The Russian forces have concentrated their main efforts in this section of the front, but the occupiers have still not managed to break through.
This was stated on the air of Espresso by military expert, director of the New Geopolitics Research Network, and deputy director of the Center for Army Research, Conversion, and Disarmament, Mikhail Samus. According to him, the defense in this direction is resilient, although sometimes Ukrainian units have to retreat to maintain their positions.
“The front is not collapsing; Ukrainian warriors are taking all necessary actions, engaging in defensive battles. Yes, they are retreating, but they are conducting defensive operations. I would like to remind you that retreating does not mean a collapse or an entirely negative process. It is indeed a process, a tactical process that must be carried out professionally,” the expert explained.
The primary pressure from the Russian army is being exerted on the Pokrovsk direction, particularly on the Kurakhove front. According to the expert, Russian troops are trying to reach the administrative borders of the Donetsk region to showcase their advancement. In northern Donbas, including the areas of Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, Russian forces have encountered significant difficulties.
Samus also pointed out that Russian forces prefer the southern direction due to the relatively "easy" line of advance. He stated that the Russians hope to gain an advantage in this section of the front to subsequently create a threat to Pokrovsk.