Russian forces have made a sudden push into eastern Ukraine, moving around 10 kilometres north near Dobropillia in the Donetsk region. Ukraine’s DeepState war map showed gains in two areas in recent days, with Moscow apparently seeking to pressure Kyiv before Friday’s planned summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian troops, mostly in small infiltration units, had reached several frontline villages and were attempting to consolidate positions. Kyiv claims some of these groups have been destroyed or captured.
A bid to force concessions
According to reports by international agencies, Putin wants Ukraine to withdraw from 30 per cent of Donetsk that it still controls as part of a ceasefire. Zelenskyy has rejected such terms, calling them “unconstitutional” and a “prelude to further Russian aggression”. The Kremlin’s focus on Kostyantynivka and Pokrovsk could cut Ukrainian supply lines and strengthen its negotiating position.
Military analyst Pasi Paroinen noted Russian forces had penetrated as far as the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk road in recent days. Others warned that small-scale, fast-moving incursions made the frontline harder to track.
Europe’s growing concerns over Trump-Putin deal
The European Union, excluded from the summit, has urged Trump not to accept a peace deal without Ukraine’s consent. Leaders warned that changing borders by force would set a dangerous precedent. Some fear Trump could agree to recognise Russian sovereignty over occupied territories or ease sanctions, a move seen as threatening European security.
Nigel Gould-Davies of the International Institute for Strategic Studies said the talks marked a “profoundly alarming moment for Europe,” with concerns Putin might secure favourable terms without meaningful concessions.
Russia-Ukraine conflict continues on multiple fronts
The frontline city of Pokrovsk remains a key target for Russia. So much so that losing the city would deal Ukraine a significant blow and complicate defensive efforts in Donetsk. Ukraine’s military reported continued clashes, describing the situation as “difficult, unpleasant, and dynamic.”
Meanwhile, a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian military training site killed one soldier and wounded 11. Kyiv has alleged that cluster munitions were used against troops seeking shelter.
Despite battlefield pressures, Zelenskyy has maintained that any peace must be “just” and cannot involve surrendering territory, insisting Ukraine will resist both military and diplomatic pressure to concede ground.
(With inputs from agencies)
