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Breaking News: Russian Propagandist Dead After Drone Strike in Eastern Ukraine

A Russian propaganda filmmaker, Denis Martemyanov, has been killed in a drone strike in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, which is currently under Russian control. The incident occurred along the Donetsk-Gorlovka highway, according to reports.

Martemyanov was reportedly returning from Gorlovka when his car was hit by the drone. In the vehicle with him were four other employees of propaganda media outlets. Two of them, Maxim Romanenko and Mikhail Khevkhiev from Russian news agency RIA Novosti, were injured, along with Svetlana Larina and Izabella Liberman from the DNR-based "Blocknote Donyetsk".

Russian media outlet "Izvestia" initially reported that Martemyanov was killed in a drone attack by the Ukrainian military, stating that his civilian vehicle was targeted. However, neither Russia nor its supports have provided any concrete evidence to substantiate this claim.

Interestingly, Mariya Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various Russian propaganda outlets have swiftly blamed Ukraine for the incident. Yet, no evidence has been presented from the Russian side to substantiate these accusations.

This is not the first time Martemyanov has been targeted. In October 2023, he was injured in the legs during an exchange of fire near Donetsk.

The international community awaits further details and evidence regarding the circumstances of this tragic event as the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold.

Breaking: Pro-Russian Forces Gain Ground in Five Donbas Towns; Torez Under Siege

In a significant development, Russian-backed separatists have pushed deeper into Ukraine‘s Donbas region, gaining control of five key towns. Analysts from the DeepState project have reported that the enemy has advanced in Torez, Kurakhove, Shchastia, as well as near Dalnykivka, Volodarske, and Baranivka.

DeepState, known for its reliable intelligence on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, released a statement: "The enemy has made progress in Kurakhove, Torez, Shchastia, near Dalnykivka, Volodarske, and Baranivka."

The current situation in Torez, a city hard hit by the conflict, is particularly critical. Heavy fighting continues, with the front line bisecting the city. Russian forces are employing a "scorched earth" tactic, aiming to destroy urban infrastructure and Ukrainian military positions. A particular focus is on leveling apartment buildings, forcing Ukrainian defenders to retreat to safety before retaking their positions.

This latest push by pro-Russian forces comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with reports of increased shelling and air strikes. Ukrainian forces have been holding their ground, according to recent accounts, but the enemy’s advance indicates a shift in the balance of power.

Russia‘s Next Move: A Potential Large Encirclement in Donetsk Region

Russian occupiers could be planning a significant encirclement of Ukrainian defenders in the Donetsk region, according to military expert and former Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) employee Ivan Stupak. Speaking on Espreso TV, Stupak revealed that the targeted territories are bounded by Pokrovsk to the west and Chasov Yar to the east.

Stupak explained that the enemy aims to bypass Pokrovsk from the west and cut off the road connecting it to the Dnipropetrovsk region. He noted that Russia doesn’t consider administrative borders between regions, instead focusing on terrain advantages. If they don’t encounter fortified structures in the Dnipropetrovsk region, they might attempt a large-scale encirclement, potentially capturing several hundred to even thousands of square kilometers.

"Russia could create a large loop, encircling our military and capturing not just 10-20 square kilometers, but possibly several hundred or even a thousand square kilometers of territory," Stupak warned.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have made advances near Kurakhovo and Toretsk, according to DeepState analysts. In the past 24 hours, 148 combat encounters were recorded across the Ukrainian front.

On January 3, Ukrainian serviceman Yevhen Ievlev reported that the situation near Toretsk is stable, with Russian forces regularly shelling and attempting to storm Ukrainian positions using small infantry groups.

Stay informed with the latest news from the Donetsk region and across Ukraine.

Title: Russia Eyes Dnipropetrovsk Region for Offensives, Ukraine Struggles to Hold Gains

In the latest strategic assessments from Ukraine’s conflict zone, military analyst and former Armed Forces Spokesperson, Vladislav Seleznev, revealed that Russian forces may attempt to create multiple launch pads to seize the entire Dnipropetrovsk region. This information comes as Russia continues to reinforce its military presence in eastern Ukraine.

Seleznev believes that one of the main axes for possible Russian advances could be the Limans’ke direction. In an interview with Radio NV, he suggested that this could serve as a critical stepping stone for a future spring-summer offensive towards the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk urban agglomeration.

"As part of its strategic plan, Russia will likely try to form multiple launches, with at least three possible: from Limans’ke, Horlivka (Horlivka), and the Piski-Toretsk area from the southeast," said Seleznev. He noted that Russia is currently preparing conditions to facilitate these advances.

Seleznev emphasized the importance of both parties’ resources and capabilities in determining the success of these potential offensives. "The attack on the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk urban agglomeration, if successful, would realize Russia’s designs. However, this depends on the available resources of both sides," he added.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are actively transferring reinforcements to the Kurakhove and Pokrovske directions. According to occupation study center head, Petr Andrushchenko, the number of additional troops could range from 5,000 to 10,000. These forces are expected to move through occupied Donetsk, Novoazovsk, or the village of Hranitne.

