Russian forces intensify Donetsk offensive, threaten key cities

Russian forces are stepping up actions in the Donetsk region, threatening cities like Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, and Chasiv Yar. Pokrovsk remains one of the main targets. Military expert Ivan Stupak emphasizes that Russia's goal is to capture individual cities and strategically conserve resources and forces.

In early January, platoon commander Stanislav Buniatov reported a breakthrough in the Ukrainian defense in the Lyman sector. A Ukrainian military expert, Ivan Stupak notes that the situation is difficult, but premature conclusions should not be drawn. "We have already had cases where the Russians supposedly broke through or even advanced toward Lyman. But within a few days, the advance was halted, and that was the end of it," he said in an interview with Zaborona.com.

The Russians avoid frontal attacks, trying to outflank Ukrainian positions, which could lead to encircling the defenders.

According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War, on January 7 at least 71 percent of the territory of Toretsk was occupied by Russian troops. The Operational-Strategic Group "Chortyca" reported attacks on Ukrainian positions in Chasiv Yar and Toretsk. "Some of our positions were destroyed due to enemy attack and shelling," the statement reads.

Military expert Pavlo Lakiychuk warns that if the Russians reach the road connecting Pokrovsk with Pavlohrad, there will be difficulties for the defense of Pokrovsk and the entire group northeast of the city. "The enemy is also trying to break through to this road from Vozdvyzhenka, which will cut us off from Kostiantynivka," he explains. However, the Russian army is suffering heavy losses, losing an average of about 400 soldiers daily in attempts to capture Pokrovsk.

"There is a high likelihood that this will be a Pyrrhic victory for the Russians," he assesses.

Source: Zaborona.com