The Battle for Pokrovsk: Why Russia Has Struggled to Capture the Iron City for Years.

According to The Sun: At the front in Ukraine, the city that Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterized as his 'prize' is actively defended.

In a new episode of the program 'Combat Plans on Display', intelligence officer Philip Ingram analyzes the situation in the 'pot city' that Russian troops are attempting to capture.

The Strategic Importance of Pokrovsk

Pokrovsk is a key city for Putin's territorial ambitions.

It is an important railway and transport hub. If the city falls into Russian hands, it will significantly strengthen their logistics, according to Ingram.

Watch the new episode on The Sun's YouTube channel...

Ingram also emphasizes how Ukrainian troops have heroically held the defense of this city for over a year.

Dubbed by Russian media as the 'gate to Donbas', control over Pokrovsk would greatly ease Putin's ability to capture other territories.

The military expert describes this fierce struggle as a 'pot city' – completely surrounded by Russian-held territory.

“Russia is trying to encircle it [Pokrovsk] and seal the sides of the pot to isolate the Ukrainian troops trapped there,”

“Ukraine has bravely defended it for over a year.”

“It will remain a primary objective for Russia in their attempt to push the Ukrainians out.”

“Vladimir Putin himself has identified it as critical for him.”

Comparing this situation to another grueling battle, he adds: “This is another Bakhmut for the Russians.”

The battle for Bakhmut ended after months of fierce fighting, bombardments, and drone attacks in 2023, and some experts deem it the bloodiest in the entire war.

Ingram also mentions a recent unsuccessful attempt by Russia to take the city:

“A couple of weeks ago, just hours before Donald Trump's historic meeting with Putin, Russian troops broke through the front line.

Russian forces attempted to seize the perimeter around the 'pot city' and encircle it.

Experts warned that if successful, Putin would have used this attack as leverage in negotiations with Trump.

Fortunately, Ukrainian troops halted this maneuver, breaking through their two frontal attacks.

Ingram claims that the Russian assault was poorly prepared, as they failed to secure the territory gained.

Additionally, Ingram explains why Russia has focused its efforts on Pokrovsk instead of Zaporizhia.

“This is because the Russians have spent a lot of time and resources trying to seize this territory. Pokrovsk is the key to capturing the rest of Donetsk,” he asserts.

The British intelligence service estimates that four more years and two million casualties will be needed for Russia to capture the rest of the region.

In conclusion, Ingram discusses how Russia is trying to divert Ukraine's attention to other sectors of the front.

“Across the front, Russia is conducting probes. They are trying to create conditions for a breakthrough,” he notes.

Linking the recent buildup of Russian troops near the Zaporizhia front, Ingram believes this could be a diversion tactic.

While this region has critical access to the Dnieper River, Donetsk remains the main focus for Russian forces.

Thus, Pokrovsk is the key to capturing the rest of Donetsk, summarizes the expert.

The episode also examines Russia's failed air strategies and outdated maneuvers.

Reflecting on the start of the war, Ingram explains that many expected a lightning war 'from the skies' when the invasion of Ukraine began.

However, after Russia failed the 'battle for the sky', many began to wonder how they could make such a mistake, having such an obvious advantage.

Summarizing Putin's failure to capture Kyiv in the early stages of the war due to failures in the air, Ingram states: “The battle for the sky of Ukraine was a story of shocking blunders, astonishing ingenuity, and brutal adaptations.”

He adds: “On paper, it was never a fair fight.”