Read also: Critical situation in Pokrovsk: Ukrainian MP details Russian advance

The capture of Pokrovsk by Russian forces, once seen as inevitable, now appears far less likely.

According to the report, Russia’s 2nd Combined Arms Army, which includes dozens of regiments and brigades, outnumbers Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk area by roughly four to one. The Ukrainian units involved belong to the Tavria Operational-Strategic Grouping.

Ukrainian troops had been retreating along the Pokrovsk axis since mid-February, when Russian forces breached defenses in Avdiivka to the east of this front.

Forbes notes that Ukraine had kept four or five brigades in reserve, each consisting of up to 2,000 soldiers and hundreds of vehicles. Russian propagandist Yevgeny Norin described these units as “intact and well-equipped.”

Now, part of these reserves has entered the fight on the last line of defense, located five to six miles from Pokrovsk, where critical supply routes are situated. Russian sources acknowledge that Ukrainian forces have launched counterattacks, stabilizing the front.

Read also: Pokrovsk battle won’t decide outcome of the war, says Ukrainian Defense Committee Secretary

Forbes stresses that quick changes in the Pokrovsk area shouldn’t be expected. Ukrainian units, including the Kara-Dag National Guard Brigade, the 12th Azov Brigade, and the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, are carrying out precise counterattacks, slowing down the Russian advance.

The actions of the Kara-Dag Brigade in the frontline town of Selidove, southeast of Pokrovsk, have been particularly significant. For several days, Ukrainian T-64 tanks have been destroying and capturing Russian equipment attempting to break through to Selidove along the main road.

Control of Selidove is crucial for Russian forces to maintain pressure on Pokrovsk. However, with fresh, well-armed Ukrainian troops advancing near Selidove, the likelihood of Russian forces capturing Pokrovske is growing increasingly slim.

Read also:

・’Meat grinder’ tactics intensify as Russian generals promise Pokrovsk to Putin

・Russians likely captured Novohrodivka and Halytsynivka near Pokrovsk