Forbes: Russian forces advance threatens key stronghold in Ukraine’s “fortress belt”

Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian defenders in the town of Selydove, Forbes reports, as part of their broader offensive toward the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast.

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 Forbes, the Ukrainian General Staff faced a critical decision in August when Russian forces began advancing from Avdiivka toward Pokrovsk. With most elite units committed to operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast and difficulties equipping 14 new brigades, commanders deployed the interior ministry’s Kara Dag Brigade to the Pokrovsk sector.

The 2,000-strong Kara Dag Brigade, one of seven “offensive guard” brigades formed in 2023, has been defending Selydove, located 13 kilometers southeast of Pokrovsk. The unit has employed explosive drones and conducted block-by-block combat using Kozak armored trucks, but struggles against larger and better-equipped Russian motor rifle regiments from the 2nd Combined Arms Army.

• On 6 October 2024, Russian forces advanced into Selydove and killed four captured brigade members
• On 26 October 2024, Russian units reached Vyshneve’s outskirts after advancing along a defunct railroad
• The Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies reported on 26 October Ukraine’s forces still hold Vyshneve but face pressure

Forbes says the Russian strategy mirrors recent operations in Vuhledar, where partial encirclement forced Ukrainian withdrawal after two years of resistance.

Meanwhile, the Center for Defense Strategies remains optimistic about Pokrovsk’s defense, stating “the upcoming battle for Pokrovsk will be the climax of the enemy’s offensive operation” and predicting Russian forces “will be unable to seize the ‘fortress belt’” by year’s end.

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