Russian forces have captured the village of Sontsivka in Donetsk Oblast, the DeepState analytical project reported overnight on 18 December.

Sontsivka with a population of about 700  is located in the Kurakhove urban community of Pokrovsk district, Donetsk Oblast. The village lies approximately 40-50 kilometers northwest of the Russian border. It is situated on the frontline, with recent military actions indicating Russian advances in the area towards Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka.

Russian forces have also advanced near Novotroitske, Berestky, Zelenivka, Novy Komar, Storozheve, in Kurakhove, Pushkine, Dachenske and Vidrodzhennia, DeepState reports.

The capture of Sontsivka follows the recent Russian occupation of Hannivka in Donetsk Oblast, according to DeepState. The analytical project warns that Russian forces continue to reduce the Vremivka salient in Donetsk Oblast, creating a risk of encirclement of Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka.

Russia continues its offensive to capture remaining areas of Donetsk Oblast, focusing on Pokrovsk, which is notheast from the Sontsivka. Pokrovsk’s strategic importance stems from its role as a logistics hub and transportation nexus for Ukrainian forces, making it essential for sustaining military operations in the eastern front.

Read also:

• Russians forces advance near five settlements in Donetsk Oblast – Deep State
• Russia occupies four more settlements in Donetsk Oblast – Deep State
• Russian Forces capture Novoselydivka and Petrivka in Donetsk Oblast, advance in Kharkiv – Deep State