Russian Forces Advance Within 16 Kilometers of Pokrovsk, Says UK Defense Ministry

Recent Russian advances have brought the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region to within approximately 16 kilometers of the current front line, according to a UK Defense Ministry intelligence update on August 9.

"Russian Ground Forces have continued conducting offensive operations along multiple areas of the front line, with Russia achieving further tactical advances," the ministry reported.

Following the failure of Russia's offensive in Kharkiv region, Moscow shifted its focus to the east of Ukraine, directing significant resources toward the Pokrovsk area, as Serhii Dobriak, Head of the Pokrovsk’s military administration, said on July 30.

Pokrovsk serves as a crucial logistical hub for Ukrainian forces, supporting their operations in Donetsk region.

“Russia has also continued to make gains in the contested town of Niu York and its advances in the area are threatening the town of Toretsk. Russia continues to rely on costly infantry-led assaults to make gradual advances into Ukrainian territory,” the report said.

As Russian forces concentrate their resources on the offensive in Donetsk region, Kyiv has acknowledged that the situation in the Pokrovsk area remains "extremely challenging."

Russian troops have been gaining ground in Donetsk region, with Pokrovsk and Toretsk experiencing the heaviest attacks in recent weeks.