Ukrainian defenders of Kurakhove, a city in Donetsk region, recently successfully repelled one of the largest attacks by Russian forces, inflicting significant losses on the enemy. Despite the heroic defense, Forbes analyst David Axe emphasizes that this success should not reassure the Ukrainian side too much.
According to Aks, on Tuesday, at least 14 Russian armored vehicles and infantry began an offensive on Kurakhove. However, a few miles from the town, they came across a line of Ukrainian minefields, where they were also met with cluster artillery, explosive drones and anti-tank missiles. The result was dozens of destroyed vehicles and losses among the Russian military. General Oleksandr Syrsky noted the professionalism of Ukrainian soldiers, saying that “they leave no chance for the Russian invaders.”.
However, David Axe notes, the success near Kurakhovo may be temporary. Every day, Russian forces suffer heavy losses, but they replenish reserves, and their attacks continue. Despite the victory in the battle for Kurakhovo, 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 defending Pokrovsk, a strategically important city that is threatened with siege if Kurakhovo falls.
Russian troops have increased pressure on Kurakhove from new directions, which could complicate logistics for Ukrainian defenders. Military observer Denis Popovych also emphasized the plans of the Russian occupiers to break through to the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway. This would create a risk of encircling Ukrainian troops, and then Russian troops could launch a massive offensive on Pokrovsk.
