Russian forces attempt to replicate flanking strategy around Selydove – military expert Zgurets

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Using the advantage in manpower, Russia is trying to put pressure on the Pokrovsk sector. According to Ukraine's General Staff, half of the total number of combat clashes is taking place in the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Toretske sectors," noted Zgurets.

According to the military expert, Russian forces are using a proven maneuver to build up forces on the flanks around Selydove.

"Selydove is crucial for the enemy (Russia - ed.) as they aim to advance further toward Pokrovsk. The Kara-Dag Brigade of the National Guard is effectively defending the area, but Russia is likely to attempt flanking maneuvers in this section of the frontline as well," Zgurets suggested.

The expert further noted that Russia will likely continue to pursue a strategy of attrition, leveraging its advantage in manpower and artillery against the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"We will soon see how the enemy proceeds after capturing Vuhledar. I believe Prechystivka and Bohoyavlenka will now become the new defensive line for our troops. However, defending in open fields is far more challenging than in urban areas, even though Vuhledar is completely destroyed," Zgurets emphasized.

• Over the past day, 142 combat clashes took place on the Russian-Ukrainian front.
• The battalion commander of Ukraine's 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade noted that Russia has significantly escalated its artillery presence in the Zaporizhzhia sector.
• Major Vitalii Milovidov, spokesman for Ukraine's 15th Kara-Dag Brigade, noted that Russian forces have repositioned their artillery systems closer to the contact line.