Ukrainian troops are engaged in intense combat to defend the town of Toretsk in the eastern Donetsk region, which was entered by Russian forces last Friday. The situation is critical, with reports indicating that Russian troops are systematically demolishing the town as they push forward.
Anastasia Bobovnikova, a spokesperson for Luhansk Technical University, described the devastation, stating, "They erase the city with artillery. We have seen this in other towns of Donbas, and afterward, they storm in small groups to exploit weaknesses in our defense." This strategy of using small-scale assaults has been observed in other areas as well.
Ivan Petrychak, spokesperson for the Ukrainian 24th Mechanised Brigade, noted that Russian forces are conducting small assaults around Chasiv Yar, located 23 kilometers north of Toretsk. Their goal is to infiltrate poorly defended positions and use them to launch close-range attacks on Ukrainian units. Aerial images released by Ukrainian media depict the destruction in Toretsk, showing windowless apartment buildings charred by flames and partially collapsed high-rises. Bobovnikova added that Russian troops prioritized the area, conducting 15 assaults on a single day and employing deceptive tactics, such as disguising themselves in civilian clothing to confuse Ukrainian defenders.
As fighting escalates, Bobovnikova reported that Russian forces are bolstering their frontline positions, estimating daily casualties for Russian troops at around 200. According to a recent assessment by the U.S. Department of Defense, total Russian casualties throughout the conflict have reached 600,000, with the past month being particularly deadly for Russian forces.
This surge in casualties may be linked to Russia's resumption of large-scale mechanized attacks since the summer. Ruslan Muzychuk, head of Ukraine’s National Guard, stated that Russia is eager to secure territory before weather conditions complicate the movement of heavy armored vehicles. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, confirmed that Russian forces have launched at least four significant mechanized assaults since July, with the most recent targeting the town of Kurakhove, located 50 kilometers southwest of Toretsk. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled this assault, destroying or disabling several Russian infantry fighting vehicles and tanks.
In addition to ground assaults, Russia has established aerial superiority, dropping approximately 900 glide bombs each week—large, precision-guided munitions that have severely impacted Ukrainian defenses. In response, Ukraine has invested heavily in drone warfare, utilizing attack drones alongside secondary drones for reconnaissance. Ukrainian officials reported successful strikes against Russian military assets, including an infantry fighting vehicle and an anti-aircraft missile system.
Ukraine’s allies are stepping up support, with Norway pledging $90 million to bolster Ukraine's defense industry. Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway announced a combined allocation of $1.5 billion in defense goods by the end of the year, including air defense systems. France plans to deliver 12 to 20 Mirage fighter jets in the coming year, while the Czech Republic is preparing to provide Ukraine with half a million artillery shells by Christmas.
However, Russia has also garnered support from allies, including North Korea. Recent reports suggest that North Korean soldiers are training within Russia and observing Russian operations in Ukraine. Ukrainian sources indicate that North Korea is forming a 3,000-man battalion to support Russian efforts against Ukrainian counteroffensives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at securing victory in the conflict. The plan includes immediate NATO induction for Ukraine, allowing NATO allies to equip Ukrainian forces and operate on its soil. Zelenskyy's proposal has sparked concerns in Russia, with officials warning of severe repercussions if NATO facilitates the use of long-range missiles to strike targets deep within Russian territory.
As the conflict continues to unfold, both sides are preparing for what could be a protracted and bloody struggle in the Donetsk region and beyond.
No comments:
Post a Comment