Situation worsening: Russian forces push forward on key frontline axis

Russian troops captured the village of Rivne on the Pokrovsk axis and also moved forward in three towns of the Donetsk region.

This was reported by analysts from the DeepState information resource.

«It concerns Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk and Rodynske, ” the experts said.

DeepState co-founder Roman Pohorilyi said that if Pokrovsk were captured, Russian forces would likely push toward the village of Shevchenko from Rodynske or advance toward Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region.

What we know about a possible Russian summer offensive

The Institute for the Study of War says Russia may be preparing a large-scale summer campaign focused on southern and eastern Ukraine.

According to the assessment, Russian command plans to deploy strategic reserves for a possible summer 2026 offensive but may lack sufficient manpower to achieve its objectives.

Military analyst Kostiantyn Mashovets says increased Russian activity could begin in late April 2026, with likely strike directions including the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk area or the Orikhiv-Zaporizhzhia axis. He adds that Russian forces may attempt to secure key positions in advance, although they are still facing difficulties achieving even tactical gains.

ISW analysts also note that Russia has been forming strategic reserves from new recruits since July 2025, apparently for future operations, while continuing to face problems replenishing frontline losses.