Russia tightens the siege of Donbass, suffocating Ukraine's defense line

(Dan Tri) - Russia is increasing its offensive in the Donbass region, putting great pressure on Ukrainian forces on the eastern front.

Russian tanks open fire on Ukrainian forces' positions (Photo: Sputnik).

Ukrainian armed forces have been placed in a state of operational siege near the village of Annovka, located south of the city of Kurakhovo in the Donbass region.

This information was confirmed by Ukrainian sources, as well as the commander of the platoon of the 24th independent assault battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine "Aidar" Stanislav Bunyatov. According to Mr. Bunyatov, the situation in this area is rapidly deteriorating and becoming critical.

According to the latest information revealed by the military news site Avia Pro , the Russian military is increasing pressure on this front area, using artillery, air force and tactical groups to block supply routes and the activities of the Ukrainian armed forces. The escalation of fighting in this area threatens the ability of Ukrainian forces to hold their positions and also creates serious risks for the withdrawal of troops from the encirclement.

"The situation in the Kurakhovsky district is extremely difficult. We urgently need reinforcements and artillery support, otherwise we may lose this area," Mr. Bunyatov added.

Kurakhovo, located in a strategically important area, is a key chokepoint in Ukraine’s defenses in the southern Donbass. Losing control of the area could open the way for Russian troops to advance further and consolidate Moscow’s positions in the region.

The Ukrainian command has not yet made an official statement, but measures are being taken to stabilize the situation.

Russian sources said Moscow’s successes on this front were due to the coordinated actions of artillery and mechanized units. They also revealed that the encirclement of Ukrainian forces near Kurakhovo was part of a general strategy to facilitate the next offensive.

Location of Pokrovsk on map of Ukraine (Photo: Economist).

In recent weeks, Russia has been pressing hard on Kurakhovo, an important industrial center in Ukraine and located south of Pokrovsk, a strategic logistical artery for Kiev's forces.

If Pokrovsk falls, Ukraine will suffer double losses, losing an important logistical point for the Donbass front, and risking losing coal mines and a system of factories that play an important role in the country's metallurgical industry.

Pokrovsk remains one of Ukraine’s main defense centers in the south. Losing control of the city could open the way for further Russian attacks deep into Ukraine, posing a threat to neighboring settlements.

According to Ukrainian military channels, Russian units have come very close to the southern outskirts of Pokrovsk. According to Deepstate’s map, the distance from the front line to the streets outside the city is less than 2km. The escalation of the situation is causing serious concerns among the Ukrainian armed forces about the protection of Ukrainian positions in this area.

On December 12, Metinvest, Ukraine’s largest steel producer, announced the suspension of operations at its Pischane coal plant near Pokrovsk in Donetsk. The closure comes amid Russia’s increasingly dangerous advance toward Pokrovsk.

Metinvest said the plant was shut down due to heavy shelling in the area. The company also said the front line was expanding and getting closer to the mine.

In recent times, Russia has used its superiority in troops and weapons to continuously put pressure on Ukraine on the Donbass front in Eastern Ukraine. This is where Ukraine's leading heavy industrial facilities are concentrated and has large mineral reserves. Currently, Russia controls most of Lugansk, one of the two regions in Donbass, and is accelerating in Donetsk.

Observers say Russian forces in Donbass are advancing "at an unprecedented pace" since the Ukraine conflict broke out more than two years ago.

Ukrainian military experts stress that the current situation requires urgent defense strengthening and concentration of reserve forces, but Kiev is facing a serious shortage of military personnel.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/nga-siet-vong-vay-nut-that-donbass-bop-nghet-tuyen-phong-thu-ukraine-20241213104710207.htm