Battle for Pokrovsk is likely to take place in the fall

Although the enemy has stopped its advance towards Pokrovsk in recent days, it remains one of the most risky areas on the frontline. The battle for the city is expected to take place in the fall.

This was stated by the former spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Vladyslav Selezniov in a commentary to the RBC-Ukraine article “Vulnerable Point. How the month of Kursk affected the frontline and what risks the Armed Forces face”.

The interlocutor also noted that the Kursk offensive has not yet led to a significant improvement in the situation on the front line.

He added that the occupiers have recently seized a number of settlements in Donetsk region, approached Toretsk and are probably on the verge of the main battle for Pokrovsk, which may take place in the fall.

According to him, fears have increased after media reports that instead of strengthening its positions in this area, the Ukrainian army allegedly withdrew from Donetsk region for the sake of Kursk. According to Selezniov, we are not talking about frontline units, but about those that have undergone reconstruction.

The former General Staff spokesman noted that the enemy is actively storming the Pokrovske direction, but in recent days has stopped moving in a straight line and is trying to expand its flanks. According to him, it is likely that Russian troops will focus on this in the near future.

As for what to expect in the Donbas in the fall, Selezniov hopes for the forecasts of the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Kyrylo Budanov. The source recalled that in early August, he said that the Russian offensive had long been delayed and could last for another month and a half or two.

“If his predictions come true, by early October the occupiers will have no resources, they will be on the defensive, and a window of opportunity will open for us. How we use it depends on the help of our Western partners. Unfortunately, there is no particularly good news,” Selezniov said.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 06/09/2024