Trapped! The Russian army closes in on the Ukrainians near Pokrovsk

The Russian troops are closing in on a key city in eastern Ukraine, launching one of the fastest offensives since the early days of the conflict. By capturing Pokrovsk, Russia will gain a significant strategic advantage in capturing the rest of Donbas, The New York Times reports.

Pokrovsk is located at the intersection of key railway and highway roads in Donbass. A successful Russian offensive would cut off key supply routes for Ukrainian troops in the region's remaining strongholds and allow Moscow's forces to threaten Ukrainian military positions south of the city.

Ukraine is facing huge challenges. In August, her troops retreated more than a kilometer and a half a day.

Between the front line and the city remain two solid lines of fortifications with anti-tank ditches to prevent the penetration of Russian equipment and dozens of surrounding trenches to protect infantry and mortar units.

Over the past week, Ukraine has deployed reinforcements to defend the lines around Pokrovsk. Russia switched from a frontal attack on the city to an advance from the south to extend the front and threaten to encircle Ukrainian forces between Pokrovsk and the city of Kurakhovo. The arc that Russian troops have already formed in the area is a technique called "cauldron“.

The attack on Pokrovsk was the most successful part of the Russian offensive in Donbass last summer. Russian troops advanced in other parts of the eastern front, but after months of fierce fighting achieved only modest success. Thus, for a whole year of attacks against the city of Chasov Yar, located on a commanding height, the Russian troops advanced only five kilometers.

Despite the rapid shifts in the front line around Pokrovsk, the overall Russian offensive in the Donbass remains slow and expensive.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive in August, although the conquered territories still have to be defended in what promises to be a serious Russian counterattack.

Still, Russia continues to advance in the Donbass, and President Vladimir Putin has said his army will not divert forces to confront Ukrainian armed forces on a new front.

The rapid phase of the conflict may end with autumn rains, which will limit the mobility of both sides, as all roads except asphalt will become practically impassable for heavy equipment due to the chaos.