AFU outplayed the enemy in an important direction: ex-intelligence officer disclosed details.

The Russian Army failed to capture the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region directly. Now the occupiers are trying to encircle the city from the south. However, the AFU overcame the Russians. This was stated by the former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Mykola Malomuzh on the Freeдом radio station.

«About eight days ago, the enemy realized that taking Pokrovsk would not succeed. Part of the troops and reserves that were supposed to attack Pokrovsk were transferred to the Kursk direction. This is due to the political importance of liberating these territories for Putin. But, in order not to weaken the offensive potential, it was decided to also test the tactic of attacking from the south», – explained the expert.

According to Malomuzh, the «southern tactic» involves enemy attacks on the Kurakhivka and Vuhledar areas, as well as an attempt to capture Selydove. However, the Ukrainian forces overcame the Russian army. The AFU holds Selydove, although the invaders approached its outskirts.

«They consider Selydove a potential gateway to Pokrovsk, only from the other side. The garrison in Selydove has strong positions. Of course, tactical strikes from other sectors and flanks are being prepared. We surrounded them and are conducting counterattacks from the flanks», – noted Malomuzh.

Recall, Russian leader Vladimir Putin continues his strategy of capturing the entire Donetsk region, and the battle for Pokrovsk may become a key event of his military campaign this year.