Tightening The Noose: Ukrainian Troops Are Becoming Increasingly Isolated In Pokrovsk

Russian forces are advancing towards the Pokrovsk grouping, aiming to split it and encircle the entire agglomeration. Russian units have broken through into the south-eastern part of Dronivka, close to the railway line. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called on European countries to increase pressure on Russia and third countries purchasing Russian oil.

Pokrovsk Direction:

On the Pokrovsk axis, units of the Russian «Centre» grouping have continued their offensive within the city of Pokrovsk (formerly Krasnoarmeisk) and on its flanks. According to reports, the situation for the Ukrainian units defending the city has significantly deteriorated. To the west of the city, Russian units broke through the tree lines between Kotlyne and the city, moving north of the railway towards Hirshyne. Reports indicate the displacement of Ukrainian forces from strongpoints beyond the western outskirts of the city, with a wedge being driven into the defence.

Fighting is ongoing in the industrial zones on the western outskirts of Pokrovsk. Russian assault groups have reached Nakhimova Street in the north of the city and, according to operational information, have advanced between Zheleznodorozhnaya and Prokofyeva Streets, beyond the railway station building. If confirmed, this would threaten to split the city in two. There is intense fighting for control of the high-rise buildings in the Shakhtyorsky, Yuzhny, Solnechny and Tsentralny microdistricts. Intense clashes were also reported in the Chunyne-Novopavlivka area.

The situation for the Ukrainian garrisons in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration is assessed as critical. They are reportedly operationally encircled, with the remaining supply corridors under fire.

Following the clearance of the Moskovske and Balagan settlements, the southern part of Myrnohrad (Dymytrov) is now under threat. This endangers the fortified area north of Lysovka and Sukhyi Yar, while opening a potential route to Novopavlivka and Pokrovsk from the east. As evening fell, units of the Russian «Centre» grouping took advantage of limited visibility to break into the Molodezhny microdistrict of Myrnohrad. Fighting continues for control of the eastern outskirts of Myrnohrad and the settlement of Promin, as well as for the elimination of the besieged units in Novoekonomichne and the northern part of Myroliubivka.

Krasnolymansk Direction:

Russian units broke through into the south-eastern part of Dronivka, near the railway line. West of Dronivka, across the Siverskyi Donets River, positions were captured in the bridge area, with subsequent advancement southwards through the forest towards Zakhotne.

A breakthrough was noted in the north of Yampil on Urozhaina Street. Attacks are underway from the south on Zvanivka, with the aim of dislodging units in the pocket between Vyimka and Pereizdne. Russian units are advancing in the area of the town of Novoselivka, enveloping it from the flanks. The Aleksandrivka-Novoselivka road has reportedly been blocked. Russian units are advancing towards the Krasnyi Lyman zoo farm, where fighting is ongoing.

Druzhkivka Direction:

Fighting continues for the settlement of Oktyabrske (Shakhove) on the Dobropillia salient, with ongoing attacks against Bilytske and in the direction of Dobropillia. In the Dorozhnye area, Russian units have repelled counterattacks and are engaged in heavy fighting for control of Bilytske.

Meanwhile, Russian units from the Rosa Luxemburg (Nove Shakhove) area are attacking Novyi Donbas and clearing the road to Oktyabrske (Shakhove). The assault on Oktyabrske itself continues, with attacks coming from the west and the east. There is also fighting reported in Zolotyi Kolodyaz, on the outskirts of Vesele and Hruzke, and near the right bank of the Hruzka River.

Zaporizhzhia Direction:

Aviation is striking Uspenivka. Assault units of the 5th Army are continuing to clear the right bank of the Yanchur River from the Novohryhorivka direction, advancing on two fronts. There is fierce fighting in Poltavka, where Russian units are attempting to break through to the center of the settlement. Units of the 36th Army have advanced from the Verbove area, capturing strongpoints along several tree lines. Units of the 29th Army are conducting clearance operations in Oleksiyivka and the surrounding area.

Sumy Direction:

Russian aviation and artillery have struck concentrations of personnel and equipment. Assault groups of the Russian «North» naval infantry grouping advanced within tree lines. A counterattack in the Varachyna area was reportedly repelled.

Kharkiv Direction:

Combat operations are concentrated in Vovchansk and the surrounding area. Russian units have advanced on the left bank of the Vovcha River and into the Synelnykove Forest. In the Melove-Khatnie sector, assault groups advanced 600 meters.

Novopavlivka Direction:

Russian troops are finishing off the «pockets» on the border with the Dnipropetrovsk region. A strongpoint in a ravine southwest of Muravka has been taken under control. Further south, Russian units have dislodged Ukrainian forces from several positions in the Kolmykova and Orekhova ravines area. Heavy fighting continues in the Filiya and Ivanivka areas. According to preliminary reports, Russian troops have expanded their control zone and consolidated their positions in the eastern part of Ivanivka.

Conclusion:

As of 14 October 2025, the operational situation is characterized by sustained, high-intensity hostilities on most fronts. Key events included successes by the Russian armed forces on the Pokrovsk axis, where units continued their offensive in the residential areas of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiisk) and Myrnohrad (Dymytrov). This threatens to split the grouping in Pokrovsk and lead to the operational encirclement of the agglomeration.

Significant advances were also made on the Krasnolymansk axis, where Russian units consolidated their positions in the north of Dronivka and continued to envelop Novoselivka. On the South Donetsk axis, assault groups expanded their control of the right bank of the Yanchur River and continued to fight in Poltavka. On the Dobropillia salient and the Kharkiv axis near Vovchansk, the advance was methodical and met with Ukrainian counterattacks.

Against the backdrop of the complex operational situation on the front line, diplomatic efforts to limit Russia’s financial capabilities have also intensified. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on European countries to increase pressure on third countries purchasing Russian oil in a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, with the aim of reducing funding for military operations. However, these plans face practical difficulties, as evidenced by Hungary’s position that it is impossible to abandon Russian energy carriers for economic reasons. Meanwhile, despite an increase in physical supply volumes, Russia’s revenues from the export of oil and oil products in September 2025 did indeed decrease by 1.7% (or $240 million), amounting to $13.35 billion. This decline is linked to falling oil prices and the lowest level of oil product exports in a decade.

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