Ukrainian forces reclaim territory near Pokrovsk as Russia faces armored vehicle shortages — ISW

Ukrainian forces have achieved significant progress southwest of Pokrovsk, successfully reclaiming several enemy positions. Meanwhile, Russian troops continue offensive operations in the area but are experiencing a severe shortage of armored vehicles, forcing them to rely on civilian vehicles for transport.

This information is detailed in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), as cited by Rubryka.

American analysts confirmed that Ukrainian forces recently regained positions near southern Pishchane, located southwest of Pokrovsk.

At the same time, a pro-war blogger claimed that Russian troops had advanced toward the T-0515 Yasenove-Konstantynopol road. However, reports of Ukrainian counterattacks cast doubt on these assertions.

According to ISW, between December 20 and 21, Russian forces intensified offensive actions in several directions—east, southeast, south, and southwest of Pokrovsk. The most intense activity was observed in the areas of Myroliubivka, Novooleksandriivka, Lysivka, Zelene, Pishchane, Solone, and Ukrainka.

Despite intensified efforts, Russian forces are incurring heavy losses and facing a severe shortage of armored vehicles and tanks in the Pokrovsky sector of the front. Analysts have drawn this conclusion after examining an unsuccessful Russian attack by a motorized company that relied on eight civilian vehicles east of Ukrainka.

A vivid illustration of the Russian military's logistical challenges surfaced on December 21 on the Telegram channel Officer+, managed by a Ukrainian Armed Forces lieutenant with the call sign "Alex." The channel shared a photo showing a column of Russian forces advancing in civilian cars, adorned with a USSR flag, attempting to storm Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled the attack.

ISW analysts highlight that the Russian military command, in its pursuit of incremental gains, continues to sacrifice both personnel and armored vehicles. However, these tactics are causing significant depletion of Russian forces, diminishing their capacity for sustained offensive operations.

"The Russian military command has consistently demonstrated its willingness to accept costly armored vehicle losses in exchange for slow, grinding gains in Ukraine, and this assault indicates that Russian forces' sustained attrition is degrading the Russian forces' ability to continue fielding mechanized equipment," ISW emphasized.

Ситуація на Донеччині

The Russian military continues to expend significant manpower in an effort to reach the borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The situation on the front near Pokrovsk remains tense, with intense fighting reported in the area. Russian forces possess superior manpower and are actively advancing south of Pokrovsk, focusing their efforts on the settlements of Novyi Trud and Dachenske. Analysts caution that these movements could bring Russian troops within approximately six kilometers of Pokrovsk.

The capture of Pokrovsk is a key objective in Russia's broader strategy to gain control over the entire Donetsk region. Despite suffering record losses, Russian forces may continue aggressive combat operations in this area well into the winter of 2024–2025.

In parallel, Russian troops are mounting assaults on the southeastern outskirts of Kurakhove. Reports indicate that, in their determination to capture the city, the enemy is conducting relentless attacks. However, Ukrainian defenders maintain control over Kurakhove.