Russian forces have intensified their campaign in Donetsk Oblast, capturing four new settlements: Novopustynka, Stari Terny, Illinka, and Novodmytrivka.

This strategic expansion is part of a larger offensive that has significantly escalated since late November, notably affecting areas such as Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. The Ukrainian General Staff reported a dramatic increase in military engagements, with 170 combat incidents recorded on December 5 alone. The fiercest battles occurred along the Pokrovskyi and Vremivskyi axes, where Ukrainian forces successfully repelled 37 Russian attempts in Pokrovsk and 35 in Vremivskyi, emphasizing the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

In addition to the four newly captured settlements, there have been reports of further Russian tactical advancements in Kurakhove, Romanivka, and near Uspeniivka. On December 1, DeepState noted significant progress by Russian troops in Kurakhove, particularly in the eastern residential districts, posing a new threat to the city’s industrial zone.

These developments highlight the increasing challenges faced by Ukrainian forces as they strive to defend critical areas within Donetsk Oblast amid the relentless Russian offensive. (ILKHA)