Ukrainian and Russian units can reach the enemy's rear. There, they conduct successful operations. This shows that the entire front in Ukraine is thin. Neither side has enough troops to cover the front.
Russian forces have advanced slowly in Donetsk Oblast. However, Ukraine reported that they have managed to retake some areas. For example, Kutšeriv Yar and Suhhetske village were liberated. Ukrainian airborne troops conducted successful operations there. About 50 Russian soldiers surrendered. Such operations show that neither side can fully secure the front.
Riho Ühtegi said that the front is porous and has many gaps. It is easy to penetrate the enemy's rear and carry out attacks there. This is typical for the entire thousand-kilometer front. There are not enough forces to cover the entire length of the front.
In Donetsk Oblast, the city of Pokrovsk is important. There are conflicting reports about Russian advances and Ukrainian defense. Ühtegi said that Russian forces have reached the western part of Pokrovsk. They have reached the railway station. The exact situation there is difficult to determine. Intense battles are taking place in the city.
Ühtegi compared the battles in Pokrovsk to the capture of Toretsk. It took Russian forces 14 months to capture Toretsk. He suggested that something similar could happen in Pokrovsk.
Russian forces are trying to reach the western border of Donetsk Oblast. They are attempting to advance in the Bilõtske and Rodõnske areas. Ukrainian forces have maintained strong defenses there. Mõrnohrad is a key point for capturing Pokrovsk. If taken, it would be easier to capture Pokrovsk.
According to The Economist, Russia has lost 100,000 men since the beginning of this year. Most of these losses occurred during the summer offensive. During that time, only 0.4 percent of Ukrainian territory was captured. Ühtegi said this shows how slowly the war is progressing. Major conquests are actually very small. There are no significant breakthroughs because both sides face difficulties in finding soldiers and maintaining the front.