Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Ukraine - Russia War.
Critical Fighting Near Pokrovsk Highlights Struggles in Defensive Strategy Amid Russian Pressure
Ukrainian forces are sounding alarms over the increasing risk of being surrounded as Russian troops continue their advance in eastern Ukraine. A Ukrainian military officer stationed near the front line south of Pokrovsk described the situation as critical, with Russia’s strategy now focusing on encircling key transportation hubs like the city of Pokrovsk.
The officer, who requested anonymity, criticized the military leadership's insistence on holding positions at all costs, arguing that this approach is leading to significant losses in troops and resources. He highlighted the emergence of “cauldrons,” areas where Ukrainian forces are at risk of being surrounded by Russian troops. One such area is south of Pokrovsk, between Nevelske, Hirnyk, and Krasnohorivka.
“We are not planning to advance towards the city of Donetsk anytime soon, so why are we holding positions near Nevelske when we’re losing Hirnyk?” the officer questioned. He advocated for retreating to more defensible positions in Hirnyk to minimize losses.
“When your enemy has more people and resources than you, this strategy is reckless,” he added. The officer described the Donetsk region as resembling a squid, with Ukrainian forces spread thin across multiple fronts, trying to defend against larger Russian assault groups.
Military analysts and frontline officers confirm that Ukrainian forces have already pulled back from Nevelske to avoid being fully encircled. While this has reduced the immediate threat, the military officer argued that the withdrawal should have happened earlier, as lives and resources were wasted defending positions that could not be held.
Russian forces are now pushing towards Kurakhove, a city located 35 km (21 miles) south of Pokrovsk. According to Ukrainian sources, fighting in the area has intensified, with daily clashes reported. The Russian strategy appears to involve strengthening their flanks to encircle Pokrovsk and potentially destroy the city.
“They’re trying to strengthen their flanks so they can get closer to Pokrovsk, half encircle it, and then start erasing the city to the ground,” warned Maj. Serhiy Tsekhotsky of the 59th Brigade. Lt. Col. Oleh Demyanenko, commander of a tank battalion, also confirmed that Russian forces are focusing heavily on the southern flank near Kurakhove.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian soldiers say they are successfully holding the line. However, the flat terrain of the Kurakhove area complicates both defense and offense, with constant artillery shelling of open fields taking a toll on Russian personnel and vehicles.
Strategically, Kurakhove's road links to Pokrovsk are critical for moving troops and supplies. Should Russian forces take Kurakhove, they could launch a fresh attack on Pokrovsk from the south or target Ukrainian positions in Vuhledar from the rear, further threatening Ukraine’s control of the Donetsk region.
The officer on the front line believes that, without changes to Ukraine’s strategy, the defense of Pokrovsk may mirror the grueling battle for Bakhmut, where Ukrainian forces held out for nearly a year before ultimately retreating from the devastated city.
“They will throw a lot of people and let them die there,” he concluded grimly, forecasting a prolonged and bloody struggle in Pokrovsk, much like previous battles that have marked the conflict.
Comments