Russia's Dobropillia Salient No Longer Exists

North of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces have succeeded in systematically eliminating the scattered remains of Russian units which attempted to hold on to their positions. 

As a result of this, logistics for Ukraine's troops inside Pokrovsk have improved and the city, as well as nearby Myrnohrad are holding. Russian casualties continue their autumn pace of five for every Ukrainian. JL

Demian Shevko reports in New Voice of Ukraine:

In Pokrovsk "the situation changes constantly. It’s wrong to claim that the Russians control a part of Pokrovsk. Sometimes a Russian unit breaks in, and maps are shaded red. Then that unit is destroyed, and the map has to be redrawn again. This happens repeatedly.” North of Pokrovsk, “the Dobropillia salient no longer exists. Logistics reopened there to support operations toward Pokrovsk, We’re holding Pokrovsk and holding Myrnohrad — no withdrawal decisions have been made. The army is fighting to maintain control of the city. We might see a Stalingrad situation.”

Military analyst Denys Popovych discussed how the battle for Pokrovsk might unfold during a broadcast on Radio NV.

“The situation is extremely difficult,” Popovych said. “The level of attention being paid to the Pokrovsk sector by Ukraine’s military, political, and military-political leadership shows how serious it is. The same goes for the Russian Federation, which continues to send reinforcements to capture the city.

 

He described the fighting as fluid and intense: “Our troops are holding some positions, the Russians hold others, and the situation changes constantly. It’s wrong to claim that one side has blocked the other or that the Russians control a part of Pokrovsk. Sometimes a Russian unit breaks in, and maps are shaded red. Then that unit is destroyed, and the map has to be redrawn again. This happens repeatedly.”

He also pointed to developments north of Pokrovsk. “Our forces have achieved notable success near the Dobropillia salient — that salient no longer exists. Logistics are being reopened there to support operations toward Pokrovsk,” he explained.

“As for possible scenarios, there could be several,” Popovych said. “Logistics may be restored to bring in reinforcements and hold the city. Or it might be to prepare for a future withdrawal. But based on statements from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi — that we’re holding Pokrovsk and holding Myrnohrad — no withdrawal decisions have been made. The army is fighting to maintain control of the city.”

“It’s possible we might see a Stalingrad-type scenario,” he added. “That’s just my assumption — but several outcomes are possible, and it’s far too early to draw any conclusions.”