Russia slowing its advance in Pokrovsk while blocking Ukraine's Forces logistics in Myrnohrad – ISW
Illustrative photo: Russian forces have reduced activity in Pokrovsk (Getty Images)
The pace of the Russian forces' advance in Pokrovsk and the surrounding areas has temporarily slowed, but the enemy continues attempting to block the Ukrainian Armed Forces' logistical routes in the Myrnohrad area, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts note that on November 9, no new offensive actions by Russian forces were recorded in the Pokrovsk direction.
This aligns with reports that the Russian troops have slowed the pace of ground attacks, focusing instead on expanding logistics and redeploying reinforcements to the southern part of the city.
According to a source in military intelligence, Russian forces are present in most areas of Pokrovsk but do not have the capability to encircle the city. Currently, the enemy is conducting penetration operations from the south.
Control over Ukrainian supply routes
Russia is redeploying mortar crews and drone operators to strengthen control over Ukrainian supply routes.
A Ukrainian servicemember operating in this direction stated that weather conditions are complicating the use of Ukrainian drones both for reconnaissance and for striking Russian units.
At the same time, he emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine hold positions across the city, while Russian troops control only certain areas of Pokrovsk.
Some Russian “war correspondents” have acknowledged that combat in the city is not intense, noting that "Pokrovsk is not engulfed in flames" and that machine-gun skirmishes occur rarely.
"ISW continues to assess that Russian forces will likely increase their tempo of ground activity in Pokrovsk in the coming days as they extend logistics and bring forward personnel into the town," the analysis notes.
Fighting for Pokrovsk
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia aims to capture Pokrovsk as quickly as possible to create the impression that it can establish full control over the Donbas.
Earlier, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces debunked Russian propaganda claims of an alleged "encirclement of Pokrovsk."
Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold positions within the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad agglomeration, but the situation remains tense. Russian units have already penetrated the city, yet Ukrainian troops are actively fighting to push the enemy troops out. Coordination between different units remains a key task.
