“If Ukraine does not move its forces from Kursk region, Pokrovsk will quickly become semi-circumscribed” – Ivan Stupak
31 October 2024 11:46
OPINION
DeepState analysts have updated the map of hostilities – according to their data, Selydove, Donetsk region, has fallen under the control of Russian troops. The General Staff, in turn, did not confirm the information about the capture of the city as of the morning of October 31. It merely states that the situation in the Pokrovsk sector remains tense, with our defenders stopping 28 assault and offensive actions of the aggressor towards a number of settlements, including Selydove. However, today it is becoming clear that the speed of the Russian forces’ advance has increased significantly in recent months. And by the end of the year, experts are predicting a semi-surrounding of Pokrovsk. Why the front is crumbling and whether there is a chance to prevent Russia from capturing the entire Donetsk region and moving on, "Komersant Ukrainian" investigated.
The Ukrainian army is facing numerous challenges at the front, in particular due to the intensification of Russian troops’ actions in several strategically important areas. This was stated by military expert Ivan Stupak in an exclusive commentary for . According to the expert, the speed of the Russian forces’ advance has increased significantly in recent months.
“The speed of the Russian side has been really high in recent months. This has not been observed before. In addition to the fact that we have problems with shells, problems with people, with equipment, there is also such a story as the Kursk region.”
Ivan Stupak
The expert emphasizes that in addition to the fact that significant resources are currently being allocated to the defense of the Kursk region, this operation takes up an enormous amount of our command’s time, and we need to focus constantly. Meanwhile, Ukraine is losing people, equipment, and ammunition on Russian territory, and it is unclear why, he said.
“The Kursk operation takes up significant resources, both human and technical. This affects the ability of our army to act more effectively in eastern Ukraine, where it would be possible to significantly slow down the enemy’s advance,”
– emphasized Stupak.
The military expert noted that a delay in the Russian offensive would give additional time, for example, for Selydove to hold out for up to six months.
Pokrovsk prepares for defense: the city will be partially blocked
Meanwhile, Pokrovsk continues to prepare for possible defense. In an interview with Suspilne Donbas, the head of the Pokrovsk city military administration, Serhiy Dobriak, said that certain parts of the city would be blocked, but it is not a complete blockade of the city.
“Fortifications are being built in Pokrovsk, several defensive echelons have already been laid, which will partially block streets and neighborhoods,”
– explained Dobryak.
As of October 30, about 11,900 people, including 55 children, remain in Pokrovsk. Dobryak noted that the pace of evacuation has slowed down, but families with children are gradually leaving. According to him, about 80% of the city’s infrastructure has been destroyed: power supply has been restored to only 60% of residents, and six surrounding settlements and the town of Rodynske are still without electricity. The wounded are being evacuated to Dobropillia, while family doctors and the city hospital continue to work in Pokrovsk.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in brief
What can Russia accomplish before the new year?
Predicting Russia’s further actions, Stupak expressed concern about the potential semi-flooding of Pokrovsk.
“There is a high probability that by the end of the year, Pokrovsk may be in a semi-flooded situation. The Russians are actively working to cut off the road connection between Pavlohrad and Pokrovsk, which will increase the pressure on the city,” he said,
– noted Stupak
At the same time, the expert remains optimistic about the Ukrainian army’s ability to hold back the enemy’s advance.
Is an offensive by Russian forces from the south possible?
Ivan Stupak, quoting the military, noted that a possible offensive of Russian forces is expected from the south – from the Tokmak area towards Gulyaypol and Velyka Novosilka, along the administrative border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
“There is a high probability that by the end of the year we will see new offensives from the Zaporizhzhya direction,”
– summarized Stupak
Thus, the situation along the entire frontline remains extremely tense. Despite the courageous resistance of Ukrainian troops, the Russian army is increasing its pace of advance in strategic areas, particularly in the Donetsk region. Ukraine, in turn, continues to strengthen its positions in the region, preparing defenses and evacuating civilians.
Author: Anastasia Fedor
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in a nutshell
