Russian Forces Escalate Attacks in Kramatorsk and Toretsk Directions of Donetsk Region

Russian forces have escalated assaults on Ukrainian positions in Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, destroying some of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' defensive positions, according to a statement released by the Operational Strategic Group Khortytsia on January 8.

“In the Kramatorsk and Toretsk directions, clashes occurred in Chasiv Yar, near Stupochky, and in Toretsk,” Khortytsia stated on its Telegram channel.

“During offensive operations in urban areas, the enemy extensively used attack drones. As a result of assault actions and heavy fire, some of our positions were damaged. Measures are being taken to prevent a further deterioration of the tactical situation.“

Additionally, Russian forces have reportedly made recent advances in the northwestern part of Toretsk, Donetsk region, reaching the city’s administrative border after several weeks of intensified offensive operations, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on January 7.

According to ISW, geolocated footage confirms that Russian forces now control at least 71% of Toretsk. In recent weeks, Russian troops have achieved tactical advances in the northern and northwestern parts of the city.

Additionally, on January 9, the Head of the Kupiansk City Military Administration, Andrii Besedin, stated that the frontline is now just two kilometers away from Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, and the situation near the city remains extremely difficult.

On December 24, it was reported that the Russian troops began deploying military equipment near the towns of Toretsk and Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region.