The russian Ground Forces (RGF) are intensifying attempts to envelop Pokrovsk, the key Ukrainian logistics hub which supports operations in the Donbas, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
In the last week, the RGF have made incremental gains to the north east of Pokrovsk, seeking to circumvent and cut off its logistic routes and ground lines of communication. RGF have advanced west in the vicinity of the H-32 highway, notably towards the village of Rodynske, through which runs Pokrovsk's main northern supply route. Russian forces have also gained territory to the south of the highway, advancing in the vicinity of Myroliubivka.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence Reveals Why russia Replaces the Wagner Group with its Africa Corps in Mali
Open source reports on July 22, 2025 suggested russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups had attempted to infiltrate into the south of Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian forces subsequently conducting clearance operations. Pokrovsk has likely been the priority axis for russia since Avdiivka was seized by russia in February 2024. Russian efforts against the fortified city have been made at heavy cost in russian casualties and materiel.
As Defense Express previously reported, in June 2025, russian Ministry of Defense's Africa Corps fully replaced the Wagner Group's deployment to Mali. The Africa Corps likely has around 2,000 personnel currently deployed to Mali, compared to Wagner Group's prior deployment of around 2,500 personnel.
Defense Express also reported that in response to numerous successful Ukrainian one-way attack unmanned aerial system strikes, russia has commenced a programme to protect vulnerable aircraft at a number of airfields close to the russia-Ukraine border.
These airfields include Millerovo, Kursk Vostochny and Hvardiiske, where construction of hardened aircraft shelters has been identified. These hardened aircraft shelters consist of a dome shaped rooftop, thick blast doors and are covered with earth for additional protection.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence Reveals Why New Domed Aircraft Shelters Are Under Construction at Key russian Airbases
