Russian Advances Near Pokrovsk and Nuclear Safety Incidents at Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine

Russian ground forces continued incremental gains northeast of Pokrovsk, aiming to encircle this key logistics hub in the Donbas.

UKRAINE — On August 2, explosions and smoke occurred near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, attributed to an attack on an auxiliary facility. Independent measurements showed no radiation increase.

Russian ground forces continued incremental gains northeast of Pokrovsk, aiming to encircle this key logistics hub in the Donbas.

The Zaporizhzhia event involved military activities from 9 a.m., with smoke visible from 1,200 meters. No impact on nuclear safety functions resulted. Access to external power lines has been limited to one, down from ten pre-conflict, heightening vulnerabilities.

Russian-installed management reported a fire in an industrial zone following the incident, contained without damage to the plant or injuries to staff, though one civilian death occurred. A fire truck responding to the blaze was targeted by a Ukrainian drone, according to Russian claims.

Russian progress included advances along the H-32 highway toward Rodynske and south near Myroliubivka. Open-source reports on July 22 suggested Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups had attempted to infiltrate into southern Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian forces subsequently conducting clearance operations.

Ukraine Battlefield Situation Map: British MOD, Crown Copyright

These open-source reports derive from geo-located footage, satellite imagery, and battlefield mapping by independent analysts such as the Institute for the Study of War and Oryx, cross-referenced by UK Defence Intelligence against verified datasets for reliability, though interpretations of such data may vary slightly.

Ukrainian sources confirm infiltration attempts, aligning with patterns of small group operations in urban areas. These efforts reflect a priority since Avdiivka's seizure in February 2024, with substantial costs to Russian forces.

Main Points Overview

• Explosions and smoke were reported near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on August 2, with no radiation increase.

• Russian forces made incremental gains northeast of Pokrovsk, focusing on encirclement.

• A nuclear facility relies on a single power line, vulnerable to disruptions.

• Russian management reported a contained fire at the auxiliary site and one civilian death.

• Ukrainian drone allegedly targeted a fire truck, per Russian claims.

• Russian sabotage attempts in southern Pokrovsk on July 22, countered by Ukrainian clearance.

• Pokrovsk as a priority axis since the Avdiivka capture in February 2024.

• High Russian casualties and materiel losses in efforts against Pokrovsk.

Nuclear Infrastructure Status Across Ukraine in Recent Months, Full Report: