Pokrovsk offensive#Ukrainsk

{{Main|Battle of Ocheretyne|Battle of Avdiivka (2023–2024)#Aftermath|Eastern Ukraine campaign#Russian spring–winter campaign (April 2024–present)}}

Following the Russian success in the battle of Avdiivka, their forces significantly advanced north and northwest of the city to form a salient in the succeeding months. The success in the battle of Ocheretyne, fought over a town northwest of Avdiivka, led to further gains in the months leading up to July 2024.{{cite web|work=BBC News|title=Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia|date=14 August 2024|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60506682|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=24 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324032821/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60506682|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Joe |title=Russian troops advance five miles after Ukrainians left front line unmanned |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/24/russia-advances-5-miles-after-error-by-ukraine-forces/ |work=The Telegraph |date=24 April 2024 |access-date=15 August 2024 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512122104/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/24/russia-advances-5-miles-after-error-by-ukraine-forces/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/24/frontline-report-ukrainian-defensive-line-breached-by-russian-flanking-maneuver-near-avdiivka/|work=Euromaidan Press|date=24 April 2024|access-date=28 April 2024|title=Frontline report: Ukrainian defensive line breached by Russian flanking maneuver near Avdiivka|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045553/https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/24/frontline-report-ukrainian-defensive-line-breached-by-russian-flanking-maneuver-near-avdiivka/|url-status=live}}

On 17 July 2024, fighting began over Prohres, a village in central Donetsk Oblast, and Russian forces entered it the following day, in their first major advancement directly towards the city of Pokrovsk.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 18, 2024 |last1=Stepanenko |first1=Kateryna |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Hird |first3=Karolina |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Barros |first5=George |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=18 July 2024 |access-date=19 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-18-2024 |archive-date=19 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719004132/https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-18-2024 |url-status=live }} On 19 July, Prohres was captured by Russia{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 19, 2024 |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Barros |first5=George |last6=Gasparyan |first6=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=19 July 2024 |access-date=19 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-19-2024}}{{cite news|url=https://news.liga.net/en/politics/news/47th-brigade-says-prohres-and-vovche-no-longer-ours-zsu-says-fighting-continues|title=47th Brigade says Prohres and Vovche "no longer ours". ZSU says fighting continues|first1=Ulyana|last1=Krychkowska|first2=Yevheniia|last2=Mazur|newspaper=Liga |date=26 July 2024|access-date=7 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045610/https://news.liga.net/en/politics/news/47th-brigade-says-prohres-and-vovche-no-longer-ours-zsu-says-fighting-continues|url-status=live}} in an engagement reportedly lasting only 48 hours.{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/07/21/7466685/|title=Russians occupy Prohres in Donetsk Oblast after 48 hours of fighting|website=Ukrainska Pravda|date=21 July 2024|access-date=7 August 2024|archive-date=6 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806225912/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/07/21/7466685/|url-status=live}} The breakthrough, reportedly caused by heavy airstrikes which led to the collapse and subsequent retreat of the 110th and 47th Mechanized Brigades, allowed for quick advances along a previously stable frontline. Two days prior, Russian forces had reportedly advanced up to the settlement of {{ill|Lozuvatske|uk|Лозуватське (селище)}}, north of Prohres, and began contesting it.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 16, 2024 |last1=Mappes |first1=Grace |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Hird |first3=Karolina |last4=Stepanenko |first4=Kateryna |last5=Barros |first5=George |last6=Bailey |first6=Riley |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=16 July 2024 |access-date=17 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-16-2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045639/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-16-2024 |url-status=live }} DeepStateMap.Live showed the same day a Russian advance to occupy most of the village;{{cite web|title=The enemy advanced in New York, Lozuvatske, Novoselivka Persha and near Progress. The enemy was pushed back in the area of Zavodska Avenue in city New York.|work=DeepSateMap.Live|date=16 July 2024|url=https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2662838/37.5243187|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=29 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529135228/https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2662838/37.5243187|url-status=live}} on 20 July, Russian troops began encircling the area between the two villages, and according to some sources, surrounded multiple Ukrainian companies by 24 July,{{cite web|title=The fall of Prohres: A new Russian breakthrough threatens Ukraine's supply lines at the most vulnerable part of the front|url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/07/26/the-fall-of-prohres|website=Meduza|date=26 July 2024|access-date=7 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818043426/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/07/26/the-fall-of-prohres|url-status=live}} which according to Forbes was "potentially hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers" of two battalions{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/07/24/a-ukrainian-brigade-collapsed-and-now-hundreds-of-soldiers-are-nearly-surrounded-near-prohres/|title=A Ukrainian Brigade Collapsed—And Now Hundreds Of Soldiers Are Surrounded Near Prohres|date=24 July 2024|website=Forbes|access-date=7 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045552/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/07/24/a-ukrainian-brigade-collapsed-and-now-hundreds-of-soldiers-are-nearly-surrounded-near-prohres/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.adnkronos.com/internazionale/esteri/due-battaglioni-ucraini-accerchiati-a-prohres-ascolta_4oU4bZ48p6WVGq4b19IakL|title=Due battaglioni ucraini accerchiati a Prohres - Ascolta|language=it|date=25 July 2024|access-date=7 August 2024|website=Adnkronos|archive-date=6 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806225913/https://www.adnkronos.com/internazionale/esteri/due-battaglioni-ucraini-accerchiati-a-prohres-ascolta_4oU4bZ48p6WVGq4b19IakL|url-status=live}} of the 31st Mechanized Brigade. These soldiers, according to David Axe, however managed to escape the encirclement around 26 July with the help of coordinated artillery and drone strikes.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/07/25/a-day-after-getting-surrounded-near-prohres-two-ukrainian-battalions-overruled-their-commander-and-fought-their-way-to-safety/|title=A Day After Getting Surrounded Near Prohres, Two Ukrainian Battalions Overruled Their Commander—And Fought Their Way To Safety|date=25 July 2024|website=Forbes|access-date=7 August 2024}}{{cite web|work=Ukrainian News Agency|url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/1022300-fighters-of-31st-separate-mechanized-brigade-successfully-break-through-encirclement-on-pokrovsk|title=Fighters of 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade successfully break through encirclement on Pokrovsk axis — DeepState|first=Tetiana|last=Herasimova|date=25 July 2024 |access-date=2024-08-16|archive-date=2024-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727040315/https://ukranews.com/en/news/1022300-fighters-of-31st-separate-mechanized-brigade-successfully-break-through-encirclement-on-pokrovsk|url-status=live}} Forbes additionally reported that the 47th Brigade lost two M1 Abrams tanks during the engagement around Prohres and that Ukrainian forces had suffered high casualties.

On 25 July, Russia began advancing west of Prohres along a railway towards Vesele.{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|title=The enemy advanced near Prohres, Lysychne, Vesele, Zhelanne and Panteleimonivka. Fighting continues in Zaliznychne and near Ivano-Daryivka.|url=https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2299331/37.4757385|date=25 July 2024|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=29 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529135228/https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2299331/37.4757385|url-status=live}} This was followed by the capture of Lozuvatske around 26 July,{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 26, 2024 |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Evans |first3=Angelica |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Barros |first5=George |last6=Gasparyan |first6=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=26 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-26-2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045640/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-26-2024 |url-status=live }} Vovche around 27 July,{{cite web|url=https://unn.ua/en/news/the-enemy-captured-vovche-and-moved-in-other-directions-deep-state|title=The Enemy Captured Vovche and Moved in Other Directions - Deep State|website=Ukrainian News Agency|date=27 July 2024|access-date=8 August 2024|archive-date=7 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807064159/https://unn.ua/en/news/the-enemy-captured-vovche-and-moved-in-other-directions-deep-state|url-status=live}} and Novoselivka Persha, southeast of Prohres, around 29 July.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 29, 2024 |last1=Mappes |first1=Grace |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Hird |first3=Karolina |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |last6=Gasparyan |first6=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=29 July 2024 |access-date=29 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-29-2024 |quote=Geolocated footage published on July 29 shows that Russian forces hold positions in western Novoselivka Persha (northwest of Avdiivka), confirming that Russian forces recently seized the entire settlement [...] Elements of the Russian 433rd Motorized Rifle Regiment (27th Motorized Rifle Division, 2nd Combined Arms Army [CAA], Central Military District [CMD]) reportedly recently seized Yevhenivka (northwest of Avdiivka). |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730005149/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-29-2024 |url-status=live }} The Russian advances following the capture of Prohres and the "tense and difficult" situation east of Pokrovsk were attributed to a lack of Ukrainian manpower and equipment,{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-situation-tense-and-difficult-ukraines-military-says/|work=Kyiv Independent|date=24 July 2024|title=Pokrovsk situation 'tense and difficult,' Ukrainian military says|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818043349/https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-situation-tense-and-difficult-ukraines-military-says/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/russia-captures-vovche-deepstate-reports-ukrainian-military-doesnt-confirm/|work=Kyiv Independent|title=Russia reportedly captures Vovche, Ukrainian military doesn't confirm yet|date=27 July 2024|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818043345/https://kyivindependent.com/russia-captures-vovche-deepstate-reports-ukrainian-military-doesnt-confirm/|url-status=live}} deficient training, and decreased morale.{{cite web|work=AP News|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drone-attack-pokrovsk-94081120780d30f9d2ecbfd32257c42e|title=Ukrainian troops say Russia has driven them out of 2 more eastern Donetsk villages|first=Samya|last=Kullab|date=29 July 2024|access-date=16 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045639/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drone-attack-pokrovsk-94081120780d30f9d2ecbfd32257c42e|url-status=live}}

