ISW: Russian offensive at Dobropillya repeats Russian tactics at Avdiivka

Analysts suggest that Russian forces have recently established control over Razino, Sukhetske, Fedorovka, Zatishko, Boykivka, Novotoretskiy, Zapovedniy - all located southeast of Dobropillya - as well as Mayak and Pankivka east of the city.

Forward assault units and so-called "infiltration" groups are operating near Kucherov Yar northeast of Dobropillya, as well as in the areas of Novy Shakhovoye and Belitskoye.

Tactical success and risks of a breakthrough

ISW notes that so far the advance of Russian troops in the Dobropillya area cannot be considered an operational breakthrough. However, in the coming days they are likely to try to turn the tactical successes achieved into a larger-scale breakthrough. Similar tactics were used in April 2024 when seizing strategically important territory north-west of Avdeevka.

According to experts, the next few days in the Pokrovsk area will be critical to contain a possible acceleration of the Russian offensive in the north and north-west of the city.

The situation according to the Ukrainian side

The day before, the DeepState project reported a significant enemy advance near Dobropillya and entrenchment in a number of settlements.

At the same time, the Dnipro Joint Strategic Command stressed that Russian forces are changing tactics, using numerical superiority and, despite losses, trying to infiltrate in small groups past the first line of defence.

The situation on this section of the front remains one of the most difficult and the fighting is the most intense along the entire line of contact. According to the military, Ukrainian units are making maximum efforts to destroy infiltrated enemy groups as soon as possible.