Russian forces have made a rare breakthrough in eastern Ukraine, pushing several miles near the city of Dobropillya in Donetsk province, Ukrainian military officials confirmed Tuesday. The move comes ahead of high-stakes talks this Friday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, where Moscow is expected to demand U.S. recognition of its control over occupied Ukrainian territories.

Breach in Ukrainian Lines

Kyiv’s forces reported that small Russian infantry groups pierced the first line of defenses and bypassed months-old fortifications after weeks of probing attacks. An Azov Brigade officer in the area said Russia massed manpower to exploit the weak point, with Ukrainian troops detecting up to 150 Russian soldiers daily. However, a shortage of skilled drone pilots has limited Kyiv’s ability to inflict significant losses.

Holding the narrow strip of captured land will be difficult for Russia, as troops there face exposed flanks and constant counterattacks. Ukraine said a similar penetration attempt in another sector last week was repelled.

Command Failures and Shortages

The advance has sparked criticism of Ukraine’s military leadership. Soldiers and activists accuse commanders of wasting troops on assaults with little strategic value and refusing retreat requests from exhausted or surrounded units. This, they say, has contributed to an acute shortage of infantry that Russia is now exploiting.

Taras Chmut, a veteran and head of the Come Back Alive military support charity, warned on social media: “Ignoring problems doesn’t lead to their resolution.”

Strategic Stakes Before Alaska Talks

The offensive comes as Putin prepares for a summit with Trump in Alaska. Donetsk remains a key target for the Kremlin, which claims it as Russian territory. Control of more ground ahead of the talks could give Moscow additional leverage in negotiations.

The war, now in its fourth year, has seen both sides struggle to make gains due to extensive fortifications, artillery, and drone warfare. Any advance, analysts say, remains costly and difficult to sustain.