Toretsk axis may become priority for russia – ISW
The aggressor state russia is likely to make the Toretsk axis its priority axis of action. This is evidenced by the resumption of mechanized assaults in the area of Toretsk, which the enemy carries out much less often due to the reduction in armored vehicles.
This is stated in the russian Offensive Campaign Assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) as of June 18, 2025, the Ukrainian News agency reports.
Thus, on June 17, russian troops conducted a mechanized attack with forces of at least a platoon in the Toretsk axis. Geolocation images published on June 17 show that russian troops conducted an attack west of Yablunivka (west of Toretsk) using at least three armored vehicles and four motorized vehicles, probably all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
In particular, Ukrainian military observer Yurii Butusov reported on June 18 that russian forces had conducted a mechanized attack, reinforced to the company level, near Kostyantynivka and that Ukrainian forces had destroyed 15 pieces of heavy equipment and eight motorized vehicles.
Analysts have noted that russian forces have been conducting mechanized attacks less frequently since the winter of 2024-2025, likely due to the capabilities of Ukrainian drones and the reduction in the reserves of armored vehicles that remain at russia’s disposal.
The ISW has also recently received reports indicating that russia’s consumption of Soviet-era tank stocks is running out. Russian forces are increasingly relying on civilian vehicles, ATVs, and motorcycles during assaults, and in April 2025, the russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) began efforts to formally integrate the use of motorcycles into offensive operations.
"Russian mechanized assaults in the Toretsk direction may indicate that the Russian military command intends to prioritize this sector of the front. ISW will continue to monitor this area of the frontline for additional evidence of mechanized assaults," the report says.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, at the same time, 186 combat clashes took place on the front on June 17, the hottest axes were Pokrovsk (57 clashes), North-Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk (28).