Russia claims key town in Donetsk as fighting intensifies
The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that Russian forces have captured the town of Novodmytrivka, located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. This location is crucial for the potential success of the offensive on Kurakhove, media emphasise.
Reuters notes that the Ukrainian side has not yet confirmed the capture of Novodmytrivka by the Russians. Independent sources have also not verified these events.
According to the AFP agency, citing reports from the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are advancing daily by approximately 200 to 300 metres towards Kurakhove, which is a significant logistical centre.
According to Reuters, a video was published online showing Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. He was seen visiting the command post of the Russian Army group "North," where he awarded medals and stressed the success of the offensive on Kurakhove.
Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on the Kurakhove front, which spans about 1,000 kilometres, intense fighting is taking place, with 35 clashes recorded in the past 24 hours.
Reuters reminds us that Russian forces currently control about 20% of Ukrainian territory. The two-year offensive in the Donetsk region is now progressing at its fastest since March 2022.
Since the beginning of August, Ukrainian forces have launched an offensive in the Kursk region of Russia. By the end of that month, the Ukrainian army controlled an area of approximately 1,240 square kilometres. However, the Russian counterattack, ongoing since September, is gradually reducing the areas acquired by Ukrainian forces.
