Покровск

Headline: Russian Expert Warns of Possible Decoy Offensive Before Trump’s Inauguration

Subheadline: With time running out until the new U.S. president’s swearing-in, Putin seeks to unsettle Trump with a large-scale attack simulation.

Article:

In a worrying turn of events, renowned military expert Alexander Kovalenko has raised the alarm about Russia’s potential plans to stage a grand offensive on a Ukrainian regional capital, aiming to make an impression on the incoming U.S. President, Donald Trump.

With Trump’s inauguration fast approaching, Russian President Vladimir Putin is under pressure to mount a significant military show on the Eastern front. However, despite his efforts to concentrate and activate forces in the region, no major breakthroughs have been observed, according to Kovalenko, who shared his insights in a YouTube video on the OBOZ.UA channel.

The expert pointed out that Russia has yet to secure the Curakhovsky bulge, hindering them from launching more intensive offensive operations towards Pokrovsk. "They lack the appropriate forces and resources to initiate a large-scale military operation," Kovalenko stated.

Consequently, the Russian strategy might revolve around circumventing Pokrovsk, disrupting its supply lines, and orchestrating a massive, yet simulated, offensive towards the Dnieper River to create the illusion of a major advances.

However, Kovalenko emphasized that while Russians can mimic such actions, the reality of urban combat in Pokrovsk remains distinct from mere shows of strength. Although Pokrovsk remains at risk, it is currently not the focus of intense urban warfare, the expert cautioned.

Kovalenko previously warned of other growing threats on the Eastern front, suggesting that Russia might prioritize specific objectives in 2025, and had shed light on the strategic planning behind Russia’s interest in Pokrovsk.

Title: Pokrovsk under Fire: Residents Face Unrelenting Artillery Strikes as Infrastructure Targeted

In the embattled city of Pokrovsk, residents are grappling with a deteriorating security situation as relentless artillery fire and attacks by FPV drones have become a daily reality. Local authorities have warned that the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure by Russian forces is putting the lives of thousands at risk.

"Our safety situation is worsening due to constant artillery shelling, including battles by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and FPV drones, which have been persistently harassing us," says a local official, who wished to be identified as Dobryak for safety reasons.

Dobryak estimates that there are currently around 7,300 civilians remaining in Pokrovsk, braving the escalating violence. Despite an initial surge in evacuations following the cutoff of gas and electricity supplies around December 12th, when nearly 3,000 people fled in a week, the daily evacuation rate has since slowed to approximately 5-10 people per day.

Russian forces have been actively targeting communal vehicles, according to Dobryak. "They’ve been deliberately targeting small 5-ton trucks that supply stores with food and even bakery vans. It’s cynical. We know these FPV drone operators can see where they’re flying and who they’re hitting," he recounts grimly.

Sadly, these tactics have claimed civilian lives, including a local utilities worker who was killed while commuting to work. Dobryak cautions that while some areas remain unscathed, it’s only a matter of time before they too become targeted.

In the face of this relentless onslaught, some essential services continue to operate. A few stores and pharmacies remain open, and territorial center specialists are urging elderly residents to evacuate. Waste removal and funeral services are also functioning, while communal workers are endeavoring to maintain and even sketchily repair critical buildings.

Dobryak notes that while some communal buildings have been put on standby, most repairs are concentrated in safer areas. In response to power outages, utility employees have set up makeshift heating systems for hospitals.

With the security situation continuing to unravel, Pokrovsk’s remaining residents face an uncertain future, enduring almost daily trauma as they watch their city and its crucial infrastructure come under sustained attack.

Putin’s Ukraine Assault: Latest Target Pокровск. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is not after territorial gains in Ukraine’s Pокровск city alone. He’s driven by the vast mineral wealth lurking beneath the surface, according to military expert Dmitry Snigirev.

Snigirev, speaking on FREEДОМ on YouTube, pointed out that Pокровск is Russia’s latest prize because it’s a "goldmine" of valuable resources. Putin, he says, is prepared to throw everything into seizing this strategic location.

The military expert shed light on Russia’s heavy losses in the region, estimating that around 150,000 soldiers and approximately 1,800 units of heavy armor have been deployed, reflecting Russia’s determination to capture Pокровск.

But what’s truly driving Putin’s relentless offensive in this area? Snigirev is categorical: Russia’s thirst for resources, particularly lithium and coking coal found abundantly in Pокровsk and the surrounding district. He argues that despite massive causalities, Russia’s continued attempts to takeover Pокровsk reflect its desperation to control these valuable assets.

The city of Shchaslyve, Pокровsk district, hosts one of Europe’s largest lithium deposits. Moreover, the district contains significant reserves of coking coal, essential for steel production.

"The Russian Federation, under the guise of ‘Special Military Operation’, is waging a war for resources," Snigirev concluded.

