Russia may encircle Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka, monitoring group says

Russian troops may encircle Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka, located 74 kilometers from the regional center of Donetsk, the monitoring group DeepState reported on Dec. 17.

DeepState, an independent mapping project known for its close ties to Ukraine's Defense Ministry and widely trusted for accurate territorial updates, highlighted that Russian operations in the area aim to sever logistics and occupy the village.

According to DeepState's map, Ukrainian troops in Makarivka south of Velyka Novosilka have been almost surrounded. Analysts warn that the situation around Makarivka is becoming more critical as Russian troops continue their advances.

A recent Russian raid on Novyi Komar, just 4 kilometers north of Velyka Novosilka, achieved partial success, with Russian forces reportedly entering the village.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously described the ongoing Russian offensive as "one of the most powerful" since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Over the autumn, Russian forces have achieved operational gains in southern Donetsk Oblast, particularly near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, and Kupiansk, while also advancing on Russian soil in Kursk Oblast.

Russia heavily attacking in Kursk Oblast for 3rd day, ‘actively’ using North Korean troops, Syrskyi says

“For the third day, Russian forces have been conducting intensive offensive operations in Kursk Oblast, actively using North Korean units,” Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek