Russian forces are attempting to partially encircle the city of Pokrovsk but do not have enough manpower for a direct assault. This was stated by Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s “Khortytsia” operational-strategic group of troops, during a television broadcast.
Trehubov said that the enemy has made some limited advances on the Pokrovsk front, attempting to push between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka. Ukrainian forces are working to destroy Russian personnel and equipment, slow down the advance, and push the enemy back.
He noted that Russia currently sees little value in storming the city head-on, having learned from costly assaults in Mariupol and Bakhmut. Despite possessing a significant number of troops, Russian forces are not capable of repeating such “meat grinder” attacks.
The frontline near Pokrovsk is wide, and the Russians are using large numbers of small sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRGs) to apply pressure. These groups move through forested areas and use camouflage in an attempt to infiltrate Ukrainian positions.
“When one group is destroyed, another immediately follows. It’s a constant, worm-like pressure from all sides, hoping that someone breaks through,” Trehubov explained.