Russian troops have breached sections of Ukraine’s defenses in Donetsk just days before President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Ukrainian officials report small Russian units advancing near Dobropillia, roughly 12 miles from Pokrovsk, a strategic target for over a year.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia aims to project momentum before the summit, despite suffering higher losses than Ukraine. The Ukrainian military estimates 110,000 Russian troops are concentrated in the Pokrovsk area.
While officials stress that infiltrations do not mean territorial control, concerns are rising over patchy defenses and Russia’s "thousand cuts" tactic.
Kremlin forces have punctured Ukraine’s defensive line in the Donetsk region, according to the Ukrainian research group DeepState, ahead of critical US-Russia talks on the future of the war.https://t.co/sEL4OcfCID
— POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) August 12, 2025
Analysts warn the next few days could be decisive in preventing accelerated Russian gains. Some Ukrainian voices fear Pokrovsk may soon be at risk if the situation continues to deteriorate.
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TIPP Staff
