Russian forces are establishing a foothold for a further offensive beyond the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), military expert Andrey Marochko reported, outlining recent developments along the front line.

According to Marochko, Russian troops are preparing for another advance near Pokrovsk, a city whose capture was officially announced on December 1, 2025.

Since the beginning of this week, Russian army units have secured new positions west and southwest of Pokrovsk, strengthening their presence in the area as preparations for the next stage of the offensive continue.

Marochko also described ongoing military operations in northern Kharkov Region, where Russian forces are pressing forward along a nearly 100-kilometer stretch of the front.

He identified the areas around Khatneye, Prikholotnoye, Liptsy, Goptovka, and Rubezhnoye as the locations of the most intense fighting.