On January 6, Russia officially declared complete control of the city of Kurakhovo, the strategic logistics center of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Donbass region.
This is an important victory marking a new step forward in Russia's military campaign in this region.
Kurakhovo: Strategic Hotspot
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Kurakhovo is not only a large residential area in southwestern Donbass but also serves as an important logistics center for the Ukrainian army, Sputnik reported.
The capture of Kurakhovo severely disrupted Ukraine's logistics and technical supply system in the Donetsk direction. At the same time, Kiev also lost the ability to shell residential areas in Donetsk.
Heavy losses for Ukraine
The Russian Defense Ministry said that in the process of taking control of Kurakhovo, Russian forces eliminated more than 80% of the enemy forces in the area, equivalent to more than 12,000 soldiers. In addition, about 3,000 units of weapons and military equipment, including 40 tanks and many armored vehicles, were also destroyed.
During the two months of fighting, Ukraine lost an average of 150 to 180 soldiers per day, putting great pressure on the defense forces there.
Defense efforts from Ukraine
To hold Kurakhovo, Ukraine mobilized a total of more than 15,000 troops, including the 79th Air Assault Brigade, the 46th Air Mobility Brigade, and the 5th, 33rd, and 157th Mechanized Brigades. This force was reinforced by foreign mercenaries, artillery, and tanks.
The capture of Kurakhovo has accelerated the pace of Russian military control over the Donetsk People's Republic. This is not only a major turning point in Russia's military strategy, but also opens a new front in Donbass, seriously weakening Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized: "The victory in Kurakhovo is not only a military event, but also creates favorable conditions for promoting a full-scale operation in Donbass."
