Toretsk teeters: Russian control tightens amid ongoing clashes
The centre of Toretsk is almost completely under Russian control, according to the DeepState project. Fighting continues in the city, where some areas remain under Ukrainian control.
Intense battles for Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast, considered the "gateway" to the northern Donbas, are ongoing. The Russian Ministry of Defence claims the city has been fully captured. However, the DeepState project suggests Ukrainians are still maintaining a presence there.
"The Ukrainian Defence Forces continue their defensive operations in Toretsk. Battles are ongoing in the Zabałka district and on the northern and western outskirts. The city centre is almost completely under enemy control," it was reported.
Ukrainians do not report defeats
DeepState noted that news of Toretsk's capture spread rapidly across the internet in Ukraine. This can be attributed to Kyiv's information policy, which is selectively informative about the front-line situation.
"The public is still not informed about the loss of Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka, which raises many questions for those delivering the official narrative," observes DeepState.
Battle for Toretsk
The battles for Toretsk have been ongoing for over five months. According to Russian sources, more than 26,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died. The Ministry did not disclose losses among its own troops.
Before the war, Toretsk had over 30,000 residents. The town was home to coal mines and a coking plant. A sign at the city entrance reads "Toretsk, the city of miners."
