Russia Prepares to Storm Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad with Encircling Tactics.

The Frontline Situation in Donetsk Oblast

According to UATV: Russian forces are continuing their active attempts to capture the cities of Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Myrnohrad. They are employing a tactic previously tested in the battles for Vuhledar and Avdiivka, which involves encircling Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad from two sides. This maneuver signals an intent to fully surround these settlements, a common Russian strategy to isolate Ukrainian defenders.

According to available information, approximately 170,000 personnel have been committed to the assault on Pokrovsk over the last year and a half. To put this staggering figure into perspective, the entire German army consists of roughly 180,000 active-duty soldiers. This comparison underscores the immense scale of Russia's military commitment in the region and the severe threat to Ukrainian defensive positions.

Combat Activity Intensity

On February 18 alone, 237 combat engagements were recorded along the front. The heaviest fighting was concentrated on the Huliaipole (49 attacks) and Pokrovsk (42 attacks) axes. This focus indicates a concerted effort by Russian forces to intensify operations in these strategically vital areas.

The commander of a Ukrainian unit, Ivan Stupak, noted that the enemy 'sends in pairs, they enter one by one, to take the city'.

This points to a tactical approach by the invaders based on small-scale, targeted assaults on urban areas. Stupak also emphasized that 'after a year and a half of fighting, Pokrovsk is practically destroyed,' illustrating the devastating consequences of prolonged combat for infrastructure and civilians.

It is important to note that in the conditions of active combat:

• One or two individuals can simply hide in bushes,
• in sewer manholes,
• or inside pipes.

This makes the situation even more perilous for Ukrainian troops attempting to secure these areas, as threats can emerge from concealed positions.

Consequently, the situation on the front remains tense, with constant Russian attempts to seize key positions around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. The ongoing battles in Donetsk Oblast highlight significant Russian efforts to capture strategic towns, which could influence the broader trajectory of the conflict. Faced with intense attacks and the encirclement of their positions, the situation for Ukrainian forces is becoming critical, demanding new defensive strategies. The protracted fighting also continues to cause severe humanitarian consequences for the civilian population, who suffer from widespread destruction and resource shortages.