ISW: Russians exert pressure and advance near Pokrovsk and Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast

Russian forces achieved territorial gains near Pokrovsk and Vuhledar in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast on 26 October, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Geolocated footage from October 25-26 confirms Russian advances into several locations east and southeast of Pokrovsk, including “the eastern outskirts of Novotoretske, west of Novohrodivka, into the Korotchenko mine waste heap northeast of Selydove, and into northern Oleksandropil,” the ISW reports.

For over a year, Russia has concentrated on seizing Ukraine-controlled areas of Donetsk Oblast, with major attacks repeatedly occurring near Pokrovsk, Selydove, and other towns

Since October 2023, Pokrovsk has been a focal point of intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with Russia launching major offensives to capture control in western Donetsk Oblast.

Russian military bloggers claim that special forces units from the 71st Separate Spetsnaz Brigade secured the waste heap near Selydove, reportedly advancing one kilometer into the settlement. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its 110th Motorized Rifle Brigade captured Oleksandropil.

Near Vuhledar, Russian forces confirmed advances west of Pobieda, as evidenced by geolocated footage from 26 October. Additional footage shows Russian units advancing north of Zolota Nyva and around Prechystivka.

The ISW notes that various Russian units operate in the region, including “elements of the Russian 74th Motorized Rifle Brigade near Novotoretske” and “the Russian 14th Spetsnaz Brigade near Bohoyavlenka.”

Read also:

• ISW: Ukrainian forces advanced in Kursk Oblast, near Toretsk and Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast
• UK intel: Russian forces enter Selydove, providing additional options for advancing to Pokrovsk
• ISW: Ukrainians advance near Toretsk, Pokrovsk; Russians gain ground near Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove