On December 12, analysts from the DeepState project reported that the settlement of Zorya had been occupied by Russian forces. The situation surrounding the "Uspenivka pocket" in the Donetsk region is worsening. According to analysts of DeepState, Russian forces have advanced in Novotroitske, Uspenivka, Kurakhove, Sontsivka, and near Vesely Hai in the Donetsk region.
Analysts emphasize the critical situation in the vicinity of Yelyzavetivka, Romanivka, Vesely Hai, and Hannivka, which are now inside the "Uspenivka pocket."
The Russian troops are attempting to break through defenses from all sides. Key resistance comes from the villages of Trudove, Uspenivka, and Dalnie. Russian forces are concentrating their efforts on assaulting Uspenivka, which is at risk of complete encirclement.
"The situation is critical for everyone except Lutsenko, now the former commander of the Donetsk Operational Tactical Group. According to our information, he has been removed from his position and reassigned to the command of the Ground Forces. Instead, we might hear the usual 'retreated to prepared positions' from the new commander," the analysts commented.
Ukrainian forces are actively fighting to hold their positions, but the situation remains challenging due to the Russian significant advantage in manpower, analysts say.
They warn that a lack of proper coordination could lead to the risk of encirclement of Ukrainian Defense Forces units in several settlements simultaneously.
"The current situation is the result of inactivity or unclear actions by the Donetsk Operational Tactical Group. The enemy is gradually seizing more territory directly in Uspenivka, risking the closure of the pocket and leaving Defense Forces units trapped in Hannivka, Uspenivka, Trudove, Vesely Hai, and Romanivka."
