Russian forces are relentlessly advancing towards Bely, threatening to encircle Ukrainian units south of the main attack axis. Several Ukrainian brigades report heavy losses while defending Pokrovsk, with some claiming they are losing territory at an unprecedented rate since 2022.
Despite valiant resistance along their defensive lines, Ukrainian troops are facing relentless assaults from Russian infantry, supported by artillery, glide bombs, and drones. Since breaking through Ukrainian defenses near the village of Orekhovo in April 2024, Russian forces have advanced 20 kilometers and are now closing in on the strategically important logistical hub of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donbas region.
Ukrainian soldiers loading a howitzer
The Battle for Pokrovsk
The city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk has consistently been the site of some of the fiercest fighting in the Donbas region. Despite Ukrainian attempts to penetrate deeper into Russian territory following their surprise raid into the Belgorod region, Russia continues to escalate its attacks on the Pokrovsk front.
In August, several Ukrainian observers voiced concerns, urging the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) to act swiftly by redeploying brigades from strategic reserves and units stationed along relatively quiet front lines to defend Pokrovsk.
Reinforcements and Challenges
The 15th National Guard Brigade of Ukraine, also known as “Karpaty,” was deployed to Sviatohirsk, about 20 kilometers south of Pokrovsk. Initially stationed in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast since its establishment in early 2023, the brigade was redeployed to Sviatohirsk in early September to bolster defenses against the Russian offensive.
Ukrainian howitzer covered with camouflage
Initial reports suggested the Ukrainian reinforcements were effective. On September 5, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, declared that the Ukrainian Army had successfully halted the Russian advance. Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the region confirmed this, stating that the Russian offensive on Pokrovsk had indeed slowed down, providing the defenders with valuable time to reinforce their positions and improve their defenses.
However, the situation on the ground remains precarious. Russian forces continue to press towards Bely, threatening to encircle Ukrainian units south of the main attack axis. Significant challenges persist within the Ukrainian defense system, with a growing shortage of manpower and persistent issues with communication and coordination between different brigades deployed to the Pokrovsk front.
Ukrainian soldiers near Pokrovsk
The Human Cost of War
Olena Tarasiuk, a 39-year-old lieutenant responsible for monitoring the morale and combat readiness of Ukrainian soldiers, revealed the heavy toll the fighting has taken on her unit. “In the past two months, we have suffered serious losses. Many soldiers have been killed, wounded, or captured,” she shared.
Lieutenant Tarasiuk highlighted that the shortage of manpower, combined with the hesitation of the AFU high command to rotate exhausted units out of the front lines and replace them with fresh troops, is leading to extreme stress and impacting the fighting spirit of the infantry forces.
“The soldiers are trying to hold on with their last strength. It’s hard, but no one refuses duty,” she noted. Even the Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, which significantly boosted morale among both soldiers and civilians throughout Ukraine, failed to alleviate the fatigue on the Pokrovsk front.
The Role of Artillery and Drones
To counter the Russian advance, Ukrainian forces have employed camouflage tactics, concealing their artillery, including the Msta-B 152mm howitzer, under layers of camouflage nets and foliage. However, a persistent issue for the AFU artillery units has been the shortage of ammunition for these guns. With their stockpile of old Soviet-era ammunition dwindling, Ukrainian units in Pokrovsk are increasingly reliant on artillery shells sourced from various countries or produced domestically, highlighting the strategic importance of the city for Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers firing artillery near Pokrovsk
Russian forces, on the other hand, are extensively using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, for both reconnaissance and attack purposes. These drones pose a significant threat to Ukrainian infantry and artillery units, forcing them to operate further forward, increasing their vulnerability.
The Larger Conflict
The battle for Pokrovsk is just one front in the larger conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Ukrainian incursion into the Belgorod Oblast, initially perceived as a morale booster and a potential game-changer, has not led to a significant shift in the overall balance of power.
While Ukraine’s control of parts of the Belgorod region may offer some leverage in future peace negotiations, it remains unclear how long they can maintain their hold on this territory. Russia has committed significant resources to reclaim the occupied towns in the Belgorod Oblast and is gradually making progress, albeit at a slow pace.
As the conflict continues, both sides face mounting casualties, strategic challenges, and the daunting prospect of a protracted war. The outcome of the battle for Pokrovsk, as well as the larger conflict, remains uncertain, with both sides seemingly committed to a long and bloody fight.
