**Russian Forces Advance in Eastern Ukraine**
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on December 23 that Russian forces are moving south and southwest of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast. The ultimate goal of this advance is not clear.
**Previous Focus on Pokrovsk**
For months, Russia has been trying to capture parts of Donetsk Oblast, with a focus on the strongholds of Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and others. However, the ISW suggests that Russia may now be prioritizing either surrounding Pokrovsk or advancing to the administrative boundary between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts.
**Recent Advances Confirmed**
Geolocated footage published on December 23 confirms recent Russian advances south of Novovasylivka, which is located southwest of Pokrovsk. Russian forces are reportedly moving north of Novovasylivka toward Solone and Vovkove, while also attacking Kotlyne. Attacks are concentrated in Novotroitske and Dachenske, forcing Ukrainian forces to withdraw to the Lysivka-Pishchane line southeast of Pokrovsk.
**Possible Goals**
Further claims indicate that Russian forces are advancing from Pustynka and Pushkine toward Ukrainka, southwest of Pushkine. The ISW suggests that these movements may aim to encircle Pokrovsk through a turning maneuver or widen the Russian salient in preparation for a broader westward push.
**Shift in Rhetoric**
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on December 19 that Russian forces are advancing by “square kilometers” rather than by small distances. This shift in rhetoric suggests that Putin has directed the military command to prioritize open-field advances and smaller settlements over larger, well-defended towns like Pokrovsk.
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