Toretsk under siege: Conflicting claims amid fierce battles
The centre of Toretsk is almost entirely under Russian control, according to the DeepState project. Fighting continues in the city, where some areas remain under Ukrainian control.
Fierce battles for Toretsk in the Donetsk Oblast, considered the "gateway" to the north of Donbas, are ongoing. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the city has been completely captured, but according to the DeepState project, Ukrainians are still active there.
"The Ukrainian Defence Forces continue their defensive operation in Toretsk. Battles are ongoing in the Zabałka district and on the northern and western outskirts. The city centre is almost entirely under enemy control," it was reported.
Ukrainians do not report defeats
DeepState reported that news of Toretsk's capture quickly spread across the internet in Ukraine as well. This is due to Kyiv's information policy, which is reserved in providing details about the situation on the front.
"The public is still not informed about the loss of Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka, which raises many questions for those delivering the official narrative," notes DeepState.
Battle for Toretsk
The battles for Toretsk have been ongoing for over 5 months. According to Russian sources, more than 26,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died. The Ministry did not report losses among its own troops.
Before the war, over 30,000 people lived in Toretsk. There were coal mines and a coking plant there. A sign at the city entrance reads "Toretsk, the city of miners."
