Russia Advances in Eastern Ukraine; Kyiv Admits to a ‘Difficult’ Situation

Russia announced on Sunday that its forces have taken control of two more residential areas in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Chief of General Staff General Oleksandr Syrsky admitted that his forces are under intense pressure. According to Reuters, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its units have captured the residential area of Pichy, located about 21 kilometers southeast of Pokrovsk, an important logistical hub in Ukraine, and are “continuing to advance deeper into enemy defenses.” Additionally, Russian forces have taken control of Viyemka, another residential area in the Donetsk region. Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.

Syrsky described the situation as “difficult” around the main Russian assault line in eastern Ukraine but said that all necessary decisions are being made. Russian forces continue their offensive in the Donetsk region, while also attempting to repel a sudden Ukrainian incursion in western Russia that began on August 6.