Russians are rapidly gaining ground on Pokrovsk, escalating their pace in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine.
Whispers of an accelerated offensive have surfaced, with Russian troops aggressively pushing forward near Pokrovsk. According to a report from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have wrestled control of most of Novohrodivka, situated south of Pokrovsk, in a matter of days.
The ISW asserts that Russian troops are now focusing on combat along a railway line leading towards Pokrovsk. Experts suspect that the rapid Russian progress in Novohrodivka may be due to a Ukrainian retreat from the area.
Colonel Reisner, a military specialist, stated to ntv.de, "Conquering Pokrovsk in Donbass is the aim of Russia's summer offensive. In the heavyweight division of Donbass, 'Centr', 'Yug', and 'Vostok' groups are attacking on a front of nearly 300 kilometers. With these forces, the Russians aim to breach the second defensive line and, if feasible, achieve a breach at Pokrovsk."
In response to the deteriorating situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed plans to fortify the region, following a meeting with military officials. Recent reports suggest that Russian troops have seized entire towns in the Donetsk region, prompting Ukrainian authorities to mandate additional evacuations.
The area for forced evacuations has been expanded, as announced by the governor of Donetsk. A total of 27 towns in the Kostyantynivka and Selydove areas have been included in the evacuation list. Evacuations were already ordered in the Pokrovsk area due to the advance of Russian troops.
The European Union has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, with particular focus on the advancement of Russian forces towards Pokrovsk. In response, the European Union has pledged increased humanitarian aid to affected Ukrainian regions. The European Union urges Ukraine to prioritize the protection of its civilian population, emphasizing the importance of evacuating vulnerable communities.
Additional Insights:
- Russian forces have overrun many positions in the Donetsk region, forcing Ukrainian troops to retreat.
- The rapid advance of Russian troops towards Pokrovsk poses a significant threat to Ukraine's defenses in the region.
- Ukrainian forces are struggling to maintain their positions due to manpower shortages and supply route disruptions.
- Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian positions and supply lines are causing significant damage and complicating Ukraine's defense efforts.
As the battle for Pokrovsk intensifies, both sides position themselves for potential peace talks, with the outcome of this conflict shaping the future of eastern Ukraine.
