Heavy battles for Selydove, intensity of Russian attacks in Kurakhove does not decrease. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Russian forces concentrate their efforts on Selydove

This week, the situation around Selydove was in the center of attention on the frontline. The situation around the town is becoming more tense and critical every day. It is a mining town located 15 kilometers from a major logistics center and defense line - Pokrovsk. The defense forces managed to stop the advance of the Russian occupation army to Pokrovsk. Therefore, the Russians concentrated their main efforts on capturing Selydove. For them, the capture of Selydove is an important prerequisite for further advancement to Pokrovsk. It is known that Selydove is being defended by the 15th Kara-Dag Operational Brigade. 

Since Monday of this week, the situation in this area has deteriorated significantly, as the enemy has moved additional reserves to Selydove from the north of the Pokrovsk direction. The occupants continue to attack the town from the north, south and east. When we talk about the north and southwest of the city, these are actually the Russian attempts to cut the logistics route to Pokrovsk and the road through Vyshneve. The Russian forces also continue to attack from the east. In particular, the fighting is taking place in the city itself. Here, the enemy has achieved some tactical success using the advance of its small groups. It is also worth noting that the occupiers' advance was due to the advantage in personnel. The intensity of the Russian attacks is extremely high. In between infantry attacks, aggressor artillery is actively working. Ukrainian defense forces in this area are trying to deter the enemy by all available means. In particular, UAV pilots make more than 100 sorties a day.

Map of fighting near Selydove, Donetsk region, October 25

According to one of Ukrainian servicemen, Russian infantry is trying to infiltrate between Ukrainian positions even without being entrenched, they are moving on. There is also information that the Russians have managed to get fresh reserves. This is known from the words of one of the prisoners captured by Ukrainian troops. So, the fighting continues in the city itself. None of the maps currently available shows an accurate picture of the fighting around Selydove. We know that Ukrainian defenses are denser in the northern and northwestern parts of the city. We are not talking about the Russian complete control of the city. However, according to some reports, the Ukrainian Defense Forces hold only 10% of the territory of Selydove.

Now, the overwhelming majority of experts are inclined to withdraw the Ukrainian troops from Selydove. The seizure of the territory to the north and south of the city may pose a threat to the logistics of Ukrainian troops in the city. The General Staff also reported fighting near Vyshneve the day before. Some experts are talking about fighting in Vyshneve itself. If one of the routes is cut and captured by the Russians, it will create significant risks for Ukrainian units. Now the situation in this area will depend on the balance of forces and means available to both sides. In case of capture of Selydove, the Russians will use the road to Pokrovsk as one of the ways for their further advance. As the city of Pokrovsk remains one of the occupiers' priorities. In any case, we understand that all these events are the result of the Russian superiority in forces and means. This is also due to our mistakes, in particular, the pace of mobilization and the provision of sufficient equipment and weapons to Ukrainian troops.

Map of fighting near Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, October 25

Intensity of Russian assaults in Kurakhove direction does not subside

Nazar Voitenkov, acting press officer of the 33rd separate mechanized brigade, said that the Russians continue an intensive offensive in the Kurakhove direction. According to him, the situation on the left flank of the defense is quite difficult. In particular, in the area of Maksymilianivka and Heorhiivka towards Kurakhove. Voitenkov said that the 33rd Brigade continues to hold the defense at the designated positions. He noted that due to the complex defense they are able to hold back the enemy, but the Russians are actively acting on the flanks. He compared the situation in the Kurakhove direction to the fighting near Selydove, where the occupiers are also trying to outflank the town. Voitenkov noted that if the invaders manage to advance further, it will be more difficult to hold the line. He added that it would be easier to hold the defense if Ukrainian Defense Forces units received proper replenishment in personnel and equipment. He also said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are using Leopard tanks very effectively in the Kurakhove direction.

Map of fighting in Kurakhove sector, Donetsk region, October 25

Nazar Voitenkov clarified that comprehensive defense involves effective communication with neighboring brigades. According to him, their brigade is actively working with others, in particular those holding the defense on the flanks. Thanks to such communication and cooperation, they are able to successfully deter the enemy. He also added that the artillery fire support is working perfectly, and ATGMs are effectively destroying Russian equipment. Despite significant losses, the Russians keep conducting offensive actions. According to Voitenkov, it seems that Russian commanders are trying to fulfill the plan to capture certain territories as soon as possible, sparing neither personnel nor equipment.

Using equipment for combat operations in bad weather conditions: situation in Kurakhove sector

Nazar Voitenkov also said that the occupiers have started to use motorized vehicles less for advancement. This is due to the deteriorating weather and road conditions. Often, the Russian invaders use several tanks to clear the road for offensive actions. After the tanks, they advance on the road with APCs, MT-LBs and IFVs. This equipment often carries Russian troops inside or outside. All of this equipment is destroyed by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the way to Ukrainian positions.

According to Nazar Voitenkov, Ukrainian Defense Forces cannot repair equipment directly on the battlefield. Typically, even evacuating damaged equipment is impossible. However, all damaged equipment is repaired immediately after evacuation from the battlefield by specialists. In cases where the repairmen are unable to repair the damaged equipment, it is sent to the country of origin. There, the equipment is repaired and returned to Ukraine.

Nazar Voitenkov also spoke about whether the weather conditions in Donetsk Oblast have changed. According to him, it is currently dry in the Donetsk region, but there is an increase in humidity. The military expects an active rainy season. He added that the water in the dugouts is not falling, as the military are very well-prepared and well-equipped. Voitenkov noted that although the weather is not rainy at the moment, traffic is difficult. In particular, it is more difficult to drive pickup trucks.