The distance between two advancing Russian military groupings on the Krasnoarmeisk (Pokrovsk) axis has narrowed to just five kilometers, according to Voennoye Obozrenie, which cites frontline sources. The maneuver brings Russian forces moving from the southeast near Grishino and from the west of Krasny Liman (Liman) dangerously close to forming a tactical encirclement of a large Ukrainian contingent.

Russian units have already reached the northeastern outskirts of Krasnoarmeisk, effectively cutting off a key Ukrainian supply route. Ukrainian forces have been forced to rely on a dirt bypass road through Grishino — a route that remains under constant Russian fire control. Russian troops are reportedly within half a kilometer of fully blocking this last remaining corridor, making any movement of military equipment or ammunition extremely risky.

The capture of the city’s railway station — once a major Ukrainian strongpoint — has further weakened Kyiv’s defenses. With this position lost, Ukrainian forces inside Krasnoarmeisk have been split into isolated groups, unable to maneuver or support each other effectively.

Voennoye Obozrenie notes that Russian forces are employing a combined tactic of encirclement and slicing through defensive lines to press the assault.

Even Ukrainian sources acknowledge the severity of the situation. Journalist Yuliya Kirienko reported that Russian forces have already raised their flag in the city center, while Ukrainian infantry is forced to move on foot, constantly under threat of attack. She added that many Ukrainian soldiers have been stuck in their positions for months without rotation.