Russia is shifting its offensive operations toward the south.
Russian troops have been focusing their efforts on the eastern Ukrainian region, specifically near the city of Kurakhove, as per Ukrainian sources. The majority of the intense fighting this month has occurred in this area, the Ukrainian government reports. Meanwhile, Russian forces are also advancing towards Pokrovsk, a significant railway hub about 33 kilometers north of Kurakhove. The objective is to create new front lines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and assert control over the Donetsk region's eastern part.
In the past 24 hours, Russian forces have reportedly launched 64 attacks near Kurakhove, which the Ukrainian military has managed to repel. In the vicinity of Pokrovsk, they've fended off 36 attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commends his troops for their resilience, as Pokrovsk and Kurakhove are deemed the two most challenging sectors on the eastern front.
Hirnyk, a Coal Mining Town, in the Sights
Situated south of Pokrovsk, Kurakhove has been a focus point for Russian troops for some time. However, recent territorial gains have been limited in this area. Instead, Russian troops are shifting their focus to the south, targeting the coal mining town of Hirnyk. The ultimate goal is likely to surround or force Ukrainian forces to relinquish their positions. According to a Russian military blog known as Dwa Majora, Moscow is experiencing progress in this region. The validity of both Ukrainian and Russian claims remains unverified.
Kursk's Advance Challenged
Previously, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared that the Ukrainian offensive into the Russian region of Kursk was achieving its objectives. In the Kharkiv region, the enemy advance had been halted, he said. However, the Russian advance in Donetsk had slowed down, and Russia had yet to achieve any substantial success in its counterattack in Kursk.
At the beginning of August, Ukrainian troops entered the Russian border region near Kursk and claimed control over approximately 1,300 square kilometers and around 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha. While smaller territorial gains have beeen estimated, the Ukrainian forces had managed to secure significant control.
Russia's Preparations
This week, Russia attempted to push Ukrainian troops out of the region for the first time seriously. Russia claims to have reclaimed 10 of the occupied villages. However, these claims have yet to be confirmed. Russia plans to deploy an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 soldiers in this sector, as per Zelenskyy's comments on the Russian advance. Currently, around 40,000 troops are stationed there. Experts believe that large Russian troop formations from Donetsk and other regions are unlikely to be relocated to Kursk.
The European Union has expressed its concern over the escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine, calling for a peaceful resolution and adherence to international law. The European Union has been providing support to Ukraine in various forms, including military aid and economic assistance.
Given the escalating tensions in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk regions, there have been calls for the European Union to increase its support to Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia. The European Union is a significant trading partner for both Ukraine and Russia, and any conflict in the region could have significant economic implications for all parties involved.