On 1 August, Russian forces reportedly entered the outskirts of Zhelanne and Ivanivka,{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|title=The enemy occupied Vesele and advanced near Lysychne, Ivanivka, Serhiyivka and Zhelanne.|url=https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2205554/37.4474144|date=1 August 2024|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=29 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529135228/https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2205554/37.4474144|url-status=live}} and between 1–4 August, captured Vesele. Russian milbloggers also claimed further advances within Ivanivka the same day.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 4, 2024 |last1=Wolkov |first1=Nicole |last2=Gasparyan |first2=Davit |last3=Bailey |first3=Riley |last4=Hird |first4=Karolina |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=4 August 2024 |access-date=5 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-4-2024 |quote=Geolocated footage published on August 4 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced further within Vesele (east of Pokrovsk) and have seized most of the settlement [...] Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces [...] advanced further within Ivanivka (east of Pokrovsk). |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045713/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-4-2024 |url-status=live }} Forbes estimated on 2 August that Russia was advancing, where they were reportedly {{convert|11|mi|km|order=flip}} from Pokrovsk, with "potentially" 40,000 troops composed of 20 Russian regiments and brigades while Ukraine had around 12,000 troops from six brigades.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/08/02/lobbing-glide-bombs-and-firing-anti-tank-missiles-russian-forces-are-beating-back-the-ukrainian-47th-mechanized-brigade-and-marching-on-pokrovsk/|title=With Glide Bombs And Anti-Tank Missiles, The Russians Are Beating Back The Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade—And Marching On Pokrovsk|first=David|last=Axe|date=2 August 2024|work=Forbes|access-date=1 September 2024|archive-date=7 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807045602/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/08/02/lobbing-glide-bombs-and-firing-anti-tank-missiles-russian-forces-are-beating-back-the-ukrainian-47th-mechanized-brigade-and-marching-on-pokrovsk/|url-status=live}} Fighting continued in the sector on 5 and 6 August, and the increased rate of Russian advances, according to Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, made the front the most active across the frontline by early August as Russia's main offensive goal.{{cite web|title=Ukraine war latest: Pokrovsk is Russia's main target after Kharkiv push failed, Zelensky says|work=Kyiv Independent|date=1 August 2024|url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-18/|first=Kateryna|last=Denisova|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818044405/https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-18/|url-status=live}} Russia reportedly captured {{ill|Serhiivka, Donetsk Oblast|lt=Serhiivka|uk|Сергіївка (Гродівська селищна громада)}} on 7 August, and began advancing towards the town of Hrodivka,{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|title=The enemy captured Serhiivka and advanced near Pereyizne, Vodyane, Novoselivka Persha, Tymofiyivka, Lysychne, Hrodivka, Novozhelanne, in Zhelanne and Ivanivka. The Ukrainian Defense Forces pushed back the enemy in New York.|url=https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2324487/37.4259567|date=7 August 2024|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=29 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529135228/https://deepstatemap.live/en#13/48.2324487/37.4259567|url-status=live}} the capture of which would allow for artillery strikes on Pokrovsk itself.{{cite web|work=RBC-Ukraine|date=2 August 2024|title=Battle of Western gates of Donbas: Life in frontline city of Pokrovsk|url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/analytics/battle-of-western-gates-of-donbas-life-in-1722583690.html|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050135/https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/analytics/battle-of-western-gates-of-donbas-life-in-1722583690.html|url-status=live}} On 9 August, the UK Defense Ministry reported that Pokrovsk was only {{convert|16|km|mi}} away from the frontline.{{Cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-16-km-from-front-uk-says/|title=Pokrovsk is now 16 km from front line, UK Defense Ministry says|date=August 9, 2024|website=The Kyiv Independent|access-date=August 15, 2024|archive-date=August 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050047/https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-16-km-from-front-uk-says/|url-status=live}}

Amidst Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, fighting near Pokrovsk increased around 13 August, with a reported increase to 52 battles in a day in the area, greater than a third of all engagements across the frontline;{{cite web|work=Reuters|date=13 August 2024|title=Russia steps up assaults on Pokrovsk front in Ukraine's east|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-steps-up-assaults-pokrovsk-front-ukraines-east-2024-08-13/}} a representative of the 110th Mechanized Brigade stated that the situation near Pokrovsk had deteriorated since Ukraine's incursion, attributed to shortages in ammunition and continual Russian offensive efforts. On 13 August, Russia reportedly entered Hrodivka and aligned the frontline with the Kazennyi Torets river in the north, in the process capturing Ivanivka, {{ill|Lysychne|uk|Лисичне}}, and {{ill|Svyrdonivka|uk|Свиридонівка (Покровський район)}}.{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|title=The enemy occupied Lysychne, Ivanivka, Svyrydonivka and advanced in Hrodivka, Kostiantynivka, Nevelske, near Serhiyivka, Pishchane and Novotoretske. The enemy was pushed back near Stelmakhivka.|url=https://deepstatemap.live/#12/48.2495977/37.4232101|date=13 August 2024|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426172430/https://deepstatemap.live/#12/48.2495977/37.4232101|url-status=live}} A Ukrainian official told Agence France-Presse that the incursion into Kursk had little effect on fighting in the east but that the "intensity of Russian attacks" had decreased slightly over the weekend.{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2024/08/15/russia-says-captured-village-close-to-key-hub-in-east-ukraine-|title=Russia says captured village close to key hub in east Ukraine|date=15 August 2024 |access-date=2024-08-15|archive-date=2024-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815152657/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2024/08/15/russia-says-captured-village-close-to-key-hub-in-east-ukraine-|url-status=live}} A Ukrainian lieutenant corroborated the report of fighting in Hrodivka, and said that "everything is very grim on the Pokrovsk front", while another Ukrainian soldier said that Russian forces were ordered to seize Myrnohrad, a city east of Pokrovsk. On 14 August, Russia continued advancing, seizing Zhelanne, southeast of Hrodivka, and in the direction of Novohrodivka, seizing {{ill|Orlivka, Novohrodivka urban hromada, Pokrovsk Raion, Donetsk Oblast|uk|Орлівка (Новогродівська міська громада)|lt=Orlivka}} and reportedly entering Mykolaivka and {{ill|Zhuravka, Ukraine|lt=Zhuravka|uk|Журавка (Покровський район)}}.{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|title=The enemy occupied Zhelanne and Orlivka, and advanced in New York, Mykolaivka, Zhuravka and Krasnohorivka.|url=https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.2126632/37.4082756|date=14 August 2024|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426172430/https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.2126632/37.4082756|url-status=live}}{{cite web|work=Politico|first=Veronika|last=Melkozerova|title=As Kyiv makes gains in Kursk, Russia strikes back in Donetsk|date=15 August 2024 |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-russia-offensive-prisoners-of-war-invasion-kursk-zelenskyy-putin/|access-date=2024-08-15|archive-date=2024-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818044403/https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-russia-offensive-prisoners-of-war-invasion-kursk-zelenskyy-putin/|url-status=live}}

Also on 15 August, Serhii Dobriak, the head of the Pokrovsk City Military Administration, reported that Russian forces were only {{convert|10|km|mi}} from the city, saying that Russia was "almost right up close to our community", and urged all citizens to evacuate.{{cite web|work=BBC News|date=15 August 2024|title=Ukrainian residents urged to evacuate eastern town as Russia closes in|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cy54nn4v471t?post=asset%3Ac0a6841e-4c62-44c3-a596-eb504c3bba4f#post|first1=Nathan|first2=Sophie|last2=Abdulla|last1=Williams|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815230556/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cy54nn4v471t?post=asset:c0a6841e-4c62-44c3-a596-eb504c3bba4f#post|url-status=live}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=15 August 2024|first1=Samya|last1=Kullab|last2=Arhirova|first2=Hanna|title=Zelenskyy says Ukrainian troops have taken full control of the Russian town of Sudzha|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/15/russia-belgorod-state-of-emergency/b17436ce-5ae8-11ef-93a9-023ab69f91f5_story.html|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=16 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816110410/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/15/russia-belgorod-state-of-emergency/b17436ce-5ae8-11ef-93a9-023ab69f91f5_story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|work=CNN|date=15 August 2024|first1=Maria|first2=Caitlin|first3=Sophie|last2=Danaher|last3=Tanno|last1=Kostenko|title=Ukraine captures town of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk region as it says advance continues|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/15/europe/kursk-incursion-sudzha-captured-ukraine-intl/index.html|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818044406/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/15/europe/kursk-incursion-sudzha-captured-ukraine-intl/index.html|url-status=live}} The same day, a Ukrainian soldier reported that Russian forces had a 10–1 advantage over Ukraine east of Pokrovsk in terms of infantry and were relentlessly conducting assaults on Ukrainian positions throughout the whole day, while the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that Russia was prioritizing advances towards Pokrovsk.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 15, 2024 |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Harward |first2=Christina |last3=Bailey |first3=Riley |last4=Kagan |first4=Frederick W. |last5=Stepanenko |first5=Kateryna |last6=Wolkov |first6=Nicole |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=15 August 2024 |access-date=15 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-15-2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050136/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-15-2024 |url-status=live }} On 16 August, American officials reported that Russia had only withdrawn a limited number of units from eastern Ukraine to Kursk Oblast, while Ukrainian soldiers said that Russian attacks in the direction of Pokrovsk had not decreased following the incursion, with Russia choosing to reinforce their forces in the Pokrovsk direction rather than divert them. The same day, a Ukrainian officer reported that Russia was attempting to storm Novohrodivka,{{cite news|work=The New York Times|date=16 August 2024|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/world/europe/russia-ukraine-pokrovsk-kursk.html|title=Russia Closes In on Key Eastern Ukrainian City Despite Kursk Incursion|first=Constant|last=Méheut|access-date=16 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050125/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/world/europe/russia-ukraine-pokrovsk-kursk.html|url-status=live}} while residents of Selydove, Myrnohrad, and Novohrodivka continued to evacuate.{{cite web|work=Kyiv Independent|date=16 August 2024|title=Thousands flee as Russian troops take one Donetsk Oblast village after another|url=https://kyivindependent.com/thousands-flee-as-russian-troops-take-one-donetsk-oblast-village-after-another/|first=Emmanuelle|last=Chaze|access-date=17 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050053/https://kyivindependent.com/thousands-flee-as-russian-troops-take-one-donetsk-oblast-village-after-another/|url-status=live}} On 17 August, Russia reportedly captured Mykolaivka, entered Novozhelanne, and advanced in the fields east of Zhelanne.{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|title=The enemy occupied Mykolaivka and advanced near Vodiane, Novozhelanne and Zhelanne. The enemy was pushed back near Otruba.|url=https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.2044836/37.4395180|date=17 August 2024|access-date=18 August 2024|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426172430/https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.2044836/37.4395180|url-status=live}} A high-rise building in Myrnohrad was attacked by Russian shelling.{{cite web|work=Kyiv Independent|title=Russian attack on Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast kills at least 1, injures 4|url=https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-myrnohrad-in-donetsk-oblast-kills-at-least-1-injures-4/|first=Kateryna|last=Denisova|date=17 August 2024|access-date=18 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050139/https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-myrnohrad-in-donetsk-oblast-kills-at-least-1-injures-4/|url-status=live}} Russian sources further claimed the complete capture of Novozhelanne and advances towards Novohrodivka and in the direction of {{ill|Krutyi Yar|uk|Крутий Яр (Покровський район)}} through Zhuravka.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 17, 2024 |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Evans |first3=Angelica |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |last6=Gasparyan |first6=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=17 August 2024 |access-date=17 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-17-2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045801/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-17-2024 |url-status=live }}

