Russian troops seize most of Maryinka's ruins - British intelligence
In recent weeks, Russian forces have been gradually advancing through the ruins of Maryinka, a city in the Donetsk region. Currently, Russia likely controls the majority of the built-up territory, according to the British Ministry of Defense.
As outlined in the summary, Ukrainian forces remain in control of pockets of territory on the western edge of the town.
Maryinka has been on the front line since 2014. With a pre-war population of 9000, it is comprehensively ruined– drone footage suggests that the vast majority of buildings have been reduced to rubble.
"Russia’s renewed efforts against Maryinka are part of Russia’s autumn offensive which is prioritising extending Russia’s control over the remaining parts of the Donetsk region – highly likely still one of the Kremlin’s core war aims," writes the UK Ministry of Defense.
It is worth recalling that on November 30, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in Zaporizhzhia, discussing the reinforcement of key directions and the need to accelerate the construction of fortifications.
"Naturally, this primarily concerns the Avdiivka and Maryinka directions, and other areas in Donetsk – maximum attention," he said.
In early October, the Russian army initiated an offensive on another city near Donetsk – Avdiivka. Despite significant losses, the attacks on the city continue.
