The Ukrainian defenders of Kurakhovo, a city in the Donetsk region, successfully repelled one of the largest attacks of Russian troops the other day, inflicting significant losses on the enemy. Despite the heroic defense, Forbes analyst David Ax emphasizes that this success should not reassure the Ukrainian side too much.
According to Aksa, on Tuesday at least 14 Russian armored vehicles with infantry launched an offensive on Kurakhov. However, a few miles from the city, they ran into a line of Ukrainian minefields, where they were also met by cluster artillery, explosive drones and anti-tank missiles. The result is dozens of destroyed equipment and losses among the Russian military. General Oleksandr Syrsky noted the professionalism of the Ukrainian soldiers, saying that "they do not leave the Russian invaders any chance."
However, notes David Ax, success near Kurakhovoy may be temporary. Russian forces are suffering heavy casualties every day, but they are replenishing their reserves and their attacks continue. Despite the victory in the battle for Kurakhove, the general offensive of Russian forces in the east of the country is intensifying, especially in the Donetsk region. The analyst notes that holding Kurakhovo is key to the defense of Pokrovsk, a strategically important city that faces a siege if Kurakhovo falls.
Russian troops have increased pressure on Kurakhov from new directions, which may complicate logistics for Ukrainian defenders. Military observer Denys Popovych also emphasized the plans of the Russian occupiers to break through to the Kurakhove-Zaporizhia highway. This will create the risk of encircling Ukrainian troops, and then Russian troops will be able to launch a massive offensive on Pokrovsk.
