Russian forces advance in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast – DeepState

Russian forces made advances in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, the Ukrainian analytical group DeepState reported on 15 October.

DeepState said Russian occupying forces also progressed near Nevske, Vodyane, Zolota Nyva, and Pryiutne.

The city, which has been a Ukrainian stronghold since Russia’s first invasion of Donbas in 2014, is strategically important. Control of Toretsk would provide Russian forces with a foothold to potentially advance further into Ukrainian-held territory in the Donetsk Oblast, making it a key objective in their military campaign.

The situation in Toretsk has been evolving since August, when Russians first entered the city.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 18 September that Russia advanced in eastern Toretsk. Geolocated footage from 29 September indicated that Russia advanced in the western direction along Druzhby Street in the center of Toretsk.

On 25 September, the Donetsk Regional Military Administration stated that about 1,500 people remained in the city. They reported that entering Toretsk was “almost impossible,” but residents had stockpiles of food and water.

Anastasia Bobovnikova, press secretary of the Luhansk community, said on 9 October that “Russians are advancing in the urban development of Toretsk, along Tsentralna Street. Heavy fighting continues.”

The situation has reportedly worsened since then. On October 10, Bobovnikova said on 10 October that “Russians are continuously storming Toretsk, and not a single building remains intact in the city.”

Vasyl Chynchyk, head of the Toretsk Civil-Military Administration, said on 11 October that Russian forces had occupied about 50% of Toretsk.

Deep State reported on 14 October that Russian occupying forces made advances near several settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast, particularly near Kalynivka, Chasiv Yar, Hryhorivka, Vuhledar, Tsukuryne, and Zolota Nyva in Donetsk Oblast.

Russia has intensified its advancement on the Ukrainian frontline in an attempt to secure territorial gains before winter sets in. This offensive push may also “improve” Russia’s negotiating position in future peace talks.

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