The Russian military continues to push for territorial gains along the front line in Ukraine, intensifying pressure in multiple sectors, The New York Times has reported.

According to the newspaper, Moscow’s forces have accelerated their advance toward Krasnoarmeysk (known in Ukrainian as Pokrovsk). Ukrainian commanders acknowledge that these territorial gains weaken Kyiv’s leverage at any potential negotiating table.

The article highlights Russia’s growing reliance on small assault units. These groups infiltrate Ukrainian defenses, strike, pull back, and repeat the cycle, while larger formations-backed by drones and superior numbers-maneuver around fortified positions.

Colonel Dmytriy Palytsa, commander of Ukraine’s 33rd Mechanized Brigade, said Russian troops are intent on seizing as much ground as possible before potential peace talks. In his view, such gains would give the Kremlin stronger bargaining power in any negotiations.

The report notes that Russia now controls roughly 20 percent of Ukraine’s former territory. By spring 2025, its forces had sharply increased the pace of their offensive, reaching the outskirts of Krasnoarmeysk. In response, Ukrainian command has been sending reinforcements to the area, though even strengthened units face shortages of personnel and equipment.

Ukrainian soldiers interviewed by The New York Times pointed to drones as one of the most serious threats. They said Kyiv’s heavy strike drones are being destroyed more frequently, while Russian UAVs and small assault teams are effectively breaking through defensive lines.