Overview
The battle for Toretsk (pre-2016 name: Dzerzhynsk) represents one of the longest-running urban combat engagements of the war. Russian forces entered the city's eastern districts in late 2024 and by March 2026 control approximately 60% of the urban area. Ukrainian defenders maintain positions in western districts, using the urban environment to impose disproportionate casualties on attacking forces in what has become a textbook example of urban defense-in-depth.
Current Situation
- Russian control: Approximately 60% of Toretsk, primarily the eastern and southern districts. Russian forces advance building-by-building using assault infantry supported by armored vehicles and extensive demolition munitions
- Ukrainian defense: Western districts remain under Ukrainian control. Defenders utilize prepared positions in reinforced buildings, underground passages, and cross-street obstacles to channel and attrit Russian assault groups
- Bypass attempts: Russian forces have attempted to bypass Toretsk from the north and south to encircle Ukrainian positions, but these attempts have been repelled by Ukrainian mobile reserves and drone-directed artillery
- Casualty ratio: Urban defense typically favors the defender, and Toretsk follows this pattern. Russian assault groups suffer high casualties in close-quarters combat, with reports of companies being reduced to platoon strength after single building engagements
Urban Combat Lessons
The Toretsk battle has yielded important lessons for modern urban warfare:
- Drone integration: Both sides use FPV drones extensively in the urban environment — dropping munitions through windows, targeting vehicles in streets, and providing real-time ISR that eliminates traditional urban concealment
- Underground warfare: Basements and underground passages serve as protected movement corridors, medical stations, and ammunition storage. Control of the underground space is as important as surface positions
- Demolition tactics: Russian forces increasingly use thermobaric munitions and glide bombs to demolish structures where Ukrainian defenders are positioned, reducing buildings to rubble before attempting to advance
- Small unit excellence: Urban combat relies on small-unit initiative, with squad and platoon leaders making critical decisions in isolated engagements. Ukrainian training emphasis on NCO leadership proves its value in this environment
Implications
Toretsk demonstrates that urban defense remains one of the most effective military strategies available. A relatively small defending force can tie down significantly larger attacking forces for months. The battle's evolution will be studied by military planners worldwide as a contemporary case study in urban warfare — with the addition of drone warfare representing the most significant new factor since the battles of Mosul and Fallujah.