Russian assaults plummet near Pokrovsk in Donbas
A soldier from the Rubizh brigade walks past a house destroyed by Russian strikes in the Pokrovsk sector. (Photo: Rubizh Brigade / Telegram)
Russia’s assault activity has dropped sharply on the Pokrovsk axis, signaling either severe understaffing and equipment shortages among Russian units or preparations for a new offensive, Ukraine’s National Guard’s Rubizh operational brigade reported on Feb. 26.
The brigade described the current period as a tactical pause.
"This may indicate a significant shortage of personnel in the occupying forces and an acute shortage of even basic protective equipment, such as body armor and helmets, which the invaders constantly complain about in radio intercepts," Ukrainian defenders said.
Unable to maintain a high intensity of attacks for a long time, the enemy may try to minimize movement in order to preserve the remnants of its troops.
However, another scenario is possible. The Russian forces may use this tactical pause to build up reserves in the rear areas.
“Previously, the occupiers could attack and replenish their forces at the same time; now they are forced to choose one or the other," said the brigade.
The weather is also working against the Russians.
"Constant temperature fluctuations have turned the frontline roads into a mixture of ice and mud, making it virtually impossible to use armored vehicles at this stage," added the National Guard soldiers.
The Russian troops are likely waiting for the ground to stabilize before launching their spring-summer offensive in March-April. However, Ukrainian units are tracking the locations where Russian units are gathering in the rear in order to thwart their plans.
"We are ready to greet the 'fresh' units of the occupiers just as warmly as their predecessors," the defenders stated.
The situation remains difficult, with the enemy committing all available forces to advance.
Earlier, on Feb. 26, the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian soldiers had destroyed a group of Russian soldiers near the village of Hryshyne in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk Oblast.
The enemy hoped for the element of surprise, but was met with the coordinated efforts of Ukrainian soldiers, according to the 7th Corps.
On Feb. 25, Major Hryhoriy Shapoval, spokesman for the East troop grouping, stated that eight settlements in the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast, namely Sukhetske, Suvorove, Nykanorivka, Dorozhnie, Ivanivka, Nove Shakhove, Novyi Donbas, and Vilne, are under the complete control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
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