In an article published in The Washington Post, it is reported that despite the successes of Ukraine, achieved during the two-week offensive on the territory of Russia, the advance of Russian troops in the east of Ukraine continues. This development of the situation has already led to the evacuation of Pokrovsk, an important logistics hub.
Map data from open sources demonstrate the approach of Russian units to the villages of Grodivka, Krasniy Yar and Novogrodivka to the east of Pokrovsk. Experts believe that this may indicate a possible breakthrough of Russian troops.
"There is some evidence that the Russians are actually advancing on the last line of defense near Pokrovsk," said Franz-Stefan Gadi, a military analyst at the Vienna-based Center for a New American Security.
The loss of Pokrovsk, a logistics hub at the crossroads of two major roads in eastern Ukraine, could open the way for further Russian advances in this industrial region, which has long been the focus of its offensive.
According to analysts, Russia's steady advance points to the possible weakness of Ukraine's strategy, since Kyiv's hopes of limiting Russian success in the east due to the transfer of reserves to the Kursk region have not yet been justified.
"The situation in Donbas looks quite alarming to me," says Gadi, a military analyst.
In his opinion, Russia still has a significant advantage in manpower and firepower over Ukrainian forces.
"The more important question is what reserves are now unavailable" in Pokrovsk, but could be available if not for the Kursk Oblast operation, Gadi said.
"War is always a choice... The question is, is it the right choice to send forces to expand the front line, or would it be wiser to keep reserves and stabilize the front line in Donbas?" Gadi asks.
