Ukrainians encircled Russians in Kremyanoe
Ukrainian forces have officially completed the encirclement of Kremyanoe, cutting off all major supply routes. Only one precarious supply line from Sheptukhovka remains, partially under Ukrainian fire control, due to a natural choke point in the terrain. The village is surrounded by elevated areas, which further restrict access.
For the past two weeks, Ukrainian forces have targeted Sheptukhovka, advancing from three directions and using drone and artillery strikes to tighten the encirclement. Russian resupply attempts, carried out through hastily assembled convoys, have become increasingly desperate. Though some have succeeded, many have failed, with Ukrainian ambushes destroying or forcing the retreat of several convoys, tightening the siege around the trapped Russian troops.
Desperate Russian resupply
Facing growing danger for their encircled troops, Russian commanders have shifted their focus to Olgovka, seeking a lifeline. However, Ukrainian forces have fiercely resisted these efforts, determined to maintain the encirclement of Kremyanoe. The intense fighting highlights the high stakes, with both sides struggling to control this crucial position.
Despite holding the advantage, Ukrainian commanders have opted against a costly full-scale assault on Kremyanoe, favoring a containment strategy instead. By gradually tightening the siege, Ukrainian forces weaken Russian troops through attrition, limiting them to sporadic defensive actions. This calculated approach conserves Ukrainian resources while creating ambush opportunities to disrupt Russian resupply missions with precision.
Another encirclement near Malaya Loknya
While Kremyanoe remains a focal point, Ukrainian forces are also encircling Malaya Loknya, north of Sudzha. Russian troops initially fortified a local women’s prison as a stronghold, but Ukrainian forces have systematically cut off all escape routes, mirroring their containment strategy seen in other areas of the front.Trending Now
In a desperate bid, Russian commanders sent a relief team that briefly opened an escape route. However, Ukrainian forces quickly closed the gap, trapping the rescue team along with those they aimed to save, deepening the crisis.
Cut off from supplies and with Ukrainian drones dominating the skies, Russian troops in Malaya Loknya have been left isolated. Ukrainian drones have made resupply almost impossible, detecting and disrupting every attempt. With shifting battlefield priorities, Russian commanders have had to redeploy resources to counter a new Ukrainian offensive toward Glushkovo, leaving their forces in Malaya Loknya even more vulnerable and diminishing any chances of a breakout.
Ukrainian strategic patience
Ukrainian forces employ a patient containment strategy, focusing on ambushes and eroding Russian supply lines. Their superior drone capabilities have been crucial, allowing close monitoring of Russian movements and disrupting supply convoys. This approach steadily diminishes the enemy's combat capabilities while preserving Ukrainian resources. Ukrainian forces constantly pressure their isolated adversaries by preventing meaningful Russian counteroffensive.
