Ukraine denies Russia’s full control over Donetsk Oblast’s Chasiv Yar, Toretsk

Ukrainian Defense Forces have denied Russian social media claims of fully capturing Chasiv Yar and Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast, Ukrinform reports, citing spokesperson Anastasiia Bobovnikova of Operational-Tactical Group “Luhansk” on Ukrainian TV on 1 November.

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 repeated frontal assault tactics, Russia sustains heavy losses but continues to make gradual advances.

Bobovnikova explicitly dismissed Russian assertions of control over Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, emphasizing that the Russian forces have neither crossed key barriers nor secured a foothold in these areas.

“The enemy has not crossed the canal in Chasiv Yar or solidified control,” she stated.

According to the spokesperson, Russian forces have adopted a new tactic in the area, deploying small diversionary and reconnaissance groups rather than larger frontal assaults. These smaller units, often comprising one or two soldiers, attempt to cross local barriers such as canals and hide in basements or abandoned buildings to establish covert positions.

Bobovnikova emphasized that Ukrainian drone operators and surveillance teams quickly detect these attempts, resulting in prompt neutralization of these groups. She clarified that Russia’s recent shift to small assault teams aims to accumulate forces and equipment for potential larger attacks.

“The small assault groups are crossing the canal, trying to gain a foothold, and at the moment they have no advantage in these towns (Chasiv Yar, Toretsk – Ed.), the contact line is stabilized at the moment, and they are not advancing,” she noted.

The spokesperson noted a reduction in direct assaults within the “Luhansk” operational zone, yet observed increased Russian preparations, including accumulating personnel, ammunition, and equipping vehicles with electronic warfare systems. Bobovnikova warned that this could foreshadow an escalation in attacks once Russian forces complete their preparations.

The Russian shift from frontal assaults to infiltration tactics suggests an adjustment aimed at minimizing personnel losses while establishing covert operations near Ukrainian-held areas.

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