Russian forces moved south of Zhelanne to capture Novozhelanne and Zavitne around 18 August, confirmed by a soldier hoisting the Russian flag on the southern of the two settlements.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 19, 2024 |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Gasparyan |first5=Davit |last6=Barros |first6=George |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=19 August 2024 |access-date=19 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-19-2024 |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820052500/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-19-2024 |url-status=live }} On 19 August, civilians continued evacuating from Pokrovsk and surrounding settlements, while the city's head Serhii Dobriak announced that families with children would be forced to evacuate Pokrovsk due to continuing Russian advances starting 20 August, and would have at most two weeks to leave, while those in Myrnohrad would have only a few days. Dobriak additionally said that utilities and services would "gradually be winding down" within a week in Pokrovsk.{{Cite web|title=Ukrainian officials issue an evacuation order for families with children from the city of Pokrovsk|url=https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-evacuation-order-pokrovsk-b8c4c6cc0dd81658fecdf1c83145908d|access-date=2024-08-19|website=AP|date=19 August 2024 |language=en-US|archive-date=2024-08-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820052457/https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-evacuation-order-pokrovsk-b8c4c6cc0dd81658fecdf1c83145908d|url-status=live}}{{cite web|work=Reuters|date=19 August 2024|title=Ukraine official says civilians have 'week or two' to evacuate key hub Pokrovsk|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-official-says-civilians-have-week-or-two-evacuate-key-hub-pokrovsk-2024-08-19/}}{{cite web|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=19 August 2024|first=Valentyna|last=Romanenko|title=Russians approaching Pokrovsk: residents have 2 weeks to evacuate at most|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/19/7470950/|access-date=20 August 2024|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823001452/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/19/7470950/|url-status=live}} Russia advanced on 18 and 19 August to fully capture Zhuravka and to control all territory east of the Vovcha River in the area, capturing Mezhove and Soniachne in the process.{{cite web|work=Focus|date=20 August 2024|first=Artem|last=Kalnichenko|trans-title="Hold fights for New York": the Russian Armed Forces occupied 3 more settlements, - DeepState (map)|language=uk|title="Тривають важкі бої за Нью-Йорк": ЗС РФ окупували ще 3 населені пункти, — DeepState (мапа)|url=https://focus.ua/uk/voennye-novosti/664004-trivayut-vazhki-boyi-za-nyu-jork-zs-rf-okupuvali-she-3-naseleni-punkti-deepstate-mapa|access-date=20 August 2024|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823001454/https://focus.ua/uk/voennye-novosti/664004-trivayut-vazhki-boyi-za-nyu-jork-zs-rf-okupuvali-she-3-naseleni-punkti-deepstate-mapa|url-status=live}} Russia continued to attack Novohrodivka and other settlements east of Pokrovsk;{{cite web|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=19 August 2024|title=Russians attack Pokrovsk front 45 times, making advances near Vozdvyzhenka and Novohrodivka|first=Stanislav|last=Pohorilov|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/19/7470933/|access-date=20 August 2024|archive-date=20 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820053014/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/19/7470933/|url-status=live}} military analyst Franz-Stefan Gady said that Russia was likely "engaging the last proper defensive line outside of the town".{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=19 August 2024|title=Russia closes in on eastern city despite Ukraine's successes elsewhere|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/19/ukraine-pokrovsk-russia-evacuation/|first=David L.|last=Stern}}

On 21 August, Russian forces advanced further south of Mykolaivka and south of Zhelanne, capturing Komyshivka.{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|url=https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.1766750/37.4875832|title=The enemy captured Komyshivka, Zavitne and Novozhelanne and advanced near Mykolaivka. The advance of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kursk region has been updated.|date=21 August 2024|access-date=24 August 2024|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426172430/https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.1766750/37.4875832|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 22, 2024 |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Gasparyan |first5=Davit |last6=Barros |first6=George |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=22 August 2024 |access-date=23 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-22-2024 |quote=Geolocated footage published on August 22 indicates that Russian forces recently seized Ptyche (southeast of Pokrovsk) and advanced further south of the settlement, and ISW assesses that this confirms Russian claims that Russian forces had previously seized the remainder of the east bank of the Karlivske Reservoir in the area. |archive-date=24 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824042954/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-22-2024 |url-status=live }} President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the recent advances made by Russia east of Pokrovsk the same day, and announced that its forces were being bolstered in the area.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-says-ukraine-is-boosting-its-forces-east-resist-russian-advance-2024-08-21/|work=Reuters|date=21 August 2024|title=Zelenskiy says Ukraine is boosting its forces in east to resist Russian advance}} Russia continued moving south on 22 August to capture Ptyche and advance in the direction of Kalynove, and reportedly gained a foothold in eastern Novohrodivka.{{cite web|work=DeepStateMap.Live|date=22 August 2024|title=Ukrainian Defense Forces achieved success near Novovodyane. The enemy advanced near Novohrodivka, Zavitne, Toretsk and Ptyche.|url=https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.2032251/37.3799515|access-date=24 August 2024|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426172430/https://deepstatemap.live/#13/48.2032251/37.3799515|url-status=live}} The ISW analysed that the recent southern advances were likely due to a Ukrainian withdrawal from positions in the area to avoid encirclement by Russian forces. Services and the administration of Pokrovsk began shutting down or moving out of the city, while civilians continued to evacuate on 22 and 23 August.{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=23 August 2024|title=Last chance to escape: Ukrainians flee Pokrovsk as Russians advance|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/23/ukraine-pokrovsk-russia-advance-civilians-flee/|first=Siobhán|last=O'Grady}} Russian sources claimed on 23 August that Russia was advancing within southern and southeastern Novohrodivka, had advanced into {{ill|Krasnyi Yar, Pokrovsk Raion, Donetsk Oblast|uk|Красний Яр (Покровський район)|lt=Krasnyi Yar}} from the southeast, and that there were reports of a seizure of Kalynove.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 23, 2024 |last1=Evans |first1=Angelica |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Riley |first3=Bailey |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Gasparyan |first5=Davit |last6=Barros |first6=George |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=23 August 2024 |access-date=24 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-23-2024 |archive-date=24 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824015858/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-23-2024 |url-status=live }}

File:Evacuation from Pokrovsk (2024-08-29) 01.jpg

Russia continued advancing through Novohrodivka on 24 August, capturing most of the eastern portion of the city, while advancing south towards Kalynove, and towards Karlivka from the east.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 24, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Bailey |first4=Riley |last5=Gasparyan |first5=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=24 August 2024 |access-date=25 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-24-2024 |archive-date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828051237/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-24-2024 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|work=Ukrainian News Agency|url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/1029200-invaders-advanced-near-5-settlements-on-two-sections-of-front-deepstate|title=Invaders advanced near 5 settlements on two sections of front - DeepState|date=25 August 2024|first=Daria|last=Zubkova|access-date=26 August 2024|archive-date=25 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825141942/https://ukranews.com/en/news/1029200-invaders-advanced-near-5-settlements-on-two-sections-of-front-deepstate|url-status=live}} Russian sources claimed the city council building in Novohrodivka had been seized through advances in the central part of the city, and that {{ill|Krasnyi Yar, Pokrovsk Raion, Donetsk Oblast|uk|Красний Яр (Покровський район)|lt=Krasnyi Yar}} had been captured, southwest of Hrodivka. Fighting continued for Novohrodivka on 25 August, and Russia reportedly increased their control to more than half of the city.{{cite web|work=Kyiv Post|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37946|title='My First Blood Shed for Ukraine' – Ukraine at War Update for Aug. 26|date=26 August 2024|first=John|last=Moretti|access-date=27 August 2024|archive-date=26 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826214124/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37946|url-status=live}} Russian sources claimed further advances south of Novohrodivka towards {{ill|Marynivka, Pokrovsk Raion, Donetsk Oblast|uk|Маринівка (Покровський район)|lt=Marynivka}}, and towards Kalynove from the north.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 25, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Bailey |first4=Riley |last5=Gasparyan |first5=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=25 August 2024 |access-date=26 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-25-2024 |archive-date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828051247/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-25-2024 |url-status=live }}

