Russian forces advance closer to Ukrainian positions in Donbas and southern fronts: escalation on the battlefield
The southern front of Ukraine remains tense as Russian troops continue their advances toward key strategic points. According to recent reports from the analytical resource DeepState, Russian occupation forces have made noticeable progress in several directions, particularly in the Donetsk region and along southern borders. They moved closer to the settlements of Popoviy Yar in the Kramatorsk direction, as well as in the areas of Veselé, Tolstyi, and Yalta on the Novopavlivskyi front line. The last settlement is located near the border with Dnipropetrovsk region, complicating the situation for Ukrainian defenders. In the operational-tactical group “Khortytsia,” it is noted that the Russian army intensifies pressure near Komar, Novosilky, Zaporizhzhia, and in the vicinity of Mirolyubivka, Zirka, Poltavka, Muravka, and Novoekonomichne. Fierce fighting continues across other sectors, including in Gorikhove, Mirolyubivka, and Udachny on the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian military positions in this area remain under control, though the tension persists. The situation near Dachne in Dnipropetrovsk region is particularly critical, as Ukrainian troops are holding their positions, preventing the Russian forces from establishing a foothold. Military analysts highlight that the situation remains fluid in the east and south, with the potential for further escalation depending on the progress of combat operations and diplomatic negotiations.