At the cost of heavy losses, the Russians advance along several axes through eastern Ukraine. According to the American website Forbes, there is one sector where the opposite is true.
After the unsuccessful attack in Toretsk, the Russians retreated to the tower block, the Ukrainians razed it to the ground. | Video: Reuters
Most recently, the invasion troops seized the city of Selydov, which was supposed to strengthen the Ukrainian defense around the key city of Pokrovsk. Meanwhile, the aggressor’s accelerating advance west of Donetsk could see the Ukrainians withdraw from the town of Kurachovo, blow up bridges over the nearby Vovcha River, and then regroup behind their rubble.
Behind the clearly visible Russian successes, in one place the defenders manage to push out the occupiers. In the town of Toreck, less than fifty kilometers east of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces are advancing. Although very slowly and little, writes Forbes. According to the server, how the Ukrainians managed to regain several blocks in the city, where 35 thousand inhabitants lived before the war, speaks volumes about the current conditions. It’s equal parts combat and demolition.
In early October, satellite images, drone footage and video from troops revealed that something unusual was happening in the center of Torecko, where Ukrainian brigades and Russian regiments have been engaged in brutal urban fighting for weeks. One intelligence analyst noticed a pattern of Ukrainian strikes on Russian positions in the city’s central high-rise district.
Between the strikes, there were signs of close combat – evidence that the Ukrainians launched infantry attacks after the bombing, writes Forbes. After the attacks, the bombing stopped, which could mean that the Ukrainians pushed out the Russian troops. Video footage taken by Ukraine’s 101st Guards Brigade in early October appeared to show the initial phase of the counterattack.
Drones attacked Russians who were hiding in doorways, in apartments and on the roofs of high-rise buildings. One of the drones filmed the retreat of the Russian infantry into the tower block. In response, Ukrainian engineers planted explosives in the building and blew it up. Brutal but effective, Forbes comments on this strategy.
Until last week, units of the Russian 109th motorized rifle regiment were trapped in the district. “I am currently in the city center in a nine-story building,” one of the Russian officers reported in a video posted on social media. “There is constant shooting. And here our guys can’t even get into the nearby houses,” claimed a Russian who was injured by falling concrete.
To raze a city to save it is a Pyrrhic victory for Ukrainians. However, if the destruction of Torecka is the price for partially averting Russia’s advance along this axis, the Ukrainians will be happy to pay it. The only alternative is another Ukrainian withdrawal and the advance of occupation troops towards the West, writes the American server.
Stopping the Russians in Torecko will not save Kurachov or Pokrovsk, they are tens of kilometers away. However, how Ukrainian forces have erased some of the Russian gains here may provide some insight into the thinking of commanders who are preparing for major battles in the two aforementioned cities. The plan is obvious: bomb the Russians with drones, attack with infantry and destroy any building the Russians might turn into a defensive position, Forbes adds.
“It’s suicide.” The Russians want to break another Ukrainian front. At all costs. (Full article with video here)
The Ukrainians are defending Zaporozhye with cluster munitions and volunteers from Australia. | Video: Reuters, Aktuálně.cz/Telegram/WarLife
Interview: The Editorial Insight with Time.news and Military Expert Dr. Alexei Volkov
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Volkov. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the current situation in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the town of Toretsk. Based on recent reports from Forbes, it seems that despite heavy losses, Russian forces continue their advances. What can you tell us about the current dynamics in this region?
Dr. Alexei Volkov: Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation in eastern Ukraine remains quite volatile. Recent incursions by Russian troops have indeed led to the seizure of several strategic locations, including the city of Selydov. This is significant because it threatens to undermine Ukrainian defenses around key areas such as Pokrovsk. However, the battle in Toretsk stands out, where Ukrainian forces are managing to make minor gains despite the overwhelming odds.
Editor: It’s remarkable that amidst this backdrop of Russian advancement, Ukrainian forces are reportedly pushing back in Toretsk. Can you elaborate on the tactics being employed by the Ukrainian military?
Dr. Volkov: Certainly! The urban warfare in Toretsk has been intense. The Ukrainian forces are engaging in a strategy that involves a combination of air strikes followed by ground assaults. The use of drone technology has played a pivotal role, allowing Ukrainian troops to target Russian positions effectively. There’s a clear strategy of striking hard and then advancing to seize control of territories. What’s particularly notable is that, after their strikes, the Ukrainians often find a lull in the Russian bombardment, which indicates that they may have pushed the enemy back.
Editor: Based on recent intelligence, there seems to be a detailed assessment of the combat situation in Toretsk. The reports suggest that urban fighting has become a critical component of this conflict. What does this reveal about the nature of modern warfare?
Dr. Volkov: The situation in Toretsk exemplifies the complexities of urban warfare in contemporary conflicts. Urban areas, with their dense population and infrastructure, present unique challenges and opportunities. The presence of civilians complicates military actions, making it necessary for troops to balance aggression with caution. Additionally, as we see in Toretsk, the incorporation of drones for reconnaissance and targeted strikes marks a significant shift in tactics. This isn’t just combat; it is also about demolition and strategic occupation of space.
Editor: Forbes highlighted that this strategy, while brutal, might be effective. How do these developments reflect the broader tactical shift in this war?
Dr. Volkov: Ukraine has shown remarkable adaptability in response to Russian tactics. The Russian military has relied heavily on artillery and direct assaults, but the Ukrainian counter-offensive tactics display a nuanced understanding of urban combat. What’s more, they have leveraged technological advantages with drones not just for surveillance but for targeted strikes as well, which disrupts Russian soldiers’ positions. This method of warfare focuses on reclaiming territory while minimizing Ukrainian casualties, presenting a blend of traditional and modern combat applications.
Editor: It sounds like there are significant implications not just for this conflict but for global military strategies as a whole. What do you think other military forces around the world can learn from these developments?
Dr. Volkov: Absolutely. The events in Ukraine serve as a case study in modern warfare. The integration of technology, especially in the realm of drones, and the strategic importance of urban environments are lessons that many military forces are closely observing. Furthermore, the humanitarian aspect must not be neglected—effective urban combat should always aim to minimize civilian impact. This balance between combat efficiency and civilian safety is increasingly vital in any operational strategy going forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Volkov, for your invaluable insights. The situation continues to evolve, and it’s crucial that we keep a close watch on these developments in Eastern Europe. We appreciate your expertise.
Dr. Alexei Volkov: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to understand these dynamics as they unfold, not just for Ukraine but for international stability as well.