From Pokrovsk to Kostyantynivka — The Front Line Collapses. Last Strongholds in Donbas: Summary of the Special Military Operation Front

Military experts predict that the Ukrainian front line from Pokrovsk to Kostyantynivka will collapse.

The situation for the Ukrainian army in Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka is deteriorating, and the front could collapse. The last few strongholds of the Ukrainian army in Donbas are Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Intense Fighting

In the past day, both sides carried out frequent night operations, launching attacks deep into enemy territory. On the morning of July 18, only drones were used, and there were no reports of missile attacks.

Ukrainian drones entered Moscow Oblast, Bryansk Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, and Oryol Oblast. Some drones were shot down over Crimea, and the Crimean Bridge was even temporarily closed to traffic.

Russian "Geranium" suicide drones targeted objectives in Sumy Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Experts pointed out that "Geranium" drones are increasingly used for frontline strikes. Russia's production scale has reached a level where they can be mass-produced and deployed effectively, not only completing strategic tasks but also performing tactical tasks: striking Ukrainian military positions and warehouses along the contact line.

Northern Border

Multiple sections of the border between Ukraine and Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions have been breached, and the Russian forces continue to increase pressure.

Large-scale battles are ongoing towards Sumy. The Ukrainian side continues to launch counterattacks, but cannot repel the Russian forces. The fighting takes place on a wide front near Yablovnoye, Alekseyevka, Andreyevka, and Yunakovka.

"The 'Northern' group of troops announced the liberation of Zhegulye. In addition, our assault troops advanced in the forest area near Melovoye village," reported 'Two Majors'.

Zhegulye is located at the northernmost part of Kharkiv Oblast, where the Ukrainian border guards are stationed. After fierce fighting, the Ukrainian forces were driven out of the village.

Furthermore, our forces suddenly launched active operations in Volchansky and its surrounding areas. Russian forces had entered the city last year, and the fighting has never ceased since then. The day before, our forces repelled the enemy from the factory in the western part of the city and crossed the North Donets River in the southeastern part.

Pokrovsk Arc Area

Russian forces continue to break through the eastern wing of the Ukrainian forces guarding Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Russian strike forces are engaged in fierce fighting near Popivka, Rodynske, and the New Economy village, breaking through the Ukrainian front lines and approaching Pokrovsk from the north.

"Since the start of the summer offensive, Russian forces have advanced northeast of Myrnohrad and are now able to attack Rodynske. A series of settlements have been captured. At the same time, the attack on Pokrovsk continues, which diverts enemy forces," wrote 'Two Majors'.

The situation for the Ukrainian forces in this area is rapidly deteriorating. Battlefield reporters report that three elite battalions have been dispatched to this direction, but it seems they failed to repel the Russians. In fact, we have left only one passage for the Ukrainian forces defending Pokrovsk to retreat. This is similar to the situation after capturing Bachmut, Avdiivka, and other Ukrainian "fortresses".

Western Warnings: Russian Forces Prepare for a Large-Scale Offensive in the Special Military Operation Area

"Overall, Pokrovsk has only two (if including some risky small roads, it would be three) intact roads. One is from the north through Rodynske, and the other is along the E50 highway from the west. Once Rodynske is captured, there is an opportunity to trap the entire front line from Pokrovsk to Kostyantynivka. Then, we can advance to the operational area near Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and proceed with the encirclement of Sloviansk / Kramatorsk," summarized 'Military Chronicle'.

Kostyantynivka Is No Longer Defensible

Russian forces are also advancing toward Kostyantynivka. Currently, multiple lines of defense have collapsed, and Ukrainian forces are retreating from both the north and south toward the city. Kostyantynivka is facing the danger of being surrounded on at least three sides.

"The Kostyantynivka direction remains a battlefield. There are reports that the Russian forces plan to advance toward the reservoir and move along the main road toward Kostyantynivka. At the same time, the Russian forces are engaging in fierce fighting from the Chasiv Yar and Deryzhynsk (Toretsk) directions," reported 'Two Majors'.

"The Russians liberated Popivka and are currently attacking Rysyniar. They are advancing toward Aleksandrovka-Kalynove, and launching attacks near Katerynynivka and Klybiv-Bek. The Ukrainian forces are facing the threat of being surrounded in Shcherbinovka," added battlefield journalist Yevgeny Lysytsin.

There are also advances in the southern region. Soldiers from the Far East and other units of the Russian 'Eastern' group completely cleared Kamianets and are advancing toward Olekhiv and Zaporozhye. The fighting takes place near Podubne, Yanvarsky, Malyyevka, and Temirovka.

"The fighting is moving north toward Pravnya. In the east, artillery duels and FPV drone operations are taking place in the Gulyaipole area. In the Ughledar direction, the Russian forces are heavily attacking Zelyovy. Liberating this village will open the way to the border of the Donetsk People's Republic. The Ukrainian forces have deployed reserves, trying to stop our offensive near Ivanovka and Filia," reported battlefield journalist Yevgeny Lysytsin.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7528680749034242596/

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