Fighting around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad on Ukrainian front remains intense, reports ISW
Russian forces maintain control over part of Pokrovsk (photo: Getty Images)
The situation around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Ukraine's Donetsk region remains challenging, as Ukrainian forces strive to secure the flanks of the so-called pocket. At the same time, Russian troops continue their offensive in the area, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The enemy has slowed down in the north and west of Pokrovsk.
Analysts write that Ukrainian units recently liberated Rodynske (north of Pokrovsk) in an effort to hold the northern flank of the pocket.
At the same time, Defense Forces troops are conducting counteroffensive operations in Pokrovsk and on its western outskirts to prevent further advances of the Russian forces on the southern flank of the pocket.
"Russian advances in northern and western Pokrovsk have slowed in recent days, likely due to continued Ukrainian efforts to counterattack," the report says.
Russia continues advancing in the south and east of Pokrovsk
However, Russian troops are continuing their advance in the eastern and southern parts of Pokrovsk. ISW writes that this may indicate the enemy's attempt to create a sub-pocket to support efforts to encircle Ukrainian forces in the city and ultimately force the Defense Forces to retreat further.
The Russians are also likely maintaining fire control over Ukrainian ground lines of communication (GLOCs) within the pocket, complicating Ukrainian logistics.
"Russian forces appear to be working simultaneously to complete the encirclement of the entire pocket and to reduce the pocket itself. The prospects and timeline for those efforts remain unclear," the analysts write.
The Institute for the Study of War recalls that on November 10, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that logistics to Myrnohrad are complicated but ongoing. Information about the complete enemy control of Ukrainian Defense Forces' supply routes or the operational encirclement of the city is not accurate.
Latest information on Pokrovsk
Analysts also cite the evening report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which stated that since November 10, there have been 156 combat engagements along the front, 59 of which have occurred in the Pokrovsk direction.
Numerous defense units are currently stationed in Pokrovsk, including the National Guard, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Special Operations Forces, the Main Intelligence Directorate, and other units. On the one hand, the defense and efforts to push back the enemy have been strengthened. However, as reported, the large number of units in the city also creates difficulties, as it is challenging to coordinate the actions of all troops.
