Expert points to most dangerous frontline spot: How Zaporizhzhia should prepare

Fierce battles rage on the Pokrovsk front as Russian forces push from Krasnyi Lyman toward Pokrovsk railway station. A breakthrough could form a «Myrnohrad pocket» and threaten to partially encircle Pokrovsk.

This was reported by military expert Roman Svitan on 24 Kanal.

The retired Ukrainian Army colonel said Russia lacks the strength to fully encircle Pokrovsk but could sever one of its key logistics routes. The front remains unstable as Ukrainian forces are fiercely resisting.

The most acute threat is emerging on the Zaporizhzhia axis, where Russian troops push toward Huliaipole and Orikhiv.

Russia is pushing toward Pokrovske (Dnipropetrovsk region) to approach the Donetsk–Zaporizhzhia route — a move that could let them slip into the Huliaipole garrison rear and then cut off the Orikhiv garrison.

The Huliaipole axis is currently the most dangerous sector of this part of the front. Only a few kilometres remain for the enemy to cut one of the main logistics chains running from Pokrovsk.

If Russian forces manage to encircle both the Huliaipole and Orikhiv garrisons, they would gain the ability to approach Zaporizhzhia from the northeast and use army artillery to strike the city’s left bank.

Why some Ukrainian positions are being pulled back

Military expert Roman Svitan says Ukrainian forces are struggling on the Zaporizhzhia front mainly because there aren’t enough troops there.

«That’s why Ukrainian units have to pull back from certain positions — either to straighten the front line or to take up ground that can be held with smaller forces, ” the expert explained.

Despite the difficult situation, Ukraine’s operational command and the General Staff fully recognize the potential serious consequences and are taking all necessary measures to prevent a breakthrough. At this stage Orikhiv is not facing a significant threat, as Ukrainian positions there have been reinforced and continue to hold back the occupiers.