Ukrainian tanks near Kurakhovo fired at close range on Russian assault groups, according to Forbes.

In Kurakhovo, Donetsk region, Ukrainian tanks are advancing towards Russian assault groups and firing at them from close range. This is reported by Forbes.

"Tanks from at least two Ukrainian brigades are engaging Russian assault groups at close quarters — using smoke to evade the inevitable drone attacks," the report states.

Journalists clarified that the tanks likely belonged to the 46th Air Mobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They engaged closely with Russian troops in the ruins of a bombed-out neighborhood, fired their weapons, and then, under the cover of their smoke generators, sped away, narrowly avoiding at least one Russian drone that flew overhead.

According to analysts, the "shoot-move-smoke" tactic is proving effective.

"There are several Ukrainian battalions that, from what I see, are using smoke very effectively, and they are sustaining significantly fewer equipment losses," noted analyst Andrew Perpetua.

Additionally, at least one "Leopard-2" from the 33rd Mechanized Brigade destroyed a Russian assault group on November 12.

Journalists explained that Russian troops are attempting to pass through Kurakhovo to completely encircle Pokrovsk.

"If Pokrovsk falls, the entire Ukrainian front line in Donetsk could collapse," the article states.

The authors emphasized that just a few weeks ago, tanks from both sides of the conflict rarely dared to directly attack enemy forces. Therefore, the fact that Ukrainian tanks are once again engaging at close range indicates the urgency of this phase of the war.

At the same time, this may also indicate an improvement in Ukrainian tactics, as even the use of smoke for concealment requires significant coordination among various units.

"However, the Ukrainians have no choice but to try. The defenders of Pokrovsk hope that the defenders of Kurakhovo will stop — or at least slow down — the Russian offensive, which shows no signs of concluding anytime soon," the journalists concluded.

Recall that on November 18, the Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a successful counterattack near Kurakhovo.

On the same day, the National Guard fighters repelled a Russian assault near Kurakhovo.