The Russian forces continued ground attacks in all key sectors of the front and made confirmed advances near three locations in Donetsk Oblast, the Institute for Study of War (ISW) reported on 20 January.
According to ISW, Russian forces advanced within southern and northern Toretsk on 20 January 2024, as evidenced by geolocated footage from 18 and 20 January. A Russian military blogger claimed Russian forces captured a waste heap on Toretsk’s northwestern outskirts and are conducting bypassing maneuvers from the north near Krymske, though ISW notes these claims remain unconfirmed.
In the Pokrovsk direction, geolocated footage from 19 January shows Russian forces advanced at Pokrovske Mine no. 2 north of Kotlyne and in southern Kotlyne. While Russian military bloggers claim broader advances in the area, including full control of Kotlyne and progress in multiple surrounding settlements, ISW indicates these claims lack confirmation.
The Kurakhove direction has also seen Russian advances, with geolocated footage from 19 and 20 January showing progress south of Petropavlivka and southeast of Kostyantynopil.
A Ukrainian officer operating in the Toretsk area stated on 20 January that Russian forces had not made significant advances near Krymske and Ozaryanivka, contrary to some reports, but are deploying small sabotage and reconnaissance groups to probe Ukrainian positions on Toretsk’s flanks.
Related:
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- Russian troops risk “Bakhmut trap” in Pokrovsk push, Ukraine deputy says
- Ukraine destroys 7 Russian vehicles near strategic hub Velyka Novosilka as UK intel confirms offensive
- ISW: Russia shifts forces from captured Kurakhove for new Pokrovsk offensive
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- Russian forces cut off two supply routes to strategic Pokrovsk hub
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