The Russian military has amassed a significant number of troops on the Toretsk front, says Anastasia Bobovnikova, spokesperson for the “Luhansk” operational-tactical group, according to UkrInform.
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 enemy has gathered a significant group of troops in Toretsk direction. Its number has increased several times. We know that they are replenishing losses on the front lines and bringing in new soldiers,” said Bobovnikova.
The Ukrainian spokesperson claimed that the occupiers were constantly bringing several dozen people to one or more positions. Just in the past day, the Russians lost about 100 soldiers in the Toretsk direction.
“The situation throughout the day was difficult. Fighting continued in the Kramatorsk direction, and in the Siversk direction, the enemy used aviation. The Toretsk direction remains the most challenging. During the day, six combat engagements occurred on this front, but our defenders are holding on and trying to stop the enemy,” stated Bobovnikova.
The Ukrainian spokesperson noted that the fighting in Toretsk is dynamic because the Russians are destroying streets completely. As a result, it is difficult to say which part of the city remains under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
“They are indiscriminately trying to attack the city, destroying entire neighborhoods and streets. They are also shelling ordinary civilians and using aviation for the strikes. Not only Toretsk but also towns on the Kramatorsk front, such as Kostiantynivka, which is also near Toretsk, are suffering from Russian guided bombs,” added Bobovnikova.
She emphasized that, according to the military administration of Toretsk, about 1,000 to 1,100 people remain in the city, and they are provided with long-term food supplies and water. The spokesperson also urged civilians to evacuate and not interfere with military operations.
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