On the morning of December 19, the deputy head of the DPR claimed that Russian forces completed the clearing operation in the center of Mariinka city located in the southeastern suburbs of Donetsk city. Mariinka was a strategically important Ukrainian stronghold near Donetsk, from where Ukrainians have been shelling Donetsk settlements for many years.
A few days ago, officials of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) confirmed the Russian advance on the city and claimed that the road from Marinka to Krasnogorovka had been cut.
At the same time, in the north, Russian units launched an attack on the fortified area of the Ukrainian army in Krasnogorovka. These operations are likely aimed at distracting the Ukrainian army from defending the main battlefield of Marinka.
In turn, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to fight and attempt to fight back. Clashes continue in the western suburbs of the city.
To the south of Mariinka, Ukrainian forces launched a counterattack near the village of Pombeda and managed to take control of a strong point near the settlement.
In the Avdeevka region, the Russian army launched offensive operations in Nevelskoe and Pervomaiskoe. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are attempting to reach the fortified area of Ukrainian forces in Avdeevka from the south-east direction.
The battle for Bahamut continues. Units of the private military company (PMC) Wagner are advancing on almost all the front lines in the region. Clashes continue in Podkorodnoe, north of Bakhmut, and Opitnoe, south of the city. In the eastern suburbs, fighting continues in the streets.
At the same time, the Wagner fighters continue their attack on Klestshevka. In turn, Ukrainian forces attempted to counterattack at Kurdyumovka and Ozaryanovka but failed and were repulsed by Russian troops and artillery.
Despite high losses, the Ukrainian command is preparing for a long-term defense in Bakhmut. Ukrainian soldiers dig trenches in the streets and traditionally install artillery emplacements in residential buildings. Such a strategy leads to the complete destruction of the city during the battle.
The dismal state of the Ukrainian military in the city is forcing Kiev officials to prepare the world for the imminent retreat of the Ukrainian military from Bakhmut. Increasingly, Ukrainian political officials claim that control of the city has no strategic military significance.
In the Solentar region, Russian forces are approaching the city from different directions, threatening the Ukrainian group with encirclement. The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed Russian control of the village of Yakolevka.
In preparation for a major Russian assault on Solentar, the Ukrainian administration moved units of English-speaking mercenaries into the city in an attempt to bolster the Ukrainian contingent.
