Russians try to encircle Donetsk’s Selydove, targeting nearby Vyshneve with infantry and armor

Russian forces have significantly intensified their offensive operations near Selydove in Donetsk Oblast, focusing on capturing the town of Vyshneve on its western outskirts.

For over a year, Russia has concentrated on seizing Ukraine-controlled areas of Donetsk Oblast, with major attacks repeatedly occurring near Pokrovsk, Selydove, and other towns. Employing frontal assault tactics, Russia sustains heavy losses but continues to make gradual advances.

According to Ruslan Muzychuk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s National Guard, the Russians are deploying waves of infantry and armored vehicles in an attempt to expand their fire control over the approaches to the city and disrupt Ukrainian logistical operations, Liga reports.

“Analyzing the battle activity, there’s a trend that Russian forces are betting on encircling Selydove, avoiding urban combat, and are currently trying to actively pressure the eastern flank to enter the city with infantry groups,” Muzychuk told LIGA.net.

The National Guard spokesperson noted that since last week, Russian forces have increased their use of armored vehicles in assault operations. The scale of these mechanized attacks has grown from two to three vehicles to more massive assaults involving seven to eight BMPs and tanks.

Russian air force activity has also intensified in the area. During periods of active air operations, up to 10 KAB guided bombs may be dropped on Ukrainian positions, Muzychuk reported.

Ukrainian defense forces, including units of the National Guard, are making maximum efforts to repel the waves of Russian infantry assaults, actively employing drones and artillery against the assaulting forces.

The 15th National Guard Brigade Kara-Dah emphasizes that mining operations remain a highly effective, though often underestimated, method of engaging the enemy, especially in light of the increasing use of various types of drones.

The Ukrainian OSINT project DeepState has also confirmed the Russian advance in the Selydove area, corroborating the reports from the National Guard.

“Ukrainian Defense Forces regained positions in the area of [Kharkiv Oblast’s] Lyptsi. The [Russians] advanced near [Donetsk Oblast’s] New York, Katerynivka, Selydove and Novoselidivka,” Deep State reported on 17 October.

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