There are many updates today from the Toretsk area in Donetsk oblast, Ukraine. Screenshot from the video.Here the Ukrainians intensified raids and attacks against Russian forces in the central high rise building district, destroying together with the Russians the residential complex and diminishing its tactic value. Russians have decided to shift the focus of the fighting in Toretsk from the northern part of the town to the southern area. Combat footage shows intense fighting in this area. Ukrainian raids continued for over a week, leaving Toretsk’s high-rise section severely damaged. The destruction of the high-rise complex has reduced its tactical value as a base for offensive and defensive operations, denying Russian forces critical coverage. The fall of Russian highrise positionsThis situation allowed Ukrainian drone operators easy access to the weakened Russian position, as many Russian soldiers were exposed in open areas and through gaps in walls or roofs. In the footage, desperate Russian soldiers try to hide behind walls and roofs to avoid being struck by drones. However, Ukrainian operators saw through this tactic and struck them regardless.Screenshot from the video.With Ukrainian drones controlling the high-rises, Russian firing positions and drone bases were completely compromised, forcing Russian troops to remain inside. This allowed Ukrainian forces to send in more combat engineers who intensified demolition efforts and blew up additional high-rises while the Russians remained trapped. Combat footage shows Ukrainian demolition teams dismounting American M113 armored vehicles, suppressing Russian small-arms and consolidating their positions. Then, they placed explosives near Russian buildings, reboarded the vehicles, and detonated their charges, completing the mission without any losses. Russians shift to southern Zabalka districtWith the high-rise positions compromised, and ineffective to launch assaults, Russian forces redirected the focus to the Zabalka District in southern Toretsk. This area, which is primarily made up of single-story houses, is located in an unfavorable terrain under two 100-meter high mine waste dumps. The exposed position made Russian troops vulnerable to Ukrainian forces who could easily target the Russians with precise mortar and Artillery fire. Screenshot from the video. The Russians would have two strategic goals if they captured Zabalka: Protect the southern flank of the high-rise area
Establish a key route for supplies through the district.
The Russian supply lines and operational capabilities in the area would be improved. This would improve Russian supply lines and capabilities in the area. Russian forces initially made gains because the area was far from the main Ukrainian positions. As they approached the mine dumps, however, their advance was abruptly stopped by Ukrainian fire control positions from these elevated locations. The Ukrainians were able to hold the line using fewer troops by leveraging the height advantages. As seen in the combat footage, Ukrainian drone operators quickly targeted Russian positions below. The new supply road in Zabalka will face increased drone strikes and artillery due to Ukraine’s strong observations points on the mine dumps. While Russian gains may stabilize their defenses in Zabalka for a short time, they are unable to advance further north of the high rise area where Ukrainian defenses remain firm. If this trend continues then Ukrainian forces could destroy the remaining high rises with explosives. This would effectively neutralize the most promising Russian attack vector, and open counterattack opportunities.
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