DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, reported on the night of 12-13 August that Russian forces had advanced in several settlements in Donetsk Oblast, while Ukrainian defenders pushed the Russians back in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

As Russia prepares for a diplomatic push to pressure Kyiv into withdrawing from the Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk Oblast during negotiations with the U.S. this week, its forces have pierced through Ukrainian lines in a dramatic advance that could compromise the defense of the region.