**Russian Airstrikes Intensify on Ukrainian Second Defensive Line**
In recent days, Russian forces have heavily bombarded Ukraine’s second defensive line in the Donbas region, northeast of the city of Pokrovsk. The bombardment has been so intense that OSINT analyst Clément Molin reported nearly 1,000 airstrikes in a narrow section of the frontline.
**Increased Airstrike Activity**
Molin noted that Russian airstrike activity is increasing monthly, with significant increases in February, March, and April. In fact, the number of guided aerial bombs used by Russian forces has risen from approximately 3,370 in February to over 5,000 in April. This surge in airstrikes is a sign of Russia’s growing aggression on the eastern front.
**Targeted Airstrikes**
The Russian Aerospace Forces are actively conducting intense aerial preparation against Ukrainian positions between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. According to Molin, satellite imagery shows around 950 airstrikes across fields and forest strips near the Ukrainian defense line. These strikes began on May 25th, following recent Russian territorial gains in the area.
**Shift in Tactics**
The bombardment is especially intense on the western edge of the Pokrovsk-Druzhkivka-Kostiantynivka triangle. Molin suggested that this is a response to a shift in Ukrainian tactics that favors smaller, concealed positions. The attacks are focused on treeline areas, which is a clear indication that Russian forces are adapting their strategy to counter Ukraine’s new approach.
**Possible Encirclement of Pokrovsk**
Molin stated that Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk appear stronger, requiring more force to neutralize. He suggested a possible attempt by Russian forces to encircle Pokrovsk from the eastern flank. If successful, this could support an objective to capture both Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka before 2026.
**Pattern of Airstrikes**
This is not the first time such intense airstrike concentrations have been recorded in Donbas and Sumy. Molin referenced previous instances in Robotyne in 2023 and Kursk in 2024, where similar patterns were observed. The targeted airstrikes are a clear sign that Russian forces are preparing for further offensives.
**Frontline Developments**
The situation on the frontline remains “difficult” according to Ukrainian Army reports. On June 11th alone, Ukrainian defenders reportedly repelled 62 separate Russian assault actions in multiple settlements.
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