Recent open-source intelligence indicates Russian forces have advanced to within 5 kilometers of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistical hub in Donetsk, utilizing flanking maneuvers to circumvent Ukrainian defenses. This advance, described as “extremely fierce” by Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, follows a pattern of faster-than-usual Russian gains in the region since the fall of Vuhledar. Ukrainian officials attribute the situation to a combination of Russian manpower superiority and challenges with troop training and preparedness. The potential for Ukrainian counter-offensives and unconventional tactics is also being discussed.
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President Zelensky announced record Russian military losses in November and December, attributing the success to recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian military and energy infrastructure. These attacks, including those on Taganrog and Bryansk, demonstrate increasing Ukrainian range and accuracy, pushing Russia closer to ending the war. Intense fighting continues in the Donetsk region, with the Russian army suffering substantial casualties in ongoing assaults. Zelensky specifically praised several Ukrainian brigades for their contributions to these battlefield victories.
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Ukrainian forces, spearheaded by the 48th Separate Assault Battalion, liberated Novy Komar village in Donetsk Oblast from Russian occupation on December 4th, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing enemy marines. The successful operation leveraged effective assault infantry tactics and significant support from FPV drone teams. Simultaneously, Ukrainian troops repelled a Russian bridgehead attempt near Novomlynsk in Kharkiv Oblast, maintaining control of the Oskil River’s west bank. Both victories demonstrate continued Ukrainian success in pushing back Russian forces.
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Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine have significantly accelerated in 2024, exceeding 2023’s gains by nearly sixfold, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This advance, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, threatens key Ukrainian logistical hubs like Kupiansk and Kurakhove, leading experts to warn of a potential collapse of the Ukrainian eastern front. Simultaneously, Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, while initially successful, is now faltering as Russian forces reclaim lost territory, raising concerns about the strategic effectiveness of the operation. The situation is further complicated by the prospect of a second Trump administration and potential reductions in US military aid to Ukraine.
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Ukrainian troops are reportedly fighting to restrain one of Russia’s most powerful offensives since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The force of the Russian advance has increased considerably since September, with Russia stating that it has claimed two more Settlements in the Donbas region, a significant area of conflict and loss. As the winter looms, concerns are growing that the country may be facing the toughest season of the war yet, especially following long-range Russian air strikes, which have cut around half of Ukraine’s power generation capacity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been seeking support from NATO countries, aiming to use long-range missiles provided by these countries to reach targets inside Russia.
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The situation in Donbas is spiraling out of control, and the reality of the conflict is far grimmer than what most people realize. As an individual with a passion for military history, I can’t help but feel frustrated by the lack of proper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of this war. The Azov Brigade officer’s comments about the dire state of affairs in Ukraine hit close to home, highlighting the urgent need for a more nuanced approach to the conflict.
It’s disheartening to see the international community’s reluctance to provide Ukraine with the full support it needs to turn the tide of the war.… Continue reading
Moscow claims that clashes with Ukrainian troops have occurred on Russian soil. The Defense Ministry of Russia stated that Ukrainian soldiers from the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade attacked Russian units near the border settlements of Nikolaevo-Darino and Oleshnya in the Kursk region. This situation raises several interesting points for consideration.
It is intriguing that Russia acknowledges these clashes as taking place on their soil. This admission suggests that Russia recognizes Ukrainian sovereignty over the disputed territories, such as the Donbas region. However, it is vital to remember that Russia’s actions in the region have contributed to the ongoing conflict and instability.… Continue reading
Russian forces launched a cross-border attack into Ukraine, and now we’re seeing reports of Ukrainian forces doing the same back to Russia. The Kremlin claims that about 300 Ukrainian soldiers crossed the border into Russia and were engaged in combat on Russian territory. This retaliation from Ukraine raises an interesting question – hasn’t Ukraine technically been fighting on Russian territory for years now, considering the Kremlin officially views Donbas as a Russian oblast? It seems like a case of tit-for-tat, a standoff between two countries that refuse to back down.
The Russian Federation has always been known for holding onto its historical borders dearly, but could this be a moment of truth for them?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker