Russian forces are now about five kilometers from the southern outskirts of Dobropolye after Matyashevo, Vodyanskoye and Krasnopolye came under Russian control, according to Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Pushilin said the capture of the three settlements had allowed Russian units to move closer to Dobropolye, reducing the distance to the city’s southern edge to roughly five kilometers.

He also highlighted the significance of taking Nikolaypolye. According to Pushilin, the advance created additional opportunities for Russian troops on the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk sector and made it possible to cut off a salient southwest of the settlement, changing the configuration of the front line in the area.

Pushilin separately addressed the situation in Krasny Liman, where fighting is continuing. He said Russian units are clearing scattered groups of Ukrainian troops that remain in the area.

According to the DPR head, Ukrainian forces around Krasny Liman are still capable of putting up resistance, although its intensity has declined significantly compared with earlier stages of the fighting.