Russia allegedly attempting to encircle Pokrovsk, aiming to disrupt supply lines of Ukrainian military forces, according to British intelligence.
Russian Forces Intensify Efforts to Encircle Key Ukrainian Hub, Pokrovsk
Russian ground forces are ramping up their efforts to encircle Pokrovsk, a vital Ukrainian logistics hub in the Donetsk region, according to recent reports. Over the past week, Russian troops have made incremental gains to the northeast of Pokrovsk, aiming to sever the city's supply routes and communication lines, particularly along the northern highway H-32 near Rodynske and areas south of it like Myrolyubivka.
The fighting around Pokrovsk has been some of the most active and intense on the entire front line, with Ukrainian forces successfully repelling numerous attacks while defending the city's approaches. Russian forces are launching attacks from multiple directions—north, east, and south—using small infantry groups combined with drone surveillance to strain Ukrainian defenses.
Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have attempted infiltrations into southern Pokrovsk, but Ukrainian troops have conducted clearance operations to prevent these groups from establishing a foothold within the city. On 21 July, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrskiy, reported the elimination of Russian saboteurs who attempted to break through to Pokrovsk.
The corridor into Pokrovsk remains open but narrowing. Some analysts predict the city might have to be abandoned within about 60 days if Russian forces continue to squeeze the salient, as the supply routes could become untenable. Russia is leveraging its advantage in missiles, glide bombs, and optical fiber drones to target Ukrainian fortifications, putting significant pressure on Ukrainian manpower and materiel, which have declined over the course of the war.
The main northern supply route of Pokrovsk passes through Rodynske. Russian forces have captured territory south of highway H-32, advancing in the area of Mirnolyubivka. The occupiers have also advanced westward in the area of highway H-32. Estonian intelligence reported that Russian forces in Pokrovsk are attempting to employ the same tactics as previously used in Ugledar and Avdiivka.
Military personnel working in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, confirmed the fact of Russian penetration into the city to "Ukrainian Truth" on 22 July. The situation remains tense, with heavy fighting ongoing, and the logistical lifeline of the city under escalating threat. Ukrainian defense remains strong but strained, with the city's fate hanging in the balance.
Politics and general news outlets are reporting active wars-and-conflicts in Ukraine, particularly focusing on the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Russian forces have been attempting to encircle the city and sever its supply routes, making significant gains over the past week. The fighting around Pokrovsk has been intense, with Ukrainian forces successfully repelling numerous attacks, but the corridor into Pokrovsk is narrowing, and some analysts predict the city might have to be abandoned in approximately 60 days if the situation continues.
