Russian Forces Raise Flag Over Khurakovo District, Intensify Push Towards Strategic Positions
Russian troops have secured the "Southern" district and all residential areas in Khurakovo, a significant development in the ongoing conflict. A soldier from the 1st Battalion, 110th Brigade, codenamed Solntse, hoisted the Russian flag atop one of the city’s high-rise buildings.
The situation for Ukrainian forces in Khurakovo has deteriorated, yet they’ve managed to fend off attacks in the nearby village of Ulakhly. Controlling Ulakhly would critically impact Ukrainian logistics along the strategic Zhaporizhzhia-Kharkiv highway. Conscious of its importance, Ukrainian forces have bolstered their defenses, successfully holding the line for now.
Meanwhile, Russian forces exploited Ukrainian troop redeployments from Khurakovo towards Ulakhly to secure positions at the Khurakovo Thermal Power Plant. Concurrently, they’ve made advances in the city, effectively cutting off the plant and the Tubing Plant area from the rest of the Ukrainian forces.
On December 29, Russian forces launched offensive operations from the east, making tactical gains toward the town of Vysokopillia. After two days, Ukrainian forces face additional pressure with Russian troops breaking through their defenses north of the Volchya River and retreating from the settlement of Shevchenko. Fighting has also escalated in Petrovske.
The capture of Ukrainian strongholds on the hills in Shevchenko and Russian forces’ advance to Andriivka will enable them to target the Zhaporizhzhia-Kharkiv highway with precision weapons, putting severe pressure on Ukrainian supply lines.
