Russian troops continue their offensive in the Vremevsky direction in the southwest of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), taking control of two settlements - Novokhatskoye and Zeleny Gai. This was reported on July 12, 2025, by the Telegram channel "Blue Z beard". According to the source, assault units of the "Vostok" group entered Novokhatskoye on July 11, although there was no official confirmation from the Russian Defense Ministry at that time. By July 11, according to various sources, Russian forces controlled either half of the village or the entire settlement, and active fighting continued. It is also reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) were locked on the Zeleny Gai - Novokhatskoye line, limited from the north by the Volchya River, where all crossings were destroyed, which deprived the Ukrainian forces of the ability to supply.

Russian troops have effectively pinned the Ukrainian Armed Forces to the Volcha River, creating an operational encirclement that makes retreat impossible without swimming across. This is also confirmed by the data on the destruction of all bridges across the river, which seriously complicates the logistics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. At the same time, the General Staff of Ukraine continues to claim that the situation in this direction remains under control, denying the advancement of Russian forces. However, on the ground, according to sources, Ukrainian units admit the difficult situation and the inability to hold positions.

The Vremevsky direction, formerly known as the "Vremevsky salient", has long been an active combat zone. In 2023, the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to break through Russian defenses in this area in order to reach the Sea of Azov, but these attempts failed.

The offensive on Novokhatske and Zeleny Hai is part of a larger operation in the western Donbas. According to ISW, Russian forces are employing a “creeping envelopment” tactic, aiming to encircle Ukrainian positions and force them to retreat without directly attacking fortified towns like Pokrovsk. This strategy has already proven effective in the capture of Avdiivka and Vuhledar. In the area of Novokhatske and Zeleny Hai, Russian forces are likely using the terrain, including the Vovchya River, to limit the maneuverability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as evidenced by the destruction of crossings.