Thrust of Russia’s summer campaign aimed at Pokrovsk
Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, March 25 (Photo: Iryna Rybakova/Press Service of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade/Handout via REUTERS)
Capturing Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, has emerged as the primary objective of Russia’s summer offensive, Ukrainian military spokesperson Victor Tregubov said on Aug. 4.
“Near Pokrovsk, the most critical and toughest battles are taking place,” Tregubov told Ukrainian TV broadcasters.
“At the same time, it’s clear that this is one of the Russian campaign’s key missions. Of course, it’s difficult. We would like the Russians to be stopped there as quickly as possible, but we all understand that stopping them there is a huge challenge.”
He added that the enemy’s approach in the area is to maintain a sustained pressure.
“Frankly, there are simply too many of them; the tactic they use is essentially one of trading numbers for every meter of ground,” he said.
According to Tregubov, Pokrovsk has been a key target for Russian forces during several campaigns, including the one last December and January. For Russia, capturing the city would provide control over central Donetsk Oblast—so all enemy efforts are focused in this direction.
Tregubov stated that Ukraine's primary objective is to hold positions north of Pokrovsk while inflicting maximum enemy casualties to halt further advances.
“Right now, all efforts are directed there... It’s a contest of which side can outlast the other,” he added.
Earlier, UK Defense Intelligence assessed that Russian troops were intensifying efforts to encircle Pokrovsk, a key Ukrainian logistics hub supporting operations in Donbas.
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