Reasons for the slowdown of Russian advance towards Pokrovsk

"Recently, the pace of the Russian army's advance in the direction of Pokrovsk has slowed down somewhat, the main reason for all these processes is the effective defensive actions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in this area of ​​the front," Seleznov said.

According to him, the Russian side is suffering such irreparable losses that it is no longer able to advance at its previous pace. Recently, the speed of Russian forces' advance has been limited to only a few hundred meters per day, significantly less than a few weeks ago.

“And the bottom line is that they are now forced to deploy combat reserves — the very forces they planned to use in direct battles in the Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk regions. However, they are forced to use these resources earlier just to maintain the hope of advancing around these two settlements,” the Ukrainian expert noted.

In recent months, Russian forces have attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses in the direction of Pokrovsk, considered one of the most challenging areas of the front.

Recently, Viktor Trehubov, spokesman for the Ukrainian military's Khortytsia strategic operational group, said that the Russian military has changed its tactics in the attack on Pokrovsk. Instead of launching frontal attacks on the city, they are now trying to encircle it.

Mr. Trehubov also noted that about half of all the fighting took place in the direction of Pokrovsk.

According to recent reports from the Ukrainian National Guard, Russian forces have advanced towards the southern flank of Pokrovsk, where they are attacking Ukrainian National Guard positions.

On February 11, the Khortytsia strategic task force said that the Russian army was constantly trying to break through the Ukrainian defenses near Pokrovsk, using its numerical and weaponry advantage. The Russians tried to advance near the settlements of Baranivka, Vodiane Druhe, Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Udachne, Uspenivka, Nadiyivka, Andriyivka and Dachne.

"Due to the heavy and intensive Russian offensive actions and artillery fire, a number of our defensive positions were destroyed. Measures are being taken to prevent the tactical situation from worsening," the Khortytsia group's report admitted.

"In the vicinity of Shcherbynivka, the Russians attempted to use motor vehicles to transport their assault groups. However, this convoy - which was spotted in advance - was hit by fire (from Ukrainian forces)," the Khortytsia militia said. As a result, eight Russian vehicles were destroyed or damaged.

Meanwhile, fighting continued in the urban areas of the town of Chasiv Yar. In addition, Russian troops attempted to break through the defenses near Vasiukivka, but Ukrainian defenders prevented these plans.

On the Novopavlivka front, the Russians intensified offensive operations towards Kostiantynopil, Novoocheretuvate and Burlatske. On the Lyman front, the Russians attempted to attack Ukrainian positions near Kopanky, Novoliubivka and Kolodiazi.

On the Siversk front, Russian troops attacked Ukrainian fortifications near Verkhniokamyanske. Russian troops also attempted to attack Ukrainian defensive positions in Vovchansk and breached defenses on the Kupyansk front.