The battle for Pokrovsk is far from over, as Russian forces press forward despite temporary setbacks caused by Ukrainian defenses. According to The Economist, although the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) have managed to halt the Russian offensive for now, the situation remains tense. Russian troops are regrouping and launching new attacks along various parts of the front, taking advantage of their numerical superiority and resources.
An officer of the 79th UAF Brigade, Oleksandr, explained that Ukrainian forces are forced to retreat tactically to buy time for regrouping and gathering resources. “We are trading lives and territory for the enemy’s time and resources,” he said, emphasizing that small groups of defenders are successfully holding off larger Russian forces.
Logistics on the Verge of Collapse
The front line situation is further complicated by logistical problems. Ukrainian soldiers report that the supply of ammunition has become unstable, severely affecting their ability to defend positions. The evacuation of wounded soldiers has also become increasingly difficult, posing additional risks to those fighting on the front. “We fought with our last defenders and threw our logistics personnel into the trenches,” the publication quotes Ukrainian soldiers as saying.
Russian Tactics: Artillery and Glide Bombs
Russia continues to rely heavily on artillery dominance and the use of glide bombs, maintaining the same tactical approach. This allows Russian forces to slowly advance in different sectors. According to an officer of the 79th Brigade, the Russians understand that the UAF lacks the manpower for large-scale counterattacks, allowing them to make incremental gains.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Ukrainian defenders remain resolute, continuing to hold their positions. Russia’s strategy to deplete Ukraine’s resources is met with fierce resistance.