POKROVSK REGION, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk are grappling with a critical shortage of infantry troops, coupled with supply routes that are under threat from Russian drone attacks. The situation is becoming increasingly dire as significant battles unfold in this region, which serves as a vital supply hub due to its location at the intersection of several highways connecting key cities within the eastern Donetsk area and an important railway station.
As Moscow aims to seize more territory, the geopolitical landscape is shifting, with recent pressure from the U.S. administration for negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict and a notable freeze on foreign aid to Ukraine. This has raised alarm among Ukrainian officials who are concerned about the U.S. administration’s intentions, particularly with the announcement from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicating that while military aid remains, there are apprehensions about the future of financial support.
Reports from Ukrainian soldiers indicate a strategic shift in Russian tactics over the past weeks, with opposing forces opting for flanking attacks rather than direct confrontations. This change has allowed Russian troops to gain control over strategic heights, making Ukrainian supply routes vulnerable. Recent heavy fog has also hampered the effectiveness of Ukrainian surveillance drones, enabling Russian forces to consolidate their positions and expand their territory.
Moreover, commanders from the Ukrainian forces are expressing concerns about their limited reserves, which complicates their ability to maintain defensive positions. Newly formed infantry units appear to struggle with executing operations effectively, leading to heightened reliance on experienced commanders like Mykhailo Drapatyi, who is expected to turn the tide and initiate counter-offensives.
“The war is governed by logistics,” stated Afer, deputy commander of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion. “If logistics fail, infantry cannot be supported, and the Russians have learned this well and are implementing it effectively.”
The deterioration of conditions led to an effective loss of the settlement Velyka Novosilka by Ukrainian forces, marking a significant setback since the capture of Kurakhove in January of the same year. Although specific groups of Ukrainian troops remain in the southern sector of Velyka Novosilka, criticism has mounted regarding the higher command’s decision not to execute a complete withdrawal. The village, situated only 15 kilometers from Dnipropetrovsk, is now fortified for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, as local authorities anticipate further aggressions.
Troops stationed in Velyka Novosilka reported a concerning buildup of Russian infantry. The recent fog has severely restricted Ukrainian surveillance capabilities, complicating the situation further. Commanders noted that this lack of visibility allowed Russian forces to strengthen their positions and prepare for an aggressive assault involving multiple armored vehicle columns.
Logistical routes are now under severe threat from Russian drone activities, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces. With enemy forces controlling key elevations near Pokrovsk, they can effectively deploy drones deep into Ukrainian territory, impacting vital supply routes. For instance, the Pokrovsk-Pavlohrad-Dnipro highway has come under drone control, reducing its operational capacity to only 10% of its former functionality. Another critical road, the Myrnohrad-Kostyantynivka route, is also under fire.
Consequently, in adverse weather conditions, military vehicles, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, are forced to navigate through open fields to provide supplies such as fuel and ammunition or to evacuate the injured. A paramedic stationed near Pokrovsk, known by the call sign Marik, lamented that what used to take hours to evacuate wounded soldiers now requires days due to heightened visibility from enemy drones, making operations incredibly difficult.
Ukrainian forces expressed that troop shortages are reaching a “catastrophic” level, with the newly formed infantry units lacking the necessary training and experience, thereby intensifying the strain on seasoned brigades. Afer noted that inexperienced recruits frequently abandon their posts, extending the front lines and placing additional pressure on established units, which now have to cover larger areas with limited resources.
He emphasized the dire circumstances by stating that one Russian soldier can outweigh the efforts of 20 Ukrainian soldiers, marking a stark contrast in manpower. In one first-aid station, an injured soldier, referred to as Fish, recounted his ordeal of sustaining a leg injury while attempting to assist a fallen comrade. He expressed resilience, stating, “We are battling as best as we can.”
As the conflict continues, the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk highlight the urgent need for effective strategies and support to cope with mounting pressure from Russian advances. The situation remains fluid, and the hope for a decisive change hangs in the balance.
