Syrskyi: Russia suffers big losses but has 'minor gains' on eastern front.

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Russia is suffering heavy losses, but in some places has "minor gains" in Ukraine's east, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Aug.

1. Russian troops continue to concentrate their efforts in the Pokrovsk sector in Donetsk Oblast, deploying the most experienced assault units, Syrskyi said after visiting the eastern front. Russia is trying to break through the defenses in the direction of Zhelanne, Novohrodivka, and Pokrovsk, which has become its main target, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Fighting is ongoing in the Kupiansk sector, as well as near the canal on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, an elevated town that potentially opens the way to further advances into Donetsk Oblast, Syrskyi said Russian troops suffer losses near the village of Hlyboke and the town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, failing to advance, he added. The situation in the Siversk sector in Donetsk Oblast was described by the commander as "difficult," as Russia is using artillery and conducting assaults, but it has not succeeded, according to him.

"During active hostilities, the tactical positions of the troops can change several times during the day. As of now, there have been no significant changes," Syrskyi said in his Telegram post. The units of the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) are also conducting counter-sabotage activities to intercept Russian sabotage groups in the Toretsk sector, which has become another hotspot in recent weeks.

Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

Editor's note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only.

DONETSK OBLAST - There was already little resembling a road in front of the driver by the time the old pickup truck's headlights were