Last week, the Ukrainian military managed to partially stabilize the situation near Pokrovsk, but Russia continues active offensive actions south of this city. The threat of encircling Kurakhovo remains relevant, reports The Economist with reference to the Ukrainian military.
According to information, Russian troops are regrouping north and south of Kurakhovo, which is a clear attempt to surround Ukrainian positions in the area. This is due to the deterioration of the logistical situation, when fuel tanks, vehicles and headquarters were moved further from the front, and replenishment took longer. In particular, the receipt of mortar shells and Javelin anti-tank missiles is delayed for half a day, and the evacuation of the wounded is complicated, which leads to an increase in the time required to deliver the injured to the hospital.
Both sides suffer significant losses. In particular, the Russians can spend up to 18 of their soldiers to knock out two "tired and hungry" Ukrainians. The Ukrainian military also reports on the rapid destruction of reinforcements from inexperienced infantrymen. As Yuriy, a soldier of the 59th brigade, noted, "in three days, 100 people turned into zero. Someone escaped, someone died. We are fighting with the last reserves and even throwing our logisticians into the trenches."
There is a threat of encirclement to the south of Donetsk, although so far it is only "hints". Roads become impassable, shops and cafes are closed - this indicates the worsening of the situation.
The New York Times previously reported that the Russians were continuing their attacks and advancing south of Pokrovsk, although their advance had been halted there.
