Although Pokrovsk is not classified as a major city, its strategic importance is derived from its location along a crucial supply route and railway that connects significant military centers such as Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk.
Russia is swiftly advancing towards the strategically important Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, with reports indicating that over 110,000 Russian troops have been concentrated in the area.
Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated on Friday (June 27) that this eastern Ukrainian city represents the most intense conflict zone along the 1,200-kilometre (745 miles) front line.
For nearly a year, Pokrovsk has been a target for Russian invading forces. However, due to the strong resistance from Kyiv’s military, Russia has yet to capture the city.
Importance of Pokrovsk
Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to seize the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, with Pokrovsk becoming a pivotal objective in Moscow’s military strategy.
Although not a large city, Pokrovsk’s strategic importance stems from its location along a crucial supply route and railway that connects significant military centers such as Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk.
These cities constitute the backbone of Ukraine’s defensive line in the Kyiv-controlled area of Donetsk.
Thus, should Pokrovsk fall, Ukraine’s control over other critical flashpoints will be significantly compromised.
Prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Pokrovsk had a population of around 60,000 residents.
Years of conflict have forced most inhabitants to flee, leaving the city diminished from its previous state. Additionally, the city’s economic importance suffered earlier this year when Ukraine’s last operational coking coal mine, situated in Pokrovsk, ceased operations. Many mine workers who had stayed to support the operations have since departed.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US-based conflict monitoring organization, reports that Ukraine’s strong defensive measures in Pokrovsk have thwarted Russia’s initial plans for a direct attack on the city. The ISW highlighted late last year that Ukrainian forces forced Moscow to abandon its strategy of a frontal assault, underscoring the strength of Kyiv’s defenses in this vital area.
As the conflict continues, Pokrovsk remains a crucial element in Ukraine’s eastern front, with both factions fully cognizant of its strategic significance in the struggle for Donetsk.
Change in strategy
Following the successful defense by Ukrainian forces against Moscow’s intentions for a direct attack, Russian military units have altered their approach, now seeking to encircle Pokrovsk from the southern and northeastern directions, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
In its most recent evaluation on Friday (June 27), the ISW indicated that Russian troops are utilizing small, nimble fireteams consisting of one to two soldiers, frequently employing motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and buggies to carry out their assaults.
