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, marked a significant milestone in the battle for Donbas.
The first assault, which took place on Wednesday, was met by a synchronized defense by the Ukrainian 79th Airborne Assault Brigade, which used mines, artillery, rockets and drones. As a result, the occupiers were forced to retreat, losing six tanks, seven infantry fighting vehicles (IWVs) and all 12 motorcycles. Russian losses amounted to 40 killed 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 also met with stiff resistance, and the attackers again retreated, leaving behind a knocked-out tank and two combat vehicles.
The Ukrainian 79th Airborne Assault Brigade ironically reported on the enemy's losses: "Twenty-three Russians graduated from the SVO ahead of schedule. Another 29 received injuries of varying severity." These words emphasize the heavy losses suffered by the occupiers in another failed breakthrough attempt.
According to Forbes, the situation on 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 attrition for Russian troops, who are repeating attacks but are again and again met with stiff Ukrainian defenses.
The analytical group Frontelligence Insight predicted this situation back in April. In their opinion, Kurakhivka is a key target for the Russians, as its capture would allow the occupiers to gain control of the nearby fortress of Kurakhovo and consolidate control over the Donetsk region.
“It is likely that the Russians will try to reach Kurakhivka in order to gain the opportunity to cut off Kurakhovo from logistical routes… Due to the relatively favorable defensive structures and geographical conditions of this area, we do not expect a rapid advance of Russian troops there,” explained analysts at Frontelligence Insight.
They also noted that Russian military leaders are attacking in several sectors simultaneously, making it difficult to achieve their goals due to the lack of sufficient forces. However, any successful attack could be a breakthrough that could provoke the collapse of Ukrainian defenses and allow the occupiers to advance.
The current situation is reminiscent of events west of Avdiivka, where Russian forces were able to achieve a gradual advance. Russian commanders are likely 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.
