KYIV, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Russian forces are gradually encircling the eastern city of Pokrovsk, a vital logistical center threatened by the disruption of its main supply routes nearly three years into the conflict.
While Ukraine fiercely defends the city, its potential encirclement or fall could enable Russia to launch multi-directional offensives in the east, intensifying pressure on Kyiv at a critical phase of the war.
Life in Pokrovsk is grim, with only 7,000 residents remaining out of a pre-war population of 60,000. The closure of the last post office has forced mail delivery to rely on armored trucks.
Russian troops on either side of the city have positioned themselves within artillery and drone range of a crucial highway running across Ukraine, resulting in most vehicles taking detours through Pokrovsk for safety.
Recently, Russian forces have gained control of the main rail line from Dnipro, eastern Ukraine's key hub, into Pokrovsk, further tightening the grip on the city.
Describing the challenging situation on the Pokrovsk front, the deputy commander of Ukraine's 59th assault brigade, known by the call sign Phoenix for security purposes, stated, "The enemy is constantly advancing on foot."
The officer highlighted the significant advantages the enemy possesses in terms of numbers, tactics, and weather conditions favorable for concealing their movements from drones.
With Pokrovsk serving as a critical supply hub for Ukraine's frontlines, its potential fall could allow Russian forces to leverage it as a base for further offensives westward into the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Amid pressures to negotiate a peace settlement, Russia's occupation of this region could strengthen its position in future talks, emphasizing the strategic importance of Pokrovsk in the ongoing conflict.
As Russian forces attempt to besiege Pokrovsk from the west, analysts foresee two potential advance routes for Russia: a westward push into the less fortified plains of Dnipropetrovsk or a northern advance towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, key Ukrainian-controlled cities in Donetsk.
President Zelenskiy has placed a senior general in charge of overseeing frontline operations, aiming to improve coordination among units along the strategically vital Pokrovsk axis.
Despite facing reduced artillery fire from Russia in recent months, Ukraine struggles to counter small-scale infantry offensives due to manpower shortages, posing a significant challenge to its defense capabilities.