Russia makes substantial advances on the ground: Kyiv issues evacuation orders
In the past month, from July 8 to August 5, 2025, Russian forces have made substantial territorial gains of approximately 226 square miles in eastern Ukraine, surpassing their previous advances earlier in the year.
These advancements include counterattacks near Dobropillya, allowing Russia to regain limited tactical control east and southeast of the area, and progress near settlements such as Chasiv Yar and Toretsk. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces have made progress near Pokrovsk and Velykomykhailivka, indicating ongoing contested areas in eastern Ukraine.
The conflict in Ukraine remains focused on Russia’s broader objective of exerting political control over the entire country, not just limited territorial seizures in regions like Donetsk Oblast. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated this strategic goal and rejected Western security guarantees for Ukraine, reinforcing Moscow's intentions to dominate Ukraine’s internal governance.
These recent territorial changes and ongoing hostilities, including Russia's third largest strike on the night of August 20-21 targeting Western Ukraine, are likely to influence the negotiation dynamics in the upcoming US-Russia talks. The intensified Russian military activity and territorial gains may harden positions on both sides, complicating prospects for diplomatic resolution.
Notably, Russian forces have reportedly captured two more villages in Donetsk: Suworowo and Nikanoriwka. As of August 12, Russia controlled or claimed 79 percent of the Donetsk region, compared to 62 percent a year ago. The governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Fillaschkin, has ordered the evacuation of several villages near the frontline due to recent territorial gains by Russia.
Currently, Russia has full or partial control over 19 percent of Ukrainian territory, according to AFP. The advance of the Russian army in Ukraine comes near Dobropillia, where Ukrainian forces are preparing to "destroy" the Russian troops, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The chaos on the Pokrowsk-Kostjantyniwka line in Ukraine was described as "complete" in a recent report. Zelensky stated that Moscow wants to create the impression that Ukraine is losing ground in order to extract political concessions in upcoming negotiations.
Approximately 1150 children are affected by the evacuation order in around a dozen settlements, including the small village of Bilozerske. It is worth noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the meeting between Trump and Putin, scheduled for Friday to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
The advance of the Russian army in Ukraine comes before the meeting of US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss the Ukraine conflict. Most Russian advances in Ukraine this year have targeted the Donetsk region, with around 70 percent of advances occurring in this region.
After the Berlin Ukraine summit, Trump warned Putin of "very serious consequences" regarding the conflict. The meeting between Trump and Putin is taking place in the US state of Alaska. Previous talks on a ceasefire have been unsuccessful, and Zelensky has stated that Ukrainian forces would soon "destroy" the Russian troops near Dobropillia.
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