Ukrainian forces brace for possible retreat from Pokrovsk

The Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre forecasts that by the end of this year, Ukrainian troops might be forced to leave Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, which is under attack by the Russians. The city authorities are urging residents to evacuate.

According to Janek Kesselmann, deputy head of Estonian military intelligence, Russian forces have an advantage on the front and may force Ukrainians to retreat from Pokrovsk. The Russians conduct an average of 167 attacks daily, with almost half taking place on the Donbas front, according to the deputy head of Estonian military intelligence in an interview with the ERR portal.

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Kesselmann that last week, Russian units moved about 1.5 kilometres towards the city of Pokrovsk, which is the centre of military operations. The distance to the outskirts is now about 5 to 6 kilometres.

He added that if the current pace of attacks continues, "most likely, Ukrainian troops will be forced to withdraw from Pokrovsk before the end of this year."

The head of the military administration in Pokrovsk, Serhii Dobriak, reported that the Russian army is currently 6 kilometres from the city, and Russian attacks have destroyed 80% of Pokrovsk's critical infrastructure. Nevertheless, the city still accommodates 13,000 civilians, including 94 children.

The day before, there were two separate attacks involving six KAB-500 bombs. The first strike hit the city centre at 6:30 AM GMT, injuring four people, while the second attack took place at 7:00 PM GMT, using three more bombs. The damage has caused widespread injuries and destruction to civilian infrastructure, cutting off electricity, water, and gas supplies. According to Dobriak, these actions seem aimed at preparing the population for the hardships of winter.

He also reported that more than ten neighbourhoods in the city are now without electricity. Expressing appreciation for those who have evacuated, he mentioned that a month and a half ago, the city had a population of 48,000, including nearly 6,000 children.

The Pokrovsk section is one of the hottest spots on the front. Numerous clashes occur there daily. The RBK-Ukraine portal reports that Russian soldiers advance several hundred metres daily, surrounding Selydove. This town is a key point leading to Pokrovsk, a military and logistical hub near the border with the Dnipropetrovsk region.

The situation in the region is becoming increasingly dangerous. On Wednesday, the Ukrainian operational-strategic group Khortytsia reported that it had withdrawn its troops from Vuhledar in the Donetsk region to protect soldiers' lives and military equipment, as well as to prepare new positions for further combat operations. Vuhledar was a key target of Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine.