The situation on the Kurakhovsky sector of the front remains one of the most tense for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian army has stepped up its offensive, surrounding the city on both sides, posing an immediate threat to Ukrainian units holding the area.
According to military analyst Konstantin Mashovets, Russian troops broke into the village of Dalneye, south of Kurakhovo. The Ukrainian Armed Forces units defending in the Elizavetovka and Yekaterinovka areas may find themselves surrounded if they do not retreat to safer positions, for example, in Uspenovka, in the near future.
The Russian army is simultaneously advancing from the south and northeast, threatening Ukrainian forces with an even deeper reach. At the same time, Ukrainian troops face additional difficulties due to unfavorable terrain: they are pressed against the Volchya River valley, and Russian positions are located at heights.
The pressure is rising
The situation is complicated by the attack on the Kurakhovskoye reservoir, the dam of which was damaged. According to the Ukrainian authorities, its destruction was caused by Russian airstrikes that began in the summer. Russian sources claim that the Ukrainian Armed Forces themselves blew up the dam in order to slow down the enemy’s advance. As a result, the water level in the Volchya River rose by 1.2 meters.
This caused temporary difficulties with the movement and supply of Ukrainian troops, but also provided an opportunity to use the river as a natural barrier for defense. However, this development of events indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may be preparing to retreat across the river, which will lead to the loss of control over the line south of Velikaya Novosyolka.
History of the environmental threat
Kurakhovo is not the first time that Ukrainian forces are under threat of encirclement in the Donbass. Previously, similar situations arose in Avdeevka, Ugledar and on the Nevelsky ledge. Each time, Ukrainian troops managed to avoid disaster due to the lack of significant reserves among Russian troops to complete the encirclement.
However, in the Kurakhovsky ledge the situation is complicated by the lack of reliable supply routes and the possibility of maneuver, as well as a wide front of enemy attacks.
Reaction of the Ukrainian command
On Monday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that the most difficult sections of the front, including Kurakhovsky and Pokrovsky, will be strengthened. Details of the plan have not been disclosed, but this decision emphasizes the importance of holding these positions for the overall defense in the Donbass.
Despite the pressure, the Ukrainian army continues to fight, repelling attacks in difficult conditions. The development of events in the Kurakhovo area will become one of the key factors for the further course of hostilities in this sector of the front.
Russian troops continue to suffer huge losses at the front, but the Kremlin continues to send its citizens to certain death…
Title: Tensions Rise at the Front: An Interview with Military Analyst Konstantin Mashovets
Time.news Editor (T): Good afternoon, Konstantin. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the critical situation in the Kurakhovsky sector. The escalating Russian offensive is alarming for many. Can you give us an overview of what’s happening on the ground?
Konstantin Mashovets (K): Good afternoon. Yes, the situation is indeed very tense. The Russian army has intensified its operations around Kurakhovo, tactically surrounding the city. This puts Ukrainian Armed Forces in a precarious position, particularly those units stationed in the Elizavetovka and Yekaterinovka areas. They are at great risk of being encircled if they do not adapt their positions soon.
T: That sounds incredibly dire. You mentioned that Russian troops have managed to break into the village of Dalneye. What are the implications of that for the Ukrainian forces?
K: The advance into Dalneye is significant because it gives the Russian forces a foothold from which they can further threaten Ukrainian units. If the Ukrainian defenders don’t retreat to a more secure area, like Uspenovka, they may soon find themselves completely cut off from supply lines and reinforcements. This not only compromises their defensive capabilities but could also lead to severe casualties.
T: Aside from the immediate threat from ground forces, what other challenges are the Ukrainian troops facing?
K: One major issue is the unfavorable terrain. The Ukrainian forces are pressed against the Volchya River valley with Russian positions situated at higher elevations. This geographic disadvantage makes it difficult for the defenders to maneuver effectively. Additionally, the damage to the Kurakhovskoye reservoir has further complicated logistics, with rising water levels causing temporary obstacles in movement and supply.
T: We’ve seen conflicting narratives about the dam’s damage—Ukrainian authorities blame Russian airstrikes, while Russian sources allege it was a Ukrainian demolition to halt advances. How does this ambiguity impact the operational reality on the ground?
K: This uncertainty creates confusion, which can be exploited by the opposing side. If Ukrainian forces believe they’re under a coordinated attack, it might prompt hasty decisions. Conversely, if they suspect self-sabotage, it could lead to complacency. Either way, the damage to the dam has raised the water level by 1.2 meters, which, while complicating movement, also offers a natural barrier that could be used defensively.
T: Given these complexities, what strategies might the Ukrainian forces adopt to counter the Russian advances in the short term?
K: They need to establish a robust defense along the Volchya River, leveraging its water as a natural barrier while also securing fallback positions. Strategic retreats may be necessary to preserve troops and equipment. Additionally, they should consider calling for increased support from allies, as reinforcement could alter the balance in their favor.
T: This is a rapidly evolving situation. What do you foresee in the coming weeks for the conflict in this region?
K: We’re likely to see increased pressure and possibly drastic measures from both sides. The Russian military might continue to push hard trying to encircle Ukrainian forces, while Ukraine will need to adapt and respond accordingly. The international community’s involvement will also play a significant role in shaping the conflict’s trajectory. Keeping an eye on ongoing developments will be crucial.
T: Thank you, Konstantin, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains critical, and we appreciate your expertise in helping us understand these complexities.
K: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep discussing these issues as they evolve.