Russia continued advancing southwards, southeast of Novohrodivka, on 26 and 27 August; Russian forces entered Mykhailivka, east of Selydove, and advanced into Memryk around 26 August.{{cite web|work=Focus|date=26 August 2024|first=Olga|last=Himtak|trans-title=Russian Armed Forces advanced in three settlements near Pokrovsk, — DeepState (map)|language=uk|title=ЗС РФ просунулися у трьох населених пунктах поблизу Покровська, — DeepState (карта)|url=https://focus.ua/uk/voennye-novosti/664883-zs-rf-prosunulisya-u-troh-naselenih-punktah-poblizu-pokrovska-deepstate-karta|access-date=28 August 2024|archive-date=27 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827084112/https://focus.ua/uk/voennye-novosti/664883-zs-rf-prosunulisya-u-troh-naselenih-punktah-poblizu-pokrovska-deepstate-karta|url-status=live}} The following day, Memryk, in addition to Kalynove, was reportedly captured.{{cite web|work=Focus|date=28 August 2024|first=Yulia|last=Shevchenko|trans-title=The Russian Armed Forces seized two more settlements in the Donetsk region, - DeepState (maps)|language=uk|title=ВС РФ захватили еще два населенных пункта в Донецкой области, — DeepState (карты)|url=https://focus.ua/voennye-novosti/665261-vs-rf-zahvatili-eshche-dva-naselennyh-punkta-v-doneckoy-oblasti-deepstate-karty|access-date=28 August 2024|archive-date=2 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902003712/https://focus.ua/voennye-novosti/665261-vs-rf-zahvatili-eshche-dva-naselennyh-punkta-v-doneckoy-oblasti-deepstate-karty|url-status=live}}

By 27 August, Russia had advanced along the railway line passing through Novohrodivka into the city's northwestern outskirts. The ISW assessed that the recent Russian advance through Novohrodivka, taken place in only a few days, was in part due to Ukraine not attempting to maintain defensive positions within the city, where they reportedly had a 4–1 disadvantage in firepower, and instead opting to abandon the settlement. The ISW further said that the advance through Novohrodivka would give Russia a pathway to advance into Pokrovsk.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 27, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Hird |first2=Karolina |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Evans |first4=Angelica |last5=Gasparyan |first5=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=27 August 2024 |access-date=27 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-27-2024 |archive-date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828015559/https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-27-2024 |url-status=live }} By 28 August, Novohrodivka was widely reported to have been completely captured by Russia, with the Kyiv Post saying that the city had been lost in 72 hours. A prominent Ukrainian journalist expressed disapproval of the lack of promised fortifications in the area and called the situation near Pokrovsk "catastrophic".{{cite web|work=Kyiv Post|date=28 August 2024|title=Russia's Donbas Offensive Rolls On Against Outgunned Ukrainian Troops|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38085|first=Stefan|last=Korshak|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-date=28 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828211817/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38085|url-status=live}} Russian sources also claimed on 28 August that further advances within Hrodivka had been made, with the claimed advance being up to the Zhuravka River dividing the town, and that Myrnohrad's southern outskirts had been reached via advances north through Krasnyi Yar.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 28, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Hird |first2=Karolina |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Evans |first4=Angelica |last5=Harward |first5=Christina |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=28 August 2024 |access-date=28 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-28-2024 |archive-date=29 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829193957/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-28-2024 |url-status=live }}

The same day, Russia reportedly advanced into Selydove following a Ukrainian withdrawal from certain positions in the city, entering the eastern part of the city, likely through further advances within Mykhaikivka.{{cite web|work=Kyiv Independent|date=28 August 2024|title=Russian forces approaching town of Selydove in Donetsk Oblast, media reports|url=https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-approaching-town-of-selydove-in-donetsk-oblast-media-says/|first=Kateryna|last=Hodunova|access-date=29 August 2024|archive-date=28 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828224734/https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-approaching-town-of-selydove-in-donetsk-oblast-media-says/|url-status=live}}

The ISW assessed on 29 August that Russia was simultaneously pursuing two offensives near Pokrovsk: towards Pokrovsk itself, where Russia was attacking the defensive line from Hrodivka to Novohrodivka, and south towards the defensive line running from Ukrainsk–Hirnyk–Selydove. They assessed that the former effort sought to first capture Myrnohrad and then advance into Pokrovsk's outskirts, while the latter to expand the salient east of Pokrovsk and to lessen opportunities for a Ukrainian counterattack at the base of the 21 kilometer wide Russian salient towards Avdiivka, and that these were both likely seen as necessary objectives by Russia to achieve prior to launching an attack on Pokrovsk itself. The second effort would supposedly hope to further eliminate the Ukrainian salient north of Krasnohorivka and capture the fields north of it, assisting in the hostilities taking place south of the Ukrainian salient.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 29, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Angelica |first2=Evans |last3=Gasparyan |first3=Davit |last4=Bailey |first4=Riley |last5=Mappes |first5=Grace |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=29 August 2024 |access-date=30 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-29-2024 |archive-date=30 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830015919/https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-29-2024 |url-status=live }}

Russian sources on 29 August claimed that engagements were taking place in northeastern Ukrainsk and southern Myrnohrad, while a Ukrainian analyst stated that the presence of Russian forces in Myrnohrad was rather only for sabotage and reconnaissance purposes. Selydove's center was claimed to have been reached by Russian forces.

On 30 August, Russia captured the village of Karlivka, making further advances south of it, while Russian sources claimed a complete capture of Hrodivka. On 31 August Russia advanced into Halytsynivka and seized the northern portion of the village.{{cite web|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=31 August 2024|title=Russians reportedly occupy Karlivka in Donetsk Oblast|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/31/7472773/|first=Olha|last=Hlushchenko|access-date=1 September 2024|archive-date=31 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831171631/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/31/7472773/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 31, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Harward |first2=Christina |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |last4=Bailey |first4=Riley |last5=Mappes |first5=Grace |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=31 August 2024 |access-date=31 August 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-31-2024 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902005039/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-31-2024 |url-status=live }} Russian milbloggers claimed that the village had been completely captured, which was later confirmed on 3 September.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 3, 2024 |last1=Kagan |first1=Frederick W. |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Gasparyan |first4=Davit |last5=Mappes |first5=Grace|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=3 September 2024 |access-date=3 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-3-2024}} Russian forces likely captured Mykhailivka and Dolynivka on 1 September.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 1, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Harward |first2=Christina |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Bailey |first4=Riley |last5=Mappes |first5=Grace|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=1 September 2024 |access-date=1 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-1-2024|quote=Geolocated footage published on September 1 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced west of Mykhailivka and within central Dolynivka (both southeast of Pokrovsk), and ISW assesses that Russian forces likely seized the settlements.}} Civilians continued evacuating from Pokrovsk, while most of the city's businesses and infrastructure finished closing, such as hospitals and supermarkets, their contents being transported away from the frontline.{{cite web|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/the-last-days-of-pokrovsk-ukrainians-dig-trenches-and-say-goodbye-to-their-city-as-russians-close-in-425436e1?mod=europe_trendingnow_article_pos1|title=The Last Days of Pokrovsk: Ukrainians Dig Trenches and Say Goodbye to Their City as Russians Close In|date=1 September 2024|first=Matthew|last=Luxmoore}}

By 2 September, elements of the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade, 68th Jager Brigade, 117th Territorial Defense Brigade and 15th National Guard Brigade were in danger of being cut off and encircled in the Ukrainian salient southeast of Pokrovsk, east of the Vovcha River and north of Krasnohorivka. The integrity of the {{convert|30|sqmi|km2|order=flip}} salient reportedly rested on the 25th Airborne Brigade, defending Ukrainsk.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/09/02/hundreds-of-ukrainian-troops-are-about-to-get-surrounded-south-of-pokrovsk/|title=Hundreds Of Ukrainian Troops Are About To Get Surrounded South Of Pokrovsk|first=David|last=Axe|website=Forbes |date=2 September 2024}} On 3 September, Russian sources claimed that Russia had begun advancing in this salient, west of Nevelske. On 5 September, civilians remaining in Pokrovsk were asked to switch to using the train station of Pavlohrad for evacuation, with buses to the city being provided, as the {{ill|Pokrovsk station|lt=Pokrovsk railway station|uk|Покровськ (станція)}} was forced to close as it experienced a worsening security situation. 26,000 people remained in Pokrovsk according to Donetsk Oblast governor Vadym Filashkin.{{Cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-train-station-closes-for-civilian-evacuations/|date=5 September 2024|website=Kyiv Independent|title=Pokrovsk train station closes for civilian evacuations as security situation deteriorates|first=Elsa|last=Court}}

On 5 September, the ISW assessed that the recent expansion of the Pokrovsk salient southwards aimed to act in tandem with the renewed offensive towards Vuhledar in western Donetsk Oblast, with the former effort of seizing Pokrovsk continuing to serve as the priority, and the latter aimed at limiting the amount of Ukraininan redeployments to the Pokrovsk sector.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 5, 2024 |last1=Kagan |first1=Frederick W. |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Gasparyan |first4=Davit |last5=Bailey|first5=Riley|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=5 September 2024 |access-date=6 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-5-2024}} Russian efforts continued to envelop and encircle the Ukrainian salient west of Donetsk, with The New York Times saying it had been "nearly encircled" by Russian forces.

