22 Nov: Ukrainian Forces Destroy Russian Pincer Strategy - Reporting from Ukraine

[TexasTowelie]

Today there are a lot of updates from the Kurahove direction.

Here, amid escalating efforts to bypass fortified defenses, Russian forces focused on a turning maneuver aimed at forcing Ukrainian withdrawals and capturing key settlements without direct confrontation. However, so far Ukrainian forces managed to disrupt this operation through relentless counterattacks, forcing the Russians to revert to costly frontal assaults and continue fighting on terms dictated by the defenders.

Kurakhove is a key town for a potential Russian advance toward Pokrovsk, making it the focus of an aggressive offensive aimed at capturing it while minimizing urban clashes. With a pre-war population of 20,000, Kurakhove also hosts significant industrial facilities, including a large thermal plant. Although damaged by Russian attacks in October 2022, the plant’s fortified structures could serve as defensive strongholds for Ukrainian forces. To circumvent these challenges, Russian forces have intensified their southern advances, aiming to sever the N15 highway—a critical supply route for Ukrainian troops and ammunition.

As detailed in the previous report, Russian forces have launched a multifaceted offensive, employing various tactics to advance. This includes deploying small infantry groups to infiltrate plantations and villages, creating a gradual buildup of forces. These maneuvers, often referred to as "bag tactics," involve encircling Ukrainian positions by spreading out in a comb-like formation. This method aims to "box in" Ukrainian troops, forcing them into untenable positions and compelling retreats under pressure from attacks on multiple flanks.

The geography of the area poses significant challenges for Ukrainian defenders. If we look at the topographic map, we can see that Ukrainian-held settlements are situated in lowlands, while Russian forces advance from higher terrain. This elevation advantage enables Russian troops to exert effective fire control, target Ukrainian positions with long-range artillery, and closely monitor their movements. In response, Ukrainian forces have begun regrouping closer to a line of settlements that offer more favorable defensive positions and improved logistical support for troop movements and supplies.

Recent reports highlight a concentrated Russian effort to advance toward Dalne. Their objective here is a flanking maneuver through Dalne, aimed at creating the threat of operational encirclement and bypassing the need to fight for each settlement along the line—where they have been incurring heavy losses. With limited reserves and time, Russian forces cannot afford to confront every village individually. Aware of this strategy, the Ukrainian command has launched continuous counterattacks on Dalne, effectively disrupting Russian attempts to establish firm control over the area.

Dalne, a small settlement with limited potential for establishing strong defensive positions, is partially shielded to the south by tree lines. However, even if Russian forces attempt to secure a foothold here, their options for advancing westward through open fields are severely constrained by the nearby Ukrainian trench networks south of Kurakhove and the major defensive base at Uspenivka. Ukrainian counterattacks in the area rely on swift, targeted operations supported by armored vehicles and MRAPs, aiming to disrupt Russian troop concentrations and repel mechanized breakthrough attempts.

Geolocated footage captured a striking Ukrainian operation in which a camouflaged Leopard tank destroyed an entire Russian armored column advancing toward Dalne. Unaware of the Leopard's position, the column moved forward until it came under direct fire, resulting in the destruction of most Russian vehicles before they could react. One armored vehicle attempted to escape by reversing, but its slow retreat made it an easy target for the Leopard. The few Russian soldiers who survived and sought cover were later neutralized by grenades dropped from Ukrainian drones, showcasing the effective coordination of ground and aerial assets in the operation.

The deployment of tanks and armored vehicles by Ukrainian forces demonstrates their ability to maintain operational flexibility, including secure routes for moving and extracting armor, as well as for logistical supplies or a potential withdrawal. While recent reports indicate that Russian forces have partially entered Dalne...