ISW: Russia seizes 71% of strategic Toretsk after shifting to mass-unit tactics
Russian forces have dramatically altered their assault strategy in Toretsk, deploying 20-soldier platoons instead of five-person teams.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian forces have recently reached the northwestern administrative boundary of Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, as evidenced by geolocated footage.
Capturing Toretsk is strategically significant as it would facilitate further advancements towards Kostyantynivka and potentially encircle other key settlements. This would disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and fortifications in Donetsk Oblast.
As of 8 January, Russian troops have made advances in key locations of Donetsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine, including Toretsk, Kurahove, and near Neskuchne, according to DeepState, a map monitoring project.
According to ISW’s assessment, Russian forces currently control approximately 71% of the settlement, contradicting claims by Russian military bloggers of 90% control.
The city has suffered extensive damage, with reports indicating that entire neighborhoods have been erased due to artillery bombardments.
Russian forces are advancing in Donetsk Oblast and using its usual scorched earth tactics.
This is the Ukrainian city of Toretsk now. 
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