Invaders approach Kurakhove — ISW assesses the situation

Russian occupiers approached Kurakhove, Donetsk region. The enemy has been conducting intensive offensive operations for two months. However, the invaders may face difficulties if Ukrainian soldiers decide to defend themselves at the Kurakhivska TPP.

This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The situation in the Kurakhove direction

According to geolocation footage, it is noted that the occupiers have recently advanced in the western part of Kurakhove and in the direction of windbreaks southwest of the city.

"ISW assesses that Russian troops have likely advanced to the administrative boundaries of Kurakhove and seized settlements and fields south of the town and north of Dalne," the report says.

Russian pro-war bloggers claim that the Fifth Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces has allegedly "raised the flag" in western Kurakhove, while the 110th and 114th Brigades are "advancing" on the northern and southern flanks of the city.

At the same time, Russian sources have contradictory assessments of the situation, as some claim to be advancing toward Dachne, while others admit to unsuccessful attacks on the Kurakhove TPP.

ISW emphasized that the TPP is located outside the administrative boundaries of the city.

"Russian troops spent just over two months seizing settlements covering an area of 7.3 square kilometers. They intensified offensive operations to capture Kurakhove in mid-October 2024, and ISW observed geolocation footage indicating that Russians first entered the town in late October 2024," analysts emphasize.

The occupiers have reportedly concentrated around 35,000-36,000 soldiers in the direction of Kurakhove in recent months, launching attacks to both attempt to capture the town and eliminate Ukrainian enclaves to the north and south of it.

"Russian forces likely suffered significant losses during this period of intense offensive operations. They have also conducted a large number of armored attacks in and around Kurakhove over the past two months and apparently suffered significant losses of armored vehicles," the statement reads.

Occupiers will face challenges

Russian bloggers admitted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to hold positions at the Kurakhivska TPP along the H-15 highway west of the city.

The ISW suggests that the occupants may try to bypass the thermal power plant by moving through the fields south of the road in the direction of Ulakly.

In addition, the enemy may try to advance south of Stari Terni in the direction of Dachne. The invaders are also likely to try to advance north of Zelenivka in the direction of Ulakly to threaten the supply of Ukrainian positions at the thermal power plant and complicate the possible withdrawal of troops from this area and positions in the fields south of Dachne.

According to analysts, the invaders may face difficulties in advancing along the H-15 highway west of Kurakhove if they try to launch a frontal attack through the area of the Kurakhove TPP, especially if the Ukrainian Armed Forces have sufficient defense.

As a reminder, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported the possible death of a deputy brigade commander of the Russian army. The incident occurred as a result of an attack on L'gov in the Kursk region.

Also, North Korean troops involved in combat operations in the Kursk region suffer significant losses.