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Ukraine's military has suffered a significant defeat in Welika Nowosilka, a strategic town in the southern Donbass region, where troops are reportedly retreating under heavy losses due to a coordinated assault by Russian forces. This marks a critical point in the ongoing conflict, as many Ukrainian defense lines have been breached, leading to calls for accountability from military critics, particularly aimed at commanders Olexander Sirski and Olexander Tarnawski, according to military observers.
Over the past week, Russian troops have made rapid territorial gains, threatening key areas like Pokrowsk and partially capturing the town of Tschasiw Jar, which has long resisted Russian offensives. The situation in Welika Nowosilka is dire; local supply routes have been cut off, and Ukrainian defenders are now isolated and unable to receive reinforcements. Military analysts suggest that the retreat of Ukrainian forces resembles earlier costly withdrawals in other locations, raising concerns about command decisions. As Russian forces continue to consolidate power in the Donetsk region, their next objective may include advances toward the Dnipropetrovsk province, according to officials.