Russia's Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that its Yug (South) battle group has secured control over the strategic city of Kurakhovo, located in the western part of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).

The ministry described this as a significant achievement in its broader efforts to gain control of the Donbass region.

"In the course of active offensive actions, the Southern battle group has completely liberated the city of Kurakhovo – the largest settlement in the southwestern part of Donbas," the ministry said. 

🇷🇺 Russian troops send greetings from liberated Kurakhovo, where they are already clearing the streets of enemy symbols. pic.twitter.com/BdQD79rXgg

— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) January 5, 2025

The statement noted that Ukrainian forces had suffered heavy losses during the two-month battle, with over 12,000 troops killed or wounded, alongside the destruction of approximately 3,000 pieces of military hardware, including 40 tanks.

"During the two months of fighting near Kurakhovo, Ukraine's daily military losses averaged between 150 and 180 people killed and wounded," the ministry added.

Strategic significance of Kurakhovo

The Russian Defense Ministry highlighted Kurakhovo's strategic importance, describing it as a fortified position with extensive defensive structures and underground networks.

A water reservoir to the north had previously constrained Russian troop movements, complicating their offensive.

"Establishing control over this important logistics hub has significantly complicated the rear and technical support of the Ukrainian armed forces group in the Donetsk direction, depriving the Kiev regime of the opportunity to fire artillery systems at the civilian population of Donetsk, the capital of the DPR," the statement said.

The ministry also mentioned that this success would accelerate efforts to capture the DPR.

Read more: Russia captures LPR village, eliminates 100s of Ukrainian troops: MoD

Broader frontline operations

In addition to Kurakhovo, the Russian Defense Ministry provided updates on other operations across Ukraine.

It stated that the Zapad (West) battle group repelled three Ukrainian counterattacks, inflicting casualties of up to 550 soldiers and destroying a range of military equipment, including US and UK-produced weapons.

Similarly, the Tsentr (Center) battle group reportedly repelled 14 counterattacks and eliminated 535 Ukrainian personnel, while the Vostok (East) and Sever (North) groups reported inflicting heavy losses in their respective sectors.

The Dnepr group was also credited with eliminating 80 Ukrainian soldiers in combat.