Is Ukraine about to lose a strategic city faster than expected?

Intense fighting continues between Russian and Ukrainian troops in the city of Kurakhove (Donetsk province, eastern Ukraine), particularly in the central districts.

According to Avia Pro on November 27, controlling the center of Kurakhove would give one side momentum for an offensive or strengthen its defenses. According to reports from the field, Russian forces are believed to have controlled 60% of Kurakhove, and Ukraine is at risk of losing control of this strategic city faster than expected.

Russia accelerates its offensive in eastern Ukraine.

Kyiv did not elaborate on the situation there, other than announcing that its defense forces had repelled 46 Russian attacks in Kurakhove. Earlier in November, the Financial Times quoted the commander of a Ukrainian artillery unit in Kurakhove as saying that Russia was attacking the city from three directions and that Ukrainian soldiers were ready to withdraw when ordered. Controlling Kurakhove is believed to give Moscow a foothold from which to advance toward the other strategic city of Pokrovsk, about 45 km to the north.

Ukrainian soldiers participate in training in Kurakhove.

In other developments, Ukrainian Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said yesterday that Moscow's drone attacks on the city overnight injured three people. On the Russian side, the Ministry of Defense announced yesterday that it had destroyed 22 Ukrainian drones launched into Russian territory. Regarding the new Oreshnik ballistic missile that Russia launched into Ukraine last week, Kyiv sources said on November 26 that the missile carried a dummy warhead, contained no explosives, and caused negligible damage. Meanwhile, TASS reported yesterday that Russia is finalizing the process of putting more RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles into active service, the newest model deployed from launch silos.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ukraine-sap-mat-thanh-pho-chien-luoc-nhanh-hon-du-kien-185241127232903084.htm