Russian assaults are intensifying pressure on Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in eastern Donetsk, Ukraine reports. The latest waves of guided bombings and infantry attacks have resulted in some of Russia’s most significant territorial gains since spring. This surge in aggression has driven a sharp increase in civilian evacuations, with requests for relocation spiking nearly tenfold in the past two weeks, according to a volunteer assisting with evacuations. Russian forces have advanced approximately 57 square kilometers (22 square miles) in just a week, marking the third-largest territorial gain since April, following only modest advances in June, as noted by analyst Pasi Paroinen from the Black Bird Group.
Russian warplanes and artillery are supporting these infantry assaults near Pokrovsk, with frequent bombings exacerbating the situation. Ukraine’s National Guard spokesperson Ruslan Muzychuk highlighted the significant threat posed by these aerial strikes, particularly on the Pokrovsk and Toretsk fronts. He noted that the attacks often lack armored vehicle support and are characterized by a pattern of guided bombings followed by infantry assaults. The persistent bombings and assaults are stretching Ukraine’s defenses thin.
Russian Defense Minister reported capturing five settlements in the Donetsk region within the past week. Valeriy Romanenko, an aviation expert based in Kyiv, likened Russia’s tactics to a “conveyor belt,” where infantry attacks follow guided bombs. He suggested that US F-16s could potentially disrupt this tactic if they were deployed, but cautioned that such operations remain unlikely due to the risks involved for new pilots operating advanced jets.
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In a related development, Ukraine received the remains of 250 fallen soldiers in one of the largest exchanges since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Kyiv also returned the remains of 38 Russian soldiers, with the International Red Cross mediating the exchange. DNA analysis will be conducted to identify the bodies before they are released to their families for burial.
Russian activist Ilya Yashin, jailed for supporting Ukraine, expressed dissatisfaction with his deportation in a recent prisoner exchange, claiming it was against his will and warning it could encourage more political imprisonments. Meanwhile, Ukrainian emigration is expected to rise significantly this year due to power cuts from Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, with the National Bank of Ukraine predicting a net outflow of 400,000 people this year.
The US rating agency S&P downgraded Ukraine’s credit rating to “selective default” on Friday, following Ukraine’s failure to make a bond coupon payment. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a law allowing Ukraine to suspend foreign debt payments until October 1, paving the way for a formal sovereign default declaration.
