British intelligence reports: Russia may have seized up to 550 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in July

Russian troops advanced 500-550 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in July with a high probability, according to a British intelligence analysis published on 9 August.

According to the intelligence, a similar amount of territory was also seized by Russia in June 2025. The main fighting took place in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces concentrated northeast and southwest of the city of Pokrovsk, trying to encircle the city and create pressure on important logistical routes.

The report notes: "Russian military forces seized similar territory in Ukraine in June 2025, following monthly increases since March of that year. The advance continued predominantly in the Donetsk region, in the area northeast and southwest of Pokrovsk."

At the same time, in the Sumy region, Russian forces have not made any meaningful gains over the past fortnight. Constant losses and Ukrainian counteroffensives, according to British intelligence, have likely derailed Russian plans to create a buffer zone there.