Russia and Ukraine move forces related to Kursk and Pokrovsk

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is taking a new turn, as both sides shift forces to deal with increasingly complex battlefield situations. According to Forbes on September 1, Ukraine has urgently deployed the Kara-Dag Brigade, a key offensive unit, to strengthen defenses around Pokrovsk, an important logistics center in the east of the country.

The move reflects the need to defend Pokrovsk against repeated Russian attacks, especially after Russian forces successfully surrounded Avdiivka in February and advanced on Pokrovsk.

Pokrovsk has become a strategic distribution point for Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region, playing a key role in maintaining supply lines for the Ukrainian army. The Kara-Dag brigade, with about 2,000 soldiers, was transferred from its permanent position in southern Ukraine to the eastern front, in order to strengthen its defense capabilities. Formed in 2014 and reorganized several times, the brigade saw heavy fighting in 2022 and is equipped with heavy weapons, including T-64 tanks.

The Kara-Dag Brigade represents the transformation of the Ukrainian National Guard from a paramilitary force into a unit that functions more like a regular army brigade. Despite the buildup, the situation in Pokrovsk remains tense as Russian forces continue to advance toward the area, supported by heavy artillery and airstrikes. Russia has captured a key settlement and gained new territory in the eastern Donbas region, threatening Ukraine’s defenses.

While Russia has stepped up its offensive in Pokrovsk, Ukraine has focused some of its forces on an offensive in the Kursk region in Russia, which borders northern Ukraine. Russian commentator Evgeny Norin, quoted by Forbes, noted that some Ukrainian units remain in reserve and have not been fully deployed for the battle in Pokrovsk. The decision to allocate resources to the Kursk offensive raises questions about Ukraine’s strategic priorities, given the risk of undermining its defenses in Pokrovsk.

Roman Ponomarenko, an officer of the 12th Special Brigade “Azov” of the National Guard of Ukraine, frankly stated that the situation on the Donetsk frontline has spiraled out of control. Mr. Ponomarenko described the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces as being weakened by exhaustion and disorganization. The soldiers who were sent to reinforce the front often lacked experience and fighting spirit, which further complicated the situation.

Mr Ponomarenko said the Russian army, while also suffering losses, still maintained a numerical advantage and an almost unlimited supply of ammunition. “Their offensive continues and we cannot stop it now,” he said, adding that the presence of Ukrainian forces in Kursk was not the main reason for the defeat in Donetsk.

On the same day, analysts at the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) pointed out that the actions of the Ukrainian defense forces in Kursk have put great pressure on Russia, forcing Moscow to readjust its strategy. Some sources said that Russian reserve units, including units of the 15th Motor Rifle Brigade, have been redeployed from the Pokrovsk front to Kursk to counter the Ukrainian offensive. This decision shows that Russia is adjusting its forces on different fronts and changing its operational plan to maintain its superiority in strategic areas.

ISW analysts added that Russia’s move of some of its reserves from lower-priority areas, such as northern Kharkiv and western Zaporizhzhia, to Kursk rather than from key offensive fronts such as Pokrovsk was risky. The redeployment may not be enough to have an immediate impact on the situation on key fronts, and it remains unclear whether Russia will continue to move more reserves to counter Ukrainian attacks.