Russian forces present near Andriivka - analyst on Pokrovsk sector

He shared this information during a broadcast on Espreso.

"Talking about Novoandriivka, the enemy took control of the village a few days ago. However, they did not enter the village or attempt to clear it. As of yesterday, the enemy controls this settlement, which consists of just one street, as well as the forest belt to the west of the village. Regarding Udachne: heavy clashes are ongoing. First, the enemy is advancing on the defense positions to the south in the forests. A large number of infantry, coming from Solone, is involved. The situation is also difficult on the eastern outskirts of Udachne, where the so-called industrial zone is located, with administrative buildings and mines. The enemy is trying to secure that area," he said.

Ruslan Mykula noted that most buildings in Udachne have been nearly destroyed. In his opinion, the Defense Forces have either already withdrawn or will soon do so because it is extremely difficult to secure that area.

"Therefore, it’s likely that the Defense Forces have already withdrawn or will withdraw, since it will be very difficult to secure the area further. The enemy will likely control the approaches there. We managed to stabilize the area northeast of Udachne, near the ventilation shaft. There, enemy infantry was trying to move westward towards the mine, but the Defense Forces conducted several counterattacks and managed to push the enemy out of the area. The situation is difficult east of this ventilation shaft, where the enemy is trying to fortify in Kotlyne, and the village is either entirely or almost entirely under the enemy's control," he explained.

The DeepState analyst also mentioned that the enemy is gradually advancing in the areas of Andriivka and Shevchenko.

"Russia has a foothold that can be seen on the map, where the red zone of control is separated from the rest of the occupied territories. The enemy is now infiltrating the defensive engineering structures built by the Defense Forces, which are numerous. Many of them are empty, as defending Andriivka requires significant forces. Given the limited resources, many of these bunkers are currently vacant. The enemy is infiltrating Andriivka from Petropavlivka through the forest belts, also entering homes, trying to secure positions, and reinforce them. So, the enemy is physically present on the outskirts of Andriivka and in some houses. Efforts are underway to push them out, but it’s important to understand that the quality engineering and fortification structures in place make it difficult to do so quickly, or possibly not at all," said Ruslan Mykula.

Regarding the northeastern direction of Pokrovsk, the expert noted that the Russian troops are fortifying in Baranivka and conducting assault operations in Vodyane Druhe.

"There’s a small industrial zone with a plant there. They are trying to advance from Baranivka and fortify this plant. They are trying to clear them out, but the situation is still being clarified. Near Vozdvyzhhenka, the enemy is continuing to accumulate forces. Once again, the significant role of Ocherytine is apparent, which serves as a huge hub for the enemy. From there, infantry and mechanized columns are moving towards Novoluhanske. From Novoluhanske, assault operations are underway through Vozdvyzhhenka towards Malynivka and Yelyzavetivka," he stated.

Ruslan Mykula also mentioned that the enemy currently confidently controls one of the farms near Vozdvyzhhenka and is trying to secure another farm located a few hundred meters from the road.

"In addition, the enemy has been spotted on the road, but they were killed. Overall, the trend is that the enemy is trying to reach the road, cut it off, create a wedge to gain operational space, and potentially expand it. Currently, the combat formations are stretching because the enemy is infiltrating. The enemy will continue trying to enter Yelyzavetivka from the rear and move towards the settlement of Nova Poltavka along the road if they manage to reach it," the analyst added.

• On January 27, it was reported that Ukrainian forces withdrew from the southern part of Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk region to avoid encirclement. 
• On the night of January 30 to 31, it became known that Ukrainian troops had restored positions near Udachne in Donetsk region. O
• On January 31, it was reported that Russian terrorists were attacking and attempting to cut off the road connecting Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region.