Russian forces are caught in a "fire trap" in Velyka Novosilka, Donetsk Oblast, as fighting for the settlement continues despites claims that the Russians have occupied the village a few days ago, Ukraine's 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade reported on 2 February.
According to the Brigade's Telegram post, Russian forces cannot advance further but are forced to reinforce their units in the city. Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance actively tracks enemy movements and positions, followed by strikes from FPV drones and artillery targeting basement positions where Russian forces seek shelter.
On 27 January, OSINT group Deep State claimed that Russian forces had occupied Velyka Novosilka, marking it as Russian-held on its interactive war map. However, Ukrainian officials deny full Russian control, with military spokesperson Ivan Siekach telling Suspilne on 28 January that battles remain ongoing and Ukrainian forces are still present in the settlement.
"The enemy has launched extensive propaganda operations with their 'flag insertions,' using specially prepared propaganda units. They would run out for three minutes, wave flags, and hide back in basements, trying to claim they control the city," Siekach said.
The spokesperson added that Ukrainian forces maintain visibility over the entire settlement and continue artillery and FPV drone operations against enemy positions.
Related:
- Frontline Report: Ukrainian garrison withdraws from Velyka Novosilka after Russia cuts supply routes
- Reuters: Russia advances “day and night” at Pokrovsk – while for the first time sparing troops and artillery
- ISW: Ukrainians advance in Kharkiv Oblast and near Donetsk’s Pokrovsk, Russians in few Donetsk directions
- Russia claims capture of Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast; Ukrainian military contests claim
- ISW: Russian forces advance near Donetsk’s Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka
- Russians threaten to encircle strategic Velyka Novosilka as troops film from village center
