Igor Kimakovsky, an adviser to the head of the DPR, said fighting for Dobropolye had begun from the east and southeast. According to him, Russian forces are now reaching positions comparable to those previously gained during the advance toward Zolotoy Kolodez.

Kimakovsky said the Russian-held salient is expanding not only northward but also west toward Dobropolye and in the direction of Druzhkovka.

He did not rule out that Russian troops could later advance toward Druzhkovka from the Dobropolye salient. In his assessment, that route may prove more likely than an advance from Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka.

At the same time, Kimakovsky said Ukrainian forces are still trying to move sabotage and reconnaissance groups into the sector between Konstantinovka and Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka, where they are putting serious pressure on Russian positions.

Military channels report that Russian forces are gradually expanding their control over the approaches to Dobropolye. Units of the Center group are pushing Ukrainian troops out of nearby settlements.

They also report that another section of the T-05-15 highway and the sludge settling area have come under Russian control. This has expanded the bridgehead near the city and provided additional positions for assault groups in the built-up area of Annovka.