Russia ramps up its offensive near Selidove – reports

Russian forces have stepped up their assaults near Selidove in Donetsk oblast on Monday, concentrating large numbers of infantry in an effort to break through Ukrainian lines. The National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) reported fierce fighting in the area, with a surge in attacks along the Pokrovsk front.

National Guard troops said they have thwarted 17 Russian attempts to storm their positions over the past 24 hours. These engagements saw Russian troops suffering heavy losses, with 125 soldiers killed and another 148 injured.

The Pokrovsk area remains one of the most intense flashpoints on the eastern front. The General Staff of Ukraine warned on October 20 that the situation in this sector remains challenging though it was still “under control”. Ukrainian officials have voiced concerns over the potential threat to the town of Pokrovsk, which lies close to a critical coking coal mining region essential to the country’s steel industry. As of October 16, Russian forces have pushed to within 12 kilometres of the town.

The situation is serious at Kurakhove where Russian forces continue to push towards Hirnyk, Novodmytrivka, Kurakhivka, and nearby communities. The intensity of the fighting in this sector highlights the strategic importance of this region to both sides.