Ukraine Battles: Pokrovsk and Kupiansk – Key Cities at Stake
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text,focusing on the situation in Kupiansk and pokrovsk:
Kupiansk:
* Strategic Importance: Ukraine is focused on maintaining its positions on the eastern side of the Oskil River to prevent Russia from establishing bridge crossings.
* Defense strategy: Ukrainian forces are prepared to hold their positions “at all costs,” even if besieged.The risk of being besieged is considered high starting in January.
* Russian Tactics: Russia is employing heavy bombing with aerial bombs and targeting Ukrainian drone pilot positions in the area south of Kupiansk.
* success Factors: The success of the defense is attributed to good planning,coordination,and the use of professional,motivated soldiers (as opposed to forcibly recruited ones).
* Future Operations: There may be surprise operations planned near pokrovsk to improve logistical routes.
pokrovsk:
* Claims of Fall: NATO, allied countries, and Estonia had predicted Pokrovsk would fall in December. However, Ukrainian forces dispute this.
* Current Situation: A Ukrainian captain asserts Pokrovsk will not fall in december.Russian assaults are happening, but in small groups (pairs of soldiers), making progress slow.
* Logistical Challenges: An officer in Mirnograd reports Pokrovsk is besieged, and supplies can only be delivered via ground drones.
* Divergent opinions: While some believe resistance is possible, others (like Tarás) believe withdrawal is no longer feasible, despite orders to hold.
* Comparison to Bakhmut: Pokrovsk is being defended with the same “fight to the last breath” mentality as was seen in bakhmut.
Overall Themes:
* Intense fighting: The text highlights the ongoing, brutal fighting in eastern Ukraine.
* Logistical Difficulties: Both Kupiansk and Pokrovsk face notable logistical challenges.
* Morale and Motivation: The importance of well-trained and motivated soldiers is emphasized.
* Conflicting Reports: There are differing perspectives on the situation in Pokrovsk, reflecting the uncertainty of the battlefield.