The Ukrainian Armed Forces are compelled to demolish high-rise buildings in Toretsk to save the city, according to Forbes (video)
Ukrainian troops are gradually advancing in Toretsk, having recaptured several blocks. Forbes, citing a video from the 101st Guards Brigade, writes about the potential for a counteroffensive by the Ukrainian forces in the city.
"Among the strikes were signs of close combat—evidence that the Ukrainians were supplementing airstrikes with infantry attacks. Following the bombardments, the strikes ceased, which may indicate that the Ukrainians have pushed local Russian forces back. The footage compiled by the Ukrainian 101st Guards Brigade in early October appears to capture the initial phase of the counteroffensive," the journalists note.
They report the presence of drones on the video that are targeting Russians hiding in building entrances, apartments, and on the rooftops of the high-rise district. One of the drones recorded the retreat of Russian infantry following their unsuccessful local counterattack. The enemy managed to secure one of the high-rises, but Ukrainian forces succeeded in destroying it.
According to the publication, last week, units of the Russian 109th Motorized Rifle Regiment found themselves effectively trapped in an area with high-rise buildings in the city.
"Right now, I'm in the center of the city in a nine-story building. There is constant gunfire, and our guys can’t even reach the neighboring houses," one of the Russian officers stated in a video he posted on social media.
The soldier reported that he was injured due to falling concrete. This serves as further evidence of the "Ukrainian strategy of demolishing buildings."
"Leveling the city to save it is a Pyrrhic victory for the Ukrainians. But if the destruction of Toretsk is the price for partially reversing the Russian advance on this front, the Ukrainians will gladly pay it. The alternative—another Ukrainian retreat—simply allows the Russians to advance into more cities," the publication writes.
The journalists add that this may "hint at the mindset of Ukrainian commanders who are preparing for larger battles in Pokrovsk and Kurakhovo."
"The plan is clear: bomb the Russians with drones, attack with infantry... and destroy all buildings that the Russians could turn into defensive positions," Forbes adds.
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