst Pasi Paroinen claims that between August 9 and 11, Russian troops penetrated Ukrainian defenses by about 17 kilometers. Some reports suggest Russian groups have entered the outskirts of Dobropillia.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, movements from May to late July have increased the risk of cutting the Pokrovsk–Kostiantynivka highway. This road is the city’s main supply line, but it was closed to civilian traffic in June due to Russian drone attacks.
Statements from the Ukrainian side
The “Dnipro” operational group stated that Russian forces are trying to break through the first defensive line in small groups, but the territory has not been fully taken under control. “Azov” units reported that they had strengthened defensive lines on roads near Pokrovsk.
Former Azov commander Bohdan Krotevych appealed to President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning of the very severe situation. He believes command errors and a lack of personnel are enabling Russian forces to advance quickly.
Assessments from Russia
Russian Z-channels report the presence of reconnaissance and sabotage groups toward Dobropillia, but there is still no solid evidence of large-scale success. Political analyst Sergey Markov called the breakthrough a “souvenir” ahead of Putin–Trump talks.
On August 15, a summit in Alaska is set to bring Trump and Putin together to discuss the war in Ukraine. Some media reports suggest Putin wants to take the remaining Ukraine-controlled part of Donetsk region but is unwilling to return occupied territories in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Zelensky strongly opposes handing over any territory.
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