Ukraine shifts to counterattacking in the Donetsk region
Ukrainian Forces are making gains in Donetsk region that could offer “a decent outlook,” according to military reports.
Over the past week, Ukraine’s Defense Forces notched successes near roughly ten settlements along the front line, according to a series of updates from DeepState analysts.
There is also official information from the General Staff about the de-occupation of several villages in Donetsk region.
DeepState’s reports indicate Ukrainian counterattacks made progress over the previous week. Between August 15 and 17, Ukrainian troops cleared a breach near Dobropillia and Pokrovsk. Russian sabotage-and-reconnaissance units and infantry groups were pushed out of Hruzske, Rubizhne, Novovodyane, Petrovka, Vesele and Zolotyi Kolodyaz.
On August 22, Ukrainian Forces regained control of the village of Tolste on the Novopavlivka axis near the N15 highway. And on August 24, Russian units were driven back near Andriivka on the Sumy axis.
In a fresh update, experts said that by the morning of August 25, Ukrainian forces had liberated the village of Novomykhailivka and pushed Russian troops back near the settlement of Zelenyi Hai in Donetsk region.
“The enemy lost about a company’s worth of personnel and was forced to redeploy reserves from other sectors. Thanks to coordinated work by reconnaissance, assault units, heavy equipment and UAVs, Ukrainian units improved their tactical position and strengthened the defensive belt in the sector. As of now, Novomykhailivka has been cleared of Russians and is under the full control of the Ukrainian army,” special operators of the Main Directorate of Intelligence and fighters of the Third Army Corps said.
Even so, analysts at DeepState add that the Russians have made gains at two points on the front -near Udachne, west of Pokrovsk, and near the village of Sobolivka on the western outskirts of Kupiansk.
A Ukrainian Armed Forces lieutenant with the call sign Alex confirms that the Ukrainian Forces are making successful tactical advances in Donetsk region. In his words, “a decent outlook is taking shape” that could significantly “ease the situation in the relevant directions.”
“To be honest, for the entire full-scale war it’s unusual to hear ‘Donbas’ and ‘our troops’ advance in the same sentence. But digging into the root causes of this, you realize it’s the logical sequence of events after such a failure, that these counterattacks are more about defense and preventing something much worse,” he wrote.
Alex also notes that information about successes and retaken settlements on the administrative border with Dnipropetrovsk region is being released with an appropriate delay.
“At present, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are having success around Myrnohrad and continue to counterattack the enemy. Southwest of Pokrovsk, the [slur] have also reduced their activity and it’s mostly down to infantry assaults by small groups (which often can’t even reach the line of contact), while at the same time they try to ‘keep the direction on edge’ with constant FPV drone activity,” the soldier noted.
Junior Sergeant Stanislav Bunyatov, callsign Osman, a squad leader with the 24th Separate Assault Battalion Aidar, adds that Ukrainian troops are doing “titanic work” on the Pokrovsk axis and are gradually dislodging Russian forces from positions. Still, it’s too early to celebrate, as the Russians continue to assault.
“In response, the enemy is also storming to prevent a deeper front-line collapse. The situation is getting tougher: the enemy has woken up, and UAV crews are now operating much more actively than a few days ago,” Osman said.
Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said Ukrainian troops carried out successful counterattacks in Donetsk region, liberating three settlements from Russian forces.
“Our troops successfully counterattacked and drove Russian forces out of villages in Donetsk region- Mykhailivka, Zelenyi Hai and Volodymyrivka. Once again, I extend deep gratitude to our brothers and sisters in arms for their actions in these critical, decisive days,” he added.
During his visit, he honored top soldiers for their resilience, bravery and exemplary service.
“I work in combat zones. The Pokrovsk sector is the most difficult. Defending the independence and flag of Ukraine is not just lofty words. It is a daily risk and a daily act of courage,” Syrskyi said.