**Russian Forces Claim to Capture Velyka Novosilka**
Russia’s Defense Ministry says its forces have captured the strategic settlement of Velyka Novosilka in western Donetsk Oblast. However, Ukrainian troops are still present in parts of the village and claim that fighting is ongoing.
The 110th Mechanized Brigade, which is deployed in the area, acknowledged a withdrawal from some parts of the village to avoid encirclement. They said Russian forces had shelled their positions 30 times.
**Clashes Continue**
The Khortytsia group of forces said on January 27 that fighting in Velyka Novosilka was still intense and that Russian troops were suffering casualties.
“The Defense Forces continue inflicting casualties to Russia in manpower and equipment during tense battles,” they stated.
However, the Kyiv Independent cannot verify these claims.
**Strategic Significance**
Velyka Novosilka is a significant settlement with a pre-war population of 5,000. It lies near the border with Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which has not been occupied by Russian forces.
If confirmed, this would be Russia’s most significant gain in Donetsk Oblast since overrunning Kurakhove earlier in January.
**Russian Advances**
Russian forces have been advancing slowly but steadily throughout Donetsk Oblast. They made operational gains in the fall of 2024, including areas near Toretsk and Chasiv Yar.
However, Ukrainian troops claim that Russian advances will be difficult to sustain due to the presence of the Mokri Yaly River, which creates an obstacle for Russia’s advance.