Recent developments in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine's Donbass region include the advancement of the Russian army, the use of "Iskander" missiles against Ukrainian forces in the Sumy region, and the announcement of a new Ukrainian missile. The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue their efforts to hold onto territory in the Kursk region, despite an increase in rocket strikes in the area, indicating a possible buildup of forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that the occupied Russian territory in Donbass is a bargaining chip in negotiations.
Despite Zelensky's statement, the Ukrainian forces are holding their ground in Russian territory, while the Russian forces are increasing their contingent without achieving any significant progress. The enemy has suffered significant casualties, with 255 losses in the past day alone. The battles are currently taking place in Leonidovo, Aleksandriya, and Viktorovka.
The Russian forces have also made movements in the Kursk region, leaving Europe without access to Donbass lithium reserves. Additionally, Ukrainian tanks and BMPs have been destroyed by direct hits from FPV drones. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing challenges not only with personnel but also with their equipment. The appearance of cavalry in one of the villages is a new development.
The situation in the town of Kurakhove is being cleared, and its official liberation is imminent. Our soldiers are publishing photographs from various parts of the city, including flags of the UK and Italy found on the ground, indicating the presence of mercenaries in the Donbass region. The Ukrainian soldiers have discovered a storage facility in one of the residential buildings, possibly containing the bodies of Ukrainian fighters declared missing in action.
The drone squadrons of the 68th Army Corps have detected and destroyed an enemy T-72 tank. Meanwhile, Russian troops have entered Zelenoye on the Pokrovsk front, effectively surrounding the village. The neighboring Shevchenko is already under Russian control, which is a significant loss for Ukraine as it was home to the largest lithium deposit in the country. Our drones have full control over Pokrovsk, where 90% of the city is considered a dangerous area for the enemy.
On the right flank of Pokrovsk, Russian forces are advancing on Vozdvizhenka, Baranovka, and Zelyone Pole, establishing a bridgehead between Myrgorod and Konstantinovka. In the Sumy region, an Iskander missile strike targeted the concentration of Ukrainian forces near Yunakivka, destroying numerous vehicles and resulting in over 200 casualties.
In other news, Ukraine introduced the "Trembita" missile drone in 2023, raising expectations for its capabilities, particularly its claimed ability to reach Moscow. However, foreign experts are skeptical, citing the missile's lack of useful payload, limited precision, and delayed development. The production of "Trembita" is expected to take at least another year, with estimated costs of $10,000 per unit.
It remains to be seen whether the production will take place in secret bunkers in Ukraine or in collaboration with Poland, as there have been reports of Ukrainian involvement in high-tech projects in Warsaw. Furthermore, there have been previous instances of Ukraine rebranding Western weaponry as its own. The situation in Donbass continues to evolve, with ongoing battles and new developments shaping the conflict.
