Russian Forces Press Ahead in Eastern Ukraine Amid Fierce Battles

Russian forces are fighting in eastern Ukrainian cities Selydove and Ukrainsk, aiming to break through Ukraine's defensive lines. Pro-Russian bloggers report significant advances despite Ukrainian resistance. Battles continue around strategically important city Pokrovsk, with Moscow seeking to consolidate control over key routes.

Russian forces are escalating their offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the cities of Selydove and Ukrainsk, according to pro-Russian bloggers. Moscow's military aims to pierce Ukraine's defensive lines in the region.

The Russian military, controlling approximately 18% of Ukraine, has been making headway in the east following Kyiv's failed 2023 counter-offensive. While Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia's Kursk region on Aug. 6, Russian troops have recently advanced closer to the important city of Pokrovsk.

Pro-Russian military blogger Yuri Podolyaka, born in Ukraine, noted intense battles in Selydove, located around 20 km south of Pokrovsk, and in Ukrainsk, about 14 km further south. Both sides continue to deploy forces into these critical battles. The Rybar blog also confirmed continuous fighting in both towns. The Russian state news agency TASS reported Ukrainian forces being ousted from parts of Selydove. By pushing southward, Russian forces seek to break Ukrainian defensive lines and capture more territory, enhancing control over the vital Pokrovsk-Donetsk route.

(With inputs from agencies.)