Russia announced Tuesday that its forces seized the strategic logistics hub Niu-York in eastern Ukraine, advancing towards capturing Donetsk.
Despite Ukraine’s push into Russia’s Kursk region, Niu-York’s situation underscores Russia’s ongoing eastern Ukraine offensive.
Russia announced new military groups in Kursk and other border regions, aiming to repel incursions without diverting frontline forces.
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov announced a new coordinating body is “already” working 24/7 with regional authorities, commanders, and the defence ministry.
However, his announcement, two weeks after Ukraine breached Russia’s border, highlighted Moscow’s delayed response without explaining prior coordination issues.
Ukraine’s commander claimed advancing 28-35 km into Russia, capturing 1,263 sq km, though Reuters couldn’t confirm. Russia vowed resistance.
The operation boosted Ukrainian morale, and Kyiv believes seizing territory and Russian prisoners strengthens its negotiation position.
However, analysts warn Kyiv risks pulling key combat units from eastern front lines, where Russia continues to advance.
Niu-York Capture: Strategic Impact on Eastern Ukraine
If confirmed by Ukraine, capturing Niu-York would boost Russia’s successes and pave the way for further strategic gains.
With a pre-war population of under 10,000, many of whom fled, the town is on the rail line to Sloviansk.
Donetsk is claimed by Russia as annexed, but Kyiv and the West reject this as illegal; Ukraine vows to reverse it.
Russian TV correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny said controlling Niu-York would help Russian forces cut off the crucial Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway.
Alexander Kots noted that Russian forces can now attack Toretsk from the south, adding pressure to its eastern flank.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the situation in Pokrovsk and Toretsk as “difficult”.
Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Facebook 14 clashes in Toretsk and 34 in Pokrovsk since the start of the day.
Ukraine did not confirm Niu-York was under Russian control but noted attacks and a strong Ukrainian defense.
Ukrainian officials reported that Russia’s overnight missile and drone attack hit energy infrastructure, causing fires and elevated chlorine levels.
Russia separately summoned a senior U.S. diplomat to protest what it deemed “provocative” actions by American journalists entering Kursk from Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry protested alleged evidence of U.S. private military involvement in Ukraine’s invasion of Russian territory, without details.
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