Russia has announced full control of its armed forces over the city of Marinka in eastern Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin called the result a “great success” and predicted a decline in airstrikes on the city of Donetsk, also under Russian control. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced Putin in a meeting broadcast on state television: “Our attack units have today gained complete control of the Marinka settlement.”
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Why Marinka is important
Marinka is a ghost town that was destroyed by the Russians last summer and is now practically a pile of rubble. British intelligence on X explains what Moscow's strategy is. “One of Russia’s operational objectives in the region is likely to be to secure control of the 00510 and N15 highways and then advance further west towards the town of Kurakhove.”
Marinka became a pile of rubble
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What's happening in the area?
In the ever-changing war between Ukraine and Russia, Avdiivka and Marinka have become important strategic battle areas. These areas became the center of most military engagements, accounting for more than 90% of wartime activity and underscoring their strategic importance in the broader context of the war. This focus reveals larger strategic patterns in the game. Russian forces in particular have changed their tactics, as evidenced by the reduction in air strikes and the decline in the use of kamikaze drones. Instead, the presence of artillery, infantry and armored vehicles is increasing significantly. The goal of the Russian armed forces is to undermine the operational capability of the Ukrainian army.
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At least 40,000 Russian soldiers involved
If we turn our attention to the Avdiivka Front, we see a significant concentration of Russian forces, probably more than 40,000 soldiers. This massive deployment, coupled with high casualty numbers, illustrates the severity of the conflict in this region. Particularly noteworthy is the deployment of mobilized Russian personnel to Avdiivka. Towards the end of the year, strategic developments in Avdiivka indicate a possible escalation of hostilities by Russian forces. According to reports, a major offensive is planned around New Year's Eve.
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Zelensky's encouraging message
“Ukrainian Christmas Eve in wartime. Our warriors shot down not only about 30 Shahed drones and several missiles, but also two more Russian aircraft. Russian terrorists lost five planes in a week. This Christmas creates the right atmosphere for the whole coming year: the atmosphere of our abilities. Negotiation skills with partners. Ability to strengthen our air shield. Ability to defend our homeland from Russian terrorists. The stronger our air defense is, the fewer Russian demons there will be in our skies and on our land.” This is what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy writes on X. “I thank all our warriors for their precision and strength! I appreciate all those who, both on Christmas and on other days, ensure the defense of our country, who resist enemy attacks and show steadfastness wherever they are, in the East and in the South or on the borders of our country, those who are in battle are, those who save and heal people. All our emergency services. Everyone who helps. I am grateful to each of you! Merry Christmas, dear Ukrainians! May this bright time make the whole coming year brighter for us.”
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Drones shot down by Ukrainians
Ukraine claims to have shot down 28 of the 31 Russian kamikaze drones that Kiev said were launched from Crimea in the last few hours. The Russians “attacked Ukraine with 31 Shahed drones and two missiles,” we read on Ukrinform, which republishes the news published by the Kiev Air Force. “And 28 Shahed 136/131 drones were shot down in the Odessa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, Kirovohrad regions and Khmelnytskyi». According to Ukrinform, Ukrainian forces claim to have also shot down two missiles and two Russian jets, “a Su-34 in the Donetsk region and a Su-30 Sm over the Black Sea.”
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on Il Gazzettino