**Russia Launches New Offensive in Donetsk Oblast**
Russian forces have started a new operation to capture the town of Pokrovsk. This is according to reports from the US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on December 7.
The offensive comes after Russian positions were successfully expanded south and southeast of the town. Russia has been trying to take control of Ukrainian-held areas in Donetsk Oblast, but with little success so far.
**Shift in Tactics**
Russia’s efforts to capture Ukrainian-controlled areas have relied heavily on frontal attacks that cause significant losses for minimal gains. However, reports suggest that Russia is now trying to shift from this tactic while still aiming to maintain its advancement rate.
**Russian Advances**
Elements of the Russian 15th Motorized Rifle Brigade have advanced along a specific line south of Pokrovsk. They have captured Novopustynka and made progress near Shevchenko’s southern outskirts.
Geolocated footage shows Russian progress north of Novotroitske and along the T-05-15 highway that connects Pokrovsk to Kostyantynopil.
**Ukrainian Response**
A Ukrainian military observer noted that elements of the Russian 90th Tank Division are conducting attacks along a specific line. This has led to the capture of Stari Terny, which is located north of the Kurakhivske Reservoir.
**Record-Casualties for Russia**
The UK Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces suffered record-high casualties in November 2024. They lost an average of 1,523 soldiers per day and a total of over 45,000 soldiers for the month.
**ISW Assessment**
The Institute for the Study of War assesses that Russian forces aim to flank Pokrovsk from the west to force Ukrainian withdrawal from the town and nearby Myrnohrad. This tactic is seen as an attempt to avoid costly frontal assaults that have been used by Russia since 2022.
**Impact on Russia’s Economy**
ISW notes that continued intensified offensive operations in Ukraine have put a significant strain on Russia’s economy and labor shortages. Russian authorities will likely need to balance the pressure to capture Pokrovsk and Donetsk Oblast with the growing personnel losses and economic concerns.
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