Russian Troops Launch Two Tactical Operations to Capture Pokrovsk, Reports ISW

Russian troops are currently conducting two tactical operations to capture Pokrovsk in Donetsk region. Additionally, they have adopted a new advancing tactic.

According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) published on August 29, Russian forces have launched their first operation along the Novohrodivka–Hrodivka line, to the east of Pokrovsk. Their goal is to seize Myrnohrad and advance towards the outskirts of the city.

The second tactical operation is unfolding along the Selydove–Ukrainsk–Hirnyk line, southeast of Pokrovsk. This aims to expand their grouping in the Pokrovsk direction and strengthen their vulnerable positions against Ukrainian counterattacks.

The ISW believes that the Russian military command has developed a strategy that, through these two successful tactical operations, is intended to create conditions for an intensified assault on Pokrovsk.

The report notes that on August 29, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the most intense fighting is currently taking place on the eastern outskirts of Hrodivka, east of Pokrovsk. Additionally, southwest of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces are repelling attacks from the Russian forces near Krasnyi Yar and within Novohrodivka, as well as directly east of Selydove near Mykhailivka (southeast of Pokrovsk).

The ISW added that Russian forces are unlikely to reduce their advance pace along Novohrodivka–Hrodivka, aiming to swiftly capture Myrnohrad and secure access to the outskirts of Pokrovsk.

"Russian forces likely hope to achieve a similar effect by trying to envelop Ukrainian positions between Myrnohrad and Hrodivka, although it remains unclear if they can maintain their relatively rapid rate of advance through the comparatively larger town of Myrnohrad and its surroundings," the report states.

Meanwhile, Russian army aims to halt the Ukrainian advance on the southern edge towards Pokrovsk, which poses a potential threat to the tactical operations of the Russian forces.