Ukrainian army counterattacks near Pokrovsk — Forbes
Photo: Facebook / General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces
The Ukrainian Defense Forces are conducting counterattacks near Pokrovsk, a city under constant assault by Russian forces, which have been advancing toward it for an extended period. Reinforcements could help the Ukrainian military halt or reverse the enemy's progress toward the city.
Rubryka reports, citing an article by Forbes.
According to Forbes, several Ukrainian military units are involved in counterattacks near Pokrovsk, including:
- The Kara-Dag Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine,
- The 12th Azov Brigade,
- The 93rd Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Their efforts have resulted in a slowdown or even a slight retreat of Russian forces in this area. However, Forbes cautions against expecting any "immediate dramatic changes" in the situation around Pokrovsk.
The report highlights that if Russian forces lose momentum, it will give Ukrainian defenders time to reinforce their positions ahead of winter.
According to the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies, the battle for Pokrovsk is likely to be the climax of Russia's offensive operations in the southwest of Ukraine in 2024. Forbes also notes the "fierce actions" of the Kara-Dag Brigade in Selydove, a town southeast of Pokrovsk, which have been particularly visible in recent counterattacks.
For instance, Ukrainian forces from the National Guard Brigade have reportedly destroyed and captured several Russian tanks attempting to enter Selydove via a key east-west road. The Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies points out that Russia's advance on Pokrovsk will be impossible without success in the Selydove area.
Forbes adds that with fresh, well-equipped Ukrainian troops now on the offensive in Selydove, what once seemed like an inevitable Russian capture of Pokrovsk is now looking less certain.
Current situation in the Pokrovsk area
Pokrovsk remains one of the most intense areas of fighting on the front line. Russian forces are currently only 11 km from the city, prompting authorities to initiate the forced evacuation of civilians.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced that Ukrainian forces will strengthen their defenses in the Pokrovsk direction. According to Ukraine's Commadner-in-Chif Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russia is using its numerical advantage in both manpower and military equipment, resulting in daily combat clashes. Despite this, Ukrainian forces have managed to halt the Russian advance near Pokrovsk in recent days, and the enemy has not made any further progress in the last six days.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to shell Pokrovsk and surrounding areas. In response to the deteriorating security situation, the curfew has been extended in several communities in the Donetsk region, including Pokrovska, Selydivska, Kurakhivska, and Kostyantynivska. Additionally, the zone for mandatory evacuation of families with children has been expanded. Evacuations will now be carried out in 31 settlements in the Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk districts of the Donetsk region.
