Russia Takes Control of Another Village in Eastern Ukraine, Edging Closer to Strategic Pokrovsk

Russia's defense ministry (MoD) has reported the capture of another village in eastern Ukraine. This move brings Russian troops significantly closer to the strategic Ukrainian logistical hub of Pokrovsk. According to the MoD, Russian troops have "liberated the settlement of Zhelannoye Vtoroye" in the Donetsk region. Ukrainians often refer to this village as Zhelanne Druge. The settlement is in close proximity to Pokrovsk, a location Russian forces have been steadily advancing towards. The capture of Pokrovsk would provide them with easy control over the whole of Donetsk.

Imminent Fall of Pokrovsk

Recent Western reports suggest that the fall of the town is all but inevitable. "Russia knocked out around 80% of critical infrastructure in the town of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in Ukraine's east, as Moscow's troops inched forward," reported Reuters. Serhiy Dobriak, Pokrovsk's military administration head, confirmed that Russian forces were about 7 km (4 miles) from the town. Pokrovsk is situated at an intersection of roads and a railway, making it a crucial logistics point for both the military and civilians in the eastern Donetsk region. The same Ukrainian official stated, "The enemy is leaving us without power, without water, without gas. Prepares us for the winter, so to say." During the weekend fighting, Kiev reported that five Ukrainian civilians were killed by Russian shelling in the south and east of the country. Prosecutors in the Donetsk region confirmed that two civilians were killed in the city of Toretsk and the village of Velyka Novosilka. In the Zaporizhzhia region, governor Ivan Fyodorov reported that two men were killed by Russian shelling in the village of Mala Tokmachka.

Pokrovsk's Strategic Importance

Throughout the war, Pokrovsk has served as the logistical hub and rear operations base for Ukraine's eastern defensive lines. It is located on a key railroad juncture and the highway to Ukraine’s fourth-largest metro, Dnipro. The city's defensive positions are the last barrier to Russia's access to most of the region. If Pokrovsk falls, Russian forces will be able to easily flank entrenched troops in the north and south of the country. The loss of the primary rail lines and highway routes in and out of Pokrovsk would cut resources to Ukrainian units across the Donbas and may force them to retreat before running out of supplies. This would result in an immediate and sweeping Russian advance along the eastern lines. It is uncertain what Putin's next move would be, but a campaign back into Western Ukraine using attrition tactics is a possibility. Interestingly, Pokrovsk has another value that is not immediately apparent: it serves as high ground in a nation of lowlands. High ground allows for more effective use of drones as the signals travel further and are harder to jam with electronic interference.

Bottom Line

The situation in Ukraine continues to escalate as Russian forces advance closer to the strategic hub of Pokrovsk. The potential fall of this city would have significant implications for Ukraine's defensive lines and logistics. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what measures will be taken to counteract Russia's advances. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think Ukraine can withstand this pressure? Share this article with your friends and discuss it. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.