Russians trying to bypass Toretsk’s defenses using underground routes — Khortytsia group
Russians are trying to bypass Toretsk’s defenses. (Photo: Serhii Okunyev / NV)
Russian forces are attempting to bypass the defenses of
Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast, including by using underground routes to infiltrate
behind Ukrainian lines, according to Ukraine’s Khortytsia operational-strategic troop group.
Russians have adopted a new tactic in the area, spokesperson
for the Khortytsia group, Maj.
Viktor Trehubov, said on the national television.
“Yesterday, we received information that the enemy is trying
to use underground routes to move into the rear of Ukrainian forces on certain
streets of Toretsk,” he said.
Trehubov explained that Russian troops are not only
attacking from the flanks in an effort to outmaneuver Ukrainian defenses, but
also advancing from below.
“This is also a priority direction. The Russians are trying
to use every available option to bypass Ukrainian forces,” he said.
He added that Russian troops are attempting to push into the
city from several directions.
“If near Pokrovsk we’re seeing Russia try to break through
around the city, in Toretsk it’s urban combat, pure and simple,” Trehubov said.
On March 30, Sviatoslav Lesiuk, deputy commander of the 1st
Mechanized Battalion of the 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, said Russian
forces were trying to flank Toretsk. He said overall combat activity in the
city had intensified.
A March 28 report by the Institute for the Study of War said
Ukrainian troops had recently made minor advances near Toretsk, Pokrovsk and
Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast.
On March 16, analysts from the DeepState project reported
that Russian forces had turned the Central mine in Toretsk into rubble.
“As a result, it’s difficult for our troops to hold that
position anymore,” the analysts said, noting that Russia has more manpower in
the area.
DeepState also reported that Russian forces recently rotated
in units from the 150th Motorized Rifle Division.
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