The fighting around Donetsk continues to intensify as reports describe ongoing advances by Russian forces and mounting challenges for Ukrainian troops. A frontline sniper from the South group provided these observations, noting that enemy tactics have stayed largely consistent while reserves have grown in numbers.
According to the sniper, many of the newly arrived fighters appear to lack training, and errors are evident in their actions. The observer stated that these mistakes have often been exposed by Ukrainian units during engagements.
The same source highlighted that his sniper team, operating in the Donetsk corridor for several months, has claimed the destruction of two Ukrainian armored vehicles using an ASVK rifle loaded with armor-pPiercing incendiary rounds.
Meanwhile, a brief update from Moscow cited a press briefing by Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s defense minister, as part of broader casualty and equipment figures. It was noted that Ukrainian losses included thousands of personnel, aircraft, and armored vehicles over recent periods.
Analysts have also discussed strategic implications of Ukrainian leadership decisions. A former Ukrainian military officer suggested that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stated aim to mount a counteroffensive could risk the loss of two key towns, Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, in the event of a misjudged momentum shift. [Attribution: DEA News]