KYIV, Ukraine — In a strategic shift, Russian military forces are currently choosing to circumvent a major stronghold in eastern Ukraine, a location they have unsuccessfully attempted to capture for several months. Instead, their focus has turned toward disrupting the supply routes that sustain this vital area, as reported by a Ukrainian military official on Monday.
The logistics hub in question is Pokrovsk, where a determined defense from Ukrainian troops has successfully held off Russian advances. According to Maj. Viktor Trehubov, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian army, Russian forces are aiming their efforts at a critical highway that connects Pokrovsk to Dnipro, a central city in Ukraine. This route is essential for delivering supplies to Ukrainian forces across the broader region, and cutting off access could significantly undermine the defense of Pokrovsk itself.
“So far, they have not achieved their goal, and (Ukrainian forces) are working actively to ensure that they do not succeed in the future, as has been the case with their previous attempts to bypass the city,” Trehubov stated in a message via WhatsApp. The Ukrainian military is currently facing immense pressure along parts of the extensive front line, which spans approximately 1,000 kilometers (or 600 miles), particularly in the eastern Donetsk region where Pokrovsk is located.
After nearly three years of conflict, Ukrainian military units are reportedly stretched thin and face numeric disadvantages against Russian troops. Despite their slow and costly progress on the battlefield, Russia seems to have gained momentum, gradually overtaking smaller towns and communities, especially in Donetsk. On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of the village of Pishchane, highlighting their ongoing offensives in the area.
During his recent video address to the nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the combat around Pokrovsk as experiencing some of the most intense fighting in recent days. Trehubov further noted in discussions with local media that the substantial losses suffered by Russian troops and equipment in Donetsk may have compelled them to modify their military tactics, now appearing more cautious in their approach.
In this context, Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly looking to solidify his advantage before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office next week. Although Trump has expressed intentions to swiftly resolve the conflict, specific details of his plans have not been disclosed.
In 2022, Moscow unlawfully annexed the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, both of which comprise a significant portion of the economically vital Donbas industrial region, along with the southeastern provinces of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. However, it is noteworthy that Russian forces do not fully control any of these territories at this time.
