Ukrainian military: Toretsk in ruins as Russian forces advance

Russian troops have damaged every building and shelter in Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast, which allows the invaders to occupy new areas of the city, says a spokesperson for the “Luhansk” operational and tactical group Anastasiia Bobovnikova, according to UkrInform.

The seizure of Toretsk would allow the Russians to advance either towards Pokrovsk or in the Avdiivka direction, towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, reinforcing troops in the Chasiv Yar area, said Ivan Tymochko, head of the Council of Reservists of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.

He said the offensive is vital for the Russians, as Niu York and Toretsk are mining towns with well-developed industries where coal is extracted.

“Now, the city resembles more of a deserted planet: there are no shelters for civilians or the military, and unfortunately, this allows the enemy to occupy new areas of scorched land,” she said.

According to Bobovnikova, the occupiers are disguising themselves in civilian clothes to reach Ukrainian positions. This tactic has been also used in the Chasiv Yar area.

The spokesperson added that the Russians are suffering massive losses in Toretsk.

“However, the leadership of the Russian army promises their soldiers the world. They are increasing death compensation payouts. Ordinary Russian soldiers fall for this and eagerly sign contracts to die in Ukraine,” Bobovnikova added.

The Russian offensive on Toretsk, which began in June, threatens to open new advance routes towards key Ukrainian strongholds in Donetsk Oblast, such as Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk. Toretsk’s potential fall, following Ukraine’s earlier withdrawal from Vuhledar, would mark another significant setback in the region.

Read more: