Russia is making huge gains in the east of Ukraine while Kyiv’s forces continue their incursion in Kursk, new maps show.
Telegram channel Deep State reported that the Russians are making significant gains near Pokrovsk, a city in the Donetsk oblast.
The Russians are also making gains in Niu-York, Avdiivka, and Staromykhailivka.
Deep State added that Ukraine’s command has blamed the losses on its soldiers and the battalion commander of the 11th Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 59th Brigade for the loss of the village of Karlivka.
The Russian gains came after Ukraine sent many of its soldiers to the Russian region of Kursk, where Volodymyr Zelensky’s men continue to control numerous towns and villages.
John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Newsweek: “Ukraine took a gamble in Kursk by committing its limited reserves to that operation and also pulling various units off the line, including some forces defending near Pokrovsk and Toretsk.
“That has given Russia a greater opportunity to make gains in those areas in the Donetsk oblast. It does put Ukraine in a tough position in the Donetsk oblast.”
In August, Russian forces advanced on 477 square kilometers (184 square miles) of Ukrainian territory.
This represents Moscow’s biggest gains since October 2022.
While Russian soldiers continue to advance in Ukraine, Kyiv’s inclusion into Kursk still threatens to cause Vladimir Putin more problems.
Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO, says the incursion “demonstrates that Russia is at the limit of its capabilities.”
He added: “(Russia) can’t attack Ukraine and defend Russia at the same time, it has had to make a choice.
“It’s going to have to move forces from Ukraine to defend Russia. That movement is something we should be taking advantage of with long-range systems to hit them while they move.”
