31st Independent Mechanized Brigade Soldiers Surrounded near Progress: Enemy Intensifies Attacks

Russian Forces Aim to Encircle Ukrainian Defenders in Donetsk Region

In the Donetsk region, the Russian military is making concerted efforts to encircle a segment of Ukrainian defense units near the village of Prohres. Recent reports from military analytical resource DeepState indicate that in recent days, soldiers from the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade have found themselves under threat as they conduct defensive operations.

According to DeepState, the adversary has established a narrow advance south of Lozuvatke, compelling Ukrainian forces to maintain their positions on the western side of height 236.9. The report highlights the enemy’s use of «roaming bastards» tactics, aiming to draw closer to Ivanivka.

Analysts have also raised alarms about a critical situation that unfolded over the weekend, stemming from the «chaotic retreat of one of the infantry brigades.» The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, which arrived in support, struggled to effectively hold back the numerically superior enemy forces.

«Enemy forces have already concentrated two platoons in the village. Soldiers from the 31st Mechanized Brigade are warning of the risks and potential consequences of this scenario for their battalion command. While the command supports their concerns, brigade leadership is attempting to hold onto the surrounded infantry until the last soldier. Control over the platoons is nearly nonexistent due to injured or deceased commanders,» the analysts added.

Currently, hostile forces continue to infiltrate towards the village of Vovche, working to resume offensive operations in the Prohres area, thereby presenting additional challenges for the Ukrainian armed forces in their ongoing defense.

DeepState also reported a rapid shift in the dynamics of the conflict surrounding Prohres. «Fighting on the approaches to the village has been ongoing since the end of April, with enemy attacks successfully repelled for nearly three months. However, a massive offensive beginning on July 19 has led to the near-total loss of the village. Swift reinforcements from another mechanized brigade allowed the western part of the village to be held until July 20, when a shortage of infantry forced a retreat,» the report stated.

Military analysts emphasize that the enemy’s current offensive has two strategic objectives: to advance towards or cut off the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka route and to push along the ridge towards heights 224.8 and Novhorodivka.