Fri Feb 07 17:30:35 UTC 2025: ## Russia Claims Capture of Toretsk in Eastern Ukraine; Ukraine Disputes Claim
**Kyiv, Ukraine (February 7, 2025)** – Russia’s Defense Ministry announced today that its forces have seized the eastern Ukrainian town of Toretsk, marking a significant advance in the ongoing conflict in the Donetsk region. However, Ukrainian officials have disputed this claim.
A press officer for the 28th Ukrainian Brigade, Yevhen Alkhimov, stated that his unit remains in its position and has not been withdrawn, contradicting the Russian account. He described ongoing intense Russian assaults. Open-source intelligence, including the widely used DeepState map, indicated late Thursday that Ukrainian troops were still present on the northwest edge of Toretsk.
The Russian Ministry of Defense described Toretsk as heavily fortified, with extensive underground communication networks and repurposed buildings used as firing positions. The town’s coal mines and waste heaps have also been utilized as defensive positions by Ukrainian forces.
The fall of Toretsk, if confirmed, would represent a major gain for Russia in its year-long offensive in eastern Ukraine. This campaign, characterized by the extensive use of heavy weaponry such as glide bombs and artillery, has gradually eroded Ukrainian defenses. Kurakhove is the latest in a string of towns to fall, following the capture of Avdiivka and Vuhledar last year.
The ongoing conflict coincides with growing uncertainty surrounding continued US military aid to Ukraine. President Donald Trump’s stated desire to end the war, coupled with unclear plans for achieving peace, has added to the existing tensions.
Russia’s larger objectives include the complete capture of Donetsk and Luhansk, comprising the Donbas region. The Kremlin also continues its offensive towards key logistical hubs such as Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar.
Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, met with the head of Rosatom in Moscow to discuss safety concerns at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in a combat zone. Grossi described the situation as “unprecedented.” Further reports indicate that Russia has also claimed the capture of two additional villages in eastern and northeastern Ukraine. The Kremlin dismissed President Zelenskyy’s comments regarding direct talks with President Putin as “empty words.” Additionally, Ukraine reported the return of 12 children taken by Russia. Both sides continue to trade accusations of responsibility for an attack on a boarding school in Russia’s Kursk region.
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