On September 8th, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) released a report stating that Russian forces had made small gains in the north of Chasiv Yar and eastern Toretsk, while continuing their offensive operations. However, there were no confirmed advances in the direction of Pokrovsk.
According to the ISW, Russian forces were actively engaged in offensive operations near Chasiv Yar, as well as in the direction of Mayske and Andriivka and Klishchiivka. In Toretsk, geolocated footage from September 8th showed that Russian forces had recently advanced in the eastern part of the city.
The ISW also reported that Russian forces were continuing their offensive operations near Toretsk, specifically in the areas of Nelipivka and Sukha Balka. The situation in New York, Donetsk Oblast, remained contested, with Russian milbloggers claiming that Ukrainian forces had launched counterattacks in the south of the city on September 8th and had advanced to central Niu York on September 7th.
However, the ISW stated that while they had seen footage of Ukrainian forces counterattacking in the northwestern part of New York and maintaining their positions in the city, they had not yet visually confirmed any additional gains by Ukrainian forces.
In the direction of Pokrovsk, the ISW reported that despite claims of advances by Russian forces, there were no confirmed gains on September 8th. A Russian milblogger had claimed that Russian forces had advanced closer to Hirnyk, but the ISW had not seen any visual confirmation of this.
The Russian Ministry of Defense had also claimed to have seized Novohrodivka, which the ISW had previously assessed as likely captured by Russian forces as of September 2nd. The ISW had not yet confirmed reports of a potential encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Selydove and near Zhelanne Pershe.
The ISW also provided updates on ongoing offensive and counteroffensive operations in various locations east and southeast of Pokrovsk, as well as the reported presence of specific Russian military units.
The Pokrovsk direction has become a key area of fighting in eastern Ukraine due to its strategic importance. Control of this area could potentially allow Russian forces to threaten key Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk Oblast, while Ukrainian defenders are working to maintain their positions and prevent further Russian advances.
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