Thick fog has enabled Russian troops to move further into the key strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's 7th Airborne Assault Corps reports that weather conditions, particularly dense fog, have prompted an increase in Russian efforts to encircle Ukrainian forces in this ravaged city.
Since the onset of this prolonged conflict, Russian forces have been pushing to capture Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the current foggy conditions have facilitated Russian assaults, emphasizing that the situation remains challenging for the defenders.
Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi noted a significant worsening of the front line situation in southeastern Zaporzhzhia, citing the loss of three settlements to Russian advances. However, he highlighted that Pokrovsk remains a primary area of concern for Ukraine, with reports of up to 300 Russian soldiers now present there, marking an increase from previous estimates.
The cover of fog has made aerial reconnaissance difficult, leading to the daring moves of Russian soldiers as captured in a viral video showing them using civilian vehicles and motorcycles to advance unhindered. Ukrainian drone pilots have been conducting operations to monitor and respond to these movements, although the fog has obstructed clear visibility for aerial defenses.
According to the Ukrainian drone pilot identified as 'Goose', while small Russian units attempting to infiltrate have been detected and engaged, the weather has impacted the effectiveness of countermeasures. Most parts of Pokrovsk are now considered a 'grey zone,' where neither side holds complete control and the threat of encirclement looms.
Military analysts have pointed out that Russian tactics include targeting crucial logistical routes for supplying Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk. Moscow intends to cripple Ukrainian defenses not only by aerial attacks but also through ground maneuvers, with Russian troops sometimes disguising themselves as locals or even Ukrainian soldiers to create disarray.
Overall, the situation in Pokrovsk is deteriorating amidst the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as both sides maneuver for territorial advantage, with significant implications for the conflict's trajectory in the coming days.
