Ukrainian forces defending Kurakhove may face a dire threat of encirclement as Russian troops advance toward the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway, warned military analyst Denys Popovych. This strategic route is vital for logistics and its capture could force Ukrainian military to retreat.
Russian troops aim to reach the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway in Donetsk Oblast, which could lead to an encirclement of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, Ukrainian military analyst Denys Popovych told Espreso TV.
Kurakhove is a key target for Russian forces as they continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine. The strategic importance of the town is based on its role as a major logistical hub for Ukrainian troops in southern Donbas. The capture of Kurakhove will allow Russian troops to advance further towards Pokrovsk – another strategically important town.
Popovych said that Ukraine’s Defense Forces could face encirclement, or partial encirclement, near Kurakhove.
“The enemy’s advance in the Kurakhove area is intended to create an encirclement for our soldiers defending this area by moving west of the city to the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway. This could cut off the logistical route and our forces would be forced to retreat if this happened.
He believes that the Russians will focus on advancing along the Kurakhove Front and, if they are successful, could launch a massive offensive against Pokrovsk.
Recent Russian pressure on Kurakhove has intensified from new directions. This puts the logistics at risk.
According to DeepState, Russian forces have deployed significant resources near Kurakhove. The Russian troops are advancing on the eastern part through Maksymilianivka and pushing into the eastern outskirts Kurakhove.
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