Ukrainian troops are at risk of being encircled near the vital city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, with the situation described as critical by a Ukrainian military officer.
Surrounded by Russian Forces
Russia’s strategy appears aimed at surrounding Pokrovsk, a key transportation hub. The officer criticized the Ukrainian leadership for their insistence on holding positions at all costs, which has led to significant losses in both troops and resources.
This approach has resulted in several “cauldrons,” or large areas surrounded by Russian forces. One such cauldron is located south of Pokrovsk, between the towns of Nevelske, Hirnîk, and Krasnohorivka, according to Digi24.
The officer argued that Ukrainian forces should have withdrawn from Nevelske earlier to avoid encirclement and conserve resources. Instead, they are spread thin across multiple fronts, which the officer compared to defending the "tentacles of a squid."
A Dire Situation
In light of the escalating Russian offensive, Ukrainian troops have retreated from Nevelske to reduce the risk of encirclement.
However, the officer believes this decision was overdue, leading to unnecessary losses. Concurrently, Russian forces are advancing toward Kurakhove, situated 35 kilometers south of Pokrovsk.
Ukrainian soldiers confirm that battles in this sector have become fiercer, with Russia attempting to fortify their flanks to potentially surround Pokrovsk.
Should Kurakhove fall, Russian troops could launch further attacks on Pokrovsk from a new direction or target the southern town of Vuhledar.
The situation is dire, and past mistakes in strategy suggest that defending Pokrovsk may require a prolonged and costly effort, akin to the nearly year-long defense of Bakhmut.
The officer warned that the same high casualties could be expected as Ukrainian forces are pushed to their limits.
