Live: Ukraine Loses Strategic Ground, Moscow's Advances in Donbass Captures Toretsk After Five-Month

Russian forces have fully captured Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk) in Ukraine’s Donetsk region after a five-month battle, marking a significant territorial gain. The offensive, led by the Tsentr Group of Forces, also secured 11 other settlements, covering 139 square kilometers. Ukrainian troops, including elite brigades and foreign mercenaries, had heavily fortified the town, deploying over 40,000 soldiers. Despite fierce resistance, Russian forces inflicted heavy losses, eliminating approximately 26,000 Ukrainian troops and destroying hundreds of armored vehicles and artillery units. With this victory, Moscow has advanced over 13 kilometers into Ukrainian defenses, positioning itself for a potential push towards Konstantinovka and Kramatorsk as the battle for Donbass continues.