Ukraine sends special forces as Russia closes in on Pokrovsk • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Pokrovsk: A strategically important city in the Donetsk region, previously a logistic hub.
• Donbas: The eastern region of Ukraine, with the "free part" remaining under Ukrainian control.
• War of Attrition: A prolonged conflict where victory is achieved by wearing down the enemy's resources and will to fight.
• Logistics: The management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet requirements of customers or corporations.
• Displaced People: Individuals forced to leave their homes due to conflict or disaster.
• Glide Bombs: Unguided bombs that can be released from aircraft at a distance, allowing them to glide towards their target.
• FPV Drones: First-person view drones, often used for reconnaissance or attack.

Situation in Pokrovsk and Surrounding Areas

The situation in Pokrovsk has been described as chaotic due to conflicting information from Russia (the aggressor) and the Ukrainian army (the defender).

Operation in Pokrovsk Square

• Videos have emerged showing helicopters delivering Ukrainian special forces to an undisclosed location.
• The exact location of this operation, whether in Pokrovsk or a nearby satellite city like Mirnograd, remains unconfirmed by the press.
• Kiev's Claim: The Ukrainian government asserts that these forces are part of a larger operation to maintain army logistics.
• Logistical Challenges: Over the past few days, logistics have been identified as a primary challenge for Ukrainian forces amidst the renewed Russian offensive.
• Moscow's Claim: Russia claims this operation has failed, a statement denied by Kiev.

Ukrainian Military Situation

• President Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces are outnumbered by Russia with a ratio of 1 to 8.
• Approximately 200 Russian soldiers have reportedly infiltrated the city.
• Fighting is ongoing, with significant civilian impact.

Civilian Impact and Atrocities

• Pokrovsk, which had a population of at least 60,000 in January (including displaced persons), now has almost no remaining residents.
• Those who remain are primarily elderly, those unable to leave relatives, or those lacking the means to evacuate.
• Videos circulating depict alleged crimes committed by Russian troops who have infiltrated the city.
• Alleged Executions: Civilians have reportedly been executed in the streets around the railway station sector.
• The transcript highlights that when Russia claims to have "liberated" a Ukrainian city, the reality for civilians under occupation often involves torture and murder by the occupying forces.
• This underscores the Ukrainian troops' fight not only to defend a strategic position but also to protect civilians from such treatment.

Strategic Importance of Pokrovsk

• Advance by Moscow: The Russian advance on Pokrovsk has been in the making for over a year, with previous failed attempts to capture it.
• Strategic Position: Pokrovsk was a logistic hub of utmost importance in the Donetsk region.
• Implications for Donetsk: The fall of Pokrovsk would have significant implications for other crucial Ukrainian-controlled cities in Donetsk, such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
• "Fortresses of Donbas": Along with Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, Pokrovsk was considered one of the three main fortresses of the "free part" of Donbas remaining under Ukrainian control.

Russian Tactics and War of Attrition

• Destruction over Conquest: Russia, lacking the means to conquer the city, has resorted to completely destroying it, turning it into rubble and killing remaining civilians.
• War of Attrition: The year-long effort to capture Pokrovsk signifies that the conflict remains a war of attrition, which is costly for Russia in terms of equipment and personnel.
• Russian Limitations: Despite having superior numbers of personnel and equipment (an 8:1 advantage over Ukraine), Russia has not managed to completely overwhelm the Ukrainian army.
• Increased Pressure on Other Cities: Cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, which have become garrison cities, are expected to face increased pressure.
• Daily Threats: These cities are already under daily threats from glide bombs and FPV drones.
• Prolonged Conflict: The current situation is anticipated to last for several more weeks or months.
• Pattern of Destruction: The events in Pokrovsk are presented as a continuation of what Russia has done in other cities along the front lines in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The situation in Pokrovsk exemplifies the brutal realities of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia's tactics involve the systematic destruction of cities and alleged atrocities against civilians, even when unable to achieve a decisive military victory. The prolonged war of attrition continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides, with Ukrainian forces fighting not only for strategic territory but also to protect their population from the severe consequences of Russian occupation. The fall of Pokrovsk would represent a significant blow to Ukrainian control in the Donetsk region, potentially leading to increased pressure on other key cities.