Russian frontline gains boost Putin’s confidence ahead of Trump talks — Bloomberg

Putin’s determination has been reinforced by advances of Russian occupation forces, particularly near Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast. This could push the dictator to demand significant territorial concessions from Ukraine in exchange for a ceasefire.

“Putin has far stronger cards than his opponents," said Marina Miron, a defense researcher at King’s College London’s Department of War Studies.

"The Russian army has gone on the offensive and is dictating its own rules.”

Bloomberg estimates that since the start of 2025, Russian troops have captured about 2,400 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, roughly 0.4% of the country. Analysts believe the aggressor state’s advantages on the front are growing, supported by its financial strength, manpower, firepower, and territorial control.

At the same time, despite summer offensive “success”, Russian forces have yet to achieve a decisive breakthrough in eastern Ukraine. In contrast, Ukraine’s Defense Forces face a shortage of infantry, which could become a major problem if the war continues into 2026, Rob Lee, an analyst at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia who recently visited the front line in Ukraine, said.

On Aug. 11, DeepState analysts reported that Russian occupiers were advancing actively in the Dobropillia area of Donetsk Oblast. This could lead to the rapid capture of the city and further Russian advances on Ukrainian territory. Reinforcements, including Azov fighters, were urgently deployed to the Pokrovsk sector.

Former chief of staff of the Azov 12th Special Forces Brigade, Bohdan Krotevych (call sign Tavr), warned the president that Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad were almost encircled, and Kostyantynivka was semi-encircled.

The meeting between Trump and dictator Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15.

Amid a series of Western media reports about possible territorial demands from Putin in the talks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupiers. He stressed that the Defense Forces will not withdraw from the non-occupied part of Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire.

On Aug. 13 at 3:00 p.m., Trump will hold an online meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders to coordinate positions ahead of the summit with Putin.