A recent map shows Russia expanding its control northwest of Avdiivka, marking a significant advancement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine‘s Donetsk region. This development has been described by a Ukrainian military expert as a crisis.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in the U.S. has identified video evidence from Tuesday showing Russia making incremental progress near Sokil village, northwest of Avdiivka.
The most intense battles, including those in Donetsk and the Eastern Front Lines, have escalated since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022. Following months of fierce combat, Russia gained control of Bakhmut in Donetsk in May 2023. By February of this year, they had seized Avdiivka, a vital strategic location, and have since made further territorial gains.
Despite launching offensives in northeastern Ukraine in May, the Russians have intensified attacks in the east, particularly near Pokrovsk, just south of Avdiivka.
Avdiivka is one of Ukraine’s key fortified cities crucial in defending Donetsk from Russian incursions.
Recent reports suggest Russian forces have advanced towards Novooleksandriivka, east of Pokrovsk, and are now moving towards Lozuvatske to the west. Ukrainian military observer Konstantin Mashovets warned of a strategic crisis east of Pokrovsk, stating that further Russian advancements are likely if more brigades are deployed.
Ukraine’s military has reported 24 Russian attacks near Pokrovsk, with a focus on Novooleksandriivka. They have confirmed 240 Russian casualties, including 97 fatalities, in this area.
Ukraine’s Army Chief, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, highlighted the ongoing intense offensive actions by Russia west of Pokrovsk and towards Kurakhove, a city in Russian-held eastern Ukraine southeast of Pokrovsk.
Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged engagement with Ukrainian troops near Avdiivka and Umanske, south of Novooleksandriivka.