Ukrainian Defense Forces, however, are resolute in defending Pokrovske, with Captain Vitaliy Litvin of the National Guard’s artillery reconnaissance division, a Hero of Ukraine, reporting that Russia is trying to encircle the city from Peschanoye and Mykolaivka directions.

Pokrovske’s strategic significance lies in its potential as a Russian launch pad for further advances towards Konstantinivka. This has made it a high-priority target for invading forces.

As the situation in eastern Ukraine continues to evolve, Ukrainians and international allies remain vigilant in anticipation of and preparation for any potential offensives.

Title: Russian Airstrike Destroys Ukrainian City’s Entrance Stele

In a brazen display of aggression, the Russian military launched a strike using precision-guided aerial bombs (KAB) against Pokrovsk, a city in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. The targeted attack, which occurred on January 2, left significant damage to the city’s infrastructure, including the destruction of a prominent landmark – the city’s entrance stele.

The Incident

The Pokrovsk City Military Administration and eyewitness reports from Ukrainian servicemen, including those from the 68th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, confirmed the devastating impact of the strike. The explosionnot only damaged the city’s entrance stele but also left one of its letters, the "П" from "Pokrovsk," lying on the roadside.

Source: Покровская городская военная администрация, военнослужащий 68 бригады ВСУ Павел Вышебаба

The Iconic Symbol

Paulo Vyshebaba, a Ukrainian soldier and communications specialist with the 68th Brigade, was among the first to witness the shattered remains of the stele as he headed out on duty. Moved by the sight, he picked up the scattered letter "П," intending to preserve it as a poignant artifact of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Photo Credit: Tomasz’))
Верхний город swell photo by Bogdan Kuteorov, September 2024

A Soldier’s Perspective

Reflecting on the incident, Paulo Vyshebaba shared, "These fragments of history belong to the Ukrainian nation, and they shouldn’t be up for auction. The price we’re paying for our city to remain on the map, just like these letters, is far too high."

The Broader Picture

The attack on Pokrovsk is part of an escalating pattern of Russian military actions in the region. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have predicted that the Kremlin will persist in its attempts to seize the city, despite significant losses. Moreover, due to the ongoing conflict, Pokrovsk residents have been left without gas supplies.

Related Article: Deputy Commander of the 68th Brigade "Yavir": "Pokrovsk Will Stand and Hold Its Defense, the Question Is How Long We Can Last"

Ukraine Update: Intense Fights for Every House in war-update-most-fierce-fighting-reported-on-kurakhivske-and-pokrovske-fronts-general-staffs-24-december-briefing/” title=”<p><strong>Ukraine War Update: Most Fierce Fighting Reported on Kurakhivske and Pokrovske Fronts – General Staff's 24 December Briefing</strong></p>”>Nova Vasylivka

Both sides continued heavy fighting around Nova Vasylivka in the Donetsk region on Thursday, January 2, with Russian forces pushing forward in a relentless offensive. The town is now experiencing "hell on earth," according to the Deep State monitor group.

Russian troops, numbering around two platoons to a company daily, storm the village in a bid to break Ukrainian defenses. They often advance on foot, sometimes accompanied by armored vehicles or even civilian cars, sources reported.

".stron>Center Nova Vasylivka, the Russian offensive is gaining ground. Fierce battles rage street by street, house by house," Deep State noted.

Despite the enemy’s numerical superiority, Ukrainian defenders are holding firm, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience against overwhelming odds.

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian General Staff confirmed significant enemy losses on the Pokrovsk axis, to which Nova Vasylivka belongs. Ukrainian forces neutralized 259 Russian invaders, with 113 of them killed in action.

Stay informed on the latest news and updates from Korrespondent.net via Telegram and WhatsApp. Subscribe to our channels at t.me/korrespondentnet and whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va8w6ki4dTnLYdcYww13.

Ukraine Updates: Russia Tries to Outflank Pокrovsk Amid Heated Battles

Sources report no direct assaults on Pокrovsk yet, as Russian forces attempt to encircle the city

In the ongoing conflict, Russian ocupying forces have shifted their tactics, avoiding direct confrontations in Pокровsk, a strategic city in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Instead, they’re trying to outmaneuver and encircle the city, according to a senior Ukrainian military official.

Speaking on a national telethon, Major Viktor Treгубов, spokesperson for the operational-strategic grouping "Hortitsia," detailed the current situation. "Russia’s strategy is to bypass Pокровsk through surrounding settlements and villages, infiltrating in small groups to accumulate forces for a later circumvention attack," he noted.

Why the change of tactics?

Pокровsk, being a large and fortified city, is proving difficult for the Russian forces to assault directly. They’ve encountered fierce resistance in urban combat elsewhere, notably in Chasovo Yar and Kurakhovo, leading them to look for alternative strategies.

For now, Russia isn’t expecting immediate success in Pокrovsk. Instead, they’re attempting to surround and sever the city’s infrastructure ties.

Ukrainian resistance thrives

Over the past day, Ukrainian defenders have repelled 38 Russian attacks on the Pокровsk front, which remains one of the most intense. Despite Russian efforts, the city appears determined to stand firm.

