Ukrainian defense forces, including the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, continue to hold positions in the northern part of Niu-York settlement in Donetsk Oblast, also known as New York, according to sources within the 53rd Brigade and the Luhansk Operational Tactical Group speaking to Ukrainska Pravda (UP) on 20 August.
A source from the 53rd Brigade stated,
“We are in New York, holding the defense. We control approximately 20% [of the settlement]. The Russians are advancing due to a large number of reserves. We kill them, but they keep coming. Unfortunately, we don’t have such reserves.”
Another UP source reported problems with the motivation of military personnel and a “rather high” rate of those who have left their positions in the New York and neighboring Toretsk areas.
Russian forces have reportedly captured a significant portion of Donetsk’s New York in just two months. As of late June 2024, New York and Toretsk were the last settlements where the line of combat engagement remained at the boundaries of the frontline prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), in its 18 August report citing Russian military bloggers, suggested that the occupiers control most of New York and may have “captured the settlement.”
The New York direction has been problematic since the beginning of the Russian summer offensive. In early July, soldiers from the 206th Battalion of the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade (Kyiv), attached to the 41st Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Toretsk direction, reported a lack of proper support from this brigade, according to UP. Subsequently, the 53rd Brigade was sent to reinforce the New York direction, but the situation did not improve.
Related:
- Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reports progress in Kursk Oblast operation
- ISW: Russian military prioritizing Donetsk advances over Kursk defense
- Russians capture 2 more settlements in Donetsk Oblast: Zhelanne and Orlivka – DeepState
- British intel: Russia continues costly infantry-led assaults for in Ukraine, making tactical gains
- Ukrainian forces secure Toretsk, eliminate Russian sabotage groups
- Frontline report: Cluster munitions prove effective in halting Russian advance near Kostiantynivka
- Ukrainian troops launch successful counteroffensive in Donetsk’s Niu-York
