Numerous Ukrainian troops face potential imprisonment threat.
In Donbass, Russian troops are stepping closer to Pokrovsk, creating a hazardous predicament for Ukrainian troops stationed south of the city. They're at risk of being surrounded by Russian forces, as reported by "Forbes".
Russian troops, with Pokrovsk just a few kilometers away, are reportedly bypassing Ukrainian forces defending the stretch between Memryk village and the Vovcha River. This stretch, spanning three miles east to west, serves as a line of defense.
According to "Forbes", this Russian advance is setting up a potentially lethal trap for the Ukrainian forces. The protruding Ukrainian-held salient could be cut off by a few successful Russian maneuvers, leaving no escape routes for the Ukrainian troops.
Several Ukrainian units in this sector are now reliant on the 25th Airborne Brigade, which defends the northern edge of the salient at Ukrainsk village. A Russian breakthrough here would significantly heighten the risk of encirclement for the remaining Ukrainian forces. The report mentions that the Ukrainian unit even uses German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicles for defense.
There are rumors of Ukrainian troops already beginning a retreat to safer positions further west to avoid potential encirclement by the Russian forces. This retreat would cede the Russians almost 70 square kilometers of territory.
However, Ukraine cannot afford the loss of troops by not retreating due to the ongoing offensive in the Kursk region. Maintaining the city of Pokrovsk against the Russian onslaught is already an extremely challenging task, given the diminished Ukrainian defenses in the area.
The European Union has expressed concern over the escalating conflict in Donbass, calling for an immediate de-escalation and adherence to international law. The stability of Ukraine and the entire region is at risk if the situation worsens, as acknowledged by various international organizations.
If the Russian forces successfully encircle Ukrainian troops in Donbass, the European Union may reinstate economic sanctions against Russia, as a strong demonstration of disapproval and support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
