The russian Ground Forces (RGF) highly likely seized approximately 500-550 sq km of Ukrainian territory in July 2025. The RGF seized a similar amount of Ukrainian territory in June 2025, following month on month increases from March 2025. The RGF continued to make tactical advances in Donetsk region, primarily to the north-east and south-west of Pokrovsk.
The RGF are continuing attempts to envelop the town and apply pressure to the remaining logistical routes to the town. Russian forces have now occupied nearly all of Donetsk region territory south from Pokrovsk, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence: russia Tightens Grip on Pokrovsk in Bid to Choke Donbas Logistics
In the last two weeks the RGF have not made any observable gains in Sumy region, which borders russian regions of Kursk and Belgorod. Continued losses and Ukrainian
counterattacks have likely frustrated russian intent to establish a buffer zone in Sumy region.
Reporting indicates elements of russia's 51st Airborne Regiment in Sumy are refusing to follow orders, with previous reporting indicating complaints against commanders ordering casualty-heavy infantry assaults. There is limited indication of further RGF reinforcements.
It is highly likely that Ukrainian forces continue to conduct limited operations in the border region of russia's Kursk region, over a year after launching the initial incursion.
As Defense Express previously reported, russia has likely sustained approximately 1,050,000 casualties (killed and wounded) since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and 260,000 casualties in the war so far in 2025.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence: Despite Reduced Daily Losses Since March, russia Continues to Pay a High Price for Its Aggression
