Ukraine’s defenses disrupt Russian offensive plans in Pokrovsk
Self-propelled artillery of the 109th Separate Brigade of Territorial Defense covers the firing positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (Photo: 109th Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine/Facebook)
Ukrainian forces continue to disrupt Russia’s plans in the Pokrovsk sector, Territorial Defense Forces officer Oleksandr Musiienko said on Radio NV on Feb. 26.
"The Ukrainian Defense Forces' operation in the Pokrovsk sector has been ongoing for quite some time. Its key feature is that it is gradually derailing the enemy’s plans, forcing them to make significant adjustments—unfavorable ones for them, but fortunate for us," Musiienko said.
Initially, Russian forces aimed to advance into Pokrovsk from the east, but Ukrainian defenders halted their progress in the fall. Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk, along with defensive operations near Selydove and Kurakhove, inflicted heavy losses on the Russians, exhausting them and forcing them to alter their strategy.
The enemy’s second plan involved flanking Pokrovsk from both the north and south to encircle the city, effectively cutting off logistics and supplies. However, this attempt is also failing. Ukrainian forces have pushed forward toward Kotlyne, Pishchane, and other key locations, maintaining control over the situation.
Musiienko explained that Ukrainian forces are employing active maneuver defense, which involves local counteroffensive operations. "Whenever the opportunity arises and conditions allow, our forces not only repel attacks but also push the enemy back from certain positions and take control of them," he noted.
The second phase of Russia’s offensive—aimed at fully encircling Pokrovsk—is now being thwarted by Ukrainian troops. "Our forces are fully focused on preventing the enemy from achieving this goal," he said.
After failing to advance from the north and south, Russian troops have now shifted to a third strategy. They are attempting to stretch their logistics and push toward the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
"This is more of a propaganda move," Musiienko explained. "Their goal is to claim success and boast that they reached the Dnipropetrovsk border, even if it comes at great risk to their own forces."
Heavy Fighting Continues on the Donetsk Front
Musiienko stressed that Ukrainian troops will continue to seize opportunities to drive Russian forces back whenever possible, though the battles remain intense and difficult.
"The Russian offensive is ongoing. They are attacking across nearly the entire Donetsk front. Despite suffering significant losses, they persist in their assaults," he said.
However, due to Ukraine’s successful defensive efforts, Russia’s plans have been slowed down and disrupted compared to their initial expectations. "Their momentum has been somewhat weakened, and our forces have even achieved certain tactical successes," Musiienko added.
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