Russian forces have successfully overrun two front-line villages in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, following relentless assaults as part of a major Kremlin summer offensive aimed at overwhelming Ukrainian battlefield defenses. This significant advance was reported on Monday by a Ukrainian army sergeant.
“They pressed non-stop,” said Oleh Chaus, the chief sergeant of Ukraine’s 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, in an interview with Radio Svoboda. “They sent in a large number of troops, which had not previously been used.” This intensive military effort led to the capture of the villages of Vovche and Prohres.
In recent days, Russia’s Defense Ministry has claimed control over these villages. However, the Ukrainian General Staff has yet to make an official comment regarding these developments.
Vovche and Prohres are strategically located approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Avdiivka, a key city in Donetsk that the Russian army seized in February after a protracted battle. That victory marked the Kremlin’s last major success in the ongoing conflict, now in its third year.
The Russian offensive has been characterized by a significant numerical and equipment advantage, forcing Ukrainian troops to withdraw from fortified positions to avoid encirclement or capture. This strategy has led to repeated retreats by Ukrainian forces, which struggle to maintain their defensive lines under heavy Russian pressure.
Oleksandr Shyshyn, the deputy battalion commander of the 47th brigade, confirmed the loss of the villages to local media. He attributed the setbacks to several factors, including poor training of troops, low capabilities of officers, lack of motivation among soldiers, and inadequate weaponry.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine addressed the nation late Sunday, describing the situation in the Donetsk region as “extremely challenging.” He highlighted the formidable obstacles faced by Ukrainian forces in holding their ground against a much larger and better-equipped Russian military.
The Kremlin’s strategy has focused on attritional warfare, utilizing powerful glide bombs to devastate Ukrainian defenses before infantry units move in to secure territory. This methodical approach has enabled incremental territorial gains for Russia as it seeks another significant breakthrough along the front lines.
The Ukrainian army faces substantial challenges, being significantly outgunned by Russia’s larger forces along the approximately 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. Despite these difficulties, Ukrainian troops continue to resist and adapt to the evolving battlefield conditions.
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