ISW: Russian troops advance in northeastern Selydove while main objective stalls

Russian forces have made significant tactical advances in and around Selydove in recent days, though this progress may be hampering their ability to capture their primary objective of Pokrovsk, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 23 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, geolocated footage from 22 and 23 October confirms Russian forces have advanced along Skhidna Street in northeastern Selydove and moved northward along Berehova and Zakhysnykiv streets in the eastern part of the town toward its center.

Additional geolocated footage from 23 October shows that elements of the Russian 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade captured Izmailivka, southeast of Selydove, ISW reports. The footage also indicates Russian advances on the northeastern outskirts of Novoselydivka and in fields northwest of Tsukuryne.

Ukrainian forces appear committed to a strong defense of Selydove, having largely stalled Russian advances since the offensive began in August 2024.

“[However,] Russian advances into Selydove, as well as territorial gains to the south and north of the town, may soon cause Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the area to avoid being trapped within a collapsing pocket,” ISW wrote.

ISW notes that Selydove is not Russia’s primary objective in this sector, and Ukraine’s decision to defend it has likely pinned down a substantial contingent of Russian troops on the southern flank of Pokrovsk — the key operational target for Russia in the area.

Russia may take Selydove in the coming days, but its capture does not guarantee the seizure of Pokrovsk and has likely exhausted Russian forces, diminishing their combat effectiveness for any pivot toward Pokrovsk.

The think tank concludes:

“The Ukrainian defense of Pokrovsk and its approaches (namely the rail-line and the M-30 highway) has already stymied Russian advances towards the city, and attrition of Russian forces in the area will likely further slow these advances, damaging Russian offensive prospects in the area in the coming weeks.”

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