For months, Russia has been pushing to capture the remaining parts of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, with a focus on Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, Chasiv Yar and other Ukrainian strongholds. Pokrovsk has been the focal point of Russia’s ground assaults. Currently, the Russain incremental gains mostly stalled or even reversed in the areas, where the Ukrainian troops counterattack and reclaim their previously lost positions.
The US-based think tank reported that Ukrainian forces recently advanced south and southwest of Demidovka, located along the international border northwest of Belgorod City. This assessment was based on geolocated footage published on 18 and 19 March. A Kremlin-affiliated Russian military blogger claimed that Ukrainian forces also advanced southwest of Grafovka, which is southeast of Demidovka. However, ISW noted that "it is unclear if Ukrainian forces maintain these positions"in Belgorod Oblast.

- ISW: Russia and Ukraine have not finalized long-range strikes ceasefire
- After Kursk withdrawal, Ukraine launches surprise offensive in Russia’s Belgorod
- Frontline report: Pokrovsk commander applies Kherson lessons to push back Russian forces
- Frontline report: Ukraine’s youngest general stabilizes Pokrovsk front
- Ukrainian 28th brigade defeats Russian armored column near Toretsk (video)