Strategic Crisis Of Ukrainian Defense Deepens In Pokrovsk Direction

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Strategic crisis of Ukrainian defense on the Donbass frontlines is gaining momentum. The Armed Forces of Ukraine retreat in all directions. Over the past day, the positions of Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction sharply deteriorated.

The Russian army advanced in three different directions near Pokrovsk. According to reports from the front, the village of Zhelannoe Vtoroe (2nd) came under control of Russian forces. The settlement is located on the southern flank of the advancing Russian grouping. As a result, the cauldron is closing threatening Ukrainian garrison that is trying to resist in the areas west of Nevelskoe. The Ukrainian military is forced to urgently retreat to Kurahovka and cross the river under Russian fire; but they could not rest for a long time, since the Russian army can soon encircle Kurahovka as well.

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Russian forces gained another strategically important victory on the southwestern flank. As a result of successful offensive operations, they broke through Ukrainian defense on the northern outskirts of the town of Tsukurino, gained a foothold and cut the local railway. As a result Ukrainian military supplies on a wide Donetsk front were disrupted.

The further rapid advance was possible after the Russian military took control of the dumps of the local Selidovskaya mine located on the dominant heights in the area.

The advancing Russian assault groups are driving a wedge between the Ukrainian garrisons in Tsukurino and Gornyak. According to reports from the battlefield, Russian assault on Gornyak was suspended. Russian forces are already in control of the railway north of the town and are fighting on the northern streets. Amid the rapid Russian advance, Ukrainian forces are likely to soon withdraw from Tsukurino to save forces. Russian forces may launch offensive along the railway towards Voznesenka. As a result, a large Ukrainian grouping deployed in Gornyak and Kurahovka will be captured in another cauldron.

Russian control of the railway north of Tsukurino also paved the way for further offensive to the north and encirclement of Selidovo from the south. Russian forces are also expanding their zone of control north of Selidovo.

The Russian military is close to end the offensive operations aimed to straighten the flanks before the upcoming assault on Selidovo, the main Ukrainian stronghold near Pokrovsk. Russian forces are already present in the eastern part of the town and they are likely to resume large scaled assault in the nearest future.

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Russian strikes on Ukrainian positions in Mirnograd:

On the northern flank, battles are approaching Mirnograd, another Ukrainian stronghold aimed to defend Pokrovsk. Three mines northwest of Novogrodovka came under Russian control two days ago. Clashes are ongoing in Lysovka and Sukhoi Yar, The village of Kruty Yar came under Russian control and Russian forces entered Mykolaivka. The Ukrainian military attempted to hold defense hiding behind the local river but it did not help.

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