Russian Forces Advance Further in Ukraine
Russian Forces Announce More Advances
On Sunday, Russian forces reported further progress in the area around the strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk. This follows weeks of steady gains and the recent acquisition of several villages. The defense ministry has announced that Russian troops have now captured the village of Mykhailivka, located just outside the town of Selydove and to the south of Pokrovsk.
Selydove Could Be Next
Selydove, which has been heavily damaged by months of intense shelling, could be the next town to fall into Russian hands. The majority of its population has already evacuated. According to Newsweek, Selydove is currently a primary focus for the Russian forces.
Ukrainian General Staff Update
In an update released at 4 p.m. local time, the Ukrainian General Staff did not mention Mykhailivka specifically, but stated that Russian forces were "concentrating its main efforts near Selydove, where 12 battles have taken place so far." The popular Ukrainian war-tracking blog, DeepState, reported that the vast majority of Mykhailivka was under Russian control as of Sunday.
Strategic Importance of Pokrovsk
Pokrovsk has served as the logistical hub and rear operations base for Ukraine's eastern defensive lines for most of the war. The city's strategic location at a key railroad juncture and the highway to Ukraine’s fourth-largest metro, Dnipro, makes it a vital defensive position. If Pokrovsk falls, Russian forces would be able to easily flank entrenched troops in the north and south of the country, potentially gaining complete control over Donetsk and the entire east.
Intensified Fighting in Zaporizhzhia
In addition to Donetsk, intense fighting has also been reported in the southern Zaporizhzhia region over the weekend. Ukraine's military has raised concerns over "new assault operations". As a consequence, widespread power outages have been reported in Zaporizhzhia. "Power outages have been reported in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts over the past 24 hours due to ongoing hostilities," according to local media reports.
Use of Illicitly Obtained Starlink Terminals
Reports suggest that Russian forces are using illicitly obtained Starlink terminals to improve combat coordination and the effectiveness of their tactical reconnaissance strike complex (TRSC) in Ukraine.
Substation Targeted in Kherson Oblast
"Russian forces targeted a substation in Kherson Oblast with a drone, igniting a fire that has since been extinguished," the update continues. "Consumers have been switched to backup power supplies."
President Zelensky's Statement
Over the weekend, President Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian Army has held the lines in Russia's Kursk region. However, the Kursk offensive has no bearing on the situation in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. The war's outcome is likely to be decided in these eastern and southern regions of Ukraine.
Bottom Line
The current situation in Ukraine is a complex and dynamic one, with the balance of power shifting and evolving as the conflict continues. It remains to be seen how this will ultimately play out and what the implications will be for the region and beyond. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and let's discuss. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
