Ukrainian forces battle nonstop near Velyka Novosilka, Donetsk region, to prevent encirclement

The press service of the Khortytsia operational-tactical group reported the information.

“The Ukrainian Defense Forces are fighting exhausting battles against a superior enemy on designated positions and lines. The actions of our soldiers are aimed at inflicting maximum losses on the enemy, preventing defensive breaches, and avoiding encirclement,” the military stated.

Spokesman Viktor Trehubov during a television marathon said that there is a risk of operational encirclement near Velyka Novosilka.

“There is no full encirclement. There is a risk of operational encirclement, but efforts are being made to prevent it and to stop the Russians from blocking approaches to the settlement, even though they are trying to bring them under fire control,” he said.

The Ukrainian command is taking measures to strengthen the units, reinforce and secure the flanks. The military has also planned actions for potential developments in the tactical situation and its possible escalation.

According to Trehubov, the geographical location of the settlement poses particular challenges: the river crossing through Velyka Novosilka limits maneuverability.

“Amid heavy fighting, personnel losses, and the intense dynamics of war, the enemy is intensifying its psychological pressure on both frontline personnel and Ukrainian society as a whole. The main goal of Russian propagandists is to destabilize public sentiment, disorient society, and undermine trust in the military leadership and Defense Forces. This aims to reduce the resilience of Ukraine’s defenders and assist in their offensive operations,” added the Khortytsia operational-tactical group.

• On January 19, it was reported that in the Novopavlivka direction, the invading Russian forces, taking advantage of challenging weather conditions, launched offensive actions to block Velyka Novosilka.