A Ukrainian tanker of the 93rd Brigade on the Pokrovsky Front. Photo: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press

Russian troops have intensified fighting in the suburbs of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, trying to bypass Ukrainian positions mainly from the south and cut off logistics chains. This was reported by the spokesman for the Khortytsia operational and strategic grouping of troops Viktor Tregubov, Ukrinform reports.

“The Russians are not going straight for it, they are trying to bypass the cities through small settlements, mostly from the south, and from there bypass Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad to cut off logistical routes. This would allow them to avoid storming the well-fortified defensive positions that have already been established in the area,” Tregubov said.

He stressed that this tactic indicates a change in the Russian army’s approach. Currently, the invaders do not have a significant advantage in manpower and equipment, which makes them act more cautiously, unlike previous strategies when the Russians simply tried to break through at any cost, ignoring losses.

“Now they are forced to save resources. Their generals can no longer afford reckless attacks to achieve quick results,” Tregubov said.

At the same time, he assured that the Ukrainian defence forces are ready for such a scenario and have appropriate plans to counter Russian attempts to change the course of hostilities in the area.