By 7 September, Russian success northwest directly towards Pokrovsk had largely stalled, while advances continued in the southern direction, southeast of Pokrovsk.{{cite web|work=The New York Times|date=7 September 2024|title=Ukrainian Forces Block Russian Advance on a Key Eastern Town|first=Andrew E.|last=Kramer|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/07/world/europe/ukraine-pokrovsk-russia-kyiv.html}}{{cite web|work=Forbes|date=6 September 2024|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/09/06/ukrainian-reinforcements-are-counterattacking-outside-pokrovsk/|title=Ukrainian Reinforcements Are Counterattacking Outside Pokrovsk|first=David|last=Axe}} Ukrainian brigades newly deployed to the area made multiple counterattacks: in Selydove, a city crucial to further Russian offensive success where momentum had stalled, in Halytsynivka, and in Mykhailivka.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 6, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Harward |first2=Christina |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |last4=Gasparyan |first4=Davit |last5=Bailey|first5=Riley|last6=Ganzeveld|first6=Annika|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=6 September 2024 |access-date=7 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-6-2024}}

Russia continued exerting pressure on the southern direction at Ukrainsk and Hirnyk, with the former reportedly being entered.{{cite web|work=The New Voice of Ukraine|date=7 September 2024|title=Russian occupiers advance in Ukrainka and near Krasnohorivka — DeepState |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/russian-occupiers-advance-in-ukrainka-and-near-krasnohorivka-deepstate-50449040.html}} The ISW analysed that a capture of these two cities would allow for the southern advances in the Pokrovsk salient to evolve into an attack on Kurakhove further south, a key city in the region, and that this axis of advance exists as a prerequisite of directly assaulting Pokrovsk, efforts that mutually reinforce each other. A Russian source said that gaining control of the elevated areas near Ukrainsk and Hirnyk was being focused on rather than a full frontal assault on Ukrainsk. Visual confirmation was given on 7 September for a Russian advance to central Hrodivka, while Russian milbloggers claimed that Lisivka, east of Ukrainsk, had been captured,{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 7, 2024 |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |last4=Gasparyan |first4=Davit |last5=Bailey|first5=Riley|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=7 September 2024 |access-date=7 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-7-2024}} visually confirmed four days later.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 11, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Mappes |first4=Grace |last5=Zehrung|first5=Haley|last6=Hird|first6=Karolina|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=11 September 2024 |access-date=11 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-11-2024|quote=Geolocated footage posted on September 11 indicates that Russian forces seized Lisivka.}}

On 10 September, the ISW assessed that footage showing a Russian advance near Marynivka indicated it had been captured. On 12 September, Russian sources claimed an advance towards Pokrovsk via a separate Lisivka, saying the village had been captured.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 12, 2024 |last1=Wells |first1=Katherine |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Gasparyan |first3=Davit |last4=Mappes |first4=Grace |last5=Zehrung|first5=Haley|last6=Hird|first6=Karolina|last7=Bailey|first7=Riley|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=12 September 2024 |access-date=14 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-12-2024}}

Fighting continued east of Selydove, where the frontline was reportedly situated between the city's eastern outskirts and Mykhailivka following the reported Ukrainian counterattack in early September. Russian media claimed that Selydove was attempting to be encircled, but this was not deemed possible based on the current frontline by the ISW.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 8, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Bailey |first3=Riley |last4=Gasparyan |first4=Davit |last5=Harward |first5=Christina|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=8 September 2024 |access-date=21 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-8-2024}} Both Russia and Ukraine made marginal advances near Selydove, northeast of the city and west of Mykhailivka,{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 16, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Mappes|first2=Grace|last3=Harward |first3=Christina|last4=Hird|first4=Karolina|last5=Zehrung|first5=Haley|last6=Gasparyan|first6=Davit|last7=Ganzeveld|first7=Annika|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=16 September 2024 |access-date=21 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-16-2024}} and a Ukrainian military observer confirmed Russian advances east and northeast of Selydove. Russian forces reportedly shifted their tactics near Selydove away from frontal assaults to employing small groups moving through covered areas. Russian sources claimed advances within Selydove itself, while a Ukrainian officer contrastingly said that the city was "completely under our control".{{cite web|title=Russian advance on Selydove halted on outskirts, says Ukrainian military|work=The New Voice of Ukraine|date=20 September 2024|url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/selydove-remains-under-ukrainian-control-despite-intense-russian-attacks-national-guard-reports-50452461.html}}

In Pokrovsk, the population continued to decrease as residents fled, reaching 18,000 by 11 September. Russian forces had meanwhile cut water supplies to the city, blown up multiple bridges near and in Pokrovsk, severing connections to highways in the city, and were able to strike Ukrainian soldiers with drones and artillery. According to a Ukrainian unit commander, this hampered logistical supply to the city and meant that Pokrovsk "can already said to have been lost" in terms of its logistical prowess.{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Zelensky to appeal to Biden's legacy in plea to lift Ukraine weapons limits|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/09/21/zelensky-ukraine-biden-weapons-plea/|date=21 September 2024|first1=Siobhán|last1=O'Grady|first2=Kostiantyn|last2=Khudov|first3=Serhii|last3=Korolchuk}} Ukrainian forces were reportedly fortifying the city in preparation for urban combat.{{cite web|work=The New York Times|date=12 September 2024|first=Andrew E.|last=Kramer|title=Russian Forces Are Stepping Up Attacks on Strategic City, Ukraine Says|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/12/world/europe/russia-ukraine-pokrovsk-attacks.html}}

{{anchor|Ukrainsk}}In Ukrainsk, Russian forces seized control over southern parts of the city by 11 September, while making confirmed advances on the city's northwestern flank by 13 September. The ISW stated that the footage confirming this latter advance meant that Ukrainsk "may have" been captured, while also assessing that these attacks on the city's flanks were being preferred over a direct frontal assault{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 14, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Bailey|first2=Riley|last3=Harward |first3=Christina|last4=Hird|first4=Karolina|last5=Davit|first5=Gasparyan|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=14 September 2024 |access-date=21 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-14-2024}} as encirclement efforts continued. Later footage on 17 September confirmed the complete capture of Ukrainsk,{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 17, 2024 |last1=Barros |first1=George |last2=Mappes|first2=Grace|last3=Harward |first3=Christina|last4=Hird|first4=Karolina|last5=Zehrung|first5=Haley|last6=Evans|first6=Angelica|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=17 September 2024 |access-date=17 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-17-2024}}{{Cite web |last=Méheut |first=Constant |date=18 September 2024 |title=Russia Seizes Eastern Town as Ukraine Says It Hit a Big Ammunition Depot |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/world/europe/ukraine-russia-strikes.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240918100048/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/world/europe/ukraine-russia-strikes.html |archive-date=18 September 2024 |access-date=18 September 2024 |website=The New York Times}} widely amplified by Russian media.{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=Russia captures Ukrainsk in east Ukraine, state media and war bloggers say |trans-title= |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-captures-ukrainsk-east-ukraine-state-media-war-bloggers-say-2024-09-17/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240917202028/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-captures-ukrainsk-east-ukraine-state-media-war-bloggers-say-2024-09-17/ |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=Reuters}} Following this, Russian forces reportedly began advancing south towards Hirnyk{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 18, 2024 |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Gasparyan|first2=Davit|last3=Evans |first3=Angelica|last4=Hird|first4=Karolina|last5=Zehrung|first5=Haley|last6=Kagan|first6=Frederick W.|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=18 September 2024 |access-date=21 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-18-2024}} and northwest of Ukrainsk.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 19, 2024 |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Gasparyan|first2=Davit|last3=Evans |first3=Angelica|last4=Stepanenko|first4=Kateryna|last5=Zehrung|first5=Haley|last6=Gasparyan|first6=Davit|last7=Kagan|first7=Frederick W.|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=19 September 2024 |access-date=21 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-19-2024}} The New York Times assessed that the capture of Ukrainsk could assist in the advance south towards Kurakhove.

{{anchor|Battle for Selydove}}

West of Ukrainsk, Russian forces continued advancing, reaching the railway line north of the settlement of Tsukuryne{{cite web|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-23-2024 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 23, 2024 |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=23 September 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024 |author=Christina Harward |author2=George Barros |author3=Davit Gasparyan |author4=Grace Mappes |author5=Kateryna Stepanenko |author6=Haley Zehrung |author7=Frederick W. Kagan }} and south of Selydove,{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 30, 2024 |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Hird |first2=Karolina |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |last4=Kagan |first4=Frederick W. |last5=Barros |first5=George|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=30 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-30-2024}} a city vital for the defence of Pokrovsk. Further advances towards this line were made in late September, coinciding with an advance along the Donetsk–Pokrovsk highway to the north of Selydove, in what the ISW stated was an effort by Russian forces to bypass the city altogether. Russian sources said that these movements were aimed at encircling Selydove, in a similar way to the then ongoing advances near Vuhledar. Footage on 30 September showed that Tsukuryne had been entered in the southeast, while a Ukrainian officer stated that the settlement had shifted to become a priority target for Russian forces in the area.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 1, 2024 |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Gasparyan |first2=Davit |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Evans |first4=Angelica |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=1 October 2024 |access-date=6 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-1-2024}}

Near Myrnohrad, Russian forces seized {{ill|Krutyi Yar|uk|Крутий Яр (Покровський район)}} in late September,{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 29, 2024 |last1=Wolkov |first1=Nicole |last2=Gasparyan|first2=Davit|last3=Harward |first3=Christina|last4=Kagan|first4=Frederick W.|last5=Evans|first5=Angelica|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=29 September 2024 |access-date=6 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-29-2024}} and on 10 October, captured Krasnyi Yar and seized Mykolaivka, the last settlement before the city.{{cite web|work=Ukrainska Pravda|title=Russians occupy 3 settlements near Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast – DeepState|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/10/11/7479154/|first=Olha|last=Hlushchenko|date=11 October 2024}} The head of Pokrovsk's administration stated on 4 October that four fifths of the city's critical infrastructure had been destroyed from Russian attacks, and that its remaining inhabitants had been left without water, power, and gas.{{cite web|work=Reuters|date=4 October 2024|title=Russia knocked out most infrastructure in Ukraine's Pokrovsk, local official says|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-knocked-out-most-infrastructure-ukraines-pokrovsk-local-official-says-2024-10-04/}}

Tsukuryne was reported to have been captured on 6 October.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 7, 2024 |last1=Mappes |first1=Grace |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Barros |first3=George |last4=Evans |first4=Angelica |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=7 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-7-2024}} Russian forces made continual advances east of Selydove in mid-October,{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 10 2024 |last1=Wolkov |first1=Nicole |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Barros |first4=George |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=10 October 2024 |access-date=19 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-10-2024}}{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 11, 2024 |last1=Stepanenko |first1=Kateryna |last2=Gasparyan |first2=Davit |last3=Bailey |first3=Riley |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Barros |first5=George |last6=Trotter |first6=Nate |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=11 October 2024 |access-date=12 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-11-2024}} and a Ukrainian soldier said on 16 October that efforts were being made to both enter the outskirts of Selydove itself and to bypass the city.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 16, 2024 |last1=Stepanenko |first1=Kateryna |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Bailey |first3=Riley |last4=Wolkov |first4=Nicole |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |last6=Trotter |first6=Nate |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=16 October 2024 |access-date=19 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-16-2024}} A Russian source said that two of five roads running to Selydove had been cut off, and that a third, running from Selydove to {{ill|Novodmytrivka, Pokrovsk Raion, Donetsk Oblast|lt=Novodmytrivka|uk|Новодмитрівка (Покровський район)}}, was being approached. On 18 October, the road was reportedly severed through further advances south of the city along the rail line.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 18, 2024 |last1=Evans |first1=Angelica |last2=Gasparyan |first2=Davit |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |last6=Trotter |first6=Nate |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=18 October 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-18-2024}} Russia's focus on capturing Selydove inhibited further advances elsewhere in the sector, specifically on Pokrovsk directly.

