Ukrainian soldiers broke through open-steppe defenses, liberating Sichneve village from Russian troops, a significant achievement that definitely deserves attention. The open steppe presents a formidable challenge, a vast expanse where every move is potentially observed, making any advance incredibly dangerous. The constant threat of drone surveillance, the possibility of immediate artillery strikes, and the ever-present danger of FPV drones make crossing such terrain a harrowing experience. To see Ukrainian forces succeed in the face of such adversity is, without a doubt, a testament to their bravery and determination.
This victory in Sichneve, no matter its relative size, should be a source of encouragement.… Continue reading
Ukrainian Army’s Brazilians quietly encircle Russian troops near Pokrovsk — and eliminate them one by one. This news from the Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk Oblast is definitely interesting. It’s focusing on a fascinating aspect of the conflict: the presence and effectiveness of Brazilian soldiers within the 2nd International Legion.
Here, Brazilian soldiers, seasoned veterans of the Donetsk Oblast defense, are now turning the tables on the remaining Russian forces. Their mission: to eliminate the enemy pockets, mopping up the remnants of the Russian breakthrough attempts near Dobropillia.
Around Pokrovsk, these Brazilian volunteers are demonstrating the real-world applicability of their training. The skills honed in the dense jungles translate perfectly to the challenging Ukrainian terrain, allowing them to quietly navigate forests and villages.… Continue reading
Ukrainian forces have reclaimed approximately 160 square kilometers of territory in eastern Donetsk Oblast during an ongoing counteroffensive operation. Over the past month, Ukrainian troops have pushed back Russian forces, regaining control of multiple villages in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk sectors. Seven settlements have been retaken, alongside the capture of nearly 100 Russian soldiers. President Zelensky also reported significant Russian losses in the Pokrovsk direction and renewed calls for international military aid.
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The 11th Army Corps has accused Russian forces of disguising themselves as civilians during a recent sabotage mission in Yampil, Donetsk region. The Russian troops allegedly hid in civilian buildings, using local residents as human shields, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. The 11th Corps reported that the troops were detected and neutralized, with the area remaining under Ukrainian control. This alleged tactic is reportedly a recurring issue, with similar incidents reported by other Ukrainian units in the past.
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On September 9th, Russian forces attacked the front-line village of Yarova in Donetsk Oblast, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and 19 injuries. The strike occurred around 11 a.m. while residents were receiving pensions, with casualties including pensioners and postal workers. Authorities condemned the attack as terrorism, and footage revealed a damaged postal service vehicle and bodies. President Zelensky called for international response, highlighting the targeting of civilians, and European officials denounced the attack as a display of inhumanity.
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In August, Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast lost five square kilometers but regained control of 26, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Russian forces have focused their offensive efforts on the Pokrovsk axis, attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses. These counterattacks are led by units of Ukraine’s Assault Forces, which have been reported to have cleared several villages around Pokrovsk of Russian forces. The ongoing conflict in the region and Russia’s advances strengthen Moscow’s position in potential peace negotiations, which could involve Ukraine ceding all of Donetsk Oblast.
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On September 1st, the General Staff announced the 425th Regiment of Ukraine had liberated Novoekonomichne in Donetsk Oblast, a village with a pre-war population nearing 2,800. After two weeks of fighting, Ukrainian forces raised the national flag on August 31st, though the area had been in a “gray zone” according to DeepState maps. This liberation occurred amidst intensified Russian ground offensives in the Pokrovsk sector, potentially strengthening Moscow’s position in future peace negotiations as proposed by the Kremlin.
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On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the liberation of three villages in Donetsk Oblast: Zelenyi Hai, Mykhailivka, and Volodymyrivka. This occurred following a visit to combat zones where Russia has made recent gains, particularly near Pokrovsk, which Syrskyi identified as the most challenging area. These villages are located south of Pokrovsk, with Zelenyi Hai approximately 90-100 kilometers southwest of Donetsk. The liberation of these villages comes amidst ongoing Russian advances and reports of potential peace negotiations involving Ukraine ceding Donetsk Oblast to Russia.
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A joint operation by the Russian Volunteer Corps, the Bratstvo unit, and the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade successfully thwarted a Russian attempt to break through in Donetsk Oblast and advance toward the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border. During the operation, fighters captured 16 Russian service personnel. Some of these prisoners were tasked with filming propaganda reports falsely claiming the capture of Ukrainian settlements. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) released a video detailing the operation but did not specify its exact timing.
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According to an interview with the Polish-Belarusian media outlet Vot Tak, a 31-year-old Russian serviceman confessed to participating in the May 2024 execution of five captured Ukrainian soldiers in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian soldiers, allegedly captured near Avdiivka, were reportedly shot in the back of the head after being stripped of their belongings. The Russian serviceman, identified as Ivan Okhlopkov, stated he and others in his battalion carried out the executions under orders, and he currently is in hiding in Donetsk. This confession comes amid growing concerns from Ukraine and the U.N. over the increasing number of executed Ukrainian POWs, with accusations of a systematic policy by Russia to murder captives.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker