Russian offensive in southern Donetsk: British intelligence highlights key advances

In southern Donetsk, Russian forces have made significant advances along a 20-kilometre stretch of the front, with this area now considered a priority for their military operations.

The British Ministry of Defence made a post on its X account, saying Russian troops have successfully seized several small settlements and advanced by up to 9 kilometers in some sectors over the past week, Caliber.Az reports.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 5 November 2024.

Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/whYUXPIx5t #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/b8S36boETi

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) November 5, 2024

These gains come after Russia's capture of Ugledar in early October 2024, which played a pivotal role in the recent push.

Additionally, Russian forces have taken control of the town of Gornyak and have claimed to have captured Kurakhovka.

To the southeast of Pokrovsk, Russia has also seized Selidovo, positioning itself to potentially threaten the important logistics hub at Pokrovsk.

“Russia continues to prioritise the southern Donetsk frontlines maintaining favourable force ratios in this sector, which partly explains the increased pace of Russian advances. Despite heavy personnel losses, Russia continues to recruit in high numbers to sustain its operations in southern Ukraine,” the post by the ministry says.

By Vafa Guliyeva