The large-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine is on track to reach its three-year mark since Putin’s country decided to invade its neighbor. Although the Ukrainian army managed to make some key advances last year, such as the surprise offensive on the Russian Kursk region, over time the situation changed and at the end of December it became critical for the Ukrainian Armed Forces .
The Russian troops managed to advance in practically all directions, so the Ukrainian troops only had two options: shorten the front line even more and withdraw little by little towards the south (towards Ukraine) or continue carrying out counterattacks to try to maintain the control in the region.
During the offensive, Ukrainian troops carried out various techniques, such as using electronic warfare to disable Russian drones within a 10-kilometer radius (), or launching attacks in several directions by paratrooper units. An example of the latter occurred in Bolshoye Soldatskoye, on the Sudzha-Kursk highway, where Ukrainian troops managed to advance up to five kilometers.
Meanwhile, the Russians chose to advance on Sudzha, launching offensives against Makhnovka, located just 3 kilometers from the city. Similarly, they tried to take Viktorovka, located near Malaya Loknya, but without success. Now, Russian efforts appear to be focused on Sverdlikovoye, where they are trying to isolate the Ukrainian contingent from the border of Zelensky’s country and its logistics.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, during the offensive in Kursk, at least 38,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers lost their lives and about 55,000 are still on the front. This balance is not only positive because of the numbers, but also because, as the Ukrainians defend, they are diverting the offensives towards Putin’s territory.
The fight for the Lyman sector
On the other hand, in the Lyman sector, the Russians have been trying to expel the Ukrainian forces since October. Although they have managed to cross the northernmost river and even capture the village of Ivanivka, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue their efforts to expel them. If they failed to defend this territory, the entire Lyman front could suffer the consequences.
Pine trees
On the Borova front, the Russians have managed to capture the village of Lozova and continue their advance towards the Oskil River. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians try to prevent them from completely cutting off the run linking Borova to Svatove, while maintaining Kopanky’s defense.
The capture of Toretsk
In the Ukrainian city of Toretsk the situation is even more critical for the Ukrainians, who are fighting to prevent the Russians from taking over the missing 20% of territory they have left to capture. If they managed to completely capture the city, the Russians could access Kostiantynivka, Chasiv Yar and even surround Pokrovsk to the north and paralyze key logistical routes.
The situation in Pokrovsk
In the Ukrainian territory of Pokrovsk, belonging to the Donetsk oblast, Russian forces carried out a pincer maneuver to the south with the aim of surrounding the city. In fact, at the end of December and beginning of January, troops captured the village of Vozdvyzhenka, expanding the gray zone by 3 km towards the highway.
To the south of the city, battles between both sides continue intensely, especially in Lysivka, Zelene and Dachenske, where the Ukrainians still maintain their position. It is believed that the Russians’ objective in this area is to advance north to completely stop the logistical route of the Ukrainian city.
Regarding the western part of the Pokrovsk sector, the Russians have captured Novoolenivka and Ukrainka and are now focusing their efforts on three extremely important towns: Solone, Novovasylivka and Novoyelyzavetivka, which are also almost completely taken by the Russians.
The possible Ukrainian withdrawal in Kurakhove
In Kurakhove, almost completely captured by Russia, the advance of Russian troops has been such that the Ukrainians are making an imminent withdrawal to move to more advantageous positions. This withdrawal will entail an advance by the Russians on the front line, who would be able to close the distance. Now, Russian troops have two offensive lines that they intend to expand to a third located near Slovyanka, where the Ukrainians still continue.
