Risk of encirclement looms for Ukrainian forces as Russian troops push toward Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway
Ukrainian forces defending Kurakhove may face a dire threat of encirclement as Russian troops advance toward the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway, warned military analyst Denys Popovych. This strategic route is essential for logistics, and its capture could force the Ukrainian military to withdraw.
Russian troops aim to reach the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway in Donetsk Oblast, which could lead to an encirclement of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, Ukrainian military analyst Denys Popovych told Espreso TV.
Kurakhove has become a critical target for Russian forces in their ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine. The town’s strategic importance lies in its position as a key logistical hub for Ukrainian forces in southern Donbas. Capturing Kurakhove would allow Russian troops to open a path for further advances towards Pokrovsk, another strategically significant town.
Popovych noted that Ukraine’s Defense Forces may face encirclement or partial encirclement near Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast.
“The enemy’s advance in the Kurakhove area is intended to create an encirclement for our soldiers defending this area by moving west of the city to the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway. This could cut off this logistical route, and in that case, our forces would have to retreat as the threat of encirclement would become very real,” Popovych emphasized.
He believes the Russians are currently focused on advancing in the Kurakhove front and, if successful, may then launch a massive offensive toward Pokrovsk.
Recently, Russian forces have intensified pressure on Kurakhove from new directions, putting logistics at risk.
According to the DeepState monitoring project, Russian forces have committed significant resources on several frontlines near Kurakhove. In particular, Russian troops are actively assaulting the eastern part of the city through Maksymilianivka, pushing into the eastern outskirts of Kurakhove.
Read more:
- Dutch Defense Minister makes surprise visit to war-torn Kharkiv
- Death toll rises as rescuers find fourth victim in Kharkiv rubble
- Russia deploys 7 Kalibr missile carriers in the Black Sea, capable of launching up to 48 missiles
- Fires erupt in Chornomorsk apartment building following Russian drone attack
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
