Russian forces have made a limited breakthrough north of Pokrovsk, advancing about 15 kilometers and driving toward Dobropillia, according to the OSINT project DeepStateMap. The advance threatens a key logistics corridor and could deepen Russian penetration of Ukrainian defensive lines in Donetsk Oblast.

Russians advance 15 kilometers in five days

DeepState reports that Russian troops broke through a narrow front section. The enemy advanced approximately 15 kilometers into Ukrainian defensive positions over five days starting 7 August.

Militarnyi notes that DeepState analysts confirmed Russian penetration into Kucheriv Yar and Zolotyi Kolodiaz settlements. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces map confirms the breakthrough as of 8:00 AM on 11 August 2025.

Russian infantry units infiltrated Vesele village from Kucheriv Yar through tree lines. DeepState observed about twenty enemy soldiers accumulating in this village over the past day.

Russians target critical infrastructure

Russia continues developing success toward the Dobropillia-Kramatorsk highway. Russian infantry appeared near Novovodiane and Petrivka as they push forward.

The Zolotyi Kolodiaz and Shakhove area contains new heavy engineering fortifications under construction. Enemy forces bypass these structures and may later occupy them for defensive purposes.

Strategic implications threaten multiple cities

The narrow breakthrough spans approximately 15 kilometers deep and 5-6 kilometers wide according to DeepState’s evening map on 11 August. This wedge formation creates operational risks for Ukrainian forces.

DeepState warns that without rapid stabilization, Dobropillia faces immediate danger. The entire Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration defense group risks encirclement. The breakthrough also threatens Kostiantynivka from another flank.

Ukrainian forces hold key positions

Ukrainian serviceman “Bakhmut Demon” reports on Telegram that the situation remains difficult near Kostiantynivka-Dobropillia. He confirms Ukrainian forces still hold Pokrovsk despite heavy fighting.

“We cannot be terminators while others live life,” the serviceman wrote. He attributes Russian breakthroughs to personnel shortages in Ukrainian ranks.

The serviceman notes positive developments in Sumy Oblast where Ukrainian forces advance. He emphasizes that Ukrainian troops maintain positions in both Kostiantynivka and Pokrovsk.

Russian tactics exploit Ukrainian weaknesses

DeepState explains that Russian infantry group assault tactics cause extremely high losses among attackers. However, critical Ukrainian infantry shortages allow this costly strategy to succeed.

Russian command shows no concern for casualties among “volunteers.” The constant influx of replacements enables continued human wave attacks despite massive losses.

After consolidating positions, Russians will attempt deeper territorial penetration and breakthrough expansion. Enemy drone teams will deploy to complicate Ukrainian logistics and position retention.

The narrow salient offers opportunities if Ukrainian reserves act quickly. While surrounding enemy forces may prove difficult, controlling their logistics could trap Russian units operationally.

Russian advance near Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, may soon cut the city’s main supply route, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 6 August. Russian forces likely reached the western outskirts of the city and secured positions from which they can threaten key ground lines of communication.

Russian troops likely seize Sobolivka and Myrne

Geolocated footage from 6 August shows Russian forces advanced south of Sobolivka, immediately west of Kupiansk. ISW assessed that they likely seized both Sobolivka and Myrne, just north of it. A Russian milblogger claimed troops are close to interdicting the H-26 Kupiansk–Shevchenkove highway — the main Ukrainian supply line into the city — located about one kilometer south of Sobolivka.

Envelopment instead of direct assault

ISW noted that Russian forces may be preparing to envelop Kupiansk rather than attack it directly. This fits their recent pattern of flanking settlements instead of launching frontal assaults, using tactical pressure to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and defenses.

Three possible next moves

ISW outlined three possible Russian actions after these advances. They may push west toward Shevchenkove or northwest toward Velykyi Burluk to build a buffer in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Alternatively, forces could shift to the Oskil River’s east bank to support operations in Luhansk Oblast, or redeploy to Kostyantynivka, Pokrovsk, or Novopavlivka to aid efforts in Donetsk Oblast.

“Ukrainian forces advanced near Chasiv Yar. Russian forces advanced in northern Kharkiv and western Zaporizhzhia oblasts and near Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk,” ISW added.