RU POV: Russian and Ukrainian advances from Day 885 of the War - Suriyakmaps

Heavy clashes continue in Vovchansk, as we close in on 2.5 months of fighting in the town. Ukrainian forces recaptured the northeastern street for the third time, after Russia recaptured it a little over 2 weeks ago. In the centre of the town, Ukrainian forces also recaptured a few of the shops along the main road, an area which has traded hands numerous times.

Russian forces likely aren't present south of the river anymore, however no video or photos have been published showing Ukraine has re-entered the area to confirm this information, so it remains shown as under Russian control. Russian forces in the aggregate plant aren't in as dire a situation as it looks from the map, as Ukraine maintains a very small presence in the southern area, making rotation and resupply possible (hence why they've been able to stay 'encircled' for 2 months).

The news item today was the Russian operation in Chasiv Yar. After a several week break following the capture of the microdistrict and the forest area, Russian forces have restarted operations, and have crossed the canal. The assaults were conducted by small groups of Russian infantry, who 'crossed' the canal (really the pipes) in the forest area, and quickly moved south.

Ukraine's own trenches worked against them here, as their soldiers had not been holding the ones built right next to the canal as they deemed it too close to enemy lines. These trenches allowed the Russian infantry to quickly move south along the canal, whilst staying covered from small arms/sniper/ATGM fire. From there, they exited the trenches at different points, and quickly occupied the first houses on the east side.

The battle will not be easy for Russian forces, despite being able to cross the canal on the first major attempt. Ukraine has deployed a large number of experienced units to Chasiv Yar, as holding the settlement is vital for their operations in the Donbas. Russia will almost certainly try to leverage their huge advantage in firepower, and will continuously bombard the town with FABs and artillery/MLRS to attrition Ukrainian forces.

Back to the Toretsk area, and Russian forces have continued making progress in the towns, capturing the remainder of the forest area and houses in southern Pivnichne, as well as meeting up with the other Russian units and closing the gap in Zalizne (apartment buildings and houses).

Whilst these 2 Russian groups have met up, they will likely operate parallel to each other, rather than combining forces. Now that they are further into the town area, we can now talk about 2 big (literally) goals for Russia here; the 2 slag heaps that dominate each town. These 2 mountains, one in western Zalizne, and one in central Pivnichne, sit between 60 to 90 metres above the surrounding area, and dominate the landscape. If Russia can control these hills, they will be able to severely limit Ukraine's ability to operate in the surrounding area, and will make it far easier to clear the towns (pic below).

West of Prohres, Russian forces captured more of Vesele (dot next to top advance), currently controlling about half the village. To the south, Russian forces have begun advancing through the fields, as Russian forces look to exploit weaknesses in Ukraine's lines. There are several trench networks in this area, facing east, which Russia can outflank (pic below).

Following another mechanised assault near the O0532 road (similar to yesterday's one), Russian forces have captured more trenchlines, and are now about 1.3km from the road itself. Due to the fighting in Kostyantynivka, and these recent advances, the supply route has technically been cut, as it is now too close to Russian lines to risk sending supply trucks on. Russian forces will still try push to capture the road, or at least a section on it, to ensure it cannot be used at all by Ukraine.