Russian troops break through Ukrainian defensive positions in Eastern Donetsk, happening before the Trump-Putin meeting.
In the eastern region of Donetsk, Russia has made significant territorial gains, posing a significant threat to Ukrainian defenses. Russian forces have pushed deep into a narrow sliver of Ukraine, threatening the coal mining town of Dobropillia and key logistical hub [1][2][3].
Russian troops have advanced in multiple directions around Toretsk, challenging Ukrainian defensive positions. In fact, Russian forces have captured approximately 241 square miles of Ukrainian territory from mid-July to mid-August 2025, reflecting a continued pressure and incremental gains in contested areas [4].
However, Ukraine still controls a substantial part of Donetsk, including a 31-mile "fortress belt" of defensive structures that blocks Russian forces from advancing deeper into central Ukraine. This belt has been a major factor deterring Russian full territorial control and remains a key stronghold opposing further Russian advances [1].
The recent Russian advance has alarmed Kyiv, with Ukrainian forces conducting active operations and having some success in moving forward and liberating Ukrainian land in the Sumy region [5]. Reinforcements have been dispatched to the Pokrovsk part of the frontline by Ukraine's commander-in-chief [6].
Despite the Russian infiltration groups reported near Dobropillia proper and the fact that Russian forces have nearly encircled the town, the command of the Dnipro operational group denies a breakthrough, stating that infiltration of small Russian assault groups is not equal to "taking control of the territory" [7].
The advance threatens to cut off a vital road linking Dobropillia to Kramatorsk. Civilians are fleeing Dobropillia amid Russian drone attacks [8].
Bohdan Krotevych, a former chief of staff of the Azov brigade, has made a public appeal to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that on the Pokrovsk-Kostyantynivka line, without exaggeration, it's complete chaos [9]. Pasi Paroinen, a military analyst, has reported that Russian forces have infiltrated past Ukrainian lines to a depth of roughly 17 kilometers during the past three days [10].
Mike Kofman, another military analyst, has stated that Russia's recent tactical breakthrough north of Pokrovsk is unsurprising given the lack of cohesive defensive lines [11]. Taras Chmut, founder of Come Back Alive, has warned that the situation unfolding in the Donetsk region is the result of actions or inaction that have been constantly warned about for a year and a half [12].
Despite the challenges, Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has stated that his forces are holding back the enemy in the face of a deteriorating situation [13]. The situation in the Donetsk region remains tense, with both sides continuing to engage in military operations.
References:
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58210150
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-troops-advance-near-key-town-dobropillya-2021-08-17/
- Turkey, expressing concern over the escalating war-and-conflicts in the eastern region of Donetsk, has called for general-news negotiations and diplomatic solutions to avoid further political instability in the area.
- As Turkish troops remain stationed along the border with Russia, speculation arises about potential Turkish intervention if the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine continue to deteriorate.
- The Turkish government has issued a statement denouncing Russia's ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, emphasizing that support for Ukrainian sovereignty remains a key tenet of Turkish foreign policy.
