Russia advances near Pokrovsk while Ukraine gains near Novopavlivka — ISW

Geolocated footage released July 18 indicates that Russian forces have recently advanced northeast of the city of Sumy, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported.

According to ISW, Russian troops attacked near the settlements of Kindrativka and Andriivka, as well as in the areas of Yunakivka and Varachyne. Ukrainian forces counterattacked near Kindrativka and Andriivka, as well as in the vicinity of Sadkiv and Yablunivka.

Additional footage published July 17 shows that Russian troops advanced southeast of Pokrovsk, reaching Lysivka and likely capturing the village.

ISW said Russian forces also conducted attacks near Pokrovsk, Volodymyrivka, Novotoretske, Myrolyubivka, Novoekonomichne and in the direction of Rodynske.

Ukrainian forces recaptured the village of Yalta, located south of Novopavlivka, according to the report. Further geolocation data from July 18 showed that Ukrainian troops had advanced southwest of Komar.

ISW analysts said the Ukrainian military is counterattacking at key points along the front line in an effort to slow Russia’s advance.

On July 19, the DeepState monitoring group reported that Russian forces captured the village of Yablunivka in Sumy Oblast. According to DeepState, Russian troops also advanced near Yunakivka in Sumy Oblast, Khatne in Kharkiv Oblast, and Romanivka and Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast.

Earlier, on July 8, the press service of the Khortytsia military grouping reported that Russian forces were massing in the Pokrovsk area for renewed offensive operations, while Ukrainian defense forces continued to repel the attacks.

At the same time, Sgt. Maksym Butolin of the 54th Motorized Rifle Brigade said Russian offensive activity in his sector of Donetsk Oblast had decreased, indicating a possible reduction in the enemy’s assault capabilities.