**Russian Troops Advance in Donetsk Oblast as Ukraine’s Military Prepares to Counter**
In a recent development, Russian forces have made significant advances between the towns of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. According to Victor Tregubov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Khortytsia group of forces, Russian troops are trying to capture the strategic front-line town of Pokrovsk, which has been their goal for many months.
The situation on the ground is complex, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in a cat-and-mouse game. Tregubov explained that while Russian forces have made some progress near Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, they are facing stiff resistance from Ukrainian troops who are determined to slow down the offensive and push them back.
**A Strategic Push for Control**
The spokesperson emphasized that the key vector of the Russian offensive remains the direction of Pokrovsk, where Russia has concentrated most of its troops. However, he stressed that there is no immediate threat of a direct Russian assault on Pokrovsk, as such an attack would incur heavy losses for Russian forces.
Instead, Russian forces are trying to bypass the town and encircle it, which would allow them to control the surrounding areas without suffering significant casualties. Tregubov noted that Russian forces have not been able to repeat their human wave assaults, which were successful in Mariupol and Bakhmut, due to a lack of manpower.
**Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds**
The situation on the ground is dire, with many residents facing a humanitarian crisis. Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that some 1,380 residents remain in Pokrovsk and 2,700 in the surrounding areas. The town is on the brink of disaster due to relentless Russian shelling, which has made it increasingly difficult to deliver water and food to residents.
**A Turning Point?**
The recent advances by Russian forces have raised concerns about the stability of the situation in Donetsk Oblast. However, experts believe that Ukraine’s military is well-prepared to counter the Russian offensive and prevent a major breakthrough.
In an interview with the Kyiv Independent, Kateryna Hodunova, a News Editor at the outlet, noted that while the advances by Russian forces are concerning, they also indicate a strategic shift in their approach. “Russian forces are trying to take partial control of the city,” she said, “but Ukraine’s military is determined to slow them down and push them back.”
**The Situation on the Ground**
As the situation continues to unfold, residents in the surrounding areas are facing increasingly dire conditions. The relentless shelling has made it difficult for aid to reach those in need, and many are struggling to survive.
In a statement, Governor Filashkin urged international organizations and donors to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected areas. “We need immediate support to prevent a major disaster,” he said.
As the conflict continues to escalate, experts believe that the situation on the ground is likely to remain complex and fluid. The advances by Russian forces have raised concerns about the stability of the region, but Ukraine’s military remains determined to counter the offensive and protect its citizens.
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