Russia attempts breakthrough between positions near Andriivka in Pokrovsk sector – military expert

He discussed this live on Espreso TV.

"The situation near Andriivka remains difficult. The Russian command is searching for weak spots in our defense, which we are reinforcing in key positions. The enemy is trying to break through between them. As for Andriivka, the Russians have decided, as they say, 'not to spare the candles.' The fact is, defensive fortifications in this area were built back in the summer. The occupiers are now throwing new waves of cannon fodder into our mined fields and prepared trenches (earthen field fortifications – ed.) with a single command: 'Die, but reach Andriivka,'" the military expert explained.

According to Zhmailo, capturing Andriivka is critically important for Russian forces, though multiple defensive lines extend further toward Kostiantynopil.

"The destruction of the Kurakhove reservoir dam has slowed the Russian advance from the north, helping secure what remains of our Kurakhove bridgehead. The Russians are making another push, trying to force us to withdraw completely, particularly from Dachne and other areas still held by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The situation remains extremely tense, but thanks to prior engineering preparations and our defenders, the occupiers continue to suffer massive losses," Zhmailo summarized.

• On January 31, the OSINT project DeepState reported that Russian forces were attacking and attempting to cut off the road linking Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region.
• DeepState project co-founder and analyst Ruslan Mikula also confirmed that Russian forces are present on the outskirts of Andriivka and have occupied some houses.