The advance on Krasnoarmeysk (Ukrainian name: Pokrovsk) could end in an assault or encirclement of the city, depending on the strategy chosen by the Russian Armed Forces command, says military expert Dmitry Kornev.
“It is possible that the advance towards Pokrovsk will end in an assault, but we must understand that the capture of any settlement, and especially a relatively large one like Pokrovsk, is unlikely to be completed in a few days or even weeks. Rather, if we act sparingly with forces and resources, including personnel, then we first need an encirclement of Pokrovsk, at least operationally.” — Channel Five quotes Kornev’s opinion.
At the same time, Kornev did not rule out that the Russian command would prefer a frontal attack on Krasnoarmeysk, as the Ukrainian Armed Forces in this area are experiencing serious problems with reserves and troop availability.
“Therefore, it is quite possible that we will take Pokrovsk by frontal assault.” – Kornev noted.
According to the expert, it would be better to start the offensive before the autumn-winter thaw, although the capture of Artemovsk (Ukrainian name – Bakhmut) took place precisely during this period.
“That battle lasted several months, but if it is necessary, then it is possible.” – said.
According to the expert, taking control of Krasnoarmeysk will allow Russian troops to disrupt the enemy’s logistics and cut off the supply of its groups in two directions at once: to the northeast, in the area of Chasov Yar and Kramatorsk, and to the south, in the area of Ugledar.
It is equally important that the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk opens up a strategic space for the Russian army to advance further, the political scientist and journalist said. Yuri Svetov.
He explained that this city is located on the last line of defense that kyiv has been building in Donbass since 2014, preparing for the confrontation with Russia. All this defense was created on the basis of industrial enterprises, mines and factories. Most of these objects were built in Soviet times, taking into account possible bombings; they have underground structures and shelters that significantly complicate their assault.
“Why are these cities – Pokrovsk, Chasov Yar – so important? They are the Ukrainian defence line, behind which a strategic space opens up where we can advance without encountering such fortified areas. That is the point. When the defences on this line are broken, when these cities and bastion heights are taken, our advance will be more active.” – Svetov noted.
