28 Sep: Russians got trapped and then sent even more forces into the trap (in Malaya Lokhnya) - Reporting from Ukraine

[TexasTowelie]

Today there are a lot of updates from the Kursk direction.

Here, in the village of Kremyanoe, east of Korenevo, Ukrainian forces have methodically encircled the area, severing key supply routes and leaving the remaining Russian troops trapped and isolated. As the siege tightens and Russian resupply efforts become increasingly desperate, both sides are preparing for the next decisive move in this tactical standoff—one that could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Kursk offensive.

The village of Kremyanoe, located east of Korenevo, has been at the heart of a tactical standoff since August. The situation began when Russia's 810th Naval Infantry Brigade moved into the area, attempting to consolidate control following Ukraine's Kursk incursion. While the majority of Russian units were eventually forced to retreat, a small contingent remained entrenched in Kremyanoe. Over time, these forces have become increasingly isolated as Ukrainian troops systematically advanced, cutting through their flanks and tightening the encirclement.

Today, Ukrainian forces have officially completed the operational encirclement of Kremyanoe, cutting off all major supply routes to the village. Only a single, precarious ground line of communication remains from Sheptukovka, which is under partial Ukrainian fire control, thanks in part to a natural chokepoint in the terrain. If we look at the topographic map, we can see that Kremyanoe is surrounded by elevated areas, severely restricting access to the village. In response, Ukrainian forces have been pressuring Sheptukovka for the past two weeks, advancing from three directions. A recent wave of drone and artillery strikes in mid-September targeted Sheptukovka as part of this larger encirclement strategy.

Although Russian forces have managed to carry out a few resupply missions, delivering ammunition and food through hastily assembled convoys, these efforts are growing increasingly desperate. While some attempts to break the siege have succeeded, many have ended in failure. Ukrainian forces, employing ambushes strategically positioned along key roads, have successfully destroyed or forced the retreat of several convoys, further tightening the noose around the encircled Russian troops.

Recognizing the increasing peril facing their encircled troops, Russian commanders have shifted their focus to Olygovka, a nearby village that could serve as a crucial lifeline. However, attempts to capture Olygovka have encountered fierce Ukrainian resistance, as Ukrainian forces remain determined to prevent the Russians from breaking out of the Kremyanoe pocket. The intense fighting underscores the high stakes, with both sides fighting for control of this key position.

Despite having the upper hand, Ukrainian commanders have exercised caution in launching a full-scale assault on Kremyanoe. Such an operation would be costly, requiring significant resources and likely leading to high casualties. Instead, the Ukrainian strategy has focused on containment. By gradually tightening the encirclement, Ukrainian forces are allowing time to work in their favor, weakening the Russian troops through attrition. As the siege drags on, the encircled Russian forces grow increasingly vulnerable, with their ability to mount more than sporadic defensive actions deteriorating. This calculated approach not only conserves Ukrainian resources but also creates opportunities for ambushes, enabling them to target Russian resupply missions and counterattacks with devastating precision.

As if the situation in Kremyanoe weren't challenging enough for Russian forces, another Ukrainian encirclement is unfolding near Malaya Loknya, north of Sudzha, following a similar containment strategy. Russian troops initially fortified a local women's prison, using the facility as a stronghold when Ukrainian forces advanced into the area. For a time, the prison served as a formidable defensive position, but Ukrainian forces have systematically cut off escape routes, gradually surrounding the Russian defenders. The encirclement tightens with each passing day, mirroring the methodical approach seen in other areas of the front.

In a desperate attempt to rescue their trapped comrades, Russian commanders dispatched a relief team that briefly succeeded in opening a narrow evacuation route. However, despite their efforts to secure positions in the surrounding fields, Ukrainian...

[niyad]

1. Slava Ukraini. Thank you for the update.