Russian Forces Targeting Logistical Capabilities of Ukrainian Military in Pokrovske

Russian troops have set their sights on weakening the logistical capabilities of the Ukrainian military in Pokrovske, according to reports. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian military’s Operational Command South (“Horтица”) noted that while the enemy may attempt to create conditions for Ukrainian forces to evacuate the city, this currently appears unlikely.

“Their primary goal seems to be disabling Ukrainian logistical infrastructure within the city. Completely bypassing Pokrovske is likely too ambitious for them at this stage,” the spokesperson said.

When asked about the possibility of Russian forces attempting to force Ukrainian military withdrawal from the city, the spokesperson stated that while this might be a longer-term goal, it is currently highly challenging. He suggested that the Russian tactics may be focused on trying to deter and weaken Ukrainian forces in Pokrovske by disrupting supplies.

“At this point, it seems they’re trying to weaken our forces, disrupt our supply chain, and potentially provoke a voluntary withdrawal from the city. However, based on the current situation, this scenario appears extremely unlikely,” the spokesperson concluded.

Urgent: FPV Drones and Constant Strikes plague Pidhora (Pokrovsk) as Residents Urged to Evacuate

The situation in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pidhora (Pokrovsk) has deteriorated significantly over the past 48 hours, with intense shelling and a sharp increase in FPV drone activity causing concern and endangering civilians.

"Especially over the last two days, the situation in Pidhora has been very heavy," said Pavlo Vysheba, a local spokesperson. "The New Year began with difficulties. Constant shelling is ongoing, and there has been a significant increase in FPV drones flying directly into the city. We’re talking about dozens of these drones."

FPV (First-Person View) drones, flying at low altitudes, pose a significant threat to civilians and can cause substantial damage. Vysheba emphasized that their presence in the city hampers the Ukrainian military’s (Committee of the Armed Forces of Ukraine) efforts to protect the city, increasing the risk of explosions and devastation.

Despite the persistent danger, many residents remain in Pidhora, further complicating the military’s task. Vysheba plea to locals is clear: "I would urge local residents, if not for your own safety, then please do it for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose defense efforts you’re hindering by staying."

Evacuation is not just a matter of personal safety; it also supports the AFU‘s fight to defend the city against foreign aggression.

Title: Russia Eyes Dnipropetrovsk Region for Offensives, Ukraine Struggles to Hold Gains

In the latest strategic assessments from Ukraine’s conflict zone, military analyst and former Armed Forces Spokesperson, Vladislav Seleznev, revealed that Russian forces may attempt to create multiple launch pads to seize the entire Dnipropetrovsk region. This information comes as Russia continues to reinforce its military presence in eastern Ukraine.

Seleznev believes that one of the main axes for possible Russian advances could be the Limans’ke direction. In an interview with Radio NV, he suggested that this could serve as a critical stepping stone for a future spring-summer offensive towards the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk urban agglomeration.

"As part of its strategic plan, Russia will likely try to form multiple launches, with at least three possible: from Limans’ke, Horlivka (Horlivka), and the Piski-Toretsk area from the southeast," said Seleznev. He noted that Russia is currently preparing conditions to facilitate these advances.

Seleznev emphasized the importance of both parties’ resources and capabilities in determining the success of these potential offensives. "The attack on the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk urban agglomeration, if successful, would realize Russia’s designs. However, this depends on the available resources of both sides," he added.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are actively transferring reinforcements to the Kurakhove and Pokrovske directions. According to occupation study center head, Petr Andrushchenko, the number of additional troops could range from 5,000 to 10,000. These forces are expected to move through occupied Donetsk, Novoazovsk, or the village of Hranitne.

Ukrainian Defense Forces, however, are resolute in defending Pokrovske, with Captain Vitaliy Litvin of the National Guard’s artillery reconnaissance division, a Hero of Ukraine, reporting that Russia is trying to encircle the city from Peschanoye and Mykolaivka directions.

Pokrovske’s strategic significance lies in its potential as a Russian launch pad for further advances towards Konstantinivka. This has made it a high-priority target for invading forces.

As the situation in eastern Ukraine continues to evolve, Ukrainians and international allies remain vigilant in anticipation of and preparation for any potential offensives.

Title: Russia‘s Strategic Defeat in Ukraine: Analysts Weigh In

In recent months, a cloud of pessimism has shrouded public sentiment regarding Ukraine’s prospects in the ongoing conflict. However, a closer examination of the strategic situation reveals a stark reality: Russia is not only failing to gain ground but is increasingly bearing the brunt of losses.

British military expert and retired colonel, Richard Kemp, has boldly stated on the pages of The Telegraph that Russia’s overall performance in the war is a "disastrous failure." Despite Kremlin’s posturing, the reality is that Russia has not managed to capture even a significantly smaller neighbor. Instead, it has ushered in a tide of destruction, economic instability, and eroded its global influence.

