Russian advances in southern Ukraine reach key junctions
In southern Ukraine, the defence forces are resisting a large Russian military formation consisting of about 200,000 soldiers, reported the spokesperson for the Southern Defence Forces, Władysław Wołoszyn.
"In the south, the Ukrainian Defence Forces face about 200,000 people," he said. Wołoszyn specified that on each front line section, the enemy deploys its forces according to their plans: in some places, strengthening forces, in others, maintaining defence.
Assault groups of 10 people
The spokesperson added that on several sections, the Russians are forming additional small assault groups consisting of up to 10 people. As reported by Ukrinform, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting a stabilization operation near the village of Lewadne, where the enemy has taken positions.
An important junction in the south of the Donetsk region
Wołoszyn admitted that Ukrainian units "have not noted significant progress" around the village of Lewadne.
He emphasized that, according to intelligence data, the opponent has not currently formed a group to conduct offensive actions.
"A few days ago, the opponent, using continuous assault actions, achieved partial success and occupied a small area to the depth of a platoon resistance point around the village of Lewadne. Currently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are conducting a stabilization operation to level the situation," said the spokesperson.
Record Russian gains: Front collapsed
Lewadne lies on the road to the town of Wielka Nowosiółka. The spokesperson emphasized that "this is an important junction in the south of the Donetsk region, effectively the border with the Dnipropetrovsk region."
Wołoszyn assured that the Ukrainian defence forces are doing everything possible to prevent the opponent from further advancing into Ukrainian territory's interior.
On Tuesday, an analysis of data from the American Institute for the Study of War, AFP reported that the Russian army gained about 477 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in October, a record since March 2022.
Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmitrij Marczenko said, "I will not reveal a military secret if I say that the front has collapsed."
