• Russian forces have advanced significantly in eastern Ukraine near Dobropillia.
• The offensive aims to apply pressure on Ukraine before the Trump-Putin summit.
• Ukrainian forces are sending reserves to halt the Russian advance in key cities.
• This rapid escalation follows a similar pattern from previous years before negotiations.
• President Zelenskyy insists on a just peace deal and opposes ceding territory.

Russian forces have made a sudden thrust into eastern Ukraine near the coal mining town of Dobropillia, potentially to increase pressure on Kyiv to relinquish some territory as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare for talks in Alaska on Friday. Reports indicate that Russian troops have advanced by at least 10 kilometers in two prongs, aiming for full control of Ukraine's Donetsk region, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The situation has escalated dramatically over the past three days, with military analysts reporting that Russian forces have infiltrated against Ukrainian defenses to a depth of approximately 17 kilometers. The rapid advance, described as chaotic, sees Russian units trying to consolidate their positions near key strongholds such as Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

In response, Ukraine's military has deployed additional reserves to counter the Russian advances, engaging in what they describe as "difficult" combat as the situation unfolds near Pokrovsk and Dobropillia. Ukrainian officials stated that their forces are working to block the infiltration of Russian troops who have reportedly been advancing in small groups, indicating that some have already been engaged in combat, as noted by Al Jazeera and Dawn.

Analysts suggest that this offensive phase may serve to provide Russia with leverage in the negotiations with the U.S.. Historically, similar Russian offensives have occurred ahead of strategic discussions, a pattern noted by Tatarigami_UA, a former Ukrainian army officer. He remarked, "the current situation is serious, but far from the collapse some suggest," as reported by Reuters and South China Morning Post.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed back against the notion of ceding territory to Russia, insisting that any peace deal must be equitable. He expressed concerns that the Russian advance reflects preparation for renewed offensive operations rather than a readiness to negotiate peace, echoing sentiments across various news reports and military assessments, as highlighted by Al Jazeera and Dawn.