### Ukrainian Troops Begin Partial Withdrawal from Toretsk Amidst Fierce Street Battles

Ukrainian forces have initiated a "partial withdrawal" from the crucial city of Toretsk, according to reports from Russian state media on Sunday. The Ukrainian troops are grappling with severe street combat in this eastern city, with Russian news agency Tass describing the situation as "very dire" for the Ukrainian side.

Located north of Avdiivka and southwest of Bakhmut, Toretsk has found itself at the center of intense fighting. Russia seized Avdiivka in February and gained control over Bakhmut in May 2023, illustrating its slow yet determined push westward in the Donetsk region throughout the year. This area has been a perpetual target for Moscow's destructive offensives, with Toretsk and its surroundings witnessing heavy clashes.

Major Anastasiya Bobovnikova, spokesperson for Ukraine's Luhansk group of forces, reported on Monday that fighting is happening at almost every entrance to the city, underscoring the fierce combat conditions. Meanwhile, Vasily Chynchyk, head of Ukraine’s military administration for Toretsk, disclosed on Friday that Russian forces have captured between 50 and 60 percent of the city.

However, conflicting reports emerged from Bobovnikova, who stated that Russia only controls Toretsk's eastern part. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War indicated on Saturday that Russian forces commanded at least 38 percent of Toretsk, as both sides engage in heavy urban warfare within the city's limits.

Ukraine's military reported that, in the 24 hours leading up to early Sunday, Russia had launched 15 assaults around Toretsk. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Saturday that it had attacked Ukrainian positions at several front-line points in Donetsk, including areas southwest and immediately west of Toretsk.

Bobovnikova noted that Russia is attempting to "erase the city with artillery," a method already seen in other Donetsk settlements. The strategy involves shelling the area heavily before sending in small groups of troops to storm the remains, contributing to the relentless pressure on Ukrainian forces as they attempt to maintain their hold on Toretsk.