Russian forces have taken control of the town of Novohrodivka in eastern Ukraine, a development that signifies Moscow’s continued advance in the region. Novohrodivka, situated just 12 kilometers from the strategically important city of Pokrovsk, serves as a key rail and road hub for Ukrainian forces. This capture marks a significant step in Russia’s ongoing campaign to secure the entire Donbas region, an area roughly half the size of Ohio, which has been partially controlled by Russia since the invasion began in February 2022.
While the Russian Defence Ministry announced the capture of Novohrodivka, Ukrainian military sources paint a different picture of the situation. The General Staff of the Ukrainian military reported repelling 29 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk sector, including Novohrodivka, and stated that seven skirmishes were ongoing. They assured the public that Ukrainian forces are taking measures to maintain their designated positions. However, a Ukrainian officer interviewed by Radio Liberty last week confirmed that Ukrainian troops had retreated from Novohrodivka due to unfavorable defensive positions.
The intensity of the fighting in the Pokrovsk sector is evident from reports from both sides. Popular Ukrainian war blog DeepState claimed that Russian forces had captured the nearby village of Nevelske. This information, however, remains unverified due to limitations on reporting in the warzone.
Beyond the immediate battlefield, the situation also reflects larger strategic maneuvers. President Vladimir Putin asserted last week that a Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk had failed to hinder Russia’s advance in eastern Ukraine, potentially weakening Kyiv’s defenses along the front lines. This claim was countered by Ukraine’s top military commander, who stated that the incursion into Kursk was effectively diverting Russian forces away from key areas like Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, slowing down their advance.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, added that the Kursk operation served another purpose: preventing Russian forces from crossing the border in the opposite direction. He emphasized that the objective was not to achieve territorial gains in Russia but to create a strategic distraction and prevent further Russian incursions into Ukrainian territory.
The intensity of fighting and strategic maneuvering highlight the ongoing struggle for control over eastern Ukraine. With Russia currently controlling around 80% of the Donbas region, the capture of Novohrodivka marks a significant step in their efforts to solidify their hold on the area. However, the Ukrainian military maintains its resistance, and the outcome of the conflict in the region remains uncertain.
