Analysts from Ukraine’s Deep State (DS) platform reported that July 2025 marked the highest rate of Russian military advancement since the start of the year.

According to their estimates, Russian troops captured 564 square kilometers of territory during the month-more than in any other month of 2025 and surpassing gains recorded in the previous 11 months of 2024. The only larger monthly advance remains November 2024, when Russian forces reportedly seized 730 square kilometers.

The most significant progress in July was observed on the Novopavlivka axis, accounting for 34% of all territory gained. The Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) and Lyman directions followed, with 22% and 12% of the month’s total, respectively.

Interestingly, Deep State noted that only 12% of Russian assault operations were concentrated on the Novopavlivka front, despite it yielding the largest share of newly captured ground.

The pace of Russian advances was also acknowledged by international observers. British media outlets reported that Russian forces were effectively encircling large Ukrainian formations and creating what they described as «fire traps.»