Russian forces tighten grip as intense battle for Toretsk rages
The center of Toretsk is almost entirely under Russian control, reported the DeepState project. Fighting continues in the city, where some areas remain under Ukrainian control.
Intense battles for Toretsk in the Donetsk region continue. The city is considered the "gateway" to the north of Donbas. The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that the city is completely captured; however, according to the DeepState project, Ukrainian forces are still active there.
"The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their defensive operation in Toretsk. Fighting continues in the Zabalka district, as well as on the northern and western outskirts. The city center is almost entirely under enemy control," the report noted.
Ukrainians do not report defeats
DeepState reported that the news of Toretsk's capture quickly spread online in Ukraine as well. This is due to Kyiv's information policy, which provides limited updates about the situation on the front lines.
"The public has still not been informed about the loss of Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka, which raises many questions for those who create the official narrative," notes DeepState.
Fighting for Toretsk
The battles for Toretsk have lasted for over five months. According to Russian sources, more than 26,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died. The Russian Ministry of Defense did not disclose its military losses.
Before the war, Toretsk had a population of over 30,000 people. The city was home to coal mines and a coking plant. The sign at the entrance to the city reads "Toretsk, city of miners."
