Russia intensifying armored assault near Mariinka, UK intelligence believes
Donetsk Oblast (Photo:REUTERS/Oleksandr Klymenko)
Russia has most likely intensified its use of armored vehicles in the area of the town of Mariinka, Donetsk Oblast, the UK’s Defense Intelligence update on Ukraine as of April 10 reads.
"Over the last seven days, Russia has likely increased its armored assaults around the Donetsk Oblast town of Mariinka, 20 km south-west of Donetsk city," the UK’s Ministry of Defense wrote on Twitter.
The fight for Mariinka has been ongoing since 2014, the ministry added. The town has been heavily ruined by artillery fire since then, however, it remains a strategic choke point that allows control of the roads to Donetsk, in particular the key H15 highway.
However, Russia has thus far been unsuccessful in its efforts to capture the town, despite prioritizing the Donetsk Oblast frontline, including Mariinka and Avdiivka. This has resulted in large amounts of resources used for minimal gain, UK intelligence believes.
According to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the invading Russian forces lose about two companies per day near Avdiivka and Mariinka alone.
The Donetsk Oblast towns of Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mariinka remain the hottest spots of the frontline.
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