In August, Russian forces made significant strides in the Donetsk region, overshadowing their slower gains earlier this year. An update from the open-source outlet Deep State revealed the extent of these advances toward Pokrovsk, a critical road and rail hub essential for Ukraine’s military supply routes.
Ukrainian Telegram channel Shrike News shared this information, noting that Russian progress in areas like Pokrovsk, Niu-York, Avdiivka, and Staromykhailivka had been steady but slow since the start of the year.
Deep State also indicated that Ukraine’s command has assigned blame to the soldiers and battalion commander of the 11th Motorized Infantry Battalion for losing the village of Karlivka.
According to the latest insights from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops have advanced toward Pokrovsk and have claimed territory west of Krasnohorivka and east of Selydove recently.
This uptick in Russian gains occurs parallel to Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, where they assert control over approximately 500 square miles. However, questions arise about whether diverting troops from the Donetsk front will benefit Ukraine in the long run.
“This strategy has allowed Russia to capitalize on the situation in the Donetsk oblast,” analyst Hardie stated, highlighting the tough position Ukraine now finds itself in.
The outcome of Russia’s push toward Pokrovsk will rely heavily on how many resources and troops they can afford to lose along the way. Hardie explained that if Ukraine can inflict significant casualties on Russian forces, as they did in Avdiivka, it could diminish Russia’s offensive capabilities.
On the other hand, if Russian forces maintain their momentum with minimal losses, they might expand their focus to other areas within Donetsk, or even push into Kramatorsk, Kostiantynivka, or Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. “The possibilities are troubling,” Hardie concluded.