Russian forces advance steadily towards the key Kurakhove hub
The Russian military is advancing 200-300 metres daily towards Kurakhove, a strategic logistics hub in the Donetsk region, AFP reports, citing Ukrainian military sources.
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The Russian army is gaining ground in the Donetsk region, approaching Kurakhove by 200-300 metres daily. This city is a key logistical point for Ukraine. The situation is "worse" than around Pokrovsk, a source in the Ukrainian military cited by AFP said. Pokrovsk, located about 40 kilometres to the north, also plays an important logistical role.
Both cities are important logistical hubs for Ukrainian troops and, for this reason, remain a key target for Russian forces in the Donbas.
At the beginning of August, the Ukrainian army launched an offensive in Russia's Kursk region to divert Russian forces from the Donbas. By the end of August, Ukraine controlled around 1,240 square kilometres of this area. However, in September, the Russians regained part of the territory. Currently, according to AFP, 800 square kilometres remain under Ukrainian control in the Kursk region.
Approx. 580,000 Russian ground troops
Meanwhile, around 580,000 Russian ground troops are involved in the military actions against Ukraine - General Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), told Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.
"The ground component of the enemy group involved in hostilities against Ukraine amounts to almost 580,000 Russian servicemen," including in the Russian Kursk region - stated Skibitsky.
At the beginning of November, the American newspaper "New York Times" reported that 50,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers are preparing for an offensive in Russia's Kursk region, bordering Ukraine, to reclaim territory controlled by Ukrainian forces.
