He said this on the Espreso TV channel.
“The situation in the Pokrovsk direction remains the most difficult. At the moment the Russian troops are trying to advance in Ocheretyne and to the west towards Prohres. In this area, the Russian forces outnumber Ukrainian troops three times in manpower. Russia is moving the reserves there. The first units of the newly formed 27th Division of the Russian Army even appear there. That is, the enemy is focusing its main efforts on Ocheretyne, and primarily on expanding the penetration,” explained Zgurets.
According to the military expert, hostilities continue in Novokalynove and in Novobakhmutivka area.
“The enemy managed to enter Novobakhmutivka. These two settlements are located north and south of Ocheretyne. The Russians are trying to complicate the counterattack actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which can cut this insertion. We are currently conducting defensive actions.
However, if the Russians continue to gain the upper hand and our military leadership assesses the risks and consequences, it cannot be ruled out that in case of a threat to Ukrainian forces holding the defense line from Berdychi to the south, a decision may be made to withdraw Ukrainian troops to the second line of defense along the water barriers. The area from Ocheretyne poses certain tactical threats to Ukrainian troops. The main thing is that these threats do not turn into Russian gains. Everything will be decided by the availability of reserves, artillery, and understanding of the peculiarities of defense in this area,” emphasized Zgurets.