Another Day, Another Step Back For Kiev Forces In Pokrovsk (Videos)

File image.

The slow, but steady, collapse of Ukrainian defenses continues in Pokrovsk, according to reports from October 14, with the Russian military expanding its operations inside and around the city in the Donetsk direction.

The Tsentr [Center] Group of Forces has reportedly made more gains in the Dobropillia salient, to the northeast of Pokrovsk.

Russian troops attacked Shakhove from the southeastern direction and managed to reach the first houses in the settlement. This push puts additional pressure on the Ukrainian pocket splitting the salient from the Shakhove to Sofiivka and Toret’ske to the north.

Kiev forces appear to be abandoning their positions in this pocket. The Tsentr Group of Forces could clear it within a few weeks, or even days. Once this is done, the group will either put all of its focus back on Pokrovs, so more likely further to the north, towards Zolotyi Kolodyaz and other settlements.

Click to see full-size map.

Back to the area around Pokrovsk, the Tsentr Group of Forces captured Balagan, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The ministry also reported more progress by Russian troops in the eastern part of Myrnohrad, right to the east of Pokrovsk.

Click to see full-size map.

In addition, the Tsentr Group of Forces continues to battle Ukrainian troops inside Pokrovs itself, with reports indicating gains in the Lazurny microdistrict in the southern part of the city. The troops are also said to be advancing from Kotlyne towards the city’s northwestern entrance.

Recent videos from this direction indicate an increase in air and artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions in both Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.

For the last few months, Ukraine sent large reinforcements, including some of its best units, to Pokrovsk. This slowed down the Russian military. However, the cost was nothing short of catastrophic. Kiev forces didn’t only lose so much troops and equipment to defend the city, but also lost territory in several nearby areas. This was especially clear between the directions of Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye.

Kiev will likely double down on the same strategy by sending even more reinforcements to Pokrovsk, although the fate of the city and its surroundings appears to be clear.

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