Changes in the Dynamics of Russian Troop Attacks in Donetsk Over a Week: Situation Analysis
Over the past week, the frontline situation in the Donetsk region has seen significant shifts.
According to Ukrainian sources and military analysts, the number of attacks by Russian forces has nearly halved, indicating a temporary weakening of their activity.
Between October 10 and 17, Ukrainian military units recorded several waves of reduced assault frequency on various fronts, initially dropping from about 150 attacks per day to 60–90, then rising again to 120–130 assaults.
However, by October 16, the number decreased again to 83 attacks in a 24-hour period.
On October 17, Ukrainian defenders documented 83 assaults across key strategic sectors, including areas around Pokrovsk, Oleksandrivka, Lyman, Kostiantynivka, and Sloviansk.
This was not the lowest attack count observed by Ukrainian troops in early October but still indicates fluctuating intensities.
Overall, during the past week, Russian offensives ranged from 65 to 155 attacks daily, reflecting rapid tactical shifts.
Experts note that Russia aims to intensify assaults by altering tactics due to changing weather conditions and depleted resources, increasing artillery and ammunition usage.
At the same time, military officials observe that the traditional front line has practically dissolved, replaced by a so-called kill zone — a narrow strip ranging from several hundred meters to 10 kilometers wide, full of tunnels and shelters for both sides, complicating Ukrainian advances and making offensive operations more perilous.