The Russian 20th Motor Rifle Division, using 10,000 troops, is trying to surround Ukrainian defenders in the vicinity of Illinka to the north of Vuhledar.
Forbes reports that the Russian 20th Motor Rifle Division has launched a major offensive near Illinka, in Donetsk oblast, despite significant vehicle losses.
The situation on the Pokrovsk front in Ukraine is becoming more precarious, as Russian forces intensify offensive operations.
Russian troops were reported to be within a 5 to 7 km radius of Pokrovsk in early October 2024. Pokrovsk is a vital logistical hub for Ukrainian Forces. Ukrainian forces are engaged in counter-battery and are trying to hold critical positions so as to prevent further Russian incursion.
The Ukrainian 79th Air Assault Brigade – a division of approximately 2,000 troops – is under pressure from a larger Russian division, estimated at 10,000 soldiers, in what appears to have been a strategic push by the Russians to encircle Karakhove in Donetsk Oblast.
Forbes reports that according to Ukrainian drone operator, Kriegsforscher the situation is “close to critical” now for the defending force.
Ukrainian forces have destroyed a number of Russian vehicles including BMP-3s, BMP-2s, and MT LBs.
Analyst Andrew Perpetua reported that Russian losses in a single-day reached 206 vehicles, compared with 49 Ukrainian vehicles.
“The Russians continue using the ‘bags’ tactics, bypassing three of our positions and leaving a narrow throat’ to retreat,” said Ukrainian Journalist Stanislav Aseyev.
He notes that this strategy often causes panic among defending forces about a possible encirclement.
The Ukrainian military faces new challenges as its forces are divided between the Donetsk Front and a 270 mile salient in Russia‘s Kursk Oblast.
Kriegsforscher questions the strategic allocation of these resources. He says, “While we are losing so much ground in Donetsk, I ask myself: What am I doing in the Kursk region?”
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is working on establishing new brigades in order to reinforce the frontline. These units are still undergoing training and the lack of equipment is a major challenge for newly formed unit.
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