A Ukrainian military expert on 19 October said that Russian forces aimed to bypass the local slag heaps in Selydove and force a Ukrainian retreat by continuing their encirclement efforts, and that the capture of these would allow for fire control over the surroundings of Pokrovsk.{{Cite web |title=Russian army aims to surround Selydove to renew attack on Pokrovsk, says military analyst |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/russia-tries-to-surround-selydove-to-advance-toward-pokrovsk-expert-ukraine-news-50459809.html |access-date=26 October 2024 |date=19 October 2024 |work=The New Voice of Ukraine}} On 20 October, Russian milbloggers said that intense street by street fighting was taking place between Russian and Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of the city.{{Cite web |date=21 October 2024 |title=Militärblogger: Straßenkämpfe um Donbass-Stadt Selydowe |url=https://www.n-tv.de/politik/21-51-Bericht-Suedkorea-koennte-Geheimdienstler-in-die-Ukraine-entsenden--article25305534.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241026103304/https://www.n-tv.de/politik/21-51-Bericht-Suedkorea-koennte-Geheimdienstler-in-die-Ukraine-entsenden--article25305534.html |archive-date=26 October 2024 |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=n-tv}}{{Cite web |date=23 October 2024 |title=Russia storming four towns in eastern Ukraine, war bloggers say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-storming-four-towns-eastern-ukraine-war-bloggers-say-2024-10-23/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241024071849/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-storming-four-towns-eastern-ukraine-war-bloggers-say-2024-10-23/ |archive-date=24 October 2024 |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=Reuters}} A Ukrainian military observer confirmed that Hrodivka had been captured on 21 October.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 21, 2024 |last1=Wolkov |first1=Nicole |last2=Gasparyan |first2=Davit |last3=Evans |first3=Angelica |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. | last6=Trotter |first6=Nate |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=21 October 2024 |access-date=21 October 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-21-2024}}

On 22 October, the commander of the Aidar's 24th Separate Assault Brigade, Stanyslav Bunyatov, stated that half of the city was captured by Russian forces, citing lack of manpower as an issue.{{Cite web |title=Selydove partially occupied by Russian troops, Ukrainian military says |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/russian-troops-infiltrate-residential-areas-in-selydove-capturing-key-sections-50460402.html |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=english.nv.ua |language=en}} The next day, this was confirmed by DeepStateMap.Live.{{cite web|url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/1043191-russians-occupy-half-of-selydove-and-advance-near-three-more-settlements-deepstate|work=Ukrainian News Agency|date=24 October 2024|first=Daria|last=Zubkova|title=Russians occupy half of Selydove and advance near three more settlements - DeepState}} Russian forces were able to hoist their flag in the central part of Selydove, with the ISW stating that Russia had made "significant tactical advances" both in and around the city.{{Cite web |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Stepanenko |first2=Kateryna |last3=Hird |first3=Karolina |last4=Wolkov |first4=Nicole |last5=Trotter |first5=Nate |last6=Runkel |first6=William |last7=Wells |first7=Katherine |last8=Kagan |first8=Frederick |date=2024-10-23 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 23, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-23-2024 |access-date=2024-10-24 |work=Institute for the Study of War}} The Ukrainian military said that the city was "on the verge" of being seized.{{cite web|work=Euronews|date=24 October 2024|title=Russian forces on the verge of capturing Selydove, Ukrainian army says|url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/10/24/russian-forces-on-verge-of-capturing-selydove-in-eastern-ukraine-isw-says|first=Sasha|last=Vakulina}} Russian forces also advanced to the outskirts of the village of Vyshneve in late October, further deteriorating Ukrainian control over the supply lines to the city.{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Racing Along A Defunct Railroad, Russian Motorized Troops Are Trying To Surround A Ukrainian Brigade In Selydove |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/10/26/racing-along-a-defunct-railroad-russian-motorized-troops-are-trying-to-surround-a-ukrainian-brigade-in-selydove/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Forbes}} Russia was able to nearly encircle Selydove, with most roads cut off or under fire control.{{cite web |title=Military analyst says situation worsening as Selydove falls to Russian control |date=26 October 2024 |url=https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/military-analyst-warns-of-worsening-situation-in-russian-occupied-selydove-50461564.html|work=The New Voice of Ukraine}}

By 27 October, DeepStateMap.Live showed that Russian forces had advanced and occupied most of the city, with the north-western outskirts remaining disputed territory.{{Cite web |title=The enemy occupied Hirnyk and advanced in Selydove, Bohoyavlivka, Novoukrainka, near Shakhtarske and Novooleksiyivka. |url=https://deepstatemap.live/en#6/49.4252672/32.0581055 |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=DeepStateMap |language=uk-UA}} Russian sources claimed the same day that the entire city had been captured,{{cite web|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-russia-will-respond-if-ukraine-permitted-strike-into-russia-with-long-2024-10-27/|date=27 October 2024|title=Putin says Moscow will respond if West helps Ukraine to strike deep into Russia|first1=Guy|last1=Faulconbridge|first2=Lidia|last2=Kelly}} with Russian MOD claiming capture on 29 October.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=Ukraine facing 'grim' situation in Donetsk Oblast, as Russia claims capture of Selydove |url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-facing-grim-situation-in-donetsk-oblast-as-russia-claims-capture-of-selydove/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}} Selydove was confirmed captured on 30 October by DeepStateMap.{{cite web| url=https://deepstatemap.live/en |date=30 October 2024 |title=The enemy occupied Selydove, Vyshneve, Zoryane, and advanced near Novoukrainka, Novodmytrivka and Kurakhivka.}}

{{Update section|date=January 2025}}

In early December 2024, the village of Shevchenko to the southwest of Pokrovsk came under high pressure by Russian forces,{{Cite web |last=Hlushchenko |first=Olha |date=10 December 2024 |title=Russians advance near 9 settlements in Donetsk Oblast – DeepState |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/12/10/7488435/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216135819/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/12/10/7488435/ |archive-date=16 December 2024 |website=Ukrainska Pravda}} as they sought to advance on the western flank of Pokrovsk to seize the city with a turning maneuver from the south, parallel to advances east of Myrnohrad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-7-2024|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 7, 2024|date=7 December 2024|website=Institute for the Study of War}}

By 12 December, Russian forces had advanced within a range of 3 kilometres to the southern city limits of Pokrovsk, after swift advances in Shevchenko.{{Cite web |date=12 December 2024 |title=Russische Truppen drei Kilometer vor Pokrowsk |url=https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/welt/osteuropa/ukraine-krieg-russland-omv-kuendigung-liefervertrag-100~amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215203231/https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/welt/osteuropa/ukraine-krieg-russland-rutte-nato-warnung-100~amp.html |archive-date=15 December 2024 |website=Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=11 December 2024 |title=Russian troops capture and destroy some Ukrainian positions close to Pokrovsk |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-russian-pressure-pokrovsk-1.7408130 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214034342/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-russian-pressure-pokrovsk-1.7408130 |archive-date=14 December 2024 |website=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation}} As a result of these advances, Ukraine's largest steel producer Metinvest started suspending operations at an administrative building and one of three of its mining sites at the Pokrovsk coal mine. The company justified this action with the closer-moving frontline and intensified shelling. Core personnel were evacuated along with their families, with further decision-making depending on the evolution of the nearby fighting.{{Cite web |last=Ivanyshyn |first=Volodymyr |date=12 December 2024 |title=Ukraine's largest steelmaker partially suspends operations at Pokrovsk coal mine |url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-largest-steelmaker-suspends-operations-at-donetsk-oblast-site/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215224147/https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-largest-steelmaker-suspends-operations-at-donetsk-oblast-site/ |archive-date=15 December 2024 |website=Kyiv Independent}}

On 15 December, pro-Ukrainian sources confirmed that Shevchenko had been fully captured by Russian forces.{{cite web|last1=Mappes |first1=Grace |last2=Trotter |first2=Nate |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Carter |first4=Brian |last5=Harward |first5=Christina |last6=Runkel |first6=William |last7=Kagan |first7=Frederick W. |last8=Gasparyan |first8=Davit |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 15, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-15-2024 |publisher=Institute for the Study of War |date=15 December 2024}}

Russia also launched attacks on the left flank to Vozdvyzhenka on 28 December,{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 28, 2024 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-28-2024 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Critical Threats}} capturing the settlement on 2 January,{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-2-2025 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} then slowly advancing towards Baranivka and the H-32 highway interchange throughout January.{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-7-2025 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=War |first=Institute for the Study of |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 13, 2025 |url=https://www.iswresearch.org/2025/01/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment_13.html |access-date=2025-03-02}}

