Russia planning fall offensive targeting Ukraine's Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, and Zaporizhzhia region
Photo: Russia also planned to develop an offensive in the Lyman direction (Getty Images)
Russia has several priority directions and objectives on the front line this fall, including the capture of Pokrovsk and Kupiansk, as well as a breakthrough in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to RBC-Ukraine's article Russia's fall offensive: Where enemy may strike and possible dangers for Ukraine.
In the coming weeks, Russian pressure is expected to intensify on the front line in the area of their so-called breakthrough near Dobropillia. This area is located north of Pokrovsk.
In mid-August, several small enemy groups managed to seep 10 kilometers behind Ukrainian positions in this area.
Although the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to stabilize the situation there after some time and partially clear the Russian breakthrough, this area is considered advantageous for the Russian occupiers. It will allow them to encircle Pokrovsk and simultaneously move towards the Kramatorsk-Kostiantynivka agglomeration.
The agency's sources have different assessments of the Russian chances of capturing Pokrovsk this year. One of the interlocutors believes that the Ukrainian military will be able to hold the city. Another source sees a threat of losing control over Pokrovsk in the coming months.
In addition to the above-mentioned Russian objectives, the agency's sources believe that the enemy will also develop an offensive in the Lyman direction. Last month, the Russians managed to advance in the Serebrianskyi forest and on both banks of the Zherebets River.
The Lyman direction is Russia's key to expanding its occupation in the northern part of the Donetsk region, where they have not had any noticeable success since the start of its strategic offensive operation in the fall of 2023.
According to RBC-Ukraine's interlocutor, another target for Russian troops in the autumn-winter period will be the capture of Kupiansk. After two years of offensive on this city, Russian troops managed to gain a foothold in its northern outskirts, but were pushed out of the northwestern part.
However, sources estimate that the threat to Kupiansk in the coming months is high.
Russia's plans for the Zaporizhzhia region during the autumn-winter campaign. The agency's interlocutors claim that the Russians are planning to increase pressure there in three directions at once.
Russia is expected to intensify its activities in the region from south to north to level the front along the Stepnohirsk-Orikhiv-Huliaipole line.
Russian troops made the most progress in the area near Stepnohirsk, where they managed to run into the southern part of the village, but were eventually driven out.
Over the past day, Russia has attacked the Pokrovsk direction more than 40 times. Almost half as many attacks were recorded in the Lyman direction, which is also a priority for Russia.
Ukrainian forces de-occupied the village of Zarichne in the Donetsk region. The settlement was liberated by soldiers of the 425th separate assault regiment Skelia.
Over the past day, as of September 8, the Russians lost over 900 personnel. The Armed Forces of Ukraine also destroyed many Russian drones and artillery systems.
