"Militia from the Azov group seize control over a challenging sector of the battlefront, specifically in the Pokrovsk region's defense line"
The Pokrovsk direction on the Ukrainian frontline has been a hotbed of activity in recent months, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in a complex and dynamic struggle. According to reports from the DeepState analytical center and Ukrainian sources (UP), the sector is one of the most difficult on the front.
On July 29, a Russian salient on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinivka road began to rapidly stretch north towards Dobropillya, threatening to encircle Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk and Mirnohrad. This salient, which later grew to a length of 23 kilometers, was formed by the Russians in May 2025, breaking through the Pokrovsk - Konstantinivka road in the area of Malynivka - Nova Poltavka - Nova Olënovka.
Russian tactics in this sector involve small sabotage and reconnaissance groups infiltrating Ukrainian defenses around Dobropillya, using cover such as basements and forests to await reinforcements and attempt footholds. However, Ukrainian sources emphasize that these infiltrations do not indicate Russian control of the area since Ukrainian drone operations and reinforcements continue to impede Russian advance.
In response to this threat, units of the 1st Corps of NU "Azov" have planned and taken measures to block enemy forces in a certain area. These efforts have been successful, with Ukrainian counterattacks largely halting Russian penetrations east and northeast of Dobropillya, and Ukrainian forces clearing Russian infiltrators from Pokrovsk as well as several villages northeast of Dobropillya.
Despite these successes, Russian forces continue infiltration attempts using small tactical groups and maintain pressure. However, Ukrainian units, including the 1st Azov Corps and the 155th Brigade, are holding defensive positions and inflicting heavy losses on attacking Russian troops.
As of mid-August 2025, the defensive sector around Dobropillya and the road from Dobropillya to Kramatorsk in the Pokrovsk direction is currently contested but stabilized by Ukrainian forces. The road from Dobropillya to Kramatorsk, notably the T-0514 highway, is an area where Russian forces have claimed tactical successes, but independent sources, including the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), have not confirmed a sustained Russian advance there.
The enemy, as per AZOV, is suffering significant losses in manpower and equipment. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of Ukrainian forces in the face of ongoing Russian pressure. The situation remains complex and dynamic, but Ukrainian defenses around Dobropillya—including on the route to Kramatorsk—are currently stabilized and actively contested, with Ukraine maintaining control and repelling Russian attempts to consolidate gains in this sector.
[1] Institute for the Study of War (ISW). (2025, August 12). Daily Update: August 12, 2025. Retrieved from https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/daily-update/daily-update-august-12-2025
[2] Kyiv Independent. (2025, August 11). Azov regiment says it's holding off Russian advance in Donbas. Retrieved from https://kyivindependent.com/news/ukraine/azov-russian-advance-donbas
[4] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2025, August 11). Ukrainian Forces Repel Russian Attacks In Eastern Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russian-attacks-donbas-frontline-azov-sector/31634361.html
[5] CNN. (2025, August 11). Russian forces suffer heavy losses in Ukraine's Donbas region, Ukrainian military says. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/11/europe/ukraine-russia-donbas-intensified-fighting-intl/index.html
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