As Russia closes in on Pokrovsk, it could be preparing for new North Korean recruits • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Prosk (Pokrovsk): A strategically important city in the Donetsk region, considered a gateway to further Russian advances in Donbas.
• Donbas Region: Comprises Donetsk and Luhansk provinces in eastern Ukraine, a key objective for Russia.
• Strategic Significance: Prosk's importance lies in its role as a rail hub and a potential stepping stone for Russian forces towards larger Ukrainian-controlled cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
• Human Cost of War: The battle for Prosk exemplifies the immense loss of life and destruction, with estimates of high daily casualties for both sides.
• Manpower and Weaponry Disparity: Russian forces significantly outnumber Ukrainian forces in terms of soldiers (6:1 to 8:1 ratio) and possess superior weaponry, including guided missiles and drones.
• North Korean Aid: Reports suggest North Korea may provide further assistance to Russia, potentially including soldiers for rear-echelon roles or infrastructure repair, building on past deployments.
• Reckless Disregard for Human Life: A term used by military analysts to describe Russia's approach in battles like Prosk, characterized by overwhelming force and high casualties.

Prosk: A Strategic Gateway and a Symbol of Devastation

The Russian defense ministry announced advances in the city of Prosk (Pokrovsk), which Russian media has labeled as the "gateway to Donetsk." This city is strategically vital for Russia's objective of capturing the entire Donbas region, which includes the neighboring Luhansk province. Ukraine currently retains control over approximately 10% of Donbas, an area estimated to be around 5,000 square kilometers.

Strategic Importance of Prosk

While Prosk may not hold significant military importance in isolation, its strategic value for President Putin is immense. It is described as one of the last strongholds in the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Prosk functions as a crucial rail hub within the Donetsk region, part of the larger Donbas area. Its capture would provide Russian forces with the necessary "gateway" to advance towards their ultimate targets: Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, the largest cities in Donetsk still under Ukrainian control.

The Staggering Human Cost

The imminent capture of Prosk, if it occurs, has come at a "staggering human cost." Military analysts estimate that hundreds of thousands, possibly up to a million, Russian soldiers have died since the full-scale invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian General Staff reports an average of about a thousand soldiers lost daily on the eastern, southern, and southeastern Ukrainian fronts.

Prosk has become emblematic of what military analysts term a "reckless disregard for human life." Russian forces have been described as "literally throwing soldiers" into the battle for Prosk, leading to the devastation of the city. While some high-rise buildings remain standing and are used by soldiers as battle positions, much of the city has been reduced to rubble.

Disparity in Manpower and Weaponry

The conflict in Prosk highlights a significant imbalance in manpower and weaponry. Russian forces are outnumbering Ukrainian soldiers by ratios ranging from 6:1 to 8:1. Despite Ukraine's efforts to enhance its weaponry with more sophisticated and domestically produced systems, including those with improved electronic warfare capabilities, they remain outmatched. The sheer volume of incoming drones and guided missiles, many of which Ukraine lacks, contributes to this "lopsided battle," pushing Prosk to the verge of falling after a prolonged engagement.

North Korea's Potential Aid to Russia

Recent media reports indicate that North Korea is poised to provide further aid to Russia. These reports, originating from South Korean intelligence agencies, suggest discussions between high-level North Korean and South Korean delegations regarding increased cooperation.

Nature of the Aid

It remains unclear whether this cooperation will involve the deployment of actual North Korean soldiers to the front lines in Ukraine. However, South Korean intelligence suggests the prospect of thousands of North Korean soldiers being deployed to Russia in some capacity. This could include taking up rear positions to free up Russian soldiers for deployment to the Ukrainian front. There are also reports of North Korean military construction workers being sent to Russia, presumably to repair infrastructure damaged by Ukrainian strikes on military, power, and energy facilities.

Historical Precedent

It is important to note that North Korea has previously sent approximately 15,000 soldiers to directly fight in the Russian theater of war against Ukraine, and within Russia itself in the Kursk region. Therefore, these new reports are considered significant and should not be taken lightly.

Conclusion

The battle for Prosk underscores the strategic objectives of Russia in the Donbas region and the immense human toll of the conflict. The city's capture is seen as a crucial step towards further Russian advances. The significant disparity in manpower and weaponry favors Russia, contributing to the protracted and devastating nature of the fighting. Furthermore, potential increased aid from North Korea, including the possible deployment of soldiers and construction workers, could further bolster Russia's war effort.