This was reported by military expert and development director at the Defense Express media and consulting company, Valerii Riabykh, during an interview with Espreso TV.
"If we assess the Ukrainian military command’s approach and what’s happening on the Pokrovsk axis, we can cautiously assume that the intent was to convince the enemy that this direction could be a success for them. In planning operations, Ukraine's General Staff is conducting a strategic defensive operation on this axis. The primary goal of Ukraine’s Defense Forces is to draw in the bulk of Russian combat units and gradually grind them down to prevent the enemy from achieving the objectives of its summer offensive campaign," Riabykh explained.
The expert noted that after capturing Avdiivka, Russian forces advanced and reached positions where they now face serious challenges.
“We can now say this strategy is working. After their success last summer in taking Avdiivka, the Russians became overconfident and pushed forward to areas where they are unable to advance or establish strong defensive positions. These positions are unfavorable for holding the line. Currently, over 40% of all Russian combat activity across the front is focused on the Pokrovsk axis. They are trying to adapt their assault tactics to break through what we call a ‘kill zone,’” Riabykh said.
- On July 10, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that 114 combat engagements had occurred across the frontline since the start of the day, with 38 Russian assaults attempted on the Pokrovsk axis alone.
