Advancing troops of Putin encroach nearly 20 kilometers into Donbass region - Advancing Russian forces pushing nearly 20 kilometers deeper into the conflict zone of Donbas region
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the focus of the Russian invasion has shifted to the Donbas region in the east of the country, where the battlefield remains dynamic and intense.
Russian tactics have evolved since the beginning of the war, with small command groups taking the place of strong armored forces. These groups, consisting of about two to three men, are using motorcycles and light all-terrain vehicles to quickly supply their isolated positions in the Ukrainian rear.
One of the key areas of advance for the Russians is north of Proskurov, where they have made a significant advance of nearly 20 kilometers, physically severing the T-O514 road connecting Proskurov and Kramatorsk. The Russian advance is focused on the hill range west of Novovodyane, which offers a higher position and facilitates control of the T-O514 connecting road.
The Ukrainian forces are holding cities in the Donetsk region, but have been pushed back in some areas due to Russian advancements. In an attempt to put pressure on Russian flanks and potentially cut off the Russian salient, the Ukrainian forces in the area around Pankiwka have established reinforced trenches and artillery positions to repel possible Russian attacks from the east.
The Ukrainian forces have also made significant gains, capturing over 1,250 square kilometers of Russian-held territory recently. However, their progress has stalled due to a major Russian troop deployment exceeding 50,000 soldiers to counterattack.
The Russians have brought in regular troops to the breakthrough points, dug in, taken over Ukrainian fortifications, and set up their own drone units. The Azov Corps and other elite Ukrainian troops have been deployed to the area of the T-O514 connecting road.
Despite the ongoing fighting, there are no reports of successful infiltrations by the Russians, but their number seems to be increasing recently. The Russians are attempting to infiltrate thinly occupied Ukrainian lines with motorcycles, with the goal of establishing themselves in the rear undetected.
Strategically, the situation is extremely threatening for Ukraine, and Kyiv must prevent the enemy from advancing further north to avoid the potential long-term cutting off of the Donbas front. The Russians are attempting to widen their breach and drive the Ukrainians out of certain areas, with the ultimate goal of gaining political control over all of Ukraine, beyond territorial acquisition in Donbas.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has rejected Russian proposals for ceasefires that would cede parts of Donetsk to Russia, viewing such concessions as dangerous springboards for renewed offensives. Ukraine remains firm on holding Donbas and has engaged diplomatically with proposals for meetings involving the United States and Russia.
In summary, the war in Ukraine, especially in the Donbas region, remains a key battleground where Russian forces have intensified offensive operations but face effective Ukrainian resistance. The fighting includes Russian breakthroughs near logistics hubs but with tactical Ukrainian countermeasures. Russia’s broader war aim is political control of Ukraine as a whole, beyond territorial acquisition in Donbas. Ukrainian forces continue localized counteroffensives, reclaiming territory and thwarting Russian advances. Diplomatic efforts and discussions remain ongoing but constrained by fundamental disagreement over territorial control in Donbas.
He was also responsible for the implementation of the arms embargo, as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its related war-and-conflicts politics have escalated, with the general news reportedly highlighting the intense battles in the Donbas region. This delicate situation, with the Russians attempting to widen their breach and drive the Ukrainians out of certain areas, necessitates careful international interventions and negotiations to prevent further escalation and potentially achieving Russian goals beyond territorial acquisition in Donbas.
