A Ukrainian tank near the town of Pokrovsk. Photo: Wolfgang Schwan / Anadolu/Abacaapress.com

Russian troops intend to block important transport routes and cut off land lines of communication in the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk region. This step, according to the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW), could force the Ukrainian army to retreat from these settlements, which would open the door for the invaders to seize these territories.

Intention to block key transport routes

According to the ISW report, Russia has recently interrupted the routes connecting Pokrovsk to Kostiantynivka and Mizhova. The T-0405 and T-0406 routes are important lines of communication for Ukrainian forces, and blocking them would significantly hamper logistical supplies and the ability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to resupply and redeploy troops.

Possible further actions of the Russians

ISW analysts suggest that Russia’s offensive to the east and west of Pokrovsk may be part of a broader strategy aimed at surrounding and then seizing the cities. The Russian military command may also try to launch offensives north of these routes, which would avoid heavy urban fighting and increase the likelihood of a Ukrainian army retreat to the north.

The threat of seizing cities without heavy fighting

These measures could help the Russians capture Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad without suffering heavy losses in frontal attacks on urban areas, which would have been much more difficult due to the strong resistance of Ukrainian forces. Thus, the blockade of these cities increases the chances of a successful retreat of the Ukrainian army, which opens the way for further advance of Russian troops towards the western territories of Donetsk and Dnipro regions.