The Russian offensive near Pokrovsk in Ukraine's Donetsk region is intensifying, with Russian forces leveraging drones, air superiority, and infiltration tactics to weaken Ukrainian defenses, threaten logistics, and potentially seize the city, which is crucial for further Russian advances in the region.
Russian forces have made a significant and rapid advance into eastern Ukraine near Dobropillia, potentially increasing pressure on Kyiv ahead of a summit between President Trump and Putin in Alaska, with analysts suggesting this move could be aimed at gaining leverage in negotiations and possibly forcing Ukraine to cede territory.
Ukrainian officials warn that a Russian victory in the city of Chasiv Yar would endanger the security of remaining Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk, which are the last stronghold of the region under Ukrainian control. Russian forces are targeting Chasiv Yar as a strategic milestone in their efforts to occupy the entire Donetsk region. Ukrainian troops are facing sustained attacks and are in need of Western weapons and air defense support to counter Russian advances and bolster morale.
The Kostyantynivka railway station and several buildings were damaged in Russian shelling in the Donetsk region, with one person injured, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues into its third year. The Russian military allegedly targeted the city with S-300 missiles, causing destruction to numerous structures, while another city in the region, Selydovo, also reported damage from Russian strikes. The commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that the Russian army regularly attacks Ukrainian positions, leading to a difficult and ongoing situation that requires constant monitoring.
Russian troops have captured the main entrance to Avdiivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, planting a Russian flag on the northern outskirts of the city and advancing both to the north and south. The road now under Russian control is the main supply line for Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka, which has been the target of a Russian operation to surround the important Ukrainian stronghold since October 2023.
The governor of Ukraine's war-torn Donetsk region reported that Russia is launching between 1,500 and 2,500 shells and rockets daily, targeting critical infrastructure to make it difficult for people to stay in the region during winter. The Kurakhove power plant has been forced to close due to Russian shelling, and the town of Avdiivka, home to a major coking plant, has been heavily damaged. The governor urged remaining civilians to evacuate for their safety, recounting the challenges of providing aid amid intense shelling.
Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region are calling for more Javelin anti-tank weapons after a soldier from the 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade used the weapon to destroy a number of Russian armored vehicles in Marinka. The brigade has effectively utilized the US-made Javelins, with another soldier reportedly taking out 40 units of Russian equipment. The US has provided Ukraine with over 10,000 Javelin anti-armor systems, and Lockheed Martin is increasing production. The contested area around Marinka has seen intense fighting, with Russian forces making advances, but Western analysts question their ability to sustain successful mechanized maneuvers after significant losses.
Ukraine's military spokesperson claims that Russia has lost around 25,000 troops in the past two months, with 80% of these losses occurring around the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. Clashes have intensified as Russia seeks to capture Avdiivka, pouring in thousands of troops, tanks, and armored vehicles. Recovery teams in the area have reported a high number of Russian casualties. The Russian military reportedly forms new companies from degraded units for attacks near Avdiivka, while some well-trained and well-equipped units continue to fight. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports of advances and counterattacks in the region.
Ukrainian troops are resisting a Russian assault on the industrial city of Avdiyivka in the Donetsk region. Despite heavy losses suffered by Russian forces, the fighting continues, leaving the once peaceful neighborhoods in ruins while some 1,500 residents remain in the area.
This news article showcases various images from the frontlines of Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian troops in the Donetsk region. The pictures depict Ukrainian soldiers engaging in battles, preparing artillery, conducting reconnaissance missions, and liberating villages. The images highlight the intensity and devastation of the conflict, with soldiers seen injured, carrying the bodies of fallen comrades, and engaging in combat activities.
Ukraine has retaken several villages in the southeastern Donetsk region, but the lack of support from the West has raised questions about Kyiv's decision to launch a multi-axis attack. The Russian forces have responded by flattening the settlements with artillery fire.
Ukrainian officials claim to have retaken the village of Urozhaine from Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region as part of their ongoing counteroffensive. However, these claims could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, Russian drones have targeted grain storage facilities and ports along the Danube River, which Ukraine has been relying on as an alternative transport route to Europe. A container ship stranded in the Black Sea since Russia's invasion over 17 months ago has set sail along a temporary corridor established by Ukraine for merchant shipping. The Russian military has also shot down three drones over the Kaluga region and blamed the attack on Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces have retaken the village of Urozhaine from Russian troops in the southeast and have established defensive positions on its outskirts. This marks the first village recaptured by Ukraine since July 27 and brings them closer to threatening the Russian stronghold of Staromlynivka. The recapture of Urozhaine is part of Ukraine's offensive drive south towards the Sea of Azov, aiming to cut Russian occupying forces in half. However, progress has been slower than desired due to Russian minefields and prepared defensive lines. Russia controls nearly a fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Ukrainian soldiers have recaptured the village of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region from Russian forces, according to a video published by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The village is located south of other settlements that Ukraine has recently retaken in its counteroffensive against Russian forces. Ukrainian troops are now aiming to reach the nearby village of Staromlynivka, which serves as a stronghold for Russian occupiers. Russian troops have heavily fortified the strategically important southern region. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy acknowledged slower progress in the counteroffensive but touted "very good results" without providing details.
The death toll from Russian shelling of the city of Lyman in the Donetsk region has risen to eight, with five others injured. The attack targeted private houses and resulted in fires in residential and commercial buildings, as well as vehicles. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry reported the updated casualty figures and stated that a total of 13 people were injured in the incident.