ISW:  Russians capture three villages near Kurakhove, advance in Selydove; Ukrainians gain ground in Kursk Oblast

Russian forces have achieved multiple territorial gains in eastern Ukraine while Ukrainian forces advanced in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 21 October.

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 ISW, Ukrainian forces advanced in western Novoivanovka, southeast of Korenevo, in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The institute noted that Russian sources attempted to justify their slow progress in this area “by falsely framing this direction as uniquely challenging,” with a Chechen “Akhmat” Spetsnaz commander describing it as the most difficult frontline area.

In the Donetsk direction, ISW confirmed Russian advances in multiple areas. Geolocated footage showed Russian forces advancing to Lysychanska Street in northeastern Selydove, while elements of the 110th Motorized Rifle Brigade reached Zelena Street in central Zoryane after crossing the Vovcha River.

Southeast of Kurakhove, ISW documented several successful Russian mechanized assaults. Geolocated footage from 20 October showed a reinforced company-sized mechanized assault involving 19 armored vehicles and four tanks north of Kostyantynivka. Additional footage from 21 October confirmed Russian advances south of Katerynivka.

The think tank reported that Russian forces likely seized the entirety of Maksymilyanivka, with geolocated footage showing Russian presence in the dacha area east of Kurakhove.

ISW also noted continued Russian offensive operations along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, where geolocated footage showed Ukrainian forces repelling a Russian platoon-sized mechanized assault east of Terny.

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