Recently, Russian forces have ramped up their activities near Toretsk. Analysts suggest that the Russians are attempting to create opportunities for advancement towards Chasiv Yar and Avdiivka.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that Moscow’s preparatory activities demonstrate a more advanced level of operational planning than before. However, the limited tactical potential of Russian forces may complicate achieving these objectives.
Why Toretsk is Important to the Russians
Analysts point out that Russian forces are using Toretsk as a staging ground for further offensive operations.
If they can expand their control in the Shumy-Yuzhne-Severne-Toretsk area, it will allow them to threaten Chasiv Yar from the south and support offensives from the north, particularly near Kalynivka.
Additionally, Russian troops are actively operating to the south and southeast of Chasiv Yar, focusing on settlements such as Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Kurdiumivka. This indicates that the Russian command aims to maintain access to the southern flank of Chasiv Yar.
Recent advancements by Russian forces in Maiorske have established positions on the eastern bank of the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal, allowing them to advance along the canal towards Chasiv Yar.
ISW experts believe that the Russian command intensified offensive operations near Toretsk in mid-June due to the strategic location of this area.
From here, they can attack northward towards Chasiv Yar, as well as west or southwest towards Avdiivka, depending on the developments on the front lines.
The Status of Russian Forces Near Toretsk
Analysts note that Russian forces in the Toretsk area mainly consist of lower-quality units from the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) militants and territorial troops.
This could pose a significant barrier to conducting effective offensive operations, especially considering the expected additional military aid for Ukraine in the coming weeks and months.
