Inside the Trap: Russian Saboteurs Approach Battle for Pokrovsk

Illustrative Image

The strategic city of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiysk) has become the focal point of Russian Donbass offensive, where the Russian military is actively combining sabotage operations with constant frontline advances. Reports confirm that first Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have entered the city and are persistently present in the southern districts of the city, creating chaos among Ukrainian defenders.

Ukrainian forces have been caught off guard by the increasing activity of Russian sabotage groups in the city Pokrovsk. Local sources, shaken by leaked footage, describe a growing atmosphere of tension as Ukrainian military vehicles face repeated ambushes. The inability of Ukrainian troops to neutralize these infiltrators has led to mounting frustration, with friendly fire incidents reportedly rising due to confusion over Russian manoeuvres in the city.

Ukrainian reports admit that Russian saboteurs exploited a critical shortage of infantry in one of Kyiv’s brigades, slipping into the city through the Zverevo direction. The psychological toll on Ukrainian troops is severe, with Russian sabotage operations undermining morale and forcing Ukrainian commanders to divert resources to urban counterinsurgency efforts rather than reinforcing the front.

While sabotage groups destabilize Pokrovsk from within, Russian assault units continue to encircle the city from multiple directions.

To the east and north of Mirnohrad (Dimitrov), Russian troops are dismantling Ukrainian defensive lines near Rodynske, forcing Kyiv to scramble reserves to patch crumbling positions. Ukrainian forces, critically short of infantry, are increasingly reliant on drone units to slow Russian progress. Though this has only delayed, not halted, the advance.

Click to see full-size image

Click to see full-size image

West of Fedorovka, Russian forces are pressing attacks toward Sukhetske and the Krasnolimanskaya mine, engaging in fierce close-quarters combat as they push from multiple directions. Meanwhile, in Novotoretske, Russian troops have secured control and are now advancing toward Vladimirovka and Nikanorovka, threatening to cut off Ukrainian supply routes.

Another significant tactical gain in recent days is Russia’s assault in Poltavka. After securing the western half of the village, Russian units are now pushing into its southern and eastern outskirts, further straining Ukrainian defenses. Fighting continues on the outskirts of Rusin Yar, where Russian forces are contesting key high ground.

With sabotage groups sowing discord inside Pokrovsk and Russian troops tightening the noose from the outside, Ukrainian defenders face an increasingly untenable situation. The lack of infantry reserves has forced Kyiv to rely on drone warfare as a stopgap, but this alone cannot reverse Russia’s creeping advance.

MORE ON THE TOPIC:

• Strikes Overview: Russia Targets Ukraine’s Last Weapons Workshops
• Nest Of Black Birds: How Russian Tatarstan Created The World’s Largest Combat Drone Factory