Azov National Guard Corps Encircles Russian Troops After Breakthrough Near Dobropillya

The First Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov,” with attached units, halted a Russian breakthrough near Dobropillya and encircled part of the salient, trapping Russian assault troops, according to DeepState project analysts.

The corps’ press service said that in the past three days, forces in the Pokrovsk sector stopped the advance and conducted search-and-strike operations that cleared Hruzske, Rubizhne, Novovodyane, Petrivka, Vesele and Zolotyi Kolodyaz.

Ukrainian forces reported Russian losses in the area as 271 killed, 101 wounded and 13 captured.

Equipment losses included one tank, two armored combat vehicles, 37 vehicles and motorcycles, and three artillery pieces.

The corps said stabilization operations are ongoing and credited coordinated action for the success.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his evening address, highlighted the role of the 79th and 82nd Airborne Assault Brigades operating in the sector: “We are countering Russian attempts to gain a foothold and are increasing the pressure of our units on the invaders. We are having success.”

From August 7 to 11, Russian forces had advanced about 15 km into Ukrainian defenses on a narrow front, threatening Dobropillya and the Pokrovsk-Mirnograd agglomeration, as well as creating flanking risks for Kostyantynivka. Analysts warned that if unchecked, the breakthrough could have endangered the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk area.

On August 12, the Azov Corps took up designated defensive positions in the Dobropillya area to contain the offensive.