The last few days have brought the Russian army some tactical successes on the front in the Donetsk region. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops were able to advance in the area of the town of Selidove, putting serious pressure on Ukrainian forces in this direction. The success in Selidove and the surrounding areas allows Russian troops to consolidate their positions in the southern direction, although the advance towards Pokrovsk remains limited.
Geolocation footage from October 22 and 23 shows that Russian forces advanced in the northeast of the city along Shokhodya Street, as well as north along Berehoveya and Zakhisnyky Streets towards the center of Selydove. In addition, on October 23, footage emerged confirming that units of the Russian 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade had captured the village of Izmailovka, southeast of Selydove.
The offensive on the southern outskirts of Novoselidivka and the Russian advance into the fields near Tsukuryne indicate Russia’s intentions to expand control over this part of Donetsk Oblast. However, the concentration of Russian troops in this region may prove to be a double-edged sword. According to ISW experts, Ukraine continues to actively defend Selidove, which delays the advance of Russian troops, presumably concentrated on the southern flank of Pokrovsk, a key Russian operational objective.
Despite some Russian successes, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold their positions in Selidove. However, there is a possibility that the Defense Forces may be forced to retreat due to the threat of encirclement. In particular, open data analysis expert Julian Röpke stated that Ukrainian troops managed to temporarily stop the Russian offensive in the Selidove area, but the pressure in this direction remains high.
This situation once again emphasizes that the battle for the Donetsk region continues to remain one of the most acute fronts of the war, where every tactical victory or defeat can significantly affect the further development of events.
