Crucial battle for Pokrowsk looms: Ukraine braces for major clash

Pokrowsk, a city of 60,000 in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, is being heavily discussed. A crucial battle between Ukrainian and Russian forces is expected to take place there in the fall of 2024. "The Battle of Pokrowsk could be the last for Russian forces this fall," believes one analyst.

For several weeks, reports have been circulating that Pokrowsk could be a key target for the Russians. The city serves an extremely important logistical function. Putin's army is estimated to be at most 6 miles from this city of 60,000 in the Donetsk region.

The possible capture of Pokrowsk would make it harder for Ukrainians to maintain supply lines between Chasiv Yar and Vuhledar. It is expected that the city itself could be destroyed, much like Avdiivka, which the Russians turned into rubble, capturing it house by house after many months of fighting in February 2024.

Oleksandr Musienko, an analyst at the Center for Military and Legal Studies, believes that the fight for Pokrowsk will be a key battle in the current stage of the war. He claims the battle "will start in a few weeks."

I think the Battle of Pokrowsk could be the last for Russian forces this fall and the last in their annual offensive campaign, which began in October 2023, advancing from the direction of Avdiivka, he said in an interview with Radio NV, as quoted by Interia. "Ukrainian soldiers have a chance to repel these attacks, although fierce fighting will continue," he added.

The residents of Pokrowsk are preparing for the assault. The evacuation of residents is ongoing. Defensive fortifications have already been built around the city. Serhij Dobriak, head of the military administration, said preparations began as early as March and April 2022. Miners and public utility workers were among those involved in the work.