Key Points: Recent Russian tactical gains in southern Donetsk have added pressure on Ukrainian forces, with notable progress near Vuhledar and towns like Hirnyk and Kurakhivka, according to British Military Intelligence. This progress includes the capture of small towns over a 20 km front, bolstering Russia's ability to threaten Pokrovsk, a key Ukrainian logistics hub.

-Despite suffering high casualties—over 1,000 per day on average—Russian forces sustain these advances with continuous recruitment, using attrition tactics that Kyiv resists to preserve its manpower.

-As the conflict drags on, Russia’s numerical advantage in troops remains a strategic hurdle for Ukraine.

The Russian forces have made significant tactical progress over the past few weeks. Although the Russian military hasn’t been able to achieve an operational breakthrough that would open the way to winning the war, the tactical successes are putting pressure on the Ukrainian forces.

In its latest assessment of the conflict, the British Military Intelligence estimated that “in southern Donetsk........

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