A Tale of Limited Gains

Contrary to the dominant narrative of unceasing Russian advancement, Kemp points out that Russia’s territorial gains over the past year have been paltry at best. Russia managed to seize only a small fraction of the Donetsk region and failed to create a buffer zone in Kharkiv, securing instead a mere sliver of territory along the border. Similarly, Russia’s relentless bombardment, aiming to plunge Ukraine into near-permanent darkness and cold, has largely fallen short, Kemp asserts.

This string of setbacks is unfolding against the backdrop of Russia’s relinquishment of parts of the Kursk region, constant drone attacks on its own soil, and the evacuation of its naval forces from most of the Black Sea. The human cost alone – an estimated 427,000 casualties in the past year – is staggering, not to mention the economic losses: Russia is now spending 6% of its budget on compensation for wounded and fallen soldiers, with interest rates soaring to 23% and inflation predicted to reach 9%.

Beyond the Battlefield: Russia’s Geopolitical Isolation

The human and economic toll is not Russia’s only concern. Kemp draws attention to Russia’s worsening geopolitical isolation as a result of its actions in Syria. Moscow’s military campaigns there have undermined its standing among regional powers like Iran. Meanwhile, Russia’s dependence on China has grown significantly due to Western sanctions.

Notwithstanding these challenges, analysts warn against overestimation of Russia’s vulnerabilities. While Ukraine has made steady advancements, true victory remains elusive. The West, haunted by fears of escalation, has been hesitant to provide Ukraine with sufficient military support. Alarmingly, some analysts fear that the West is now pushing Ukraine towards territorial concessions, potentially transforming Russia’s colossal failure into a pyrrhic victory.

In conclusion, while the immediate future remains uncertain and fraught with challenges, one fact is clear: Russia is not winning this war, and its strategic predicament grows increasingly precarious with each passing day.

Headline: Heavy Fighting in Pokrovsk: Putin's Territorial Preferences, According to ISW”>Novovasylivka as Russian Forces Push on Ukraine’s East

Subhead: Outnumbered Ukrainian forces face a critical moment as Russian troops gain ground in the strategic village.

Article:

Russian occupation forces are relentlessly pressing against Ukrainian defenses in the east, with the situation in Novovasylivka, south of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, growing increasingly dire. According to the monitoring project DeepState, Russian forces have been conducting intense assaults on the village since December 30, 2024, using infantry, armored fighting vehicles, and light armored tanks.

In a chaotic tactical environment, Russian forces have established a presence in various parts of Novovasylivka, often operating in close proximity to Ukrainian positions. The sheer number of Russian troops in the area could prove decisive, posing a significant threat to Ukrainian forces.

Meanwhile, along the southern flank near Chasovyi Yar, Russian forces are employing tactics involving small groups of troops to avoid heavy losses in equipment. Ukrainian forces report that the enemy is attempting to infiltrate their positions and advance towards the North Donetsk – Donbas canal.

Fierce battles continue around Pokrovsk, with Russian forces aiming to encircle the town and force Ukrainian troops to abandon their positions. Russian troops are pushing to reach the Pavlograd – Pokrovsk highway, threatening to cut off Ukrainian supply routes.

As the situation on the ground remains fluid, Ukrainian forces continue to defend their positions with unwavering determination. The outcome of these critical battles will have far-reaching implications for the broader conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"Russian Forces Intensify Attacks Around Pokrovsk, Attempting to Isolate the City

Russian forces are escalating their military actions in the immediate vicinity of Pokrovsk, pushing towards the city in an effort to disrupt its supply lines, revealed a Ukrainian serviceman in a recent interview.

The soldier, Eugene Ievlev, spoke to Kyiv24 and provided insights into the current battlefield situation. According to him, intense combat continues across four key fronts: Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Torez, and Chasiv Yar. Ievlev noted that the distinction between these fronts is negligible, with each witnessing fierce fighting.

"The enemy is heavily pushing on all four fronts," Ievlevasserted. "Notably on the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy is located within a two-kilometer range from the city, trying to bypass it and cut off its logistics."

Ievlev emphasized that the enemy’s ambitions extend beyond the current New Year celebrations, with consistent artillery and mortar bombardments ongoing. He believes that Russian advances towards Pokrovsk will only materialize once they secure control over Kurakhove, which currently serves as a bulwark against further Russian encroachment.

"Their main objective at the moment is to encircle and reach the Pokrovsk-Pavlograd highway," he said, adding that this prospect remains distant for now.

Meanwhile, in the Kharkiv region, efforts to fortify cities like Balakliia and Izium continue, with the construction of defensive structures and the establishment of a circular defense system underway.

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