Ukrainian forces moved forward on two axes east and southeast of Donetsk's Pokrovsk on 13 May, ISW says. Deep State stated Nové fell to Russians alongside other Russian gains in eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Pokrovsk, and the Russians near Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.
Russians deployed an armored column led by a mine-clearing "turtle" tank. Ukrainian drones and artillery destroyed it and hunted for scattered infantry.
Russia is intensifying its offensive in Donetsk Oblast, aiming to push beyond Toretsk toward Kostiantynivka. Despite suffering heavy losses, Moscow’s forces are adapting their tactics to sustain their advance.
A catastrophic tactical error left Russian troops exposed on low ground and fragmented by river crossings, leading to the death of a battalion commander and collapse of a major offensive operation.
Velyka Novosilka, the last major settlement south of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast under Ukrainian control, has been a Russian military objective since spring 2022.
Russian infantry have seized parts of central streets in this key hub linking three Ukrainian regions, as Kyiv reports "dynamic and difficult" conditions.
Russian military forces are concentrating their offensive on Velyka Novosilka, a key transit point between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts, while Ukrainian forces work to maintain defensive positions in this critical sector.
A military spokesperson said the Defense Forces are focusing on maintaining communication lines and supply routes while preventing potential encirclement of units in the contested area.