Anastasia Bobovnikova is the spokesperson for the “Luhansk“, an operational-tactical military group. According to UkrInform, the city, which was a Ukrainian stronghold after Russia’s initial invasion of Donbas, in 2014, has strategic importance. Toretsk’s control would give Russian forces a foothold that could allow them to advance further into Ukrainian territory in Donetsk Oblast. It is therefore a key goal in their military campaign. Its numbers have increased by several times. Bobovnikova said that they were replenishing losses and bringing new soldiers to the front lines. The Ukrainian spokesperson claimed the occupiers brought several dozen people at a time to one or more positions. In the last day alone, the Russians have lost around 100 soldiers in Toretsk. In the Kramatorsk and Siversk directions, the fighting continued. The Toretsk front remains the most difficult. The Ukrainian spokesperson said that the fighting is dynamic in Toretsk because the Russians are destroying the streets. It is therefore difficult to determine which part of Toretsk remains under the control the Ukrainian Armed Forces. “They are indiscriminately attacking the city and destroying entire streets and neighborhoods.” The Russians are also using aircraft to strike and shell civilians. “Not only Toretsk is affected, but also towns along the Kramatorsk Front, like Kostiantynivka which is also close to Toretsk,” said Bobovnikova. She also noted that the military administration in Toretsk has stated that about 1,000 to 1,100 residents remain in the city and are provided with food and water on a long-term basis. The spokesperson also urged civilians to evacuate and not interfere in military operations.
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