ISW: Russian troops advance in Donetsk region
Russian forces continue to make tactical advances in the west of Donetsk region, seeking to encircle Velyka Novoselka and threaten Ukrainian supply lines to Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhya regions.
According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian units have advanced towards the eastern outskirts of Velyka Novoselka, as confirmed by geolocation images published on 24 November. Troops of the 5th Tank Brigade of Russia's Eastern Military District continue their offensive in other directions, including north-east and south-east of the settlement, which increases the pressure on Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian Pravda writes.
In addition, Russian forces are actively attacking in the southern direction, capturing new positions in Kurakhovo and approaching Romanovka, which is located northeast of Ugledar. Along an important transport artery, the O0510 road, Russian forces are seeking to eliminate the remaining Ukrainian "pockets" and advance further south and west. Already in late November, Russian military "war correspondents" are reporting the capture of Romanovka, although there is no confirmation of this at the time of publication.
The advance of Russian troops along Pobeda Street in the centre of Kurakhovo and east of it poses additional threats to Ukrainian positions on the N15 highway leading west from Kurakhovo to Dachnoye and Andreevka. This direction is seen as key for the Russian command, as the capture of Andriyivka will provide Russian forces with a stronger position for further operations in the western direction, including the possibility of encircling Ukrainian forces in the eastern part of the Zaporizhzhya region.
Thus, Russian forces are advancing in several directions in an attempt to destroy Ukraine's defences and gain tactical advantage in key parts of the front.