Ukrainian military on Velyka Novosilka: Situation is difficult, exists threat of operational encirclement
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces spoke about the situation in Velyka Novosilka (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
The situation around Velyka Novosilka, the Donetsk region, remains dynamic and complex. There is a threat of an operational encirclement, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing Viktor Trehubov, Spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational and tactical group of troops.
According to Trehubov, the Russians attempt to mix assaults, but mostly with infantry. In general, the settlement is currently in a rather difficult situation. The Ukrainian military is doing everything to prevent further advancement of the enemy.
"Right now, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Oleksandr Syrskyi - ed.) is directly in our (Khortytsia - ed.) area of responsibility. The most difficult directions, such as Velyka Novosilka and Pokrovsk, are under constant control. The situation is dynamic and difficult. Everyone in our headquarters and on the ground is monitoring its development and considering various options to help and improve it," the Spokesperson added.
Trehubov noted that there is no risk of complete encirclement in Velyka Novosilka, but there is a risk of operational encirclement. In particular, Ukraine's Defense Forces are trying to ensure that the Russians do not block the approaches to the town, which the enemy is trying to take under fire control.
"It's not really convenient there. There is a river flowing there and, let's say, it cuts the village a little bit. So it's a bit difficult to maneuver there. Nevertheless, all these problems are known. They were known before. And we are actually developing options to counteract this," explained Trehubov.
Fighting for Velyka Novosilka
Velyka Novosilka belongs to the Novopavlivka sector of the front. Fighting has recently intensified there.
On January 21, Ukraine's Defense Forces announced that the enemy was trying to break through the defense on the outskirts of the settlement but stressed that, although the fighting was heavy, there was no risk of encirclement by the Russians.
On January 22, the Khortytsia operational and tactical group of troops reported intensified shelling in the area of Velyka Novosilka and the destruction of some Defense Forces positions.
