Russia is launching simultaneous attacks in multiple areas of Donbas. What are the enemy's objectives?

The offensive by the Russian Federation on Toretsk continues, and the situation there has worsened. According to analysts from DeepState, the enemy has advanced in the city. Military correspondent Bohdan Miroshnyk noted that the situation in Toretsk is currently very difficult, just like in Chasiv Yar. Specifically, Toretsk represents a different flank of Konstantynivka.

"But I don't have an answer regarding the logic behind the enemy's operation, as they are still actively attacking in the Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Velykonavosilkiv directions. They may not have enough resources to sustain intense attacks simultaneously on four fronts," Miroshnyk said.

He stated that the enemy has likely decided to go all in at this moment. However, sooner or later, they will have to choose one more prioritized direction.

He emphasized that such offensive operations across almost all sections of the front do not make much sense, as they resemble a "maniacal desire to capitalize on successes amid a 13-month-long offensive campaign."

The Russian Offensive on Toretsk: A Threat to Ukrainian Units

"The enemy is constantly pressing, with daily skirmishes occurring literally for every house," said Seleznev.

He pointed out that there is a problem of creating a threat to Ukrainian rear units in the Toretsk area because the opponent has made advances south of Chasiv Yar.

"On one hand, the enemy attacks us head-on, launching brutal assaults in Toretsk, while on the other hand, a serious threat emerges for our rear units that are located directly in Toretsk," explained the former spokesman for the General Staff.

According to Seleznev, the enemy is beginning to flank Chasiv Yar in the area of Klescheyevka and Andriivka, bypassing Ukrainian defensive lines. As a result, if the Russians shift their focus slightly to the left, the units defending Toretsk may also feel pressure from the rear.

Reservist officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military expert Andriy Kramarov confirmed that a severe situation has developed in the Toretsk area.

Is Toretsk Important to the Enemy? Goals of the Russian Armed Forces in Donbas

Vladislav Seleznev stated that the Russian Armed Forces aim to capture the entire Donetsk region, which is precisely why they initiated the so-called "SVO". Thus, for the enemy, Toretsk is just one episode; they are interested in all territories within the administrative borders of the Donetsk region.

Kramarov is convinced that Toretsk is a target for the enemy, as it is a large agglomeration where they can establish a foothold. Specifically, without Toretsk, they cannot continue their advance toward Konstantynivka.

"In principle, as I understand it, the Russians have set their maximum goal for themselves by the end of the year — to occupy Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Konstantynivka, and Pokrovsk," Kramarov said, adding that this would subsequently enable them to move towards the complete occupation of the Donetsk region.

According to reserve major of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military analyst Oleksiy Hetman, even if the enemy conducts frontal assaults in Toretsk, they are not successful. Furthermore, Toretsk serves as the northern flank of Pokrovsk.

He explained that fighting in the cities occurs on three levels — on the asphalt, in the floors, and in the underground communications. Therefore, it is possible to get bogged down there for an extended period. However, it is also possible to encircle the settlement, allowing for the delivery of all necessary supplies for combat operations — ammunition, medical supplies, food — to the garrison located in the city, to conduct minor rotations, evacuate the wounded, and so on.

"If this is not possible, then any garrison encircled or partially encircled cannot hold out for long and will have to retreat. Thus, it is possible to save a significant amount of manpower, equipment, and time compared to simply storming a city head-on. The Pokrovsk direction remains the most active for Russian attacks," Hetman added.

It is worth noting that on November 15, the spokesperson for the Luhansk Territorial Community, Anastasia Bobovnikova, reported that active urban battles continue in Toretsk. According to her, the enemy has infiltrated the settlement with small assault groups.

On November 19, DeepState analysts reported on advances by the Russian Armed Forces near several settlements in Donbas. In particular, the enemy had successes in Kalynivka, Toretsk, Kurakhove, Berestki, near Chasiv Yar, Pohrebky, Yurivka, and Razdolne.