Russian forces aim to bypass Pokrovsk to sever logistical chains, thereby placing the city in operational encirclement. This was stated by Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the "Khortytsia" Operational-Strategic Group of Troops, during a national Ukrainian news TV marathon broadcast on January 2.
"The enemy is not planning direct combat in Pokrovsk at this moment but is attempting to bypass the city and disrupt infrastructural chains", - he noted.
Trehubov also mentioned that russian forces are already bogged down in urban battles in Chasiv Yar and Kurakhove, which is why they avoid frontal assaults on Pokrovsk.
"There are no urban battles in the city itself, and russian forces have not yet reached the city's boundaries. However, they are trying to encircle it by advancing through nearby settlements and villages, infiltrating with various groups, building up forces, and preparing for further strikes to bypass the city. Additionally, there is active drone activity and concentrated efforts with all resources the russians currently have in the area of Pokrovsk", - the spokesperson explained.
As previously reported, today the monument at the entrance to Pokrovsk was destroyed.