The offensive of the Russian occupation forces on Pokrovsk not only threatens important supply routes, but also the city itself and all its civilians. It also creates an extremely dangerous situation for the Ukrainian defenders south of Pokrovsk, says the Forbes article.
Forbes analyst David Ax notes that the Russians, in approaching Pokrovsk, bypassed Ukrainian forces holding the line between the village of Memrik and the Vovcha River, running north to south three miles east of Memrik. The result is an open salient that extends into Russian territory and could trap hundreds of Ukrainian troops.
Within this salient are units of the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade, the 68th Jaeger Brigade, the 117th Territorial Defense Brigade and the 15th Brigade of the National Guard. At the same time, the analyst notes that the integrity and stability of these Ukrainian forces depends on the 25th Airborne Brigade, which protects the village of Ukrainsk in the northern direction of this sector.
Perhaps, the analyst clarifies, the Ukrainian withdrawal has already begun, which in this situation is a reasonable step on the part of the Ukrainian command. A withdrawal from this salient would give up about 30 square kilometers to the Russians, but would preserve the integrity of the Ukrainian battalions at a critical moment, the analyst notes.
Moreover, some optimistic assessments of the fighting around Pokrovsk indicate a slowdown in the Russian offensive, which could give the Ukrainians time and space to strengthen defenses and logistics and save the city.
“There are not enough troops. There are so few of them that the loss of parts of four brigades could be catastrophic for the Ukrainians. At the same time, the successful evacuation of these almost surrounded troops could strengthen the straightened and shortened Ukrainian line,” the media analyst said.
Stabilization of the front at Pokrovsk is possible before autumn, after the Russian army has exhausted its offensive potential.
Earlier, Kursor reported that the operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region showed that the Russian Federation is at the limit of its capabilities.
