In the last week of July, Russia intensified its attacks in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, resulting in the capture of several settlements. This apparent attempt to sever key supply routes and force a massive withdrawal from Ukrainian forces marks Russia’s largest offensive in eight months.

At the same time, Ukraine has achieved significant success against Russian energy infrastructure and in the occupied Crimean Peninsula. This suggests that Ukraine’s strategy to degrade Russian air defense positions is bearing fruit.

Russia’s assaults have primarily targeted central and southern Donetsk, from areas west of Bakhmut to Avdiivka and further towards the city of Donetsk, which has been under pro-Russian control since 2014. The military situation stretches over a line of approximately 130 kilometers, as Russian forces push to prevent Ukraine from establishing stable defenses.

According to British military intelligence, Russia experienced record-high casualties in May and June, with losses reaching up to 1,200 soldiers daily. However, in the last week, the pace of Russia’s offensives has increased, and for the first time since October, they have conducted two battalion-sized attacks in the area.

One of Russia’s strategies appears to be to cut the two main roads supporting Ukrainian garrisons in Vuhledar and Chasiv Yar. On July 24, Russian forces attempted to take control of the T-0524 road leading to Vuhledar but were repelled by Ukrainian troops, who destroyed six Russian tanks and several vehicles.

Despite these setbacks, Russia managed to gain control of several villages near Avdiivka, bringing them closer to the T-0504 highway, which is crucial for Ukrainian supply in the region. Additionally, Russia has made progress in the southern Zaporizhia region, regaining control over Robotyne and further advancing by capturing Krasnohorivka and other villages.

However, Ukrainian forces have also seen success, managing to push Russian troops back in the northern Kharkiv region and conducting deep strikes on Russian positions and infrastructure. Ukrainian attacks on the Russian airbase Saky in Crimea have destroyed ammunition depots and radar stations.

Ukrainian drones have also targeted three Russian military airfields far from the Ukrainian border, causing damage to strategic bombers and other important platforms.

Ukraine’s progress in military operations underscores the complex and dynamic situation, where both sides are adapting their strategies on the battlefield. The ongoing conflict in the Donetsk region shows no signs of abating, and the future for both Ukrainian and Russian forces remains uncertain.