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​The UK Defense Intelligence Indicate Grinding russian Advances and Strong Ukrainian Resistance in Urban Areas

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Toretsk, Donetsk region / screenshot from DeepStateMap
Toretsk, Donetsk region / screenshot from DeepStateMap

Urban warfare slows russian forces as they gain control of Toretsk but struggle near Chasiv Yar

In the north of Donetsk region, fighting has continued for control of Chasiv Yar and Toretsk. Russia has been attempting to gain control of the two towns, which serve as the gateway to the Donetsk cities of Kramatorsk and Kostyantynivka, since early 2024. Russian forces attempted assaults in Chasiv Yar and Toretsk with armoured vehicles in late December 2024 and early January 2025. It is likely that these attacks were repelled in Chasiv Yar, but in Toretsk russia has continued to advance, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.

Russian forces likely control at least 70 per cent of Toretsk, and have made grinding progres through the town, but urban fighting has inhibited rapid advancement. In Chasiv Yar, the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal serves as the current line of control.

Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Reports on Ukraine’s Bold Move Against russian Forces in Kursk Region
Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region Defense Express The UK Defense Intelligence Indicate Grinding russian Advances and Strong Ukrainian Resistance in Urban Areas
Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region / screenshot from DeepStateMap

Advancing russian forces are frequently targeted by Ukrainian UAV operators as they approach the canal. Russian forces have been attempting to interdict Ukrainian logistics routes in and out of these towns.

Read more: ​The UK Defense Intelligence Confirms Record-Breaking Losses in Late 2024