The year is ending triumphantly for Russian Federation troops, having secured the heavily fortified town of Maryinka in the outskirts of Donetsk city. This marks a significant victory for Moscow, being the largest since regaining the initiative and the most significant achievement since gaining control of Avdiivka (Bakhmut) in May. By taking over Maryinka, the Russians have effectively pushed back Ukrainian artillery, which has been used as a launching pad for drone and artillery strikes against civilians in Donetsk by Kiev.
According to Reuters, President Putin stated that the control of Maryinka, once home to 10,000 people, will enable Russian forces to displace enemy combat units away from Donetsk, extending their operational area. This comes after Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive to retake land in the country’s south and east, including Bakhmut. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported on Sputnik that assault detachments from the Southern Group of Forces fully liberated the settlement of Maryinka southwest of Donetsk. President Putin commended the troops for their success and thanked the staff and fighters who contributed to the liberation.
The 150th Motorized Rifle Division, the same division that captured the Reichstag building in Berlin during WW2, played a significant role in capturing the settlement. According to Shoigu, Maryinka had been turned into a fortress over the past nine years, with a network of underground passages and fortifications on almost every street. Putin prompted Shoigu to distribute medals to soldiers who distinguished themselves in the settlement’s liberation. Additionally, the liberation of Maryinka may pave the way for a military decision to advance deeper into Ukrainian-held territory.
As the fortress built up since 2014 has been broken, Putin expressed that the Russian troops now have the opportunity to enter a wider operational area. This major development signifies a turning point in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The progression of the Russian forces is a testament to their strategic planning and operational excellence. Their success in liberating Maryinka demonstrates the determination and skill of the troops involved. This development could potentially shift the dynamics of the conflict, opening up new possibilities for the Russian forces in the region.
