Despite Ukrainian statements about stabilization along the front, heavy clashes continue north of Krasnoarmeysk (known in Ukraine as Pokrovsk), particularly in the areas of Shakhovo and Zolotoy Kolodez.

According to the Telegram channel Voennaya Khronika, this sector reveals a key element of Russia’s strategy: to pull Ukrainian reserves into protracted local battles and wear them down on a limited stretch of the front. Analysts noted that even temporarily retaken positions cannot be held by Ukrainian troops without sustaining severe losses.

The channel described the corridor from Shakhovo to Sofievka as the most dangerous zone, often referred to as the «valley of death». It argued that Ukrainian forces entering this area expose their ground troops to extreme risk.

Reports also indicate that Ukraine has been forced to shift units to this sector from three separate directions, forming so-called «fire brigades». Yet even such emergency redeployments have not altered the situation. For now, talk of a turning point remains premature, as the fighting drags on.