Russian forces advance near Pokrovsk and enter Sumy Oblast – DeepState

Reports indicate that the Russian forces have made progress near Novoolelivka, Voznesenka, Hrodivka, Vydrodzhennya, Petrivka, Sontsivka, Novotroitske, and Shevchenko in Donetsk Oblast.

Russian troops have also advanced near Plekhovo in Kursk Oblast and seized border territory near the village of Oleksandriya in Sumy Oblast, the analysts added.

Russian offensive on Pokrovsk

On Oct. 3, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian forces had captured new areas near Pokrovsk.

On Oct. 4, Estonia’s Defense Forces Intelligence Center suggested that Ukrainian forces might be forced to withdraw from Pokrovsk by the end of the year.

That same day, Serhii Dobryak, the head of the Pokrovsk City Military Administration, reported that Russian troops were less than seven kilometers from the city, which is still home to 13,000 residents.

According to The Washington Post, citing Ukrainian troops fighting in Donetsk Oblast, illegally obtained Starlink terminals have aided Russia in capturing Vuhledar and advancing toward Pokrovsk.

An ISW report published on Dec. 7 noted that Russian forces continue to sacrifice equipment and personnel to achieve tactical territorial gains around Pokrovsk. These operations are expected to continue through 2025, though their progress remains unstable.