Russian troops use strategic reserves meant for post-capture during Kurakhove offensive

The spokesman for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, Serhiy Bratchuk, shared the information on Espreso TV.

"During this offensive on Kurakhove, the enemy (Russian forces - ed.) also deployed its strategic reserves, which it had planned to use only after capturing Kurakhove. They even hoped to reach Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad by the New Year, or at the latest, early January. These strategic reserves are already being depleted, meaning the task set before Ukrainian troops — namely, the maximum attrition of Russian resources — is being achieved.  

As for the Kurakhove area, there remains the so-called Kurakhove salient, which Russian forces are now trying to overcome as quickly as possible in the coming days. However, there are still defensive positions there that are holding the line, engaging in combat, and fulfilling their task of preventing the enemy — or rather, slowing its overall advance in this area. Therefore, this battle continues," he said.

Serhiy Bratchuk noted that in the Pokrovsk direction, Russian troops have slightly slowed their actions due to rotations and redeployment of units.

"Judging by everything, the focus now is on battles for Pokrovsk. The Russians are attempting to establish flanking positions there, aiming to encircle Pokrovsk. However, they will also have to attack head-on, as they currently have no other option.  

I want to emphasize that this is not about stabilizing the front but rather the current realities. At the moment, Russian troops have slightly slowed their actions. Rotations are underway, as well as the redeployment of units to various directions.  

Let’s not forget the intense fighting on the Vremivka front near Velyka Novosilka. This is also about establishing positions to continue advancing toward Pokrovsk and the ongoing battle for logistics," said the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army.

According to him, there are currently no signs that the Russian army will encircle or partially encircle Pokrovsk now or in the near future.

"Today, despite certain challenges due to the Russian advances, logistics in Pokrovsk are still functioning. I am referring primarily to logistics that support our units operating in this sector," he said.

He also noted that the defense of Kurakhove performed flawlessly, and Russian troops failed to meet their deadline for capturing the city.

"And, in fact, regarding Kurakhove, of course, it is a loss. We understand that it's a very unpleasant moment, just like the loss of all our territories. It pains me, just as it does you, to lose every millimeter and centimeter of our Ukrainian land. But today, given the current realities, in my opinion, the defense of Kurakhove was 100% successful. The units performed not just at 100%, but at 1000%, and the enemy failed to meet its deadline. In any case, Kurakhove, in my view, has significantly slowed down the Russian advance, which is pressing with enormous forces there. This is why I also mentioned the strategic reserves," added Serhiy Bratchuk.

• On January 11, reports indicated that after Russian forces captured Kurakhove, they continued to advance toward Dachne and Yantarne.