Russian troops continue their active offensive on the eastern front, particularly in the Pokrovsk area, where the situation for Ukrainian forces is becoming increasingly critical. According to Forbes analyst David Ax, Ukraine is facing a shortage of reserves in this area, as a significant part of the brigades were transferred to the Kursk operation.
Pokrovsk plays a key role in Ukraine's defense in the east. Its capture by Russian forces could have serious consequences for the entire eastern front line, including increasing pressure on other cities and allowing the Russians to expand their offensive. As David Ax notes, the capture of Pokrovsk could significantly weaken Ukrainian defenses and create the prerequisites for a larger offensive by Russian troops, including the complete occupation of the Donetsk region.
The Kursk operation, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a few weeks ago, has raised many questions about its strategic feasibility. Many have wondered why, instead of strengthening the defenses of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops were sent to Kursk. According to David Ax’s analysis, one of the main goals of this invasion was to distract Russian forces from the east and relieve pressure on Pokrovsk.
However, according to the analyst, this maneuver did not meet expectations. Instead of transferring the best troops to Kursk, the Russian command used poorly trained conscripts, which allowed it to save the main forces for the offensive in eastern Ukraine. As a result, instead of easing the pressure on Pokrovsk, the Russian offensive in this direction only intensified.
Amid the critical situation near Pokrovskoe, the Ukrainian leadership has limited options for stabilizing the front line. Analysts at Frontelligence Insight note that possible measures could include redeploying forces from other regions, such as Kursk or Kharkiv, or deploying new, newly formed brigades.
The best option, experts say, would be to concentrate additional forces to strengthen the defenses near Pokrovsk, with the aim of wearing down Russian brigades and regiments. However, it is unknown how quickly this deployment can be carried out and whether the Ukrainian command will have time to stop the Russian offensive, which is currently gaining momentum.
What's next?
The situation in the east remains extremely difficult. Russian troops continue to advance, threatening critical facilities and logistical routes of the Ukrainian army. At the same time, as DeepState notes, the occupiers have already taken control of key positions in several settlements, which creates additional threats for Ukrainian forces.
At the same time, military expert Pavlo Narozhnyi notes that the main goal of the Russians is not only Pokrovsk, but also the further movement to Kostyantynivka, which opens a new front and puts other strategic points of Ukraine's defense at risk.
