Over the last month, russian forces have made increased tactical gains in the central Donetsk region, particularly in the vicinity of Kostiantynivka, a city linked to the large urban areas of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. As the UK Defense Intelligence reports, russia is carrying out attacks in three areas: Chasiv Yar (12 km to the north-east), Toretsk (15 km to the south-east), and east of Pokrovsk along the H-32 highway.
The battles for Chasiv Yar and Toretsk have been taking place for a year now. The russian forces occupy the majority of both but have been unable to fully consolidate control or exploit the slow gains to advance further. Most of Chasiv Yar has been destroyed due to heavy russian aerial and artillery bombardment. Ukrainian forces remain in several fortified buildings in defense.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: Ukrainian Counterpressure Continues as russia Struggles to Push Forward
Also, russia has expanded a salient south-west of Kostiantynivka, seizing approximately 5 km in some areas. The intelligence suggests that russian forces have likely severed the H-32 highway which connects Kostiantynivka with Pokrovsk and will seek to advance further on this axis in the coming weeks.
Earlier, Defense Express reported massive explosions at the 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) of the russian Defense Ministry, an important supply hub near Kirzhach, Vladimir region. Located, about 80 km east of Moscow, the facility suffered substantial damage after detonations on April 22, 2025, russia's. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, the depot held approximately 105,000 tonnes of various munitions, including ballistic, air-launched, and air defense missiles, as well as artillery shells and small arms ammunition for frontline fighting.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: Vladimir Putin Again Hints at Nuclear Weapons While Framing War as Clash With "the West"
