Russian forces attempt to block Ukrainian units at Kurakhove thermal plant - military expert

He said this on Espreso TV.

"After the capture of Stari Terny, the issue arose regarding the potential encirclement of Ukrainian military positions in the Kurakhove industrial zone area, particularly around the Kurakhove thermal power plant (TPP). This poses a serious challenge for Ukrainian defenders. Additionally, enemy advances have been recorded within urban areas, particularly near high-rise residential buildings. The invaders are striving to completely block Ukrainian Armed Forces units and prevent the organization of a prolonged defense at the Kurakhove TPP," said Sniehyriov.

According to the military expert, the situation became tense following the capture of the village of Shevchenko. There is a specific threat of a flanking maneuver against Ukrainian positions and a potential advance of Russian forces towards the Pavlohrad-Pokrovsk highway, which serves as a key logistical artery for Ukraine's Defense Forces. Thus, the situation in the Kurakhove-Pokrovsk direction is developing quite dynamically.

"On the positive side, the Russians have been unable to break through the Ukrainian defense in the so-called industrial zone. For now, the enemy has no way out of the industrial zone, and this remains one of their greatest vulnerabilities, as battles in industrial zones traditionally inflict significant losses on the occupiers," emphasized Sniehyriov.

• On December 9, 175 combat engagements took place on the Russian-Ukrainian front. The Russian forces are attacking the positions of the Defense Forces in the Pokrovsk sector the most.