Russian troops gaining control over Kurakhove – reports

Source: Institute for the Study of War

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said on Friday Russian troops have taken control of Kurakhove and the surrounding fields to the south and areas north of the village of Dalneye.  The geolocated data from December 24 and 25 suggests enemy troops have made gains in the city’s western outskirts, pushing toward windbreak zones southwest of the settlement.

Some Russian military bloggers claim their army has raised the Russian flag over Kurakhove’s western sector. Reports suggest several motorized rifle units and a motorized rifle division are charging ahead on the northern and southern flanks of the town.

The accounts from Russian sources are though conflicting.  Some of them claim their troops have pushed past Kurakhove toward Dachne, while others allege attacks are still targeting the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant located outside the city’s borders.

Kurakhove has long been on Moscow’s radar.  By late October, Russian forces reportedly reached the city, but at a steep cost. ISW estimates that Russia deployed 35,000–36,000 troops for this offensive, suffering heavy losses in manpower and armored vehicles over the last few months.

Ukrainian forces, part of the “Khortytsia” operational-strategic group, have recently acknowledged losing some positions in the area.