### Russian Forces Push into Kurakhove: Street Battles Erupt

Russian military units have reportedly entered Kurakhove, a crucial logistical hub in eastern Ukraine's southern Donbas region, igniting intense street battles. According to Russian state-run Tass news agency, the move aims to disrupt Ukrainian supply routes vital for their military operations in the area.

Kurakhove’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. The town not only serves as a logistical center but also hosts one of Ukraine's largest thermal power plants, historically providing electricity to much of the Donetsk Oblast. If Russian forces capture Kurakhove, it could pave the way for further advances towards the key city of Pokrovsk.

The significance of the Russian offensive is underlined by Ukraine's General Staff, which recorded 39 attacks targeting at least eight settlements surrounding Kurakhove in a single day. Despite this, there was no official acknowledgment of street fighting within the city limits in their operational updates.

Russian troops are reported to be advancing from the east, north, after taking Selydove, and from the south near Bohoiavlenka, according to information from Deep State. Combat is particularly fierce, with Russian forces exerting immense pressure on Ukrainian defenders by employing a three-pronged pincer movement, despite incurring substantial casualties.

Ukrainian Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has described the situation around Kurakhove and Pokrovsk as "challenging" and noted that conditions are "trending toward escalation." Russian forces have not only numerical and artillery superiority but are reportedly bolstered by North Korean military personnel, accentuating the gravity of their offensive.

Military analysts observe that Russia’s momentum in eastern Ukraine has significantly increased since mid-October. While the intensity of their assault tactics has resulted in heavy Russian casualties, their relentless pressure continues to present a formidable challenge for Ukrainian forces striving to defend the region.