Fog blinds drones allowing Russian troops to infiltrate Pokrovsk, expert says

Russian forces managed to break through to the outskirts of Pokrovsk, taking advantage of dense fog that hampered the operation of Ukrainian drones. The enemy has amassed a record 150,000-strong force in this sector.

Major Andriy Tkachuk, a Ukrainian military officer and political analyst, told 24 Kanal about this situation.

“The foggy weather is playing into the enemy’s hands. These conditions are extremely difficult for our UAV units working around Pokrovsk, and the Russians have taken full advantage of that,” major Tkachuk said

Beyond the weather, Russian troops are also benefiting from their overwhelming numbers. According to Tkachuk, several infiltration routes into the city remain open from the south.

“This is still the toughest area, with Russia deploying its biggest force since the invasion began — about 150,000 soldiers,” Tkachuk said.

Tkachuk says even though some of the estimated 700,000 Russian troops in Ukraine are tied up in logistics, the scale of the force is still immense. He adds that Moscow still struggles with manpower shortages, which it seeks to offset through constant call-ups, hiring foreigners, and bringing in reservists.

At the same time, Tkachuk notes some positive signs. The 7th Air Assault Corps recently reported a drop in fighting intensity, which he said indicates Russian forces may be rotating troops.

“This has given us an opportunity to stabilize the situation somewhat,” he said. “We have a chance to use it, and I hope our units have done so to carry out their own rotations — to preserve personnel and prepare for further counteroffensive operations in Pokrovsk and the surrounding area.”

Tkachuk added that the 7th Air Assault Corps and all supporting units are performing “phenomenal work” defending Pokrovsk and the Myrnohrad area.