**Russian Assault Falters as Ukrainian Mines Scatter Pokrovsk Road Attack**
In a significant blow to Russian forces, their assault columns moving towards Nadiivka have encountered newly scattered fields of anti-tank mines on the road from Selydove. This crucial logistical hub has been the main supply line for Russian troops, but Ukrainian remote mining techniques have rendered it impassable.
As Russian forces attempt to push back Ukrainians and salvage what’s left of their logistics, they’re facing a daunting challenge. The open fields southeast of Pokrovsk are proving to be a nightmare for Russian armored units, with specialized Ukrainian equipment preventing them from even launching assaults. Russian wrecks and bodies are piling up, leading to another disaster for the Russian army.
Russian forces aim to advance north of their positions in Nadiivka across open fields to consolidate positions along the Solona River. This move is intended to facilitate a larger crossing and a wider pincer maneuver, easing logistical challenges by reducing the chokepoint for Ukrainians to target. However, their first attempts to expand control in the direction of Uspenivka proved to be complete failures, with Russian corpses littering the approaches.
To counter this, Ukrainian forces are employing remote mining techniques, using specialized artillery shells to scatter anti-personnel and anti-tank mines over a specific area. Heavy octocopter drones are also being used to carry and lay landmines on roads and chokepoints. Geolocated combat footage reveals how Russian armored units struggled to continue their attacks due to landmines.
BMP infantry fighting vehicles, poorly armored against anything beyond small arms fire, were obliterated by landmines that detonated their internal ammunition, killing all aboard. Russian tanks, though more resilient, were eventually disabled by multiple mine blasts, forcing crews to abandon them. Ukrainian FPV drones then finished off the tanks and their crew.
The Ukrainians have also decided to scatter landmines in the Russian rear to prevent new assaults. The Russians heavily rely on Selydove for logistical support, where they station all of their tanks, armored vehicles, soldiers, and ammunition. Unfortunately for them, this has made it the best place for the Ukrainians to scatter their landmines.
Geolocated footage shows how Ukrainians mined the entire road, with one Russian vehicle being completely obliterated by a landmine explosion. The footage also reveals that Ukrainian forces are constantly replenishing these minefields after Russians cleared them. When still trying to conduct larger assaults, Russians moved in with platoon-sized formations of three vehicles closely grouped together. However, these formations consistently drove onto landmines, one after another, leading to the destruction of entire assault formations.
Overall, the constant Ukrainian remote mining operations are posing a major obstacle to Russian offensive plans, disrupting their assaults and dealing high losses. With whole minefields suddenly appearing on previously cleared roads, Russian efforts have been stumped, making this area impassable for Russian armored vehicles soon.
This development is a significant blow to Russian forces, forcing them to change their operational plans on the western flank of Pokrovsk. However, it remains to be seen how effective these new plans will be in light of Ukrainian remote mining operations.
**Commentary:**
The use of remote mining techniques by Ukrainian forces has proven to be a game-changer on the battlefield. By employing specialized artillery shells and heavy octocopter drones, Ukrainians have been able to scatter landmines over a specific area, rendering Russian armored units useless. This tactic not only disrupts Russian assaults but also deals high losses to their troops.
The reliance of Russian forces on Selydove for logistical support has proven to be a double-edged sword. While it provides them with a crucial supply line, it also makes it the best place for Ukrainian landmines to scatter. This vulnerability will only continue to grow as long as Ukrainian forces maintain their remote mining capabilities.
**Deeper Analysis:**
The remote mining operations by Ukrainian forces are not just a tactical innovation but also a testament to their ability to adapt and respond to changing battlefield conditions. By using specialized equipment, Ukrainians have been able to counter Russian military superiority and create new challenges for their opponents.
This development has significant implications for the future of the conflict. If Ukrainian forces can maintain this level of effectiveness, it will be increasingly difficult for Russian forces to achieve their objectives. The reliance on Selydove as a logistical hub also raises questions about Russian command’s ability to adjust to changing circumstances and prioritize resources effectively.
Ultimately, the success of Ukrainian remote mining operations has the potential to shift the balance of power in favor of the Ukrainian military, making it increasingly difficult for Russia to achieve its goals.