On 13 January 2025, Reuters reported, citing unnamed industry sources, that the Pokrovs'ke coal mine had halted production due to the approaching front line. The mine was Ukraine's sole controlled coking coal-producing facility, from which 3.5 million tons of coke were produced in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/ukraine-halts-production-pokrovsk-coal-mine-russian-troops-near-sources-say-2025-01-13/|title=Exclusive: Ukraine halts production at Pokrovsk coal mine as Russia closes in, sources say|first1=Pavel|last1=Polityuk|first2=Yuliiya|last2=Dysa|work=Reuters|date=13 January 2025|access-date=14 January 2025}} The same day, geolocated footage showed that Russian forces had captured the village of {{ill|Pishchane, Donetsk Oblast|lt=Pishchane|uk|Піщане (Покровський район)}}, south of Pokrovsk, and severed two highways leading east (H-32 to Kostiantynivka) and west (to Mezhova) out of Pokrovsk.{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 13, 2025 |last1=Evans |first1=Angelica |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Runkel |first4=William |last5=Gibson |first5=Olivia |last6=Kagan |first6=Frederick W. |last7=Trotter |first7=Nate |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=13 January 2025 |access-date=14 January 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-13-2025}}

By early February, Russian troops were less than {{convert|2|km|abbr=on}} from Pokrovsk.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj48zw22n8vo |title='It's like hell': Race to evacuate residents from Ukraine front-line city |first=Orla |last=Guerin |work=BBC News |date=4 February 2025 |access-date=4 March 2025}} Their occupation of dominant heights near the city put Ukrainian supply routes within their range. Ukrainian drone operations were hampered by heavy fog, and inexperience of new recruits put severe strain on their comrades, whose zones of responsibility effectively widened.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-pokrovsk-d33999044aea4cf2173cbcf294bd8843 |title=Ukrainian troops losing ground to Russia as Trump talks of ending war |first1=Samya |last1=Kulab |first2=Vasilisa |last2=Stepanenko |first3=Evgeniy |last3=Maloletka |work=AP |date=3 February 2025 |access-date=4 February 2025}}

While the Russians advanced south and south-west of Pokrovsk, advance towards the city itself halted around a perimeter. Russians did not advance past Hrodivka and Mykolaivka, and by the end of January, the front line stabilized on an arc from Mykolaivka through Lysivka, Shevchenko, Pishchane to Kotlyne. After the capture of Kotlyne in late January, Russian advance to encircle Pokrovsk from the west also halted, leaving a salient south-west of the city.

From February, Ukraine conducted multiple local counter-attacks from all sides of the salient. By mid-February Ukrainians gained ground in Pischane{{Cite news |last=Harding |first=Luke |date=2025-02-16 |title=Ukraine recaptures frontline village amid signs of slowing Russian advance |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/16/ukraine-recaptures-frontline-village-amid-signs-of-slowing-russian-advance |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} and Lysivka.{{Cite web |title=Ukraine regains ground near Pokrovsk, Russia captures village in Kursk Oblast |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/fighting-for-pokrovsk-ukrainian-armed-forces-push-back-russians-near-lysivka-donetsk-oblast-50491666.html |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=New Voice |language=en}} Ukrainian paratroopers recaptured Kotlyne on 26 February.{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian Paratroopers Crush Russian Forces Near Pokrovsk – Hundreds Eliminated |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/47896}} Ukrainians also attacked Russians at Uspenivka by 5 March.{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-5-2025 |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}

On 27 August, Syrskyi claimed that, on average, his soldiers "neutralize" 300 Russian soldiers every day in the Pokrovsk direction.{{Cite web |url=https://news.online.ua/en/syrskyi-called-the-losses-of-the-russian-army-in-the-pokrovsky-direction-insane-883876/ |title=Syrskyi called the losses of the Russian army in the Pokrovsky direction insane |date=27 August 2024 |access-date=2024-08-28 |archive-date=2024-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828051238/https://news.online.ua/en/syrskyi-called-the-losses-of-the-russian-army-in-the-pokrovsky-direction-insane-883876/ |url-status=live }}

The 47th Mechanized Brigade operating in the Pokrovsk direction by late August 2024 had reportedly lost around half of the M1 Abrams tanks it had been supplied with.{{cite web|work=Forbes|date=31 August 2024|title=In February, 31 M-1 Abrams Tanks Stood Between The Russians And Pokrovsk. Today, Maybe Half Are Left.|first=David|last=Axe|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/08/31/in-february-31-m-1-abrams-tanks-stood-between-the-russians-and-pokrovsk-today-maybe-half-are-left/|access-date=1 September 2024|archive-date=1 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901100252/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/08/31/in-february-31-m-1-abrams-tanks-stood-between-the-russians-and-pokrovsk-today-maybe-half-are-left/|url-status=live}}

On 2 September, David Axe estimated that the Russians had suffered casualties of "potentially tens of thousands of soldiers" while advancing towards Pokrovsk following the capture of Avdiivka in February 2024.

In an interview with Times Radio on 5 September, British defence analyst Michael Clarke estimated that the Russians were losing 1,000 men killed or wounded per day on average during the Pokrovsk offensive, and had also lost "well over" 100 armored vehicles over the past week alone.[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l-BOOFEk0hg&t=308s Putin loses men and equipment as Russians surge towards Pokrovsk | Prof. Michael Clarke - video]

Two Russian assaults on 12 and 19 September, carried out with a total of 98 vehicles, were claimed by the Ukrainian 46th Air Mobile Brigade to have been repulsed in a week defending Kurakhove. They claimed to have damaged or destroyed 44 of the attacking vehicles.{{cite web|work=Forbes|date=20 September 2024|title=98 Russian Vehicles Barreled Toward Kurakhove in Back-To-Back Record Assaults. Fire-Spewing Ukrainian Thermite Drones Were Waiting.|first=David|last=Axe|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/09/20/98-russian-vehicles-barreled-toward-kurakhove-in-back-to-back-record-assaults-fire-spewing-ukrainian-thermite-drones-were-waiting/|access-date=29 November 2024}}

On 19 September, Ukrainian analyst Petro Chernyk claimed that fighting near Pokrovsk had resulted in the "pre-emptive extermination of 2-3 thousand enemy personnel".[https://armyinform.com.ua/2024/09/19/bytva-za-pokrovsk-pro-fortyfikacziyi-vtraty-voroga-ta-do-chogo-tut-pogoda/ Битва за Покровськ: про фортифікації, втрати ворога та до чого тут погода]

On 11 December, the ISW reported that a Ukrainian brigade officer claimed that Russian forces lost nearly 3,000 personnel in the Pokrovsk direction in two weeks.{{cite web | title=Institute for the Study of War | website=Institute for the Study of War | date=2024-12-11 | url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-11-2024 | access-date=2024-12-12}}

On 5 January 2025, the ISW reported that a Ukrainian intelligence officer operating in the Pokrovsk direction claimed that Russian forces are suffering up to 400 personnel casualties per day.{{cite web | title=Institute for the Study of War | website=Institute for the Study of War | date=2025-01-05 | url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-5-2025 | access-date=2025-01-08}}

On 2 February 2025, Ukrainian C-in-C Oleksandr Syrski claimed that Russian forces had suffered 15,000 casualties, including 7,000 killed in action, in the Pokrovsk direction in January 2025 alone. Meanwhile, the ISW reported a higher figure of roughly 21,000 Russian casualties, based on President Zelenskyy's claim that Russian forces suffer a 2:1 wounded to killed ratio.{{cite web | title=Institute for the Study of War | website=Institute for the Study of War | date=2025-02-02 | url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-2-2025 | access-date=2025-02-06}}{{cite web | title=Institute for the Study of War | website=Institute for the Study of War | date=2025-02-11 | url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-11-2025 | access-date=2025-02-14}}

Pokrovsk has been described as a strategically significant city due to its role as a supply hub; it stands at the intersection of multiple supply highways, one of which leads towards key inwards cities in Donetsk Oblast, including Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka,{{cite news|newspaper=Washington Post|date=27 July 2024|title=Russia, adapting tactics, advances in Donetsk and takes more Ukrainian land|first1=Francesca|first2=Serhii|last2=Korolchuk|last1=Ebel|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/27/russia-adapting-tactics-advances-donetsk-takes-more-ukrainian-land/|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=28 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728082826/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/27/russia-adapting-tactics-advances-donetsk-takes-more-ukrainian-land/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|work=NBC News|date=29 July 2024|title=Russian forces press forward to strategic Ukrainian city that serves as important supply route|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-battles-pokrovsk-supply-route-zelenskyy-putin-rcna164018|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815021442/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-battles-pokrovsk-supply-route-zelenskyy-putin-rcna164018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|work=Kyiv Post|date=13 August 2024|title=All Eyes on Kursk, But Donetsk in Trouble – Special Forces Source Says|first=Kateryna|last=Zakharchenko|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37345|access-date=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818045800/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37345|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Russian troops mount pressure on Ukrainian logistics hub of Pokrovsk|work=Reuters|first=Olena|last=Harmash|date=22 July 2024|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-troops-mount-pressure-ukrainian-logistics-hub-pokrovsk-2024-07-22/}} and houses a regionally significant {{ill|Pokrovsk station|lt=railway station|uk|Покровськ (станція)}}.{{cite web|work=BBC News|title=Pokrovsk: Ukraine's vital eastern town in Russian sights|date=29 August 2024|first=Vitaly|last=Shevchenko|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c785z8917leo|access-date=31 August 2024|archive-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829122444/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c785z8917leo|url-status=live}} If captured by Russia, Pokrovsk would be the most populous settlement seized since Bakhmut in 2023. Due to its strategic positioning, such a capture would allow for advances towards Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia.{{cite news|newspaper=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/08/22/the-kremlin-is-close-to-crushing-pokrovsk-a-vital-ukrainian-town|title=The Kremlin is close to crushing Pokrovsk, a vital Ukrainian town|date=22 August 2024|access-date=24 August 2024|archive-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823080614/https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/08/22/the-kremlin-is-close-to-crushing-pokrovsk-a-vital-ukrainian-town|url-status=live}}

