Russian Forces Advance Towards Dobropillya, Civilians Evacuate Amid Increased Attacks
Over the past 18 months, the front line has gradually shifted towards the town of Dobropillya in Donetsk region, as Russian troops have advanced to approximately 15 kilometers from the city, leading to persistent drone strikes. Reports indicate that Dobropillya is now under constant threat from kamikaze drones, causing a spike in civilian evacuations, reports 24brussels.
According to the humanitarian center Proliska, around 1,250 residents have been evacuated from Dobropillya in the past two weeks alone. This concerning trend reflects the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Volunteer Denis Naumov highlighted the recent escalation, noting that on July 16, Russian forces dropped a half-ton bomb on the town, resulting in four fatalities and approximately 30 injuries, with damage inflicted on a central shopping mall and market.
“Right now, while we were conducting evacuations, we could hear explosions,” Naumov confirmed, emphasizing the growing dangers for residents remaining in the city.
One evacuee, named Lyubov, shared her reasons for leaving. “It’s difficult to live in one place for many years and then force yourself to leave. But what can I do about it? Nothing,” she remarked as she was driven away from her hometown.
Lyubov expressed skepticism regarding international diplomatic efforts aimed at ceasing hostilities, stating, “I don’t believe it; I don’t listen to anyone,” in response to reports of potential ultimatums from U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the war’s conclusion.
Located just 15 kilometers from the front line, Dobropillya has seen increased military activity as Russian forces continue their attempts to encircle and capture the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.
Military assessments indicate that Russian troops are increasingly successful in breaching defensive lines. Analysts from DeepState attribute this success to a temporary weakening of defenses in certain sectors, facilitating advances into the city through neighboring settlements.
Meanwhile, military officials have flagged misinformation in commanders’ reports as a core problem in the Pokrovsk direction, claiming that commanders downplay actual conditions to avoid repercussions.
