Russian Troops Advance in Ukraine: A New Look at the Frontline

Lately, Russian troops have been making headway around the town of Selydove in eastern Ukraine. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has mapped out these recent developments, showing significant gains by Russian forces. Footage from Tuesday and Wednesday reveals that Russian troops, including elements from the 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade, have pushed forward in the northeastern part of Selydove. The ISW's map from October 23, 2024, highlights these advances, with Russian forces capturing towns like Izmailivka, Krasnyi Yar, and Hrodivka. A Russian military blogger, Two Majors, shared a video on Telegram showing soldiers from the 433rd Red Banner Motorized Rifle Regiment waving a Russian flag from a building. The blogger claimed that Russian forces had broken through Ukrainian defenses in the town center and were moving westward.

However, the ISW noted that this focus on Selydove has diverted attention from Russia's main objective: capturing Pokrovsk, a strategic hub. While Russian forces have advanced into Selydove and surrounding areas, Ukrainian troops might withdraw to avoid being trapped. Even if Selydove is captured, it doesn't guarantee that Pokrovsk will fall, as Russian forces might be weakened from their efforts. Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets and a prominent Russian military blogger agree that Moscow's push towards Pokrovsk is slowing down. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian forces repelled 38 Russian assaults on the Pokrovsk front and engaged in 148 combat clashes in the past day. In a Facebook post, the Ukrainian military stated that the battlefield situation remains challenging. Despite facing a numerical and equipment advantage, Ukrainian defenders are holding their ground and inflicting significant losses on the enemy. Newsweek has reached out to both the Russian and Ukrainian defense ministries for comment.

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