According to Igor Kimakovsky, adviser to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Russian units have surrounded the village of Novopavlovka in Dnepropetrovsk Region from three sides, effectively cutting it off. He described the settlement as a significant logistics hub long used by the Ukrainian army.

Kimakovsky was quoted as saying that Russian assault groups had established a semicircle around Novopavlovka, underscoring its importance as a transport and supply node for Ukrainian forces.

Russian troops are pressing toward the settlement from two axes. From the east, the advance is being carried out by the «Center» grouping, while from the south units of the «Vostok» grouping have moved in through Ivanovka after crossing the Volchya River, which marks the natural boundary between the regions at that point.

At present, «Vostok» forces are fighting to secure Ivanovka, a foothold that could provide Russian troops with a direct approach to Novopavlovka from the southwest.