Russian forces breach Ukrainian defences in eastern Donetsk region, reports claim

Russian forces have intensified their offensive in eastern Ukraine, pushing towards the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk highway in the Donetsk region, according to reports.

Ukraine’s open-source intelligence project DeepState said that Moscow troops have probably seized nearby settlements to support further offensive operations as they are trying to pierce Ukrainian defences.

The DeepState map now shows the grey zone touching the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk highway, which was used regularly by civilian and military traffic just weeks ago.

Dobropillia lies 94 kilometres northwest of Russian-occupied Donetsk, and about 22 kilometres north of the embattled city of Pokrovsk.

Russia has been trying to advance in this area for months. Moscow troops have been pushing in the direction between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region since spring.

The offensive has gained pace in August, endangering the key Ukrainian logistics routes, which might now be threatened by the range of Russian drones.

US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says it might be premature to call the Russian advances in the Dobropillya area an operational-level breakthrough, "though Russian forces very likely seek to mature their tactical advances into an operational-level breakthrough in the coming days". 

“Russian forces used a similar tactical penetration in mid-April 2024 to facilitate the seizure of operationally significant territory northwest of Avdiivka," ISW said. 

"The next several days in the Pokrovsk area of operations will likely be critical for Ukraine’s ability to prevent accelerated Russian gains north and northwest of Pokrovsk.”

Ukraine’s 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard has taken up defensive positions in the Pokrovsk sector to block attacking Russian forces, having arrived in the area "several days" ago, the unit reported on Tuesday.

The elite unit described the situation along the Pokrovsk axis as "complex and dynamic," with Russian troops attempting to advance while reportedly suffering losses in both personnel and equipment.

'No sign' Russia preparing for end to war, Zelenskyy said

The ISW added that Russia is likely focusing on advances toward Dobropillya to set informational conditions ahead of the Friday summit in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Moscow is preparing to launch new offensives in the country.

“(Putin) is definitely not preparing for a ceasefire or an end to the war. Putin is determined only to present a meeting with America as his personal victory and then continue acting exactly as before, applying the same pressure on Ukraine as before,” the Ukrainian leader said.

Zelenskyy referred to Ukraine’s intelligence and military command report that Moscow is preparing new offensive operations.

“They are redeploying their troops and forces in ways that suggest preparations for new offensive operations," he emphasised.