Putin's goal before winter: Malomuzh talks about the battles in Donetsk region

In the area of Kurakhove in Donetsk region, Russian forces have concentrated far more troops than in Kharkiv and are trying to advance across the entire Donetsk region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian defense forces are systematically destroying enemy reserves, although this is becoming increasingly difficult.

General of the Ukrainian Army and former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (2005–2010), Mykola Malomuzh, said this on the air with FREEDOM.

According to Malomuzh, Russian forces have been unable to advance close to Pokrovsk, which remains their key objective.

"The enemy, after repeated failures near Pokrovsk - despite direct orders from Putin to capture the city by October 1 and subsequent deadlines decided to make several maneuvers. One of their maneuvers, involving Vuhledar, succeeded to a limited extent. We withdrew to fortified positions but stopped their strategic advance and attempts to outflank Pokrovsk," Malomuzh said.

He added that Russian forces redirected all their efforts to the Kurakhove direction, where they are trying to make small daily advances of 100–400 meters, attempting to bypass the flanks.

"In some areas, we have tactically withdrawn 200–300 meters to pre-prepared defensive positions, from which we then launched counterattacks against the advancing enemy forces. This tactic has been effective, preserving our troops and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy before they can consolidate their new positions," Malomuzh explained.

The fighting in this area remains intense.

"The enemy has committed more forces here than in Kharkiv, and they are attempting to push forward throughout Donetsk. At the same time, our forces are focused on destroying Russian reserves, which Moscow is finding increasingly difficult to replenish," Malomuzh said.

Putin's goal before the onset of cold weather

Malomuzh notes that Putin has set a goal for his military to capture Pokrovsk before the cold weather and impassable roads set in. He aims to initiate a strategic offensive toward Kramatorsk and proceed with capturing the entire Donetsk region.

"There are daily reports to Putin—three times a day, according to operational data—detailing every step of progress. Putin is monitoring not only city or village captures but even the number of meters advanced. The pressure on Russian forces is immense. They are struggling to advance, relying heavily on infantry assaults. To compensate, they must deploy armored vehicles and create strike groups. But we have a lot of effective countermeasures against tanks, BMPs, self-propelled guns. We are inflicting significant losses," Malomuzh said.

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