The week was marked by heavy fighting and Russian advance towards Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. According to ISW, it is a significant tactical advance; besides, the Russians began using self-propelled missile systems from the DPRK in the war. The Russians also carried out the most massive attack on the rear territories in 2024 with attack drones, 89 drones and 1 missile, but Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed all targets.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine officially confirmed the downing of the Tu-22M3 at the Olenya air base, located 1,800 km from the Ukrainian border. Satellites recorded the aftermath of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attack on the Saky air base in Crimea.
At the end of the week, it became known that the first Western F-16 fighter jets appeared in the Ukrainian sky.
Russia is slowly but surely advancing towards Pokrovsk.
Russian troops continue to advance slowly but surely towards Pokrovsk (west of Avdiyivka), which is facilitated by the lack of Ukrainian manpower and the terrain northwest of Avdiyivka. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Military analysts predict that the Russian offensive is likely to slow down further as Russian troops approach the lines of larger and more urbanized settlements.
Ukrainian military observer Kostiantyn Mashovets says that Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsk sector have worse equipment and means of protection and are therefore unable to slow down the advance of Russian troops now.