Russia’s defence ministry announced on Sunday that its forces have fully seized the town of Novohrodivka in eastern Ukraine. This move is part of Moscow’s ongoing push towards the critical city of Pokrovsk, aiming to break through Ukrainian defences.
Since the invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have controlled about one-fifth of Ukraine and are now pressing to take over the entire Donbas region, which is roughly half the size of the U.S. state of Ohio.
The defence ministry highlighted that Novohrodivka, situated 12 km from Pokrovsk, is a key rail and road hub for Ukrainian forces. Prior to the conflict, the town had a population of 14,000. Pro-Russian military blogger Yuri Podolyaka shared maps depicting Russian forces advancing beyond Novohrodivka in at least two areas less than 7 km from Pokrovsk.
Russian troops take Novohrodivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, RIA reports https://t.co/a0tGjbRDTq pic.twitter.com/grjoOvqY9m
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 8, 2024
The Ukrainian General Staff reported late in the afternoon that the situation remains “tense” in the Pokrovsk sector, with “fierce battles” occurring around multiple towns, including Novohrodivka. The report noted that the enemy had launched 23 assaults on Ukrainian positions, with ongoing battles in six locations.
President Vladimir Putin stated last week that a Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk had not hindered Russia’s progress in eastern Ukraine. He claimed it had instead weakened Kyiv’s front-line defences, benefiting Moscow. Conversely, Ukraine’s top military commander said on Thursday that the incursion into Kursk was successful and that there had been no Russian advances on Pokrovsk for the past six days.
He pointed out that the Kursk operation aimed to divert Russian forces from other critical areas like Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Although Russia redirected a significant number of troops to Kursk, it continues to bolster the Pokrovsk front.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Ukraine needed ‘new energy,’ as he ordered a major government reshuffle at a crucial juncture in the war against Russia. The reshuffle led to the resignation of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba https://t.co/wvpgXnUJ49 pic.twitter.com/S1BBGHt00y
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 4, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that the operation in Kursk was also intended to prevent Russian forces from crossing the border in the opposite direction. Currently, Russia controls about 80% of Donbas. The rapid pace of recent Russian advances in the east has led some Russian war bloggers to express concerns about the army overextending itself.
Putin deployed tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine over two and a half years ago, referring to the mission as a special military operation. Ukraine, with support from Western allies, remains committed to defeating Russian forces and expelling all Russian troops from its territory.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Cyprus Mail reports that Russia’s forces have taken the Ukrainian town of Novohrodivka near Pokrovsk, a key rail hub, as part of their advance on the strategic city of Pokrovsk, aiming to capture the whole of the Donbas region.(read more)
- Newsweek reports Russia’s claim of seizing a village near Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, highlighting the critical security crisis and ongoing conflict.(read more)
- France 24 reports that Russia claims new gains in eastern Ukraine, advancing towards Pokrovsk, while launching deadly strikes that killed two in Sumy and two in Donetsk.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Has Russia taken control of Novohrodivka?
Yes, Russia claims full control of Novohrodivka.
Why is Pokrovsk important in the conflict?
Pokrovsk is a key rail and road hub for Ukrainian forces.
What has been the response from the Ukrainian General Staff?
Ukrainian General Staff reports fierce battles in the Pokrovsk sector.
Did Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk affect Russian advancements?
Putin says it failed, but Ukraine claims it diverted Russian forces.
How much of Donbas does Russia currently control?
Russia controls about 80% of Donbas.