Rai-Alexandrovka Battle Opens Route Toward Slavyansk
Pushilin says Russian troops are grinding down Ukrainian reserves near Rai-Alexandrovka as fighting for the strategic height continues.
DPR head Denis Pushilin said Russian troops are grinding down Ukrainian reserves being moved into the Rai-Alexandrovka area.
According to Pushilin, fighting continues for a strategic height near the settlement, while Ukrainian forces keep bringing in additional units. He said Russian units are inflicting heavy losses on those forces as they arrive.
Pushilin had earlier said that the liberation of Rai-Alexandrovka would open a route for Russian troops toward Slavyansk from the east. He noted that fierce battles are currently underway for the village, with Russian forces already advancing in its central and eastern parts.
He also said Ukrainian troops are trying to hold their positions at any cost, since the loss of Rai-Alexandrovka would create new opportunities for further Russian advances.
Rai-Alexandrovka is located about 17 kilometers from Kramatorsk and Slavyansk. The wider urban area is considered one of the largest Ukrainian defense hubs. Military correspondents believe that progress in this direction may indicate that the battle for Donbass is entering a decisive stage.