File image.
On January 19, the Russian military advanced near the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk and approached the city of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia.
In Donetsk, the Tsentr [Center] Group of Forces captured Novopavlovka, which is located to the northwest of Kostiantynivka, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The capture of the settlement marked the first Russian push in this area in a long time.
In the days leading to the capture of the settlement, Russian troops expanded their control close to Kostiantynivka, mainly near Stepanivka and Berestok, to the west and south of the city.
Operations around the city are clearly gaining momentum. Novopavlovka is on a road leading east to the city of Druzhkivka, the main logistic hub for Ukrainian troops fighting in Kostiantynivka. Further advance along this road would allow Russian drone units to target supply routes north of the city.
It’s worth noting that Russian troops are also attempting to approach Druzhkivka from the other side by advancing near Virolyubivka, which is located to the northeast of Kostiantynivka.
Meanwhile far to the west in Zaporizhzhia, the Russian MoD reported that the Vostok [East] Group of Forces had captured Pavlivka, which was located to the east of Stepnohirsk.
The capture of the settlement brought Russian troops a little closer to Orikhiv, which is located to the southeast. Next, the troops will likely work to clear all the area south to Shcherbaky and Mali Shcherbaky, then possibly advance towards Novoandriivka.
Such a push could take weeks, but it would allow the troops to reach the western outskirts of Orikhiv, and more importantly give them fire control over the road to the north of the city.
The Vostok Group already maintains positions close to the southern outskirts of Orikhiv, and is advancing towards the city’s eastern outskirts from the Haichur River line.
All in all, recent Russian gains near Kostiantynivka and Orikhiv show that Ukraine is still struggling with a shortage of manpower, and that the failure of the military leadership in Kiev has not been addressed yet. Both cities and more will likely come under Russian control by the end of the year.
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