Ukraine Updates: Russia Tries to Outflank Pокrovsk Amid Heated Battles
Sources report no direct assaults on Pокrovsk yet, as Russian forces attempt to encircle the city
In the ongoing conflict, Russian ocupying forces have shifted their tactics, avoiding direct confrontations in Pокровsk, a strategic city in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Instead, they’re trying to outmaneuver and encircle the city, according to a senior Ukrainian military official.
Speaking on a national telethon, Major Viktor Treгубов, spokesperson for the operational-strategic grouping "Hortitsia," detailed the current situation. "Russia’s strategy is to bypass Pокровsk through surrounding settlements and villages, infiltrating in small groups to accumulate forces for a later circumvention attack," he noted.
Why the change of tactics?
Pокровsk, being a large and fortified city, is proving difficult for the Russian forces to assault directly. They’ve encountered fierce resistance in urban combat elsewhere, notably in Chasovo Yar and Kurakhovo, leading them to look for alternative strategies.
For now, Russia isn’t expecting immediate success in Pокrovsk. Instead, they’re attempting to surround and sever the city’s infrastructure ties.
Ukrainian resistance thrives
Over the past day, Ukrainian defenders have repelled 38 Russian attacks on the Pокровsk front, which remains one of the most intense. Despite Russian efforts, the city appears determined to stand firm.
What’s next?
Pокровsk’s future remains uncertain, with Russian forces persistently focusing on capturing the city. Although they’ve suffered significant losses, analysts like the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe Moscow will continue pressing its offensive.
Read also: Deputy commander of the 68th brigade "Yavir": "Pокровsk will hold and maintain its defense, the question is how long we can last"
Background: Pокровsk is currently experiencing gas shortages due to the conflict.
