Russian forces have intensified offensive operations east of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, targeting weaker Ukrainian defenses and advancing toward strategic objectives, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 5 January. These actions are likely part of a broader strategy to envelop Pokrovsk from the northeast, the think tank says.
Recent geolocated footage confirms Russian advances in Vozdvyzhenka, Tymofiivka, and southeastern Yelyzavetivka, all east and/or south of Pokrovsk. Russian forces reportedly consolidated positions along the T-0504 Pokrovsk-Kostyantynivka highway and moved toward settlements such as Baranivka and Vodyane Druhe. The ISW has not independently verified all reported claims.
ISW indicates that elements of the Russian 41st Combined Arms Army (CAA) are heavily involved in operations east of Pokrovsk, while units from the 5th Motorized Rifle Brigade (51st CAA, formerly part of the Donetsk People’s Republic Army Corps) are split between Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, Russia’s prioritized frontline sectors.
Broader objectives and strategic implications
ISW assesses that the envelopment of Pokrovsk remains a key operational goal for Russian forces in this area. Reports suggest that weaker Ukrainian defensive positions south and east of Pokrovsk are being exploited to facilitate advances toward Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast’s administrative boundary.
Kostyantyn Mashovets, a Ukrainian military observer, noted that Russia reinforced its groupings east of Pokrovsk with units from the 589th Motorized Rifle Regiment and the 137th Motorized Rifle Brigade. The intensification of attacks since late December 2024 coincides with efforts to consolidate gains in open fields and smaller settlements.
Elements of the 5th Motorized Rifle Brigade have also been deployed to Kurakhove, where operations included seizing the Kurakhivske Thermal Power Plant. ISW reports that Russian forces may view this brigade as a tactical penetration unit critical for achieving regional objectives.
ISW calls Pokrovsk and Kurakhove “Russia’s two most prioritized sectors of the frontline.”
Related:
- Russian troops advance in Toretsk and near five other Donetsk settlements, DeepState says
- ISW: Russia uses less armor on frontlines as Ukraine reports destruction of some 13,000 armored units over year
- Most intense fighting continues in Pokrovsk and Toretsk areas – National Guard
- Russian armored column storms village near strategic city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast
- Heaviest fighting on Saturday reported in Pokrovsk direction – General Staff of Ukraine
