Russian offensives intensify: Key battles rage in Donetsk and Vuhledar
According to information conveyed by the Ukrainian General Staff, there were 181 clashes with Russian forces on the front line in Ukraine on Thursday, with the highest number occurring around Pokrovsk—56 in total. Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War reported that the Russians have also intensified attacks on Vuhledar and are seeking control of the H-15 route, which connects Donetsk with Zaporizhzhia.
The Russian army has stepped up offensive operations near Vuhledar in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. According to the American think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), their goal is to eliminate a large bulge in the front line created by Ukrainian forces to the west and southwest of Donetsk. They are also attempting to secure the H-15 route, which links Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, as noted in the latest ISW report.
Analysts believe that coordinated offensive actions, stretching from the southern flank of the Pokrovsk direction to the western flank of Ukrainian defences near Vuhledar, aim to increase pressure on Ukrainian forces and further push towards the key target of Pokrovsk.
In intensified Russian attacks around Vuhledar, limited tactical gains have resulted, including the takeover of the village of Prechystivka near Vuhledar. According to Russian sources, Russian forces are continuing actions toward another village, Zolota Nyva.
Putin wants to capture the entire Donetsk region
ISW emphasizes that Russian troops are also active on other sections of the front southwest and west of Donetsk. Intensifying attacks near Vuhledar in the near term do not imply a weakening in other sections.
The Washington-based think tank also notes recent statements by Vladimir Putin. Analysts believe he continues to downplay the operational effects of the Ukrainian invasion of the Kursk region for the entire theatre of operations and persistently tries to convince the Russian people that the Kremlin's delayed and disorganized response to the Kursk operation is an acceptable price for further Russian advancements in the Donetsk region.
Putin said on Thursday that the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region failed to force the redeployment of Russian forces from the Donetsk region and did not halt the Russian offensive on "key sections." He stated that the main goal is capturing the entire Donetsk region. ISW assesses that "Putin's words that the Kursk invasion had no operational impact on the situation are untrue."
