Russian Army Makes Gains In Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk & Zaporozhye (Videos)

File image.

The Russian military made additional gains in the directions of Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk and Zaprorozhye, according to reports from October 16.

In Donetsk, the Tsentr [Center] Group of Forces expanded its control in the Dobropillia salient, to the northeast of the city of Pokrvosk, capturing territory to the east of Dorozhnye. Russian troops solidified their control over the small settlement in recent days after fierce battle with Kiev forces.

This advance will allow Russian troops to attack Ivanivka and Nove Shakhove, expanding the width of the salient westward.

Another possibility is that the troops will launch an attack from Dorozhnye towards Bilyske to the southwest. Such a move would first sever the main route linking Pokrovsk with Dobropillia, and second mount pressure on remaining Ukrainian defensive in Rodynske, which is located to right to the south of the city.

To the west in Dnepropetrovsk, the Tsentr Group of Forces has reportedly resumed its advance towards Novopavlivka and made gains.

Russian troops took over a vast area to the east of Filiya, which is located to the southwest of Novopavlivka, with some reports suggesting that the route leading to the settlement from the Dachne had been served. This is yet to be confirmed, however.

The troops also secured some gains further to the west, specifically in the eastern part of Ivanivka, across the Vovcha River.

Ukraine’s recent losses near Novopavlivka were a direct result of its decision to prioritize the defense of Pokrovsk. A collapse there could open the way for Russian troops towards Mezhova, from there deeper into Dnepropetrovsk. This is unlikely to happen as of now.

Click to see full-size map.

Moving to the southwest in Zaprorozhye, the Vostok [East] Group of Forces continues to advance towards Huliapole, a stronghold of Kiev forces.

Russian troops crossed the Yanchur River in Poltavka, and are said to be fighting for the center of the settlement after securing most of its eastern part.

Click to see full-size map.

Capturing Poltavka would allow Russian troops to advance more rapidly along the Yanchur River. Ukrainian defenses along the river could collapse all the way north to Vyshneve in Dnepropetrovsk. If this happens, Kiev forces in Huliapole will find themselves under unprecedented pressure.

All in all, Ukraine does not appear to have any real strategy. Its forces are just attempting to hold onto their defenses, giving Pokrovsk the priority.

A major counteroffensive seems out of the question for Kiev, at least for the time being. But even if such a move was to be taken, success is far from being guaranteed.

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