The Russian military launched a surprise offensive against Ukrainian positions in the northern sector of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), securing control of the village of Kirovsk, according to a statement from Moscow’s Defense Ministry on Wednesday. The settlement, known as Zarechnoye in Ukraine, had been transformed into a heavily fortified stronghold by Ukrainian forces, with “every house and basement converted into well-fortified positions” and surrounding approaches densely mined, the ministry reported.
The challenging terrain and Ukrainian defensive lines along the Zherebets River, which encircles Kirovsk to the east, initially impeded Russian progress. However, Russian units under the “West” operational grouping exploited the element of surprise, crossing the river and breaching enemy defenses, according to the ministry. Troops are now conducting search-and-destroy operations within the village, targeting residual Ukrainian forces from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade.
The capture of Kirovsk marks a critical step in advancing toward Krasny Liman, a key logistics hub held by Ukrainian forces in the DPR’s northern region. Located approximately 8 kilometers west of Kirovsk, Krasny Liman was previously captured by Russia early in the conflict but recaptured by Ukraine in late 2022.
