Russian Army Enters Key Town Near Krasny Liman, Pushes Forward In Kostiantynivka (Videos)

File image.

Russian forces in Donetsk have entered another settlement in the directions of Krasny Liman after inflicting heavy losses on Kiev forces, all while securing more gains in the directions of Kostiantynivka.

On September 24, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the Zapad [West] Group of Forces were about to complete the “liberation” of Kirovsk, located right to the east of Krasny Liman.

Some 19 battalions of Kiev forces attempted to defend the key settlement, but ultimately failed, according to the ministry.

“The AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) relied on a standard tactic which is typical for the urban area of the Donbass. Each house and basement turned into well-fortified strongholds that are suitable for combat actions. Artificial obstacles and blanket mining of the terrain were employed to protect enemy units from assaults,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry noted that Kirovsk is surrounded by forests, highlands, which made it possible for Kiev forces to camouflage positions and oppose the advance of Russian troops.

The Ukrainians also established, according to the ministry, defensive positions along the Zherebets River, which was a natural water barrier in the way of the Russian troops.

“The Zapad Group’s units used a military deception, conducted a hasty crossing operation, and broke into the depths of the enemy’s defence,” the ministry said.

“As for now, the operation to mop up the remnants of the 63rd Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is under way,” it added.

The 63rd Mechanised Brigade and the 425th Separate Assault Regiment are reported to have suffered heavy losses before withdrawing from Kirovsk.

Kirovsk, also known as Zarichne, is the last major settlement to the west of Krasny Liman, a stronghold of Kiev forces. Once the settlement is secured, Russian troops will be to directly advance towards Krasny Liman, although this could take time.

The settlement is also located directly to the north of Yampil, where troops attacking from the east are currently working to establish a foothold. An assault on the northern outskirts of Yampil is also a possibility now.

Meanwhile in the direction of Kostiantynivka, more Russian gains were reported. In its daily briefing, the Russian MoD announced that the Yug [South] Group of Forces secured over 4.5 square kilometres of territory near the Kleban-Byk Reservoir.

In a separate statement released later, the ministry said that Russian troops are battling “motivated and well-trained neo-Nazis of the Azov special forces brigade and the Lyut assault brigade” near the Kleban-Byk Reservoir.

Once the Kleban-Byk Reservoir is cleared, Russian troops will essentially be a stone’s throw away from the southern outskirts of Kostiantynivka.

Kiev forces have been reportedly preparing their defenses in the dense industrial city. However, their inability to stop Russian advance in the Kleban-Byk Reservoir and in other nearby areas suggest that they may be short on manpower and equipment.

All in all, the Russian military continues to make steady advances in this part of Donetsk. Kiev forces do not appear to be capable of conducting any serious counterattack, and their resistance is slowly fading away especially in the direction from Krasny Liman to Seversk, and around Kostiantynivka.

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