Ukrainian military expert Mykhaylo Zhyrokhov said that Pokrovsk's position as a "very important hub" and a "centre of defence" means that "the entire frontline will crumble" if the city is captured by Russia, while the BBC noted that the aftermath of the city's fall, such as a Ukrainian retreat from Chasiv Yar, "would effectively mean the loss of almost the entire Donetsk region".{{cite web|work=BBC News|date=9 September 2024|title=Inside Pokrovsk - the vital Ukrainian town in Russia's sights|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx29z3v919xo|first=Abdujalil|last=Abdurasulov}} Analyst Markus Reisner reported that Pokrovsk was the last fortified position of three defensive lines built by Ukraine since 2014, and its loss would mean that Russia will only face open land and loose fortified positions.{{cite web |url=https://www.heute.at/s/ukraine-ist-gerade-dabei-diesen-krieg-zu-verlieren-120086116|title= "Dann bricht das Land einfach zusammen"|language=German|date=24 January 2025|work=Heute}}

President Zelenskyy also gave a lengthy statement in which he compared the battle to the Battle of Bakhmut, saying that "this is an unconditional decision of the military, who should be in the Pokrovsky direction, in what number, etc. But you have to understand: they are not retreating there. Returning back, they are shot. I am talking about the Russian army. And they will press. It is necessary for them. Like the situation with Bakhmut. They will put 50–60 thousand people there. You will see it. You will understand these numbers very soon."{{Cite web |url=https://news.online.ua/en/zelensky-revealed-the-nuances-of-stabilizing-the-situation-in-the-pokrovsk-region-883889/ |title=Zelensky revealed the nuances of stabilizing the situation in the Pokrovsk region |date=27 August 2024 |access-date=2024-08-28 |archive-date=2024-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828051405/https://news.online.ua/en/zelensky-revealed-the-nuances-of-stabilizing-the-situation-in-the-pokrovsk-region-883889/ |url-status=live }}

Pokrovsk also has central importance for the Ukrainian steel industry. Pischane is the largest plant for coking coal production in Ukraine. The site provided half of Metinvest's coal volume, used to produce steel at the company's plants. Loss of the Pokrovsk coal mine would thus be a major blow to Ukraine's steel production industry. According to the head of Ukraine's steelmakers' association, Oleksandr Kalenkov, a full closure of the plant could diminish Ukrainian steel production to only 2-3 million metric tons, down from a projected 7.5 million by the end of 2024.

Russian advances towards Pokrovsk were partially attributed by Ukrainian commanders and soldiers to issues with new Ukrainian conscripts; these newly mobilised soldiers reportedly had little to no training, were often incapable of effectively shooting a target, were overly-hasty in retreating from positions, and sometimes fled an area of staging battlefield operations out of a lack of trust for the plans.{{Cite web|title=Poorly trained recruits contribute to loss of Ukrainian territory on eastern front, commanders say|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-new-recruits-pokrovsk-ed2d06ad529e3b7e47ecd32f79911b83|date=22 August 2024|work=Associated Press|first=Samya|last=Kullab|access-date=1 September 2024|archive-date=1 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901021545/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-new-recruits-pokrovsk-ed2d06ad529e3b7e47ecd32f79911b83|url-status=live}}

An Azov Brigade officer said that many soldiers serving in the Pokrovsk direction are there against their will, and that the discipline, morale, and exhaustion problems with these and other soldiers are a contributor to the situation which he described as "out of control".{{cite web|work=Kyiv Post|title= Situation in Donbas Spiraling Out of Control, Azov Brigade Officer Says|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/38217|date=30 August 2024}}

Russian forces typically attack and perform operations with small infantry groups, where they are relatively effective at advancing through villages and are harder for Ukrainian drones to target.

In November 2024, the French-trained 155th Mechanized Brigade was deployed south of Pokrovsk{{Cite web |date=3 January 2025 |title=Ukraine investigating French-trained brigade after reports of desertions, mismanagement |url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-investigating-french-trained-brigade/ |work=The Kyiv Independent}} to help hold positions in the area, including the settlement of Shevchenko.{{Cite web|url=https://censor.net/ua/resonance/3525111/sytuatsiya-pid-pokrovskom-sytuatsiya-bilya-kurahovogo|title=Критична обстановка, яка вимагає негайних рішень: Бутусов про бої біля Покровська та Курахового|website=censor.net}} The brigade reportedly suffered heavy losses during its first few days of combat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-war-155-mechanized-brigade-france/33262437.html|title=The Woes Of The 155th: A French-Trained Brigade's Problems Highlight Bigger Ukrainian Difficulties|first1=Yevhenia|last1=Kytaiva-Rusetska|first2=Nataliia|last2=Semenova|first3=Zoriana|last3=Stepanenko|first4=Mike|last4=Eckel|date=3 January 2025|via=www.rferl.org}} According to an article published on 31 December 2024 by Ukrainian journalist {{Interlanguage link|Yuri Butusov|uk|Бутусов Юрій Євгенович}}, the brigade had suffered from serious organisational problems since its inception. Operational Command West, responsible for the formation of the brigade, lacked the resources, manpower and command staff needed to create a new unit. By the time the brigade was sent to France for training in October, 935 soldiers had already gone AWOL and 50 more had deserted in France. While the brigade command was in France, 700 more newly recruited men stationed in Ukraine went AWOL without ever seeing their commander.{{cite web |last=Butusov |first=Yuri |date=31 December 2024 |title=Справжня історія "Анни Київської": ДБР порушило справу щодо 155-ї бригади, озброєної у Франції та кинутої під Покровськ непідготовленою, із 1700 СЗЧ |trans-title=The real story of "Anna of Kyiv": SBI opened a case against the 155th brigade, armed in France and thrown unprepared near Pokrovsk, with 1,700 AWOL |url=https://novynarnia.com/2024/12/31/spravzhnya-istoriya-anny-kyyivskoyi-dbr-porushylo-spravu-shhodo-155-yi-brygady-ozbroyenoyi-u-francziyi-ta-kynutoyi-pid-pokrovsk-nepidgotovlenoyu-iz-1700-szch/ |website=novynarnia.com |language=uk}} Butusov first brought attention to the problems with the brigade in a report on 14 December, where he stated that over a thousand servicemen of the brigade went AWOL after having been forcibly mobilized off the streets, which led to the replacement of the brigade commander with Colonel Taras Maksymov on 12 December.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/01/02/ukrainian-soldiers-go-awol-before-shot-fired/ |title=Flagship Ukrainian brigade trained in France goes AWOL |last=Barnes |first=Joe |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=subscription |date=2 January 2025 |access-date=4 January 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Более тысячи ушли в СЗЧ. Что произошло со 155-й бригадой "Анна Киевская", которая воевала под Покровском |trans-title=More than a thousand went AWOL. What happened to the 155th brigade "Anne of Kyiv", which fought near Pokrovsk |url=https://strana.today/news/476748-jurij-butusov-zajavil-o-massovom-dezertirstve-v-brihade-vsu-anna-kievskaja.html |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Strana.ua |language=ru}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/43953|title=High-Profile French-Trained Ukrainian Brigade Loses Commander Days Before Going to Combat Line|first=Stefan|last=Korshak|website=Kyiv Post|date=16 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231080018/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/43953|archive-date=31 December 2024|access-date=2 January 2025}} An additional 198 soldiers went AWOL during the first week of December. {{ill|Censor.net|uk|Цензор.нет}}, citing soldiers on the frontline, reported that brigade was used in mass infantry assaults in counterattacks against Russian positions and had "suffered significant losses from the very first days" which in turn led to "acute infantry shortages".{{Cite web|url=https://censor.net/en/resonance/3528007/sbi-opens-case-on-formation-of-155th-brigade|title=True story of "Anna of Kyiv": SBI launches investigation into formation of 155th Brigade|website=censor.net}}{{Cite web|url=https://mind.ua/en/news/20283373-journalist-butusov-told-about-the-catastrophic-situation-in-the-155th-brigade-anna-de-kyiv-which-wa|title=Journalist Butusov told about the catastrophic situation in the 155th Brigade Anna de Kyiv, which was trained in France|website=Mind.ua}} The Kyiv Post reported that by 4 January 2025, the brigade had lost all of its CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, most of its VAB APCs, and a portion of its Leopard 2 tanks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/44997|title=Ukrainian Army – Finally – Admits 'Shortfalls' in High-Profile 155th Brigade Armed and Equipped by France|first=Stefan|last=Korshak|website=www.kyivpost.com}} On 4 January 2025, the brigade was disbanded, with remaining soldiers and equipment being assigned to other brigades defending Pokrovsk.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/01/04/ukraine-s-anne-of-kyiv-brigade-trained-in-france-then-dispersed-to-the-front-line-suffers-setbacks_6736700_4.html|title=Ukraine's 'Anne of Kyiv' brigade, trained in France then dispersed to the front line, suffers setbacks|date=4 January 2025|via=Le Monde}}

In late January 2025, a second Ukrainian brigade assigned to the Pokrovsk front, the 157th Mechanized Brigade, was reported to have suffered operational issues and desertion. The brigade suffered from poor training and low morale, and like the 155th Mechanized Brigade, lacked an experienced core of soldiers, consisting of only amateur recruits. The brigade reportedly deteriorated while being transferred to Pokrovsk due to high desertion rates, and diminished in size as components of the brigade were taken out and transferred to more experienced units at the front.{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |author-link=David Axe |title=Another Ukrainian Brigade Is Disintegrating As It Deploys To Pokrovsk |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/01/27/another-ukrainian-brigade-is-disintegrating-as-it-deploys-to-pokrovsk/ |date=27 January 2025|work=Forbes}}

• List of military engagements during the Russian invasion of Ukraine

{{reflist}}

{{2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

Category:Battles of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2024

Category:July 2024 in Ukraine

Category:August 2024 in Ukraine

Category:Battles of the Eastern front of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Category:Donetsk Oblast in the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Category:Pokrovsk Raion

Category:September 2024 in Ukraine

Category:October 2024 in Ukraine

Category:November 2024 in Ukraine

Category:December 2024 in Ukraine

Category:January 2025 in Ukraine

Category:February 2025 in Ukraine

Category:March 2025 in Ukraine

Category:April 2025 in Ukraine

Category:Battles of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2025