Russian troops are preparing to attack Pokrovsk in Donetsk region. This operation may be the culmination of the Russian offensive in this area.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Forbes.
According to the publication, how exactly the Russians will advance in the Donetsk region depends on whether they manage to eliminate the Ukrainian military-held positions around Kurakhove, east of Velyka Novosilka. It is noted that the Ukrainian forces on the outcrop could threaten the supply lines of the Russians advancing on Pokrovsk in the north.
According to Forbes, up to nine Russian regiments and brigades with a maximum strength of up to 18,000 soldiers have been assembled there. At the same time, the Russians continue to use mechanized and infantry attacks on foot. This allows them to advance slowly into the eastern and central parts of Kurakhove and south of Kurakhove. The worst-case scenario for Ukraine is for Russian troops to “cut through” the ledge between the two villages in the north, in which case the Ukrainian forces in the east would be cut off.
Forbes writes that if Ukrainian forces retreat, Russian troops will “straighten” the front line from south to north from Velyka Novosilka to Pokrovsk. In this way, the Russians will reduce the threat to their flanks during the period when they will try to besiege Pokrovsk.
However, if the Ukrainian Armed Forces hold their positions, the Russians may decide to risk their flanks and attack Pokrovsk anyway. The publication believes that how soon the siege can begin depends on many factors.
Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 10/12/2024