Russian Forces Advance Swiftly in Eastern Ukraine

Russian forces are accelerating their advance in eastern Ukraine, capturing several square kilometers daily. President Putin highlighted the significant progress. Fierce battles are ongoing in towns like Selydove and Ukrainsk, while Russia seeks to break Ukrainian defensive lines and strengthen their control.

Russian forces are accelerating their advance in eastern Ukraine at an unprecedented pace, capturing several square kilometers daily. President Vladimir Putin on Monday highlighted this significant progress as Moscow's forces aimed to breach major Ukrainian defensive lines.

The Russian army's swift movements come after Kyiv's 2023 counter-offensive failed to achieve substantive gains. Despite an incursion into Russia's Kursk region by Ukraine on Aug. 6, Russian forces have advanced rapidly through settlements towards Pokrovsk, a strategically important city.

Pro-Russian military bloggers reported heavy fighting in the eastern Ukrainian towns of Selydove and Ukrainsk. Russian state news agency TASS noted Ukrainian forces had been expelled from parts of Selydove. Meanwhile, Russian troops are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses towards Kurakhivka to gain control over the crucial Pokrovsk-Donetsk road.

(With inputs from agencies.)