Russia views encirclement of Pokrovsk as one of its key operational objectives - ISW
Russians may plan the encirclement of Pokrovsk (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Recently, an increase in Russian military activity east of Pokrovsk has been observed. This may indicate that the Russian command continues to view the encirclement of Pokrovsk as one of its key strategic objectives in the area, reports the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
On Sunday, January 5, a Russian war correspondent stated that Russian forces had intensified offensive operations east of Pokrovsk starting from December 29. Analysts had been tracking reports of renewed Russian activity in the area since December 27.
The ISW reports that recent Russian offensives in the Vozdvyzhenka and Yelyzavetivka areas, along with claims that Russian forces are advancing further north toward Vodyane Druhe and Baranivka, indicate that Russian troops may be forming a salient to encircle Pokrovsk from the northeast.
It is reported that units of the Russian 41st Combined Arms Army had been regrouping and replenishing in this area for several months. Military expert Kostyantyn Mashovets assessed in late December 2024 that the Russian military command was preparing to activate 41st CAA units east and northeast of Pokrovsk.
Earlier, ISW assessed that Russian forces would need to make significant and rapid advances either toward Novoekonomichne (northeast of Pokrovsk) or toward Myrnohrad (east of Pokrovsk) if they intend to encircle Pokrovsk both from the northeast and from the southwest shortly.
In conclusion, analysts suggest that Russian military command might assess that advancing through fields and small settlements along the Vozdvyzhenka-Yelyzavetivka-Myrne-Razine line would be an easier path of advance than attempting to break through the more urbanized and well-defended settlements of Novoekonomichne and Myrnohrad, which are closer to Pokrovsk.
Recently, Viktor Trehubov, a representative of the Operational-Strategic Group of Forces Khortytsia, stated that the Russian forces are trying to weaken Ukrainian logistics in Pokrovsk, but pushing the Ukrainian Armed Forces out of the city is currently unlikely. According to him, it seems like a difficult task at the moment.
For more detailed information on what is happening around Pokrovsk and whether there is a threat to the Dnipropetrovsk region, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
