Ukrainian forces have reportedly broken through Russian lines near Pokrovsk, potentially cutting off over 1,000 of Putin's troops. Pokrovsk continues to be one of the hottest areas on the frontlines in Ukraine, the scene of fierce fighting.

The city is a key logistical hub on the eastern front and has come under intense Russian attacks, as Putin's army strives for a major breakthrough in Donetsk. Just prior to the Alaska peace summit, the Kremlin believed it had finally broken the years-long resistance of Ukraine's army that has heroically been defending the city. Russian units were able to drive through exposed defences near Dobropillia and push six miles behind the frontline in just 48 hours. Their aim was to cut off Pokrovsk and the city of Kramatorsk, another vital stronghold in the Donbas still under Ukraine’s control.

However, Ukraine's military command responded by rushing reserve troops to the area, who in recent days have launched their own counteroffensive, retaking territory and capturing Russian soldiers.

According to pro-Kremlin military bloggers, Ukraine's army has succeeded in breaching Russian defences and achieving a 4km breakthrough in the area.

Units are now attempting to capture the village of Myrne, with reports of fierce battles raging in the settlement's centre. Ukrainian military bloggers have noted that Russian units in the area now face the stark possibility of being surrounded and cut off.

One wrote: "If the offensive develops successfully, a large Russian force — reportedly more than 1,000 soldiers — could face the threat of encirclement, and about 130 km² of territory could be regained, which would almost completely neutralise Russia’s earlier gains and secure the city of Pokrovsk from the eastern flank."

Two Russian soldiers from the 5th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade fighting near Myrne posted a video to their social media channel, describing the bleak situation they are facing.

"There were only two of us left from the group," they said. "We asked the commander to let us retreat, but he refused. He said if we roll back, he’ll ‘reset’ us himself.

"We turned off the radio, threw away the machine guns and decided the only option left is to surrender. We are alive, not killed, not wounded."

Ukraine's Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed the capture of three villages in a statement, while acknowledging the situation still remained precarious.

"Our troops successfully counterattacked and cleared the villages in the Donetsk region - Mykhailivka, Zelenyy Gay, Volodymyrivka - from the enemy," he said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's army successfully identified and destroyed the command post of the elite Russian Rubicon drone group in Donetsk.

The specialist Russian unit was set up about a year ago and has inflicted serious damage on Ukraine's army, destroying thousands of pieces of equipment, drones and killing and injuring many soldiers.