DZWatch Exclusive: Russian forces have made significant advances in December, exceeding progress made throughout the entire year, according to military analyst Brigadier General Elias Hanna. The focus of this offensive is the strategic city of Pokrovsk, considered a key to controlling the Donetsk region, often referred to as a ‘fortress’.
During a military analysis segment, General Hanna explained that current battles are concentrated in the Donbas region, encompassing Luhansk and Donetsk. Russian forces reportedly control approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, an area spanning roughly 120,000 square kilometers. He noted that Russian control over Donetsk itself is estimated at 70-75%, with strategically important areas remaining under Ukrainian control. Full Russian control over Zaporizhzhia and Kherson is yet to be achieved.
Pokrovsk is a pivotal point in the ongoing conflict, Hanna emphasized. The distance between Pokrovsk and Avdiivka, recently captured by Russian forces, is 40 kilometers, a distance that took 20 months to traverse and resulted in significant casualties. Control of Avdiivka itself has been contested, with both sides claiming to have raised their flags over the city, reflecting the intensity of the fighting.
The capture of Pokrovsk would open the way to the so-called ‘fortress’ of Donetsk, encompassing the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding a potential Ukrainian withdrawal from these areas, as part of a 22-point plan circulating within military circles.
Furthermore, General Hanna revealed that the fall of these regions could pave the way for a Russian advance towards Zaporizhzhia and the Dnieper River. He suggested that the geographical and topographical characteristics of these areas could allow for a faster advance compared to regions with natural barriers like the Dnieper.
Economic Warfare: In the parallel economic war, Russian drones are systematically targeting any movement in the northern Kherson region, particularly energy infrastructure related to gas, coal, and oil. In response, Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted Russian infrastructure, including pipelines, approximately 200 times.
