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Crisis of Ukrainian defense in Donbass is deepening. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are rapidly developing their offensive in different directions, including in the areas of Pokrovsk and Kurakhovo.
On December 1st, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially confirmed the full control of the village of Petrovka (Petrivka) located west of Selidovo. Russian flag in the village was raised by forces of the Alexandrian brigade from Samara together with the tank units of the Center group of forces.
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According to reports from the battlefield, Ukrainian forces are already repelled from Zholtoe (Zhovte) located west of Petrovka. After their victory in Zholtoe, Russian forces expanded their zone of control north of the village. Battles began on the outskirts the village of Novopystynka and Russian forces are developing offensive towards the village of Novy Trud. Russian advance threatens Ukrainian forces in the villages west of Lysivka with encirclement from the west, while Ukrainian forces resist in Lysivka. At the same time, Russian forces are developing their offensive on the southern flank, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine are retreating from Pushkine and Russian forces approach Ukrainka.
The further Russian advance west of Selidovo will cut the strategically important road from Pokrovsk to Kurakhovo. Russian forces already have only 3 kilometers left to approach the road.
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Ukrainian defense is also crumbling in Kurakhovo and around the town. The battle for Kurakhovo is coming to its end and no Ukrainian reserves deployed in the area stop Russian advance.
On the northern flank, Russian assault began in Stary Terny. According to preliminary reports, a large part of the village came under Russian control. This settlement is of strategic importance. Control of Stary Terny will assure the close Russian fire control of the last road to Kurakhovo and encirclement of the Ukrainian garrison. After the battle for Stary Terny, the Russian military is expected to launch assault on the industrial area on the northwestern outskirts of Kurakhovo.
South of Kurakhovo, the Russian military is completing the mop up operations in one stronghold after another. On December 1st, the Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed the full control of the village of Ilyinka located east of Uspenovka. Russian attacks continue in Romanivka nearby and Russian forces approached Annivka.
Heavy battles are ongoing in Kurakhovo. The Russian military largely expanded its zone of control on the streets. Russian flag is waving over the building of the local school #5 in the center. The area of the school was an important Ukrainian stronghold. Russian forces reportedly secured their control of the entire quarter of private houses in the center of Kurakhovo, including along the southern Nagorna-1 street. Clashes continue in the apartment buildings in the Southern district and in the center.
Ukrainian fighters surrender. Their logistics are disrupted by Russian advance and Russian aircraft and artillery are pounding Ukrainian reserves in the region.
