Russian operations around Pokrovsk have shifted away from massive assaults toward attritional infiltration. Current frontline mapping shows several Russian salients flanking Ukrainian defences, suggesting an emphasis on deep penetration and frontline probing rather than large-scale offensives. Despite some territorial advances, these tactics have not yielded decisive tactical breakthroughs, with some of the infiltration salients recorded during July becoming resistance pockets of isolated soldiers in September. 

Ukrainian infantry is actively countering Russian encirclement attempts around Dobropillia through counter-infiltration operations, with recent reports indicating successful counterattacks. Meanwhile, drone warfare remains the dominant operational factor along the zero line and the supply routes. Russian drone strikes have increased in intensity and lethality in the overall setting, while Ukrainian drone teams are heavily targeting main roads and grey areas, disrupting supply routes and inflicting substantial damage.