Jamie Spencer
Russian troops are making notable gains in the western Donetsk region, advancing toward the strategically important town of Velyka Novosilka. The town serves as a critical logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, and its capture could disrupt supply lines to the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Advances Toward Velyka Novosilka
The ISW reported Monday that Russian forces are attempting to encircle Velyka Novosilka from its eastern and northeastern flanks. The town’s strategic importance stems from its role as a supply hub connecting Ukrainian troops across multiple regions.
The potential loss of Velyka Novosilka would not only hinder Ukraine’s defensive efforts in the region but also expose nearby towns such as Hulyaipole and Orikhiv to greater risk. Additionally, Russian control of the town could pave the way for further incursions into the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Recent Russian Gains
Russian troops have reportedly captured Zoria, Sontsivka, and three other settlements south of Velyka Novosilka. The advances were corroborated by geolocated footage and reports from pro-Russian military bloggers. Forces from Russia’s 5th Tank Brigade and 37th Motorized Rifle Brigade are heavily involved in the fighting around the town.
Further advances have also been reported southeast of Kurakhove and near Romanivka, where Russian platoon-sized mechanized units have pushed forward. While these gains may not signal an immediate collapse of Ukraine’s defensive lines, the ISW notes that they could become “operationally significant” if Russian commanders capitalize on the recent momentum—a prospect that remains uncertain.
The Largest Advances of the Year
The Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState, cited by independent outlet Agentstvo, said on Monday that Russian forces had captured 90 square miles of territory over the past week. This marks the largest territorial gain in a single week this year, surpassing Russia’s advances in October, which had been the most substantial since the war began.
Strategic Implications
Despite these advances, Ukraine continues to receive international military support, including permission from the White House to use ATACMS long-range missile systems to strike inside Russian territory. However, concerns are mounting about the future of U.S. aid under a potential Trump administration, which could alter the balance of power in the conflict.
The recent Russian advances in western Donetsk highlight the evolving dynamics on the battlefield. While Ukraine’s defensive lines remain intact for now, the loss of key supply hubs like Velyka Novosilka could have far-reaching consequences. As international aid continues to play a critical role, the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict remains as pivotal as the battles on the ground.
