Strategic military steps for Ukraine’s armed forces in Pokrovsk: analysis and prospects
In the ongoing military conflict around the strategically important city of Pokrovsk, a key element of the front line in Donbas, significant changes are taking place, and crucial decisions are being made.
Former commander of a mechanized company of the 47th Brigade, Mykola Melnyk, shared a detailed analysis of the current military situation on his social media channels, emphasizing that the city has found itself in a semi-encirclement with logistics effectively cut off.
He believes that the Ukrainian armed forces should pursue two main actions: first, breaking out of the so-called ‘pocket’ created by Russian troops, and second, strengthening defenses by constructing robust fortifications outside the city, as full capture seems unlikely.
Melnyk emphasized that the city will eventually be lost, and therefore, it is crucial to preserve the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and minimize casualties.
At the same time, he pointed out that Ukrainian defenders are exhausted, facing personnel shortages, and confronting the enemy’s numerical and resource advantages.
Russian forces are not just conducting maneuver warfare but are also aiming to hold strategic positions at any cost, even if it involves constructing decorative flower beds instead of defensive fortifications.
He outlined two logical courses of action: breaking through the Promin-Chinushene line and stabilizing the situation along the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad front, and building reliable defensive lines beyond Pokrovsk.
It is vital to note that, according to him, the city will be lost regardless, and the question remains how many Ukrainian soldiers will be killed and whether the military can save the lives of other fighters.The Ukrainian intelligence operation in Pokrovsk, recorded by a Russian FPV enthusiast, and comments from Artem Pribilnov, commander of the 155th Separate Motorized Brigade, indicate that Russian forces are trying to penetrate the city’s infrastructure, although Pokrovsk is not yet encircled.
Vitaliy Deynega, a former deputy Minister of Defense and founder of the ‘Return Alive’ fund, believes Ukraine has effectively lost control of Pokrovsk and should consider withdrawing troops from Myrnohrad due to the complex situation and the need to preserve Ukrainian lives.
Reports from media sources confirm that special units of GUR conducted a complex airborne operation in this region, highlighting the ongoing struggle for Donbas cities and the high stakes involved for Ukraine’s defense forces.