Russian Army Advances Deep In Pokrovsk, As Kiev Forces Attack Civilians Fleeing (Videos)

File image.

On October 18, the Russian military advanced in several parts of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk direction, amid what appears to be a collapse in Ukrainian defenses inside the city.

The Tsentr [Center] Group of Forces broke through Ukrainian defenses in the urban part of the city’s center, specifically in the Yuzhny microdistrict. Russian troops even managed to reach the city’s main train station, according to preliminary reports, which note that some of the newly-captured areas have not been cleared yet.

Advance was also reported in the western parts of Pokrovsk. Russian troops are said to have taken over the entrance of the city there, effectively cutting off the route leading to Andronivka.

In the days leading to the latest push inside Pokrovsk, the Tsentr Group of Forces advanced to the east of the city, capturing Kozatske and Balahan. Russian troops also attacked the eastern part of Myrnohrad. Kiev forces also lost key areas to the south of the city, namely Novopavlivka.

Pokrovsk is clearly about to be captured by the Tsentr Group of Forces. Still, Ukraine is reported to be deploying more reinforcements to prolong the battle there.

In addition, Kiev forces targeted a group of civilians, including at least two women, with a drone as they attempted to make their way out of Pokrovsk to the areas held by the Russian military. Videos of the cruel drone strike have already surfaced online. Beyond being an attack on civilians, this strike indicates that Ukraine is stepping up efforts to trap its own troops in Pokrovsk, going as far as using drones to prevent anyone from leaving the city.

Kiev’s obsession with defending Pokrovsk, which is driven by fears of negative media reports rather than an actual military strategy, has been causing problems for its forces in other directions.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on October 18, that the Yug [South] Group of Forces imposed control over Pleshchiivka to the south of the city of Kostiantynivka, which is located to the east of Pokrovsk in Donets. Russian troops resumed advance towards the industrial city in recent days, and have reportedly managed to reach first houses in its southeastern part from the direction of Predtechyne.

Moving to the northeast in Donetsk, specifically to the north of Krasny Liman, the Yug Group of Forces have reportedly broken through Ukrainian defenses to the north and west of Novoselivka.

Russian troops also advanced from Derylove south towards Drobysheve, the last settlement before Krasny Liman, reportedly capturing most of the area between the two.

Overall, Ukrainian attempts to defend Pokrovsk are not only failing, but also causing a collapse elsewhere in Donetsk. Instead of adjusting to its military plans, Kiev is pushing more reinforcements and tightening pressure on its troops to fight there until the end.

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