Russian troops continue their active offensive on the eastern front, in particular in the Pokrovsk region, where the situation for Ukrainian forces is becoming more and more critical. According to Forbes analyst David Ax, Ukraine is facing a shortage of reserves in this direction, as a significant part of the brigades was transferred to the Kursk operation.
Pokrovsk plays a key role in Ukrainian defense in the east. Its capture by Russian forces could have serious consequences for the entire eastern front, including increased pressure on other cities and the opportunity for the Russians to expand their offensive. As David Ax points out, the capture of Pokrovsk could significantly weaken Ukrainian defenses and create the conditions for a larger offensive by Russian troops, in particular for the full occupation of the Donetsk region.
The Kursk operation, which the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched a few weeks ago, has raised many questions about its strategic feasibility. Many wondered why, instead of strengthening the defense of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops were sent to Kursk. According to David Ax's analysis, one of the main objectives 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 live up to expectations. The Russian command, instead of sending the best troops to Kursk, used poorly trained conscripts, which made it possible to preserve the main forces for the offensive in the east of Ukraine. As a result, instead of weakening the pressure on Pokrovsk, the Russian offensive in this direction only intensified.
Against the background of the critical situation near Pokrovsk, the Ukrainian leadership has limited options for stabilizing the front line. Frontelligence Insight analysts note that among the possible measures may be the redeployment of forces from other regions, such as Kursk or Kharkiv, or the deployment of new, newly formed brigades.
The optimal option, according to experts, would be the concentration of additional forces to strengthen the defense near Pokrovsk, with the aim of exhausting the Russian brigades and regiments. However, it is not known how quickly this deployment can be carried out and whether the Ukrainian command will have time to stop the Russian offensive, which is now 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 noted in DeepState, 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 Narozhny 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 endangers other strategic defense points of Ukraine.
