Russian troops escalating operations to encircle Ukrainian forces in Kurakhove – military expert Sniehyriov

He shared these insights on Espreso.

"The Russians are focusing their efforts in the Kurakhove direction, which could enable them to flank our Defense Forces and seize control of key logistical routes. But their primary goal is to set the stage for a broader conflict by pushing the front line further, not just in Donetsk but also in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Right now, they're working to create operational encirclement of our forces in Kurakhove. It's both a logistics hub for the Armed Forces and a vital industrial center," he explained.

Sniehyriov emphasized that Russian forces are eyeing further advances into both Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

"The Russians understand very well that taking Kurakhove is crucial for their continued push deeper into Ukrainian territory — especially in both Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia," he added.

• On October 7, Serhii Zgurets, head of the Defense Express media and consulting company, mentioned that after capturing Vuhledar, the Russian forces began ramping up efforts to the north, toward Kurakhove.
• Similarly, on October 9, Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military-political analyst from the Information Resistance group, highlighted the enemy's intensified plans in the Kurakhove direction.