Ukraine recaptures lost positions near Toretsk, Russia advances near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove – ISW
Ukrainian forces recently recaptured lost positions near Toretsk, meanwhile Russian forces advanced near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, and Kurakhove, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in the Russian offensive campaign assessment as of January 27.
"Ukrainian and Russian forces recently advanced in the Toretsk direction. […] Geolocated footage published on January 26 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northwestern Toretsk," it said.
Additional geolocated footage published on January 27 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced near the Toretska Mine in northern Toretsk. Russian forces continued attacking near Toretsk itself; north of Toretsk near Dyliyivka and Krymske; and west of Toretsk near Shcherbynivka on January 26 and 27.
According to ISW analysts, Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Pokrovsk direction on January 27 but did not make any confirmed advances.
Experts also confirmed Russia's successes in Chasiv Yar, where street fighting continues.
"Russian forces recently advanced within central Chasiv Yar amid continued offensive operations in the area on January 27. Geolocated footage published on January 26 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced along Myru and Horkoho streets in central Chasiv Yar," ISW said.
According to the Institute, a Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces also advanced north of Chasiv Yar near Hryhorivka and Orikhovo-Vasylivka, but ISW has not observed confirmation of this claim. At the same time, Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces are increasing operating equipment, especially armored fighting vehicles, in the Chasiv Yar direction and recently blew up pipes of the Siversky Donets Donbas Canal in several places to create passages for armored vehicles, assaults, and logistics. Elements of the Chechen Akhmat Spetsnaz and "Rusich" Russian Sabotage Assault Reconnaissance Group are operating on the southeast outskirts of Chasiv Yar and have likely undergone assault operations training.
It is also reported that Russian forces recently advanced in the Kurakhove direction.
"Geolocated footage published on January 26 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced in northern Andriyivka (northwest of Kurakhove)," ISW said.
Russian forces attacked northwest of Kurakhove near Shevchenko; west of Kurakhove near Andriyivka, Dachne, Kostiantynopil, and Ulakly; and southwest of Kurakhove near Yantarne, Rozlyv, and Zelenivka on January 26 and 27.
Russian forces continued offensive operations near Velyka Novosilka on January 27 but did not advance.