Russian forces are stepping up pressure on Pokrovsk by redeploying experienced marine units to the area and are preparing for a “decisive breakthrough” in the Donbas, with the goal of capturing Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, Ukraine’s military said.
In a Facebook post, 7th Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces said that in recent weeks, Russia has shifted tactics. Small groups are trying to push deeper into urban areas while avoiding direct clashes with Ukraine’s forward defensive positions. Their primary objectives, according to the statement, are to reach drone and mortar operators, wear down defending forces, consolidate new footholds and expand the so‑called “gray zone.”
At the same time, Russian troops have intensified flanking attacks using armored vehicles and motorcycles, aiming to cut the 7th Corps’ supply lines and close a ring around the Pokrovsk urban area.
According to the post, Russia has reduced airstrikes on front-line Ukrainian positions but increased strikes on civilian targets in the rear. In Pokrovsk, as of August, the enemy had completely destroyed the residential housing stock, it said.
The military added that Russia intends to commit large numbers of personnel and equipment to a “decisive breakthrough” in the Donbas. The objective remains unchanged: the occupation of the Pokrovsk–Kramatorsk–Sloviansk urban area, the paratroopers said.
