Russia paid 26,000 casualties for this city of ruins: Toretsk reportedly falls after 18-month battle

Russian forces have advanced into Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast and fully occupied the city. Previously, Ukrainian Defense Forces controlled parts of the residential areas, according to Focus. 

In General Staff reports, Toretsk has not been mentioned since November 2025. To date, no official statements about the end of fighting in the city have been issued by Ukraine’s military-political command.

A battle lasting a year and a half: the 100th Mechanized Brigade held Toretsk

According to the DeepState project, on 2 February, the Russian military made minor gains near the city of Toretsk and near the village of Stupochky. 

“The enemy has advanced near Stupochky and Toretsk,” reports DeepState.

Since mid-July 2024, the 100th Mechanized Brigade, together with attached units, has participated in the Battle of Toretsk.

When brigade units took up positions along the defense line in Toretsk, the Russians had already occupied the city center.

Despite intense pressure, the 100th Mechanized Brigade halted further Russian advances, inflicting massive losses.

Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed over 10,000 Russian troops, with total Russian casualties around 26,000, which is the heaviest price the Russian army has paid during the full-scale invasion, writes the brigade. 

Russia tried to stage fake successes in Toretsk for 18 months

Throughout 2025, Kremlin propagandists repeatedly claimed that Toretsk had been “captured” by Russian forces.

Each time, Ukraine denied these reports.

Even after significant flank setbacks and the official renaming of the Toretsk direction to the Kostiantynivka direction, the 100th Mechanized Brigade continued holding positions on the city’s outskirts.

In total, the Battle of Toretsk lasted around a year and a half, becoming one of the longest battles of the Russian-Ukrainian war.