Russian troops are reportedly advancing into Novovasylivka, a village located south of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast. This comes amid reports that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have already entered Pokrovsk.
Kremlin's men launched assault operations in Novovasylivka simultaneously from the east and south from December 30, according to the Ukrainian open-source intelligence group Deep State. The infantry units are being supported by armoured vehicles and light artillery tanks.
DeepState - A difficult situation has developed in Novovasylivka south of #Pokrovsk. In all corners of the village, in one house there may be ours, and in the neighboring ones there may be the enemy. The tactical situation is at the level of chaos. #War_in_Ukraine pic.twitter.com/LmRzQO2hSl
— #War_in_Ukraine #Facts #Opinions #Trends #Kharkiv (@HarZizn) January 2, 2025
"The situation is such that there are enemy forces in every corner of the village, but this is the same for Ukraine’s defence forces. If there are our forces in one house, the next one over might have enemy forces in it. The tactical situation is chaotic, but unfortunately, the enemy’s superiority in manpower can turn out to be a decisive factor," Deep State said in its analysis.
Footage shows units of the Russian Tsentr Group Forces liberating Novolenovka (Donetsk People's Republic) in Krasnoarmeysk direction. The Russian army set up the Russian flag in the settlement. Now, they continue to crush Ukrainian militants and liberate more territories. pic.twitter.com/VDyoP1Jkx2
— sonja van den ende (@SonjaEnde) December 30, 2024
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the intensive Russian attacks in these sectors. They reported a total of 125 combat engagements on January 1. "Over the past 24 hours, the enemy has fired more than 3,000 rounds at Ukrainian positions," Ukrainian sources said.
Kremlin's men are also advancing towards Vovkove, Neskuchne, Novoyelyzavetivka, Solone, Vozdvyzhenka, and Kurakhove and its southern outskirts.
Two days ago, the Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have already entered Pokrovsk. The infantry has reached the highway from the Donetsk region to Dnipro, which is a strong blow for Ukrainian defence forces and humanitarian missions in Donbas.
Mykola Dovbnya, a deputy of the Druzhkivka city council, termed it one of the toughest battles. Dovbnya said the Russians aimed to cut off the road from Pokrovsk to Dnipro there.
"If the occupiers succeed in cutting off this road, we will have to deliver fuel, food, medicine, and other critically necessary items via alternative routes. In fact, many people still remain in the region, including in Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Sloviansk. However, people understand that if the situation worsens, they will need to leave immediately, and this will only be possible via the Kharkiv highway," he added.
