Russia prepares all-in attack on Chasiv Yar, targets Pokrovsk sector — military expert

— The situation in Kharkiv Oblast has been stabilized, but what should we understand about the neighboring areas? Moving toward Kupyansk, especially Kupyansk-Kuzlovyi, and trying to reach the Oskil River has been a goal for the Russians for several years.

— As you mentioned, there are certain pros and cons in these neighboring areas. In the Serebryansky Forest, our military is advancing, and we expect official confirmation soon. Meanwhile, in the Kupyansk direction, Russia claims to have taken control of at least one settlement. Although it is just a dot on the map and the settlement is long gone, they are making progress.

The situation largely depends on the presence of fresh units on our side. When Azov and additional battalions arrived in the Serebryansky Forest, the situation improved. However, in areas where our brigades have been fighting for two to two and a half years without reinforcement or rotation, the Russians are advancing slowly.

— Let's discuss Donetsk Oblast. Kostyantyn Mashovets from the Information Resistance group writes that these are the main areas where the Russians are focusing their efforts. The enemy is still unable to cross the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal effectively. They have reached it in certain areas, but there are only a few places where it can be crossed without going through water. They have reached one of these sections but will likely have to storm Chasiv Yar head-on, as they struggle to flank effectively. What should we understand about the situation there?

— The Russians are now moving toward the Oktyabrsky neighborhood, where they don't need to cross the canal, but the geography is against them. There is a forest belt behind the neighborhood, and our positions are on a hill.

First, they need to take the Oktyabrsky neighborhood, which means street fighting — a very challenging endeavor with minimal gains. Then they will encounter a fully fortified area. Advancing head-on or through the Oktyabrsky neighborhood would result in heavy losses.

As far as I understand, the Russian command is currently in a state of indecision, trying to determine where to concentrate its forces. Recently, there has been a lull, and the Russians are reformatting their forces for what they claim will be the final assault to take Chasiv Yar.

— Regarding the Pokrovsk direction, the Russians are also applying pressure there. Battles are occurring in and around the village of New York. Their main task is to secure the main rocky road. What should we understand about the situation there?

— Unfortunately, the situation is deteriorating. While not dramatically, the Russians have exploited a weakness in our defense that has been in place for eight or nine years. They caught us during a rotation and managed to capitalize on it. Now they are pushing hard. Reinforcements from Kharkiv Oblast have been sent to that area, bringing fresh units that are trying to achieve results. This increased pressure is very difficult to contain.