Russian forces are actively advancing near Pokrovsk and, compared with last year, have changed their approach to storming with small infantry groups.
Where they previously moved in pairs or trios, assault elements now often consist of five to seven soldiers. Rather than bunching up, Russian infantry keep their distance from one another, said Maksym Bakulin, head of information and communications for the 14th Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard “Chervona Kalyna,” in comments to Hromadske Radio.
“Earlier, a drone could disable several people, and now it’s at best one,” the officer said.
Bakulin noted that a year ago Russian forces made only slight gains and suffered heavy losses, then tried an infiltration tactic - skirting Ukrainian positions and attempting to dig in or hide.
“Now, as I understand it, they need to justify the losses they’ve taken over this time - and to advance by any methods and tactics,” he added.
Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia has moved 150,000 troops to the Pokrovsk area in an effort to encircle the city.
Ukraine’s General Staff said defenders in Pokrovsk have conducted rotations and evacuated the wounded.
