Russian Army Captures Poltavka Amid Ukrainian Collapse, Advances Near Pokrovsk (Videos)

File image.

On October 19, Ukrainian defenses along the Yanchur River in the Zaporozhye direction began to collapse with the Russian military taking over the key settlement of Poltavka.

The capture of Poltavka by the Vostok [East] Group of Forces was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Other sources reported that Russian troops also took over Okhotnyche, located right to the north of the settlement along the Yanchur. In addition, the troops expanded their control around Malinivka, located to the south of Poltavka.

“The assault was complicated by the need to cross the river at several points along the front. But during a comprehensive fire strike on the enemy by aviation and artillery, as well as with the support of drone operators, the Far Eastern warriors liberated one of the largest settlements on the western bank of the Yanchur,” the Russian MoD said in a statement, noting that the settlement was first stormed by the 49th Combined Arms Army.

“The enemy lost a prepared defense area of more than 12 square kilometers. More than 500 buildings were cleared by the assault troops of the Vostok Group of Forces,” the ministry added.

Poltavka and other settlements further north along the river were the first line of defense for Huliapole, a key stronghold of Kiev forces to the west in Zaporozhye. Now, this line has clearly begun to collapse.

Ukraine will likely lose control over the remaining settlements along the Yanchur between Novovasylivske, located to the north of Okhotnyche, and Pryvillya, further to the north in the direction of Dnepropetrovsk. This could take a few weeks, or even a few days.

Once the line along the river is secured, the Russian attack on Huliapole will likely begin, not only from Poltavka, but also from Pryvillya.

A Ukrainian counterattack in this part of Zaporozhye seems unlikely, as Kiev continues to prioritize the defense of the city of Pokrovsk in the direction of Donetsk despite heading to a catastrophic defeat there.

On October 19, the Russian MoD confirmed that the Tsentr [Center] Group of Forces had captured Chunyshyne, located right to the south of Pokrovsk.

The capture of the settlement was not surprising. Ukrainian defenses to the south of the city began to collapse sometime earlier this month. To the east of the city, mainly along Myrnohrad, Kiev forces have also experienced a series of setbacks recently, which indicates that a collapse there may be near.

To the north of Pokrovsk, in the Dobropillia salient, the Tsentr Group of Forces broke through Ukrainian defenses to the west of Nove Shakhove, and stormed Novyi Donbas.

The capture of this settlement, which could be announced within a few days, will be another blow to Kiev forces in Pokrovsk, as it is located on the main route linking the city with Dobropillia. This route is said to be vital for the supply of Pokrovsk.

All in all, Ukraine appears to be heading towards two defeats: one along the Yanchur River, and another in Pokrovsk. Kiev’s best bet may be to withdraw from indefensible areas, especially Pokrovsk, to reinforce others. However, this will not likely happen.

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