Russian troops in Toretsk attempt to reach Ukrainian forces' rear via underground routes

This was reported by Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia operational and strategical troop grouping, during the national telethon broadcast.  

"The Russians in Toretsk is trying to use underground communications to get behind our troops on certain streets. Since this is a priority direction, the Russians are attempting all possible ways to bypass Ukrainian forces," he stated, adding that this includes sewage tunnels.  

According to Trehubov, Russia is resorting to underground routes due to the dense defense of Toretsk's streets by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.  

"In Pokrovsk, Russians are attempting to break through around the city, while in Toretsk, these are purely urban battles. When they cannot advance through the streets, they try to use underground communications, as they did during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) or in Sudzha," the spokesperson explained.

• Serhiy Zgurets, a military expert and CEO of the Defense Express media and consulting company, believes that the Russian army is focused on sustained pressure across all frontline areas using its infantry units.