Ukrainian soldiers strengthen defence on southern flank of Pokrovsk
The Russian Ministry of Defence has loudly announced the capture of several important villages near Pokrovsk - Pishchane, Kotlyne, Udachne - which allows the enemy to surround Pokrovsk. But in reality, since early February, Ukrainian troops have not allowed the enemy to advance a single step in this direction, and even more so, they have conducted a number of successful counterattacks that have strengthened the defence.
Soldiers of the 425th separate assault regiment "Skala" and the 3rd battalion of the 25th airborne brigade drove the Russians out of the village of Kotlyne.
I would like to note that Skala's fighters stormed Kotlyne THREE times. Each time, poorly managed units entered the village, leaving it without a fight, and then our stormtroopers had to drive the Russians out with losses. But in February, the situation has changed, as now the village is not abandoned - paratroopers of the 25th Brigade, "Skala" and soldiers of the 152nd Brigade repel daily Russian attacks.
Soldiers of the 425th Assault Regiment, together with soldiers of the 3rd "Spartan" National Guard Brigade, also drove the enemy out of most of the village of Udachne. Udachne is effectively defended by the National Guard.
The enemy is also trying to drive Ukrainian soldiers out of the village of Pishchane, which was liberated by the 425th regiment. Soldiers of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade and the same 425th SAR are currently repelling the occupiers' attacks there.
The most effective support in the area is provided by the UAV, EW, and ELINT units, whose impact on the outcome of ground combat is invaluable. The enemy notes the high effectiveness of Ukrainian drones in this area and is concentrating additional forces there.
It is worth noting that the core of the defence on the southern outskirts of Pokrovsk are the infantrymen of the 425th "Skala" Regiment, who conducted dozens of counterattacks and repeatedly engaged in fierce contact battles with the advancing and outnumbered enemy to stop the frontline breakthroughs in various areas. And these tasks were accomplished at great cost. Using an assault regiment in defence was a forced but justified step - instead of constant assaults, it is better to prevent the enemy from advancing further. The 425th Regiment is heavily stretched along the entire frontline.
It is worth noting that since the beginning of February, the Ukrainian command at the level of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the commander of the OTG, and the commander of the TGR have significantly improved the command of troops in this area.
The establishment of a fire support centre, the creation of a UAV management and use group, the organisation of electronic warfare and wing control - the effectiveness has increased due to improved management and organisation, due to the initiative of unit commanders, and no additional forces are being transferred here.
The Ukrainian command has also abandoned the practice of unprepared counterattacks and the requirement to send small groups of infantrymen to a point without reconnaissance and support. Giving more initiative to the commanders of combat-ready units and establishing cooperation between artillery, UAVs and infantry have created a defensive line even without defensive structures.
Ukrainian soldiers are making incredible efforts to defend Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, and their efforts need to be strengthened.
We will keep an eye on the situation as the defensive operation south of Pokrovsk continues.
Yurii Butusov, Censor.NET
