Russia’s four-year-old war on Ukraine has reached its fourth year, with capturing the Donetsk Oblast’s fortress town of Pokrovsk as a top objective. Defending the town is now one of Ukraine’s key goals.
Ukrainian forces are conducting relentless close fighting in and around Pokrovsk, a key transportation hub with a pre-war population of 60,000. The area has become increasingly deserted due to months of Russian bombardment.
On Friday, a Ukrainian tank from the 59th Motorized Brigade engaged Russian forces attacking nearby Novovasylivka. Despite slowing the attack, the Russians have taken control of Novovasylivka.
The 59th Motorized Brigade, which operates standard T-64BV tanks, may receive additional support from refurbished Leopard 1A5s and heavier Leopard 2A4 tanks from the disintegrating 155th Mechanized Brigade. However, this brigade’s effectiveness is compromised due to its collapse in leadership and desertion of rank-and-file troops.
Ukrainian leaders are reassigning subordinate units from the 155th Mechanized Brigade to experienced brigades in the Pokrovsk sector. This strategic move aims to bolster their defenses by utilizing fresh but inexperienced units, along with trained personnel, to combat the enemy.
As Russian forces gather opposite Ukrainian positions, parts of over 10 Ukrainian brigades and regiments hold a narrow front between Pokrovsk and two Russian field armies overseeing dozens of brigades and regiments. The Russians might have a three-to-one advantage in troops and equipment, posing a significant threat to the southeastern flank of the front.
If Ukrainian forces fail to halt the Russians, the garrison in Pokrovsk could become partially surrounded. This would be a critical development in what is shaping up as the first major battle of 2025.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/01/03/as-ukraines-new-leopard-2-brigade-disintegrates-the-russians-advance-on-pokrovsk