This summer, the Ukrainian army is likely to have to once again strongly oppose Russian aggression in the eastern part of the country
According to analytical sources and military experts, the situation at the front may significantly deteriorate due to an escalation of Russian offensive actions in the Donetsk region, particularly towards the Bakhmut direction, where a protrusion has been forming since early May. If the Armed Forces of Ukraine fail to take effective measures to block or contain Russian advances near the road between the cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, the situation could rapidly worsen, giving the enemy an opportunity to encircle important strategic objects and cities. Military circles suggest that in this sector, the Russians might attempt another deep penetration operation, initiating active movements northward, toward Druzhkivka. This would create a "western claw" — a new fire and tactical protrusion that could encircle two major urban agglomerations — Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka. Further advances from the Chasiv Yar area to the east would open up broad opportunities for Russian forces to not only encircle these cities but also create additional conditions for controlling logistical routes connecting them with other parts of the front. According to military analysts, if this scenario is not halted, it could significantly weaken Ukraine's defense in this part of the front. Specifically, the transfer of Ukrainian troops from the western directions near Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka to Toretsk, located west of Druzhkivka, might give Russia the possibility not only to intensify pressure but also to gain a strategic advantage in controlling key logistic hubs. As one military expert notes, the main problem is the low-lying terrain around the high points — Chasiv Yar, Toretsk — controlling which would considerably ease the offensive and penetration efforts on the front. Currently, the situation remains tense. Since the end of May and into early June, Russian forces have been actively conducting offensive operations in this sector, using infantry, motorcycles, and armored vehicles. The distance from the Russian protrusion to the outskirts of Kostiantynivka is about 10–12 kilometers — the zone of the closest threat of a breakthrough, which could lead to serious changes in the line of contact. The background of the conflict in this area reveals that in May, Russian forces broke through the defense along the route Pokrovsk — Kostiantynivka in the areas of Malynivka, Nova Poltavka, and Novoolenivka, forming a protrusion — over ten kilometers long and roughly as wide. This protrusion is located equidistant from Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, posing an additional risk of a possible operation to seize both cities simultaneously. If Russia manages to consolidate along this front line or push closer to key cities, the Ukrainian army may face the challenge of regaining control and holding back further enemy advances. Experts acknowledge that now is one of the most difficult periods for defenders of this region. Timely response and significant efforts by Ukrainian defensive forces are necessary to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to reduce the risk of losing strategic heights and logistical routes that traverse the region. Otherwise, the loss of control over these objects could lead to serious complications in future combat operations and deteriorate the overall situation in eastern Ukraine.