The Battle of Pokrovsk! Russia is once again preparing for the decisive battle to capture the city

In recent weeks, Russian troops have intensified their actions on the approaches to Pokrovsk, which indicates that they are preparing for a possible large-scale operation to capture the city. Despite the failure to surround the city, the Russian armed forces continue to concentrate their efforts in this direction, writes David Kirichenko for Forbes.

Russian units, with the support of sabotage groups, managed to penetrate Ukrainian positions east and northeast of Dobropil, advancing 10 km in depth of defense. However, they were unable to gain a foothold on this bridgehead.

Ukraine responded by transferring the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov" and the 93rd Brigade "Kholodny Yar". Thanks to the support of artillery, reconnaissance and drones, the AFU liquidated the Russian penetrations, regaining control over the villages of Gruzke and Vesele.

It is noteworthy that the Ukrainian defenders actively used ground robotic complexes with machine guns to provide fire support for the assault operations — a tactic that had previously been rarely used on this section of the front.

Despite the setbacks, Russia used the so-called waves of motorcycle assault groups that "explore" vulnerable spots in the Ukrainian defense, and the units that have broken through immediately dig in, waiting for reinforcements. This tactic turns the offensive into a kind of "meat grinder".

According to data from Ukrainian UAV operators, only 20 out of 100 Russian attack aircraft reach their target, the rest are destroyed by artillery fire and FPV drones on the approaches.

"We hold the defense, but our infantry is much smaller, and the drones are too few. There are almost no drones in the warehouse, so they are distributed according to a list. Each crew is limited to 25 drones per day," says the drone operator from the 23rd separate mechanized brigade, Yuriy Dimkovich.

According to Ukrainian fighters, it is the drones that continue to determine the course of hostilities. Moreover, in such a situation, the battle for Pokrovsk is a battle for logistics, as each of the opposing sides is trying to inflict maximum damage on the enemy's logistical routes. The Russians, for example, have a division called "Rubikon", which, according to analysts, poses a great danger on the front.

Thus, Pokrovsk is under daily pressure, which Ukrainian soldiers and military analysts speak of.

"The capture of a city like Pokrovsk is not just a matter of advancing troops. Urban battles are brutal and require great costs. They require manpower, equipment and a willingness to take huge losses. That is why I do not believe that Pokrovsk will fall this year. If it does, it will not be fast and there will be practically nothing left of the city," noted former British soldier Sean Pinner.