Ukrainian Armed Forces explain what halted Russian advance in Pokrovsk direction

According to him, the enemy's advance in the Pokrovsk direction was not exactly predictable, but it was understandable due to a combination of factors.

“First of all, if we consider the issue of reserves, to maintain such an intensity of the offensive, the enemy still has to limit itself. Since the Kursk region keeps reminding us of itself continuously. And the reserves that could be mobilized for Pokrovsk this fall, the enemy is pulling to Kursk, no matter what anyone says,” Tymochko said.

Additionally, he noted that fighting continues in other directions, so the Russian forces cannot withdraw the necessary number of units from there and redeploy them to Pokrovsk.

“Another important point is that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have indeed amassed forces and equipment there. Besides, the enemy’s momentum could not be endless,” added the representative of the Ground Forces.

He also mentioned that an important factor is that the enemy was advancing and plans to continue advancing along the line of Vuhledar - Kurakhove - Pokrovsk.

“If they focus solely on the Pokrovsk direction, they understand there are huge risks of being either cut off—this bulge into Pokrovsk—or, in any case, it could come under serious fire control by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including artillery. The width of this bulge (25 km) does not allow them to fully cover their forces in this area. We understand that, even for a brigade-level artillery unit, this is a relatively simple task,” Tymochko explained.

He also recalled that Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi had mentioned that at the beginning of the year, the enemy had a 1:10 advantage in weaponry, but now it is 1:2.

“On one hand, this still means the enemy has an advantage. But we have always been able to act asymmetrically,” noted the Ground Forces representative.

He emphasized that the equipment provided by allies is technologically more advanced than Soviet-Russian or even North Korean equipment.

“And we also need to understand that the enemy is considering issues related to the mass use of aviation or whether to distribute it along the front line. Resource wear and tear is also a factor. Moreover, we have additional air defense systems. This is not a secret, and allies have already announced it. So, we can say that all these factors are influencing the situation on the front line, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction,” Tymochko added.

Situation in the Pokrovsk direction

For several months, the Pokrovsk direction has remained the most challenging section of the front.

Specifically, the Russian forces are situated 11 km from Pokrovsk, prompting a mandatory evacuation of civilians in the area.

According to Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Russian troops are actively leveraging their advantage in manpower and military equipment, including artillery and aviation. Over 50 combat engagements occur daily, and Russia is losing up to 300 soldiers.

However, the Russian offensive on Pokrovsk is currently paused.

As Syrskyi mentioned, Ukraine is doing everything possible to prevent losing Pokrovsk. In particular, the Kursk operation has deprived the Russian forces of the ability to maneuver their units.