Russia takes another town in Donetsk and already occupies 18% of the territory that Ukraine had before the war | International

Russia is continuing its advance in Ukraine by capturing Zhelanne Drugue in the Donetsk region, following the capture of Vugledar, thereby controlling 18% of Ukrainian territory. The Russian mechanized offensive is encountering little resistance from Kyiv’s forces, and experts predict that the next target will be Pokrovsk before winter. The speed of Russian advancements in Donbas is the fastest since the onset of the military campaign, raising concerns among Ukrainian forces about their personnel shortages for defending positions.

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Russia announced on Saturday that it has captured another town in the Donetsk region, in its advance towards the Kurajove bastion, which is their next target following this week’s seizure of Vugledar. According to a war report from the Russian Defense Ministry, the town is Zhelanne Drugue, located a few kilometers from Kurajove.

Zhelanne Drugue had a population of only 240 before the war, but its capture confirms that the current Russian mechanized offensive in Donetsk cannot be halted by Kyiv forces.

In addition to Vugledar, which represents the largest Russian military success in over six months, Moscow has taken four other smaller towns in Donetsk this week.

Russia occupies 18% of Ukrainian territory

“Thanks to active and decisive actions, the units of the Southern troop group liberated the village of Zhelannoye Vtoroye,” the Defense Ministry stated, using the Russian name for the town. This village is located southeast of the city of Ukrainsk, which the Russian army captured at the end of September.

With this latest conquest, Russia now occupies 18% of the territory that Ukraine held prior to the war.

The main goal of the offensive that Moscow launched in October 2023 against Donbas is now Pokrovsk, which is within reach of Russian troops before the arrival of the harsh winter, as per Western experts.

According to American media, Russian troops are seizing territories at a pace not seen in Donbas since the start of the military campaign.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has associated the withdrawal from Vugledar with the inability to strike targets on Russian territory using long-range Western missiles. However, Ukrainian military sources, cited by German Wave, believe that the real issue is the critical shortage of personnel to defend positions across various sectors of the front.

Russia continues its advance in Ukraine by conquering Zhelanne Drugue in the Donetsk region, after the capture of Vugledar, thus adding 18% of Ukrainian territory. The Russian mechanized offensive meets no resistance from Kyiv’s forces, and experts predict that the next objective will be Pokrovsk before winter. The speed of Russian conquests in Donbas is the greatest since the start of the military campaign, while the shortage of personnel to defend positions worries the Ukrainian forces.

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Russia announced this Saturday that it conquered another town in the Donetsk region, in its advance towards the Kurajove bastion, their next objective after this week’s takeover of Vugledar. According to the war report of Russian Defense Ministry, it is the town of Zhelanne Drugue, which is located a few kilometers from Kurajove.

Zhelanne Drugue had barely 240 inhabitants before the war, but its control confirms that the current Russian mechanized offensive in Donetsk cannot be stopped by Kyiv forces.

In addition to Vugledar, the biggest Russian military success in more than six months, Moscow this week took four other minor towns in Donetsk.

Russia Occupies 18% of Ukrainian Territory

“Thanks to active and decisive action, units of the South troop group liberated the village of Zhelannoye Vtoroye,” the Defense Ministry said, using the Russian name for the town. This village is located southeast of the city of Ukrainsk, which the Russian army captured at the end of September.

With this new conquest, Russia currently occupies 18% of the territory that Ukraine had before the start of the war.

Now, the main objective of the offensive that Moscow launched in October 2023 against Donbas is Pokrovsk, within reach of Russian troops before the arrival of the harsh winter, according to Western experts.

Russian Military Strategy in Ukraine

According to reports, Russian troops are taking territories at a speed that has not been seen in Donbas since the beginning of the military campaign. This rapid advance is attributed to several factors:

• Mechanized Forces: The Russian army has reinforced its mechanized divisions, which has led to increased mobility and combat efficiency.
• Intelligence Operations: Enhanced intelligence gathering has allowed for more strategic planning and execution of operations.
• Ukrainian Resource Challenges: The Ukrainian forces are reportedly facing a critical shortage of manpower and resources, affecting their defense capabilities.

Impact on Ukrainian Defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has noted the challenges faced by his forces, linking the withdrawal from Vugledar to the limitations in striking targets on Russian territory with long-range Western missiles. Military analysts suggest that:

Analysis Factor	Description
Personnel Shortage	The pressing shortage of personnel has led to difficulties in defending multiple frontlines.
Strategic Withdrawals	Ukrainian forces are increasingly forced to make tactical withdrawals to save manpower.
Western Support	Continued Western support remains crucial for replenishing resources and military supplies.

Future Prospects for Ukraine

The upcoming winter presents a challenging environmental scenario for military operations, potentially impacting the capabilities of both Russian and Ukrainian forces. The battle for Pokrovsk is seen as pivotal, as it could dictate the course of military engagements in the region. Analysts are watching closely to see how both sides adapt their strategies in response to the changing conditions.