August M
Fighting on Ukraine’s eastern front has once again intensified, as Russian forces push for a long-sought breakthrough. The focus remains on a city that has withstood repeated assaults despite sustained pressure.
Recent developments suggest that Moscow is committing ever larger resources to the fight, even as Ukrainian defenses continue to hold.
According to Express, Russian commanders have concentrated around 155,000 troops in the Pokrovsk sector. The buildup is aimed at forcing a breakthrough after months of stalled advances.
Ukrainian forces say they have inflicted heavy losses on Russian units as clashes continue around the city.
Strategic hub
Pokrovsk is a critical logistics and transport hub for Ukraine’s eastern defenses. Its capture would represent a significant setback for Kyiv.
Russian troops have been trying to seize full control of the city for nearly two years but have so far failed to secure the urban area. Despite repeated attacks, Ukrainian forces continue to defend key positions.
Among the Russian formations deployed is the elite 76th Air Assault Division, recently committed to the battle as part of Moscow’s operational reserves, reports Express.
Heavy losses
The paratroopers have fared little better than other Russian units, according to Ukrainian military assessments. Kyiv says casualties have risen sharply over the past week.
In a battlefield update, Ukraine’s 7th Air Assault Corps said: “Over the past week, total enemy personnel losses amounted to 446 troops, which is 30% higher than in the previous period.”
The corps linked the increase to Russia’s full deployment of its reserve forces, including three regiments of the 76th Air Assault Division.
Flanking attempts
According to Express, Ukraine has rushed reinforcements, including special forces, to prevent a Russian breakthrough. Ukrainian reports say these units have halted further Russian advances north of the railway line.
As a result, Russian forces have shifted their focus westward, attempting to advance toward the village of Hryshyne. The aim is to isolate northern Pokrovsk and threaten Ukrainian supply routes.
Ukrainian officials say Moscow is trying to avoid costly street-by-street fighting by cutting off the city instead.
Failed assault
In one such attempt, Russian commanders reportedly sent a column of motorcycles and buggies to outflank Ukrainian positions and move toward Hryshyne.
The column was detected by Ukrainian reconnaissance drones and came under immediate fire. According to Express, ten vehicles were destroyed and around 40 Russian soldiers were killed.
Sources: Express
