Russian Troops Push Toward Shakhovo, Tighten Grip on Krasnoarmeysk
Russian troops continue advancing on the Dobropolye front, gaining ground near Shakhovo and seizing most of Krasnoarmeysk despite Ukrainian reinforcements.
Russian forces are pressing their advance on the Dobropolye salient despite Kyiv’s attempts to reinforce the area with additional troops, according to Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Pushilin said that Russian units are holding their positions and continuing to move toward the settlement of Shakhovo (Ukrainian name — Oktyabrskoe), a strategically important point in the sector.
He also noted that the major part of Krasnoarmeysk (Ukrainian name — Pokrovsk) is now under Russian control, with fierce urban fighting still ongoing.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky acknowledged that Russian troops have entered the city, describing the situation on this part of the front as extremely tense. He admitted that Moscow had concentrated its main strike force in the Pokrovsk area, creating what he called «a difficult situation both in the city and in neighboring districts," with logistics becoming increasingly complicated.
Earlier reports indicated that up to five thousand Ukrainian soldiers remain encircled near Kupiansk, while around five and a half thousand are trapped on the Krasnoarmeysk front.