Russia continues prioritizing offensive operations on the Pokrovsk and Toretsk directions in Donetsk region

ISW continues to assess that Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian military will likely continue prioritizing Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine - namely in the Pokrovsk and Toretsk directions

Russia continues small but steady advances on the eastern front in Ukraine, in Donetsk and Kharkiv oblasts. It is coming close to the junction town of Pokrovsk, a critical supply line.

Some recruits don't want to shoot due to poor training, contributing to Russian gains 10km from Pokrovsk

Fresh recruits lacked basic training compared to initial invasion troops

New recruits retreat even with light shelling, unlike experienced troops who held positions

Officer of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade Serhiy Tsekhotskyi reported intensification of Russian attacks, including on the Pokrovsk direction

Russian forces shelled at least 13 settlements in the Donetsk region on August 22-23, 2024.