Russian forces push forward in Donetsk region – British intelligence

In July 2024, Russian ground forces continued their attack in the central area of the Donetsk region.

The Ministry of Defense of Great Britain reported that on X (Twitter).

According to the report, the ground troops confidently moved towards the west, gaining control over multiple villages and nearing the vital logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

According to British intelligence, Russian troops were also advancing north to New York City, which has been on the front line since 2014. Battles between the Russian army and Ukraine's armed forces are taking place outside the city.

"Russia is likely to continue its tactical offensive in the coming weeks. However, its overall operational capabilities remain limited by several factors, including high attrition rate, limited training, and a shortage of officers," the British Ministry of Defense said.

Based on data from the General Staff, there were a total of 149 combat engagements on the front line on July 29. Out of these, a third were specifically on the Pokrovsk front, where the enemy frequently utilized bombers and attack aircraft.

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine needs to bolster its position on the Pokrovsk front since it has become the main area of focus for the enemy.

Zelensky stated that he discussed the situation in challenging front areas, particularly in the Pokrovsk district, in detail with Ukraine's Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov and military leadership on July 26. He mentioned that he received two reports from Ukraine's armed forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.

"It is important that our soldiers receive exactly what is needed in these conditions of very tough battles and pressure from the Russian army. In particular, with the minister and the military command, we analyze the situation in detail in difficult directions, first of all, this is the Pokrovsk front in the Donetsk region. This is precisely the direction that was and remains the main direction of Russian attacks. Twice today there were reports of the Chief of Staff. Everything must be done and will be done to strengthen our positions, our Ukrainian ability to inflict significant losses on the occupier."

Zelensky thanked Ukrainian soldiers who are striking Russian bases and logistics in the occupied territory.

For reference:

On July 24, the Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully halted the Russian army's assault, which consisted of about one battalion, in the direction of the village of Kostiantynivka on the Pokrovsk front. This attack was one of the biggest offensives by Russian mechanized units in the western Donetsk region since October 2023.