Moscow: Russian forces have taken control of the villages of Serebrianka and Mykolaivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry on Wednesday. Meanwhile, military bloggers have reported Russian advances near critical frontline towns, highlighting growing pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
Ukraine’s military has not confirmed the loss of these villages but acknowledged that the frontlines in both areas are seeing heavy fighting. Bloggers from both sides described a significant Russian push towards the town of Selydove.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that its forces repelled 12 Russian attacks in the area around Serebrianka, located near the northern border of the Donetsk region. Heavy fighting is also taking place near Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub that could be the next target as Russian forces push westward.
A well-known Ukrainian military blog, DeepState, emphasized that Ukrainian troops are facing overwhelming challenges defending Selydove, located southwest of Mykolaivka. Should Selydove fall, it would open a path for a Russian advance on Pokrovsk.
DeepState further explained that Russian forces, benefitting from a seemingly endless supply of infantry and equipment, are increasing pressure on Ukrainian defenses by advancing from both the north and the south. However, battlefield reports from either side remain unverified by independent sources.
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Russian military blogs also reported ongoing fighting around Selydove and in nearby towns, including Kurakhove, Hirnyk, and Toretsk. Pro-Russian military blogger Yuri Podolyaka claimed that Russian forces had seized control of central, eastern, and southern parts of Selydove, once home to 20,000 people. He posted a video showing what he claimed was a Russian flag raised atop a high-rise building.
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Russian forces, who invaded Ukraine in February 2022, have made notable advances in recent weeks. Open-source data shows that their September gains have been the fastest since March 2022, even as Ukraine reclaimed territory after an August incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
