Recently, the Russian occupiers made a large-scale attempt to break through Ukrainian positions in eastern Ukraine, sending 57 armored vehicles and a dozen motorcyclists to storm the Ukrainian fortress in Kurakhivka. This incident, which took place east of Kurakhivka, became an important stage in the battle for Donbas.
The first assault, which took place on Wednesday, was met by a synchronized defense of the Ukrainian 79th Airborne Assault Brigade, which used mines, artillery, missiles and drones. As a result, the occupiers were forced to retreat, losing six tanks, seven infantry fighting vehicles (IPVs) and all 12 motorcycles. Russian losses amounted to 40 dead and 37 wounded.
However, this defeat did not stop the enemy, and the next day they tried again, throwing 17 vehicles into the attack. This time the attack was also met with stiff resistance and the attackers retreated again, leaving behind a knocked out tank and two combat vehicles.
The Ukrainian 79th Airborne Assault Brigade reported ironically about the enemy's losses: "Twenty-three Russians graduated from military training ahead of schedule. Another 29 received injuries of varying degrees of severity." These words emphasize the heavy losses suffered by the occupiers in yet another unsuccessful attempt to break through.
According to Forbes, the situation at the front in Kurakhivka is different from the situation in the Avdiivka area, where Russian forces are slowly advancing. Kurakhivka has become a trap for the exhaustion of Russian troops, who repeat attacks, but again and again meet with a tough Ukrainian defense.
The analytical group Frontelligence Insight predicted such a situation back in April. According to them, Kurakhivka is a key target for the Russians, as its capture will allow the occupiers to gain control over the nearby Kurakhove fortress and consolidate control over the Donetsk region.
"It is likely that the Russians will try to reach Kurakhivka in order to get the opportunity to cut off Kurakhove from the logistics routes... Due to the relatively favorable defensive structures and geographical conditions of the area, we do not expect a rapid advance of Russian troops there," Frontelligence Insight analysts explained.
They also noted that Russian military commanders attack in several sectors at the same time, which makes it difficult to achieve their goals due to a lack of sufficient forces. However, any successful attack could be a breakthrough that could trigger the collapse of Ukrainian defenses and allow the occupiers to advance.
The current situation is reminiscent of the events west of Avdiivka, where Russian forces were able to achieve a gradual advance. Russian commanders are probably hoping for a repeat of this scenario east of Kurakhivka. Analysts warn that a slow, gradual advance is still possible, and Ukrainian defenders must be prepared for new attacks.
Forbes shares these concerns, pointing out that while recent attacks have ended in disaster for the adversary, any subsequent one could succeed.
