**Russian Forces Push into Donetsk Oblast, Threatening Key Ukrainian Stronghold**
In a significant development on the front lines of Ukraine’s war with Russia, Russian forces have made a push towards the Dobropillia-Kramatorsk highway in Donetsk Oblast. According to monitoring group DeepState, Russian troops have seized positions in nearby settlements, setting the stage for further offensive operations.
The updated map from DeepState shows the grey zone, indicating Russian control, touching the highway that was once used by both civilian and military traffic. Dobropillia lies 94 kilometers northwest of Russian-occupied Donetsk and about 22 kilometers north of the embattled city of Pokrovsk.
Russian forces have advanced into Kucheriv Yar, Zolotyi Kolodiaz, and Vesele, where they are reportedly consolidating positions for a renewed offensive and full occupation. The Russian push is an extension of the ongoing offensive between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast that has been underway since spring.
**Russian Advances Compromise Ukrainian Defense**
Piercing the Ukrainian defense far west of the main agglomeration of Ukrainian-controlled cities in Donetsk Oblast, these latest gains threaten to severely compromise Kyiv’s overall defense of the war-torn eastern region. New fortifications have been built around Zolotyi Kolodiaz, Shakhove, and nearby settlements – positions that Russian forces are currently bypassing but may seize and repurpose for defensive use in future operations.
DeepState warned that after final consolidation and accumulation, attempts to move deeper into the territory will be inevitable, and drone crews will be brought in, which will complicate the restructuring of alternative logistics and the maintenance of surrounding positions by Ukrainian forces. The report also noted that if current trends continue, Dobropillia may fall faster than Pokrovsk.
**Ukrainian Officials Silent on Russian Advances**
Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on the reported Russian advance. Press officers from two Ukrainian brigades known to be fighting in the area declined to comment on the situation.
The news comes as Russia, facing the prospect of peace talks, has aimed to surge forward on the front line to put itself in the best position at a potential negotiating table. The hottest parts of the front line remain in Donetsk Oblast, where Ukrainian brigades are battling to hold the line against a Russian attacking force that has learned to target weak points in the Ukrainian defense.
**Civilian Evacuations Remain Extremely Dangerous**
Civilian evacuations from contested or occupied areas remain extremely dangerous, with Russian forces repeatedly accused of targeting non-combatants. As the conflict escalates, the risks for civilians continue to rise.
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