Russian forces held back at Toretsk border as battles rage on, says local governor
Nation6 August 2024, 12:50 PM
Russian troops have not entered Toretsk but are near its administrative borders, according to reports on Aug. 5.
"As of today, the enemy is advancing to the administrative borders of Toretsk but has not entered the town," the report said.
Approximately 3,000 civilians remain in the settlement. Since June 24, 3,700 residents, including 97 children, have been evacuated.
Analysts from the DeepState monitoring group reported on Aug. 3 that the Russian army had advanced in two settlements in Donetsk Oblast, approaching Toretsk to within about 100 meters.
Situation in Donetsk Oblast
In June, Russian troops attempted to advance on Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Selydove in Donetsk Oblast, aiming to capture a vital highway to Kostyantynivka. Russia increased its offensive operations in Donetsk Oblast, intensifying attacks on the Toretsk-Horlivka direction, an area with little activity throughout 2024, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on June 23.
Russian forces launched an assault on Chasiv Yar from the Toretsk direction. On July 4, Khortytsia operational-strategic group spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn confirmed that Ukrainian Defense Forces had withdrawn from the Kanal neighborhood in Chasiv Yar. Later, Ukrainian troops also pulled out from Urozhayne village in Donetsk Oblast.
In July, DeepState reported the Russian capture of Rozdolivka village and the occupation of Prohres, where Ukrainian Defense Forces were surrounded until July 25. ISW reported on July 26 that Russian troops advanced near Avdiivka and likely captured Yasnobrodivka and Lozuvatske villages.
On July 30, reports indicated battles were underway on the outskirts of Toretsk. ISW wrote that Russian troops were moving intensively toward Pokrovsk and making significant tactical gains. However, on July 31, Toretsk authorities confirmed that Toretsk remained under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with ongoing fighting reported on the town's outskirts by DeepState.