Overview

• Several outlets and analysts echoed the troop estimate, noting the figure has not been independently verified.
• Ukrainian accounts say Russian forces have advanced from three directions and are now less than five kilometers from Pokrovsk.
• Ukraine’s 7th Air Assault Corps reports the city remains under Ukrainian control, not encircled, with constrained civilian movement still possible.
• The Institute for the Study of War said that through August 26 it saw no confirmed breakthroughs, citing criticism of an unsuccessful push near Dobropillya.
• Analysts caution that a massed force of this scale could signal preparation for a large offensive against a crucial rail and road hub.