Russia plans its final gambit in battle for Donbas - Ukraine's commander-in-chief
Photo: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi (t.me ministry_of_defense_ua)
Russian forces have concentrated a large number of troops near Pokrovsk. They are carrying out a major offensive operation aimed at breaking through Ukrainian defenses and seizing full control of the Donetsk region, said Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi in an interview with The New York Post.
Syrskyi explained that the enemy tried to create a local advantage by deploying a significant part of its grouping to the area. Out of the roughly 700,000 Russian troops estimated to be stationed in Ukraine, about 150,000 were involved near Pokrovsk.
Large mechanized units and four marine brigades have also been engaged in the assault. The Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief noted that despite Russia's actions, Ukrainian defenders are holding firmly to this logistically important town.
He said that although Russian propagandists claim to have captured Pokrovsk, in reality, the city has not fallen. Ukrainian defense forces launched a counterattack in September, eliminating dozens of soldiers and clearing a large section of the frontline.
"They continue to show this area on their maps as if it’s under their control. This perception — that the enemy has got practically everything and they’re about to finish it — is not true," Syrskyi emphasized.
According to him, Russian forces are attempting to seize Pokrovsk and neighboring towns from the north, south, and east to block supply routes. Under the Kremlin’s plan, civilians would flee the city, allowing troops to launch their "latest gambit" in the Donetsk region.
Syrskyi also said that Russia has been actively assaulting the Pokrovsk direction for two months with little success. Thanks to reconnaissance and long-range ammunition, Ukrainian troops are able to strike enemy rear positions to further exhaust them.
To better counter Russian attacks, the Commander-in-Chief urged Ukraine's partners to provide more weapons to defend against Russian aggression.
Fighting for Pokrovsk
The Pokrovsk direction has long been one of the hottest sections of the front. Heavy fighting continues in the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region.
Earlier, Syrskyi reported that the intensity of fighting in Pokrovsk had decreased, but stressed that this does not mean Russia has abandoned its plans to occupy the town.
He added that the Ukrainian command has plans for various scenarios.
Today, Major Andriy Kovalov, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told RBC-Ukraine that Ukrainian troops are confidently holding their positions and eliminating Russian forces on the outskirts of Myrnohrad and in the urban areas of Pokrovsk.
