On Sunday, the Russian military announced that it had seized control of a town in eastern Ukraine, marking a significant advancement as Moscow’s forces press toward the strategically vital city of Pokrovsk.
According to a statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry, the town of Novohrodivka in the Donetsk region has been “liberated” by Russian troops.
Novohrodivka, which had a population of over 14,000 before the Russian offensive began in February 2022, is located approximately 20 kilometers from Pokrovsk.
This capture is part of Russia’s broader push in the region, as its forces make notable gains this summer. The capture of Novohrodivka places Russian troops in closer proximity to Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub that plays a significant role in the conflict.
Despite a surprise cross-border attack by Ukrainian forces on August 6 in Russia’s Kursk region, which momentarily diverted attention, Moscow’s advance in Donetsk has continued unabated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized on Thursday that after more than 30 months of conflict, the primary goal remains securing the eastern Donbas area, which encompasses Donetsk.
He suggested that the recent Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk has inadvertently facilitated Russia’s objectives in the Donbas region.
As Russian forces encroach on Pokrovsk, the ongoing battle underscores the strategic importance of this area in the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The situation remains fluid, with military engagements continuing to shift the dynamics on the ground.
