Russian troops change offensive tactics on Pokrovsk - Ukrainian Armed Forces
Photo: Russian troops change their tactics in the offensive on Pokrovsk (Getty Images)
Russian forces have changed their tactics in advancing on Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. The Russian army is attempting to bypass the city from the west through small villages and forested areas, as well as disrupt Ukrainian logistical chains, states Viktor Trehubov, the spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational-strategic group of forces, during a national telethon live broadcast.
"They are trying to bypass the city from the west through small villages and forested areas, aiming to pressure and disrupt our logistical chains. Our efforts are focused on preventing this because we have Pokrovsk itself and the base from which we can operate. Their advance is slowing down, and we hope it will eventually stop," Trehubov stated.
According to him, the Russian troops are attempting to hold onto any structure or forested area with small groups, fortifying their positions and establishing corresponding fire control in front of them.
"Our task in this situation is to destroy them. In the Pokrovsk direction, the intensity of combat clashes is comparable to all other directions combined. There are up to 70 clashes per day. Even if one group is eliminated, another group tries to take its place," the spokesperson added.
Trehubov noted that earlier, the enemy advanced directly toward Pokrovsk, but now they have reached a distance where they come under fire from the city itself. Realizing they cannot move forward, they are trying to bypass it.
Battles for Pokrovsk
In recent months, the Russian troops have been attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Pokrovsk direction. This area remains one of the most challenging sections of the front line.
According to Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational-strategic group of forces, the enemy aims to encircle the city but has so far failed to do so.
Recently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Pokrovsk is not even close to being semi-surrounded, despite Russian hopes to achieve this.
Today, the US-based Institute for the Study of War noted that Russian forces are forming a strike group south of Pokrovsk. This may indicate plans to shift tactical priorities.
