Russia announced on Sunday that its troops had captured the town of Velyka Novosilka, a significant settlement in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. The town, which had a pre-war population of around 5,000, has been a focal point of Moscow’s campaign to tighten its grip on Ukraine’s industrial heartland.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the town’s fall following months of intense fighting. However, the statement has not been independently verified. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials claimed that their forces executed a strategic withdrawal from certain areas to avoid encirclement while continuing to fight in other parts of the town.
Ukrainian Response: A Tactical Retreat
The 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, stationed on this front, clarified on its official Telegram channel that their forces withdrew from areas at risk of encirclement. According to the brigade:
“Our units, using the weather conditions, skillfully withdrew from areas where there was a threat of encirclement. This does not mean we have completely left the city; the fighting in Velyka Novosilka continues.”
The Ukrainian forces emphasized that the withdrawal aimed to minimize losses while inflicting maximum damage on Russian troops. The brigade also stated that the tactical retreat positions the river as a natural barrier, complicating further Russian advances.
Importance of Velyka Novosilka
Velyka Novosilka’s strategic position, located just 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region, makes it a critical point in the ongoing conflict. Analysts have long anticipated its capture due to the Russians’ superior manpower, despite near parity in artillery and drone resources.
Previous Russian Advances
This development follows a series of grueling battles in 2024, where Russian forces seized Donetsk cities such as Avdiivka and Vuhledar. These cities were subjected to relentless artillery bombardments, glide bombs, and drone strikes before being overtaken.
Russia’s focus now shifts to other critical strongholds in Donetsk, including Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar, which have withstood months of attacks.
The War’s Toll
As the conflict nears its third anniversary in February 2025, the struggle for control over eastern Ukraine continues to escalate. Both sides endure significant losses as the war grinds on, with no clear resolution in sight.
