Russia has intensified its offensive in Ukraine's east and the situation around the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast has noticeably worsened in recent weeks, as small Russian groups have begun infiltrating the city.

Source: Financial Times

Details: The FT noted that the situation around Pokrovsk has significantly deteriorated in recent weeks, as small Russian units have started slipping through poorly manned Ukrainian defence lines and entering the city.

Quote: "Manpower shortages in Ukrainian frontline brigades have made it easier for Russian forces to identify and exploit defensive gaps."

Details: Reconnaissance groups have confirmed the presence of Russian units south of the railway tracks that divide Pokrovsk in half.

Russia's main offensive efforts remain concentrated on the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration.

Russian forces slowly advanced north and south of these two cities over the past year, trying to encircle them or bring key logistical routes within range of their drones.

Read also: How Pokrovsk is imperceptibly falling: five observations by Ukrainska Pravda

Background:

• On 26 October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia had concentrated its main assault force against Pokrovsk, consisting of a significant number of troops.
• On 24 October, Ukrainska Pravda reported that there were at least 250 Russian troops in Pokrovsk, engaging in firefights and killing Ukrainian soldiers at their positions, particularly drone operators.
• Logistics into the city are fully controlled by drones, and Ukrainian troops have to walk 10-15 kilometres to reach their positions. Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad are at risk of encirclement.

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