Ukrainian engineers are demolishing high-rise buildings occupied by Russian forces in Toretsk, a major shift in urban warfare tactics.
Forbes reports that Ukrainian forces are using a dramatic demolition campaign in Toretsk. They deliberately collapse entire high-rise buildings occupied with Russian troops as part their counter-offensive operation.
The Russian offensive launched in June on Toretsk threatens to open up new routes for Ukrainian forces to advance towards key strongholds such as Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk. If Toretsk falls after Ukraine withdraws from Vuhledar it will be another major regional setback for Ukrainian troops.
Open-source intelligence analysts spotted a pattern in early October of Ukrainian strikes on Toretsk’s central high-rise district followed by infantry attacks.
According to Forbes, this combined weapons approach has resulted in modest territorial gains for Ukrainian troops in the city of 35,000.
The Ukrainian 101st Guard Brigade released footage of drone strikes on Russian forces inside doorways, apartments and rooftops.
Forbes reports that at least in one instance, “the Russians fortified a highrise, forcing the Ukrainians to detonate the entire building using explosive charges.”
While Ukrainian forces make only limited advances in Toretsk and Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces continue to advance in other directions.
The Russians have taken Selydove, and are making gains to the west of Donetsk. This could force Ukrainian forces to abandon Kurakhove or destroy bridges across the Vovcha River.
According to ISW, footage taken between October 27 and 28 showed Russian forces moving in positions north of Selydove within Vyshneve and near Novodmytrivka.
Over the past year, Russia has focused on seizing Ukrainian cities in Donetsk oblast. Major attacks have occurred near Pokrovsk and Selydove as well as other towns.
The Ukrainian analytical project Deep State reported on 29th October that Russian forces had advanced near five settlements within the Donetsk oblast. According to the project’s findings, Russia has advanced in Novoselidivka and Bohoyavlenka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as near Horoshne, Shakhtarske, and Katerynivka.
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