London recognizes Russian advances in Toretsk, strategic gateway to Kramatorsk and Kostiantinivka

MADRID Jan 12 () –

Russian military forces have made progress in the strategic town of Toretsk, in the northern Donetsk region, a gateway to the cities of Kramatorsk and Kostiantinivka, according to the latest report published by the British secret services.

Russia has been trying to take Chasiv Yar and Toretsk since early 2024. In December 2024 and early January 2025, it attempted to attack with armored vehicles without success in Chasiv Yar and with some success in Toretsk, the British report notes.

“In Toretsk, Russia has continued to advance. Russia probably controls at least 70 percent of Toretsk and has made costly advances into this town, although urban fighting has prevented rapid advance,” he explains.

In Chasiv Yar, the other strategic locality that would open Russia’s passage to Kramatorsk and Kostiantinivka, London highlights that the Siverski Donets-Donbas canal has been consolidated as a front line. “Advancing Russian forces are frequently attacked by Ukrainian drone pilots as they approach the canal.

Furthermore, the United Kingdom has confirmed that Russian forces are trying to cut off Ukrainian logistical supply lines to these two strategic locations.