Enemy intensifies pressure on Toretsk front – Ukrainian military

Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Group of Forces, said this on Ukrainian television commenting on data from the DeepState analytical project, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"They [the Russians] are trying [to intensify pressure on the Toretsk front]. It's obvious that if they face difficulties in one area, they shift their efforts elsewhere. This is, logically speaking, a standard method of warfare," Trehubov said.

Trehubov recalled that according to Russia's Ministry of Defense, Russian forces had officially "taken" Toretsk in early February.

"In reality, however, fighting in the area continues to this day -- and has been ongoing for a year now. The situation remains tough because this is urban combat, where the front line shifts constantly. A single street can change hands multiple times in a week, and this can go on for months. Nevertheless, Russian forces have still been unable to establish full control over the city," he said.

Trehubov noted that the situation in Chasiv Yar is similar to Toretsk but with some differences.

"It's a smaller town, and the Russians are trying to maneuver around it, including from the north, using armored vehicles. However, these vehicles are being effectively targeted," he said.

When asked about the situation on the Pokrovsk front and the extent of Russian troop activity, Trehubov said that after a sharp decline in attacks in early September, Russian forces have now resumed their offensive.

"However, this renewed push has not yielded any significant success. After suffering heavy losses in previous assaults, they have been unable to effectively restore their offensive pressure. This isn't just my assessment – it's what I hear directly from my friends on the ground in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. They say there are simply far fewer Russian troops in the area now because a significant number of them have been eliminated in these failed assaults," Trehubov concluded.