Russian forces reported the defeat of a Ukrainian special forces team sent to the eastern city of Pokrovsk. This operation aimed to prevent further Russian advances in the region. Russia seeks to capture the entire Donbas area, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk provinces. Currently, Ukraine holds about 10% of Donbas, roughly 5,000 square kilometers.
Pokrovsk is considered a strategic location by Russian media, serving as a gateway to Donetsk. Taking control of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka would enable Russian forces to push towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the two largest remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in Donetsk. Ukraine had previously deployed special forces in Pokrovsk, using a Black Hawk helicopter for insertion. Russian sources claimed that all 11 members from the helicopter were killed, while a Ukrainian military source contested this, stating the operation was ongoing.
Battles near Hryshyne show that Russian forces are nearing the cutoff of Ukrainian supply lines to Pokrovsk. This area is key, as it hosts Ukraine’s only mine producing coking coal, crucial for its steel industry. Russia’s military strategy involves encircling Pokrovsk and disrupting Ukrainian operations through small troop units and drones. These tactics create a challenging defensive situation for both sides in the city. Declaring full control over Pokrovsk and nearby areas may be a lengthy process for Russia.
With information from Reuters
