**Ukrainian and Russian Forces Make Gains in Donetsk Oblast**
In recent days, both Ukrainian and Russian forces have made territorial advances in the war-torn region of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. According to updates from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Ukrainian OSINT project DeepState, the two sides have been locked in a battle for control over key strongholds.
**Russia’s Push for Control**
For months, Russia has been pushing to capture the remaining parts of Donetsk Oblast, with a focus on the cities of Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar. These areas are crucial for Russia’s military strategy, as they provide a vital link between the Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine and the rest of the country.
**Ukrainian Progress Near Toretsk**
One area where Ukrainian forces have made significant progress is near the settlement of Druzhba, which lies east of Toretsk. Geolocated footage published on 10 May confirmed that Ukrainian troops had advanced northeast of Druzhba, marking one of the few recent gains for the Ukrainian military in this part of the front.
**Russian Advancements in Multiple Directions**
Despite Ukraine’s progress near Toretsk, Russian forces have made significant advances in multiple directions. According to geolocated video footage from 12 May cited by ISW, Russian units have advanced northwest of Berezivka, southwest of Toretsk, and seized positions along the T-0504 highway that connects Pokrovsk to Kostyantynivka.
In another area, Russian troops have made gains southwest of Myrolyubivka, located east of Pokrovsk. They reportedly seized control of a reservoir in this region. Additionally, footage shows Russian forces advancing north of Kotlyarivka, which lies east of Novopavlivka. ISW assessed that they likely seized the settlement, and Russian milbloggers claimed that elements of the 35th Motorized Rifle Brigade participated in the seizure.
**DeepState Confirms Some Russian Gains**
In an updated report on 13 May, DeepState confirmed some Russian advances around Toretsk and several other settlements near Pokrovsk. According to their battle map, Russian forces made partial advances in Toretsk city itself and near the settlements of Romanivka and Novooleynivka.
**Commentary**
The recent gains by both Ukrainian and Russian forces highlight the intense fighting that is taking place in Donetsk Oblast. Despite Ukraine’s progress near Toretsk, Russia’s military advantage remains a significant concern for Kyiv. The ongoing battle for control over key strongholds will likely continue to be a crucial factor in shaping the course of the conflict.
The involvement of multiple Russian units and formations suggests that Moscow is committed to making gains in this region, despite the heavy losses it has suffered in recent months. Ukraine’s military strategy must take into account these developments, as it seeks to hold its ground against Russia’s relentless pressure.
**Deeper Analysis**
The war in Donetsk Oblast remains a complex and multifaceted conflict, with both sides trading territorial gains and losses on a regular basis. The recent advances by Ukrainian forces near Toretsk offer hope that Kyiv may be able to stem the tide of Russian aggression, but it is clear that the fight for control over this region will continue for many months to come.
As the battle for Donetsk Oblast rages on, both sides must take into account the human cost of their actions. Civilians in the affected areas are caught in the middle of this conflict, forced to live with the constant threat of shelling and artillery fire.
In the coming weeks and months, it will be essential to monitor the situation on the ground closely, as Ukraine’s military strategy evolves to respond to Russia’s changing tactics. The fate of Donetsk Oblast, and the future of Ukraine itself, hang in the balance.
