Russian troops close in on Pokrovsk in intensified offensive
Russian troops are currently conducting two tactical operations as part of an offensive aimed at capturing Pokrovsk and are attempting to encircle Ukrainian positions. They are said to be already 6 kilometres from the city.
According to the "Daily Telegraph," Russian advances have accelerated in recent weeks, and troops are now stationed about 6 kilometres from the city of Pokrovsk. Despite local authorities' warnings of the necessity of evacuation, about 38,000 Ukrainians remain in the city, which had a pre-war population of 80,000.
Volodymyr Zelensky warned a few days ago that the situation in the city is "difficult," but predicted that Russia would have to sacrifice tens of thousands of soldiers to achieve its goal.
Two tactical objectives of the Russians before the attack on Pokrovsk
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) similarly describes the situation in its latest report. Russian forces have two main tactical objectives before the attack on Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. The aim is to widen the wedge towards this strategic city, it reported. Pokrovsk serves as an essential supply hub for Ukrainian troops in the region.
According to ISW, Russian forces aim to meet two conditions before proceeding with the attack on Pokrovsk: "advancing along the Novohrodivka-Hrodivka line east of Pokrovsk to capture Myrnohrad and approach the outskirts of Pokrovsk, and a second tactical action along the Selydove-Ukrajinsk-Hirnyk line southeast of Pokrovsk to widen the Russian wedge towards Pokrovsk and eliminate weak points against Ukrainian counterattacks.”
Institute analysts noted that in recent days, Russian forces have made territorial advances around Hrodivka and to the east of Selydove. Russian military bloggers claim that Russian forces have moved further to the southeastern outskirts of Myrnohrad, captured part of Selydove and reached its centre, and are fighting on the outskirts of Ukrajinsk.
Forcing Ukrainians to retreat
ISW reports that Russian units have surrounded Ukrainian positions southeast of Pokrovsk along the Karliw reservoir, forcing Ukrainian forces to retreat.
According to the Institute's report, the advance of Russian forces on Selydove, Ukrajinsk, and Hirnyk is likely aimed at eliminating the Ukrainian wedge that could threaten the Russian offensive towards Pokrovsk.
ISW suggests that despite the desire to achieve the above-mentioned tactical objectives before the attack on Pokrovsk, it is possible that the assault on the city will occur even if these objectives are not met.
The Institute is uncertain whether the Russian command intends to launch a frontal attack on Pokrovsk or surround the city. How the Russian forces will attempt to capture the city "will likely depend on where the Ukrainian forces decide to undertake significant defensive actions,” the report stated.
Source: Daily Telegraph/PAP/ISW
