The 1st Corps of the National Guard Azov has taken defensive positions on the Pokrovsk front, moving to block Russian forces advancing in Donetsk Oblast, according to the corps’ official statement.

The recent Russian breakthrough towards Dobropillia threatens the defense of Pokrovsk. Russian forces have been trying to take the city and surrounding areas since early 2024. 

The deployment of one of Ukraine’s most disciplined and combat-experienced brigades comes as Russian forces have advanced more than 23 kilometers deep into Ukrainian positions toward the Dobropillia-Kramatorsk road. 

Regular Ukrainian defensive units have proven unable to halt the advance in this critical sector, according to Ukrainska Pravda. The 23-kilometer Russian salient now sits equidistant between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.  

Elite units replace faltering defenses

The corps moved into what has been described as “one of the most difficult sections of the front.” The area was previously defended by Tactical Group “Pokrovsk,” which “absolutely could not cope with defense on this section,” according to military sources.

“The situation remains complex and dynamic,” Azov stated. “The enemy, trying to advance in that direction, suffers significant losses in personnel and equipment.”

Corps units have “planned and implemented measures to block [Russian] forces in the designated area,” though results will be announced later.

Recent weeks saw intensified pressure, with three sabotage groups of 50 personnel each infiltrating Pokrovsk itself. Ukrainian forces eliminated approximately 120 attackers while capturing others. 100,000 Russian troops are currently stationed in the area. 

23-kilometer Russian salient threatens encirclement

Russian forces have dramatically expanded their breakthrough along the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka road. What began as a 10-kilometer salient in May 2025 near Malynivka, Nova Poltavka, and Novoolenivka has now extended to 23 kilometers.

On 11 August, DeepState analysts reported a Russian advance northeast of nearby Dobropillia, warning that “after final consolidation and accumulation, there will be mandatory attempts to move deeper into the territory.” 

Ukraine’s Dnipro command disputed the implications of these advances, stating that Russian infiltration attempts “never lead to territorial capture” and that Ukrainian troops have eliminated infiltrators “in the shortest possible time.”