Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers could be surrounded south of Pokrovsk, – Forbes

Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers could be surrounded south of Pokrovsk.

This is reported by Forbes magazine.

The article recommends withdrawing them from that area.

A strong Russian force, potentially numbering tens of thousands, is bypassing large Ukrainian forces holding the line between the village of Memryk and the Volchya River.

“As a result, a salient has formed eastward into the Russian defense line—this salient could become a trap for hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers if the Russian army makes a few decisive maneuvers,” the publication suggests.

Inside the salient are units from the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade, the 68th Jäger Brigade, the 117th Territorial Defense Brigade, and the 15th National Guard Brigade.

“These are significant forces, but their integrity depends on the 25th Airborne Brigade, which is defending the town of Ukrainsk on the northern edge of the salient,” the article states.

Beginning a retreat from the salient now would be “a prudent move by the Ukrainian command.”

“It would be wise for them to withdraw from this area before Russian forces cut off supply and retreat routes,” believes the Conflict Intelligence Team analytical group. Ukrainian forces could straighten the front line and build new fortifications a few miles to the west.

“Abandoning the salient would result in the loss of 30 square miles of territory but could save entire Ukrainian battalions at a critical moment,” the article notes.

However, there are also “more optimistic assessments of the fighting around Pokrovsk.” These suggest a slowdown in the Russian advance, which could give Ukrainian forces time to strengthen their defenses and logistics.

Overall, though, Ukrainian positions around Pokrovsk remain fragile, as the General Staff “balances between two major operations: the defense of Pokrovsk and the unexpected Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region.”

As a result, “troops are almost stretched thin,” and “the loss of parts of four brigades within the salient could be catastrophic for the Ukrainians.”

Earlier, Deep State reported that Russian forces had advanced near Prechystivka, west of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region.