Why Russia claims capture of Ukraine’s Velyka Novosilka: ISW explains

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported the information.

The Russian Ministry of Defense released footage taken on January 26, allegedly showing Russian forces launching thermobaric artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions in Velyka Novosilka, as well as claims that Russian assault groups were clearing Ukrainian positions.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov later announced that Russian forces, specifically units from the 5th Tank Brigade and the 40th Marine Brigade, had fully captured the village. The Russian Ministry of Defense released footage showing Russian flags in the village to confirm the takeover.

However, according to the ISW, not all details were transparent. Russian military bloggers noted that the 37th Motorized Rifle Brigade also participated in the capture, but official Ministry of Defense reports did not mention this.

In reality, the pace of Russian troop advancement in the western part of the Donetsk region remains slow.

"Russia is likely trying to leverage the claimed seizure of Velyka Novosilka in order to influence Western perceptions of the situation on the battlefield in Donetsk Oblast ("Oblast" is the Ukrainian term for a region, administrative division within the country, - ed.), to advance narratives that Russian battlefield gains are inevitable and that Ukrainian positions are rapidly deteriorating," analysts explained.

Velyka Novosilka is located near several rivers, which may complicate the further tactical mobility of Russian forces. Historically, Russian troops have struggled with river crossings, so success in capturing the village does not necessarily guarantee easy advancement.

• On January 26, Ukraine's 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade released a statement addressing the situation in Velyka Novosilka, Donetsk region. Meanwhile, the Russian command also issued a report concerning the settlement.