In early July 2024, Russian forces focused their efforts on an attempt to encircle Ukrainian positions northwest of Donetsk. According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War, the distance between the Russian “wedges” in this direction is approximately 10 km. It is predicted that in conditions of active hostilities, there is a real threat of encirclement of the Ukrainian Armed Forces group in the area of the Vovcha River and the Karliv Reservoir.
Valeriy Tarasyuk, head of the National Energy and Power Commission, points to significant achievements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in other parts of the front. In particular, Ukrainian troops managed to gain a foothold in the Vovchansk area and improve their positions near Siversk. ISW reports note that the situation in the Siversk area has stabilized after the return of controlled positions that were lost earlier, in the area of the village of Ivano-Daryivka.
In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian troops are actively advancing, trying to encircle Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Grodovka, Novogrodovka, and Selidove. At the same time, it is noted that the advance of Russian troops has been slowed down by natural obstacles - the Vovcha River and the Karlivske reservoir. The probability of a serious encirclement of Ukrainian forces in this area currently remains low, but the threat is still present.
In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian troops achieved partial success, advancing to the southern part of Krasnohorivka and bypassing Vodiane. The Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully stopped the advance of Russian armored vehicles, which was confirmed by testimonies from both sides.
The situation in the Kharkiv region remains tense. Vovchansk remains under the control of Ukrainian forces, although analysts report a retreat of Russian troops from the southern bank of the Vovcha River. Active fighting continues near Kupyansk and Svatove, but no significant changes in positions have been noted so far.
In the Zaporizhia direction, Ukrainian troops could leave the village of Robotyne, which was captured in the summer of 2023. At the same time, there is information about the possible advance of Russian forces towards Malaya Tokmachka, but there is no confirmation of this yet. Fighting on the left bank of the Kherson region also continues, and Russian media have published footage of captured Ukrainian soldiers.
Overall, the front remains active and dynamic, with significant shifts in individual sectors, indicating constant changes in the situation on the battlefield.
