The Russians are preparing the “decisive” blow at Pokrovsk, says the Kiev army. What moves do Putin's troops now make
A Ukrainian military man from the 14 “Chervona Kalyna” Brigade of the National Guard draws with a D-20 artillery cannon to the Russian positions on the front line, in the direction of Pokrovsk, Donetk region, Ukraine, January 20, 2025. Photo source: Evgeniy Maloletka / AP / Profimedia
While the leaders of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Volodimir Zelenski, invite each other to talk to fire, on the line of the Ukrainian army anticipate the next movement of Russian troops.
The Moscow forces near the city of Pokrovsk are trying to secure new positions and expand the borders of the “gray area”, according to the 7th Corps of rapid intervention of the air-protective forces in Ukraine, The Kyiv Independent reports.
Ukrainian military officials said that Russia has recently performed Marini experienced in the Pokrovsk area. In recent weeks, Russian forces have changed their tactics, sending small groups to infiltrate deep into the city, while avoiding direct clashes with Ukrainian troops.
The 7th body of rapid intervention of the aepurted forces said that the main objective of Russia in Pokrovsk is to approach Ukrainian positions of drones and mortars, to disperse the defense forces and to strengthen new positions, while extending the “gray area”.
On the flanks, the Russian troops intensified the attacks using armored and motorized vehicles, in an attempt to interrupt the supply routes and to circle the Pokrovsk area.
At the same time, Moscow forces reduced the air attacks on the front line positions, instead intensifying attacks on civil infrastructure.
According to Ukrainian officials, almost all homes in Pokrovsk were damaged until August. Despite the pressure, the Ukrainian forces maintain full control over the defensive positions, says the Kiev army.
Ukrainian air-protective forces have also announced that Russia intends to concentrate troops and equipment in Donets for what it calls a “decisive advance”, in order to conquer the Pokrovsk-Kramatorsk-Sloviansk area.
In recent months, Russia has intensified terrestrial offensives in eastern Ukraine, some of the most intense struggles concentrating in the Pokrovsk area.
Despite Moscow's efforts to conquer more territory, the rhythm of Russia's advance slowed down 18% last month, according to the Deeptate monitoring group.
In addition, the Ukrainian forces rejected Russian troops and released several lolcalities in the Donetk region, including Novomykilivka village.
The previous day there were 184 armed clashes on the front line, according to the Ukrainian army. Most took place in the direction of Pokrovsk, where Russian forces are trying to advance, according to RBC-Ukraine.
