The updated map, compiled by"Deep State" based on a combination of data from open sources and the testimony of units from the field, shows that the so-called"grey zone" extends to the highway itself, which was regularly used by both civilian and military vehicles in mid-July.

Dobropilja is located 94 kilometers northwest of Russian-occupied Donetsk and about 22 kilometers north of the city of Pokrovsk, which is under heavy fighting.

Using numerical superiority, Russian forces advanced to the settlements of Kucheriv Yar, Zoloti Kolodyaz and Vesele, where, according to"Deep State", they are consolidating positions for a renewed attack and complete occupation.

Russian troops are also trying to strengthen their positions in the settlements of Petrovka and Novovodjane, on the other side of the highway.

"Pokrovsk and Mirnograd are practically surrounded"

The seriousness of the situation is evidenced by the publicly published letter of the former chief of staff of the Azov Brigade, Bohdan Krotevich (32), addressed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who claims that the situation on the ground is much worse than it is shown.

"Mr. President, I don't know what exactly they are telling you, but I tell you: The Pokrovsk-Konstantinivka line is, without exaggeration, in complete chaos. That chaos is getting worse every day. Those commands that are currently appointed, or have already been appointed, to fix the irreparable will most likely be blamed for the chaos that is already happening. The line of combat contact does not actually exist as a permanent line," he complained Krotevich.

According to him, the cities of Pokrovsk and Mirnograd are practically surrounded, and Konstantinivka is partially surrounded.

He added, he had already been warned about this and"this is exactly what happened". The systemic problem has begun, as Krotevich claims:

• elimination of reserves
• mass fragmentation of units along the entire front line
• reports of a captured village as a victory against the backdrop of failures on all fronts
• distribution of mobilization resources to godfathers
• absolute lack of strategic and even operational vision of the battlefield on the part of the military leadership

"I am an officer and I have a sense of dignity. My conscience is clear. I finished my report. To all the officers who accepted the rules of the game, I don't know what to say to you. I don't understand you," concluded Krotevich, who resigned from the position of chief of staff of the Azov brigade in February of this year.

Krotevich has served in Azov since 2014 and survived the fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the spring of 2022. He was captured by Russian forces and spent a short time in captivity before being exchanged. He soon returned to the front and over time became increasingly outspoken in his criticism of other commanders whom he believed did not care enough about the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

Continuation of the spring offensive that has accelerated this month

As the"Kiev Independent" writes, this Russian penetration represents a continuation of the offensive between Pokrovskoe and Konstantinivka in the Donetsk region, which has been ongoing since the spring, and which significantly accelerated in August, bringing key Ukrainian logistics routes within the range of Russian FPV drones. Druzhkovka and Konstantinivka -

New defense facilities and fortifications have been built around Zoloty Kolodyaz, Shahovo and surrounding settlements - positions that Russian forces are currently bypassing, but could occupy and repurpose for defense in future operations, according to"Dip State". rerouting alternative logistics routes and maintaining the surrounding positions of Ukrainian forces. With this development, if nothing changes,

," the report said.

Ukrainian officials did not announce the alleged Russian advance, writes"Kiev Independent".

The Ukrainian army denied claims about Russian penetration

The command of the Ukrainian operational-strategic group Dnieper denied claims that Russian forces took positions near Dobropilje in the Donetsk region. They claim that any enemy group that tries to break through Ukrainian lines is"destroyed as soon as possible".

The announcement states that the Russians are trying to infiltrate small units towards Dobropilje and Pokrovsk, using numerical superiority, although they are suffering heavy losses, but that these incursions never result in the permanent conquest of the territory. They add that such situations sometimes require the sending of reserve forces to destroy the enemy, but that, as they emphasize, does not mean a change of control over the area.