Russian Troops Gain Ground in Ukraine
Russian forces have made significant gains in the Donetsk Oblast, according to a report by DeepState. As of December 9th, they have advanced near five settlements: Trudove, Kurahove, Shevchenko, Vidrodzhennia, and Pushkine.
The area around Kurakhove is considered most challenging for Ukrainian forces. This town serves as an important supply center for Ukraine’s military in the southern part of Donbas. If captured by Russia, it could disrupt essential supply routes, making it harder for Ukraine to sustain its military operations in the region.
This latest development comes after a series of escalating tensions in the Donetsk Oblast. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on December 8th that Russia is likely to continue trying to capture Pokrovsk, despite heavy losses.
Russia’s focus remains on capturing remaining areas of Donetsk Oblast, particularly Pokrovsk. This strategic location serves as a logistics hub and transportation center for Ukraine, making it essential for sustaining military operations in the eastern front.
Reuters reported an unprecedented territorial gain by Russian troops last week, capturing around 235 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. This marks the most significant advancement since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.
The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russian forces are progressing at a faster rate than they were in all of 2023. The ISW attributed this to vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s defensive line.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified the Pokrovsk direction as Russia’s current priority, citing challenges in staffing and equipping Ukrainian brigades.
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