Pokrowsk Holds Out: Why the Capture of the City Became a Central Goal for the Kremlin.

According to ТСН: The situation in the Pokrowsk direction remains extremely complicated. Although a possible withdrawal of the defense forces from the city does not equate to a strategic defeat, it could threaten neighboring regions and important defense positions in the Donetsk region.

A military analyst notes that the prolonged defense of Pokrowsk has provided Ukrainian fighters with time to establish new defensive positions. For instance, the Ukrainian defense forces managed to push the enemy back from Dobropolje, where the occupiers attempted to break through the defense lines.

However, if the Russian troops succeed in capturing Pokrowsk, it will open up new tactical possibilities for them.

"If the Russians are successful here, they will focus their efforts on capturing Kostiantyniwka, where the situation is complicated. Furthermore, the occupiers could gain access to the Dnipropetrovsk region," warned Popovych.

What is the Situation in Myrnohrad?

Fighting is currently ongoing in the northern part of Pokrowsk. Logistics in the neighboring city of Myrnohrad remain extremely complicated, as the city is located in a "gray zone".

Although the occupiers do not yet fully control these areas, the pressure on Ukrainian positions continues. The Russians have been trying to capture Pokrowsk for a year and a half, and the lack of quick success forces them to call in new reserves.

The loss of control over some settlements in the Donetsk region creates conditions for significant frontline battles over the last major cities in the region that remain under Ukrainian control. Recently, it was reported that the enemy has captured Siewiersk, which experts consider the "eastern gate" to the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration.

The next possible target for the enemy could be Lyman.

"We are gradually approaching the battles for the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, and if the Russians succeed in Kostiantyniwka and Lyman, the timeframes are hard to estimate, as the fighting could last for months," the analyst explained.

Kostiantyniwka is viewed as the "southern gate" to this fortified area.

The success or failure in Pokrowsk holds both military and political significance. For the Kremlin, capturing this city is crucial for strengthening its negotiating positions.

This issue is gaining special importance for Moscow in light of failures on other fronts. The loss of control over Kupiansk was a significant blow for the Russians, as their propaganda has tried to portray the complete capture of the city as a success.

The expert is convinced that Putin will now try to compensate for this defeat with some advance in the Pokrowsk direction.

According to information from the Eastern troops group, a defense is underway in Pokrowsk, Ukrainian troops control the northern part of the city. In Myrnohrad, Ukrainian units are holding the defense lines and destroying Russian occupiers at the entrances to the city.

The situation in the Pokrowsk direction shows stability and resistance from Ukrainian forces, despite the enemy's pressure. The defense of Pokrowsk remains a crucial factor in the defensive struggle for Ukraine's independence, as events here can have significant implications for the situation in other regions of the Donetsk area and along the entire frontline.