The Russian military has launched a surprise operation against Ukrainian positions in the northern sector of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), seizing the village of Kirovsk, according to a statement from Moscow’s Defense Ministry on Wednesday. The site, known as Zarechnoye in Russia, had been fortified by Ukrainian forces, with “every house and basement transformed into strongholds” and surrounding areas heavily mined, the ministry reported.
Challenging terrain and Ukrainian defensive lines along the Zherebets River, which borders Kirovsk to the east, initially slowed Russian advances. However, Russian units under the “West” command exploited the element of surprise, crossing the river and breaching enemy defenses, reaching the village’s western outskirts. The ministry confirmed ongoing operations to eliminate residual Ukrainian forces, including those from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade.
The capture of Kirovsk marks a critical step toward Krasny Liman, a key logistics hub in the DPR’s north. Located approximately 8 kilometers west of Kirovsk, the town was initially captured by Russia early in the conflict but recaptured by Ukrainian forces in late 2022.