What’s next?

Pокровsk’s future remains uncertain, with Russian forces persistently focusing on capturing the city. Although they’ve suffered significant losses, analysts like the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe Moscow will continue pressing its offensive.

Read also: Deputy commander of the 68th brigade "Yavir": "Pокровsk will hold and maintain its defense, the question is how long we can last"

Background: Pокровsk is currently experiencing gas shortages due to the conflict.

Intense Fighting Continues in Ukraine‘s Novovasylivka

fierce battles rage on in the village of Novavasylivka located south of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Russian forces are conducting active and concentrated assault operations.

According to intelligence sources, from December 30 to January 1, Russian troops launched intense assaults on Novovasylivka from the south and east. These attacks are primarily carried out by infantry with occasional support from armored vehicles and light artillery tanks.

The situation on the ground is fluid and chaotic, with enemy forces reportedly present throughout the village, and Ukrainian defenders holding positions among them. "The situation is such that the enemy is present in every corner of the village, just as our forces are. Tactically, it’s a mess, and the enemy’s numerical superiority could prove decisive," says an intelligence report.

Background:

• On December 27, DeepState analysts reported that Russian occupiers were amassing forces in Novoolenivka, Donetsk region, in preparation for an assault on Novoelyzabetovka.
• In the early hours of December 2, they reported Russian progress near Volivka, Neskuchne, Novoelyzabetovka, Solone, Vyh ganandok, Kurakhovo, and its southern suburbs.

The ongoing conflict in Novavasylivka underscores the evolving nature of the war in Eastern Ukraine, with each side battling for strategic territory and advantage. As the situation develops, stay tuned for more updates.

Headline: Heavy Fighting in Pokrovsk: Putin's Territorial Preferences, According to ISW”>Novovasylivka as Russian Forces Push on Ukraine’s East

Subhead: Outnumbered Ukrainian forces face a critical moment as Russian troops gain ground in the strategic village.

Article:

Russian occupation forces are relentlessly pressing against Ukrainian defenses in the east, with the situation in Novovasylivka, south of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, growing increasingly dire. According to the monitoring project DeepState, Russian forces have been conducting intense assaults on the village since December 30, 2024, using infantry, armored fighting vehicles, and light armored tanks.

In a chaotic tactical environment, Russian forces have established a presence in various parts of Novovasylivka, often operating in close proximity to Ukrainian positions. The sheer number of Russian troops in the area could prove decisive, posing a significant threat to Ukrainian forces.

Meanwhile, along the southern flank near Chasovyi Yar, Russian forces are employing tactics involving small groups of troops to avoid heavy losses in equipment. Ukrainian forces report that the enemy is attempting to infiltrate their positions and advance towards the North Donetsk – Donbas canal.

Fierce battles continue around Pokrovsk, with Russian forces aiming to encircle the town and force Ukrainian troops to abandon their positions. Russian troops are pushing to reach the Pavlograd – Pokrovsk highway, threatening to cut off Ukrainian supply routes.

As the situation on the ground remains fluid, Ukrainian forces continue to defend their positions with unwavering determination. The outcome of these critical battles will have far-reaching implications for the broader conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine Strikes Back: Russian Occupiers’ Telecom Infrastructure in Donetsk Destroyed, Russia’s Communication Equipment in Leningradset Fire

In a significant blow to Russian occupiers, Ukrainian forces have targeted and destroyed four critical telecommunication facilities belonging to the illicit "Phoenix" operator in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region. This operator is heavily relied upon by Russian invaders for logistical and operational purposes. The actions come as part of the ongoing strategy by Ukrainian defenders to disrupt Russian supply chains and communication networks.

Impact on Russian Logistics

Efforts to hinder Russian logistics are not confined to Ukraine’s occupied territories. In a separate incident, a fire broke out on telecommunication equipment on Russian soil, specifically in the Leningrad region. This was not an isolated event, as three essential railroad control cabinets, critical for managing train traffic, were also destroyed by fire in Russia’s Yaroslavl region. These occurrences are part of an ongoing process designed to create difficulties for Russian occupation forces, as acknowledged by Ukraine’s GUR (Bezpeka).

Ukrainian Operations

The Ukrainian military continues to target Russia’s logistics and infrastructure, with multiple attacks carried out against fuel depots and storage facilities recently. Yesterday alone, Ukrainian forces struck several high-priority targets, including Russian drone control centers and ammunition storage points. Furthermore, in a notable feat, Ukrainian forces successfully neutralized a warehouse containing "Shahed" drones in Russia’s Orlovskaya region. The strike resulted in two occupation soldiers being killed and seven injured.

This is not the first time Ukrainian forces have targeted the "Phoenix" telecom operator. Back in 2019, a tower belonging to this operator was destroyed in a strike in the occupiedpart of Donetsk. It’s worth noting that the "Phoenix" network was essentially created by Russian occupiers from stolen equipment previously used by legitimate Ukrainian mobile providers "Kyivstar" and "Lifecell."

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