Ukrainian forces are reportedly carrying out a “partial withdrawal” from the strategic city of Toretsk amidst ongoing heavy fighting, according to Russian state media. The situation on the ground is described as “very dire” for Ukrainian troops in the area.
Toretsk, located in the Donetsk region, is situated north of Avdiivka—previously a Ukrainian stronghold lost to Russia in February—and southwest of Bakhmut, which fell to Russian control in May 2023. Throughout this year, Russian forces have been steadily pushing westward in Donetsk, a key area repeatedly targeted by their assaults.
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Fighting remains intense around Toretsk and west of Avdiivka, as Russian troops work towards capturing the vital logistics hub of Pokrovsk. Meanwhile, they are also focusing efforts west of Bakhmut to seize the town of Chasiv Yar.
Major Anastasiya Bobovnikova, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk group, noted that battles are occurring at “literally every entrance” to Toretsk. The head of the local military administration, Vasily Chynchyk, acknowledged on Friday that Russian forces had taken control of 50 to 60 percent of the city.
In contrast, Bobovnikova indicated that only the eastern part of Toretsk is under Russian control. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War stated that Russian forces hold at least 38 percent of the city, emphasizing that heavy urban combat is ongoing.
On Sunday, Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched 15 attacks around Toretsk in the previous 24 hours. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed its forces had targeted multiple frontline positions in Donetsk, including areas southwest of Toretsk.
According to Bobovnikova, Russia is employing tactics similar to those used in other besieged Donetsk cities, attempting to “erase the city with artillery” before sending in troops in small groups.