Russia aims to compel the Ukrainian Armed Forces to abandon Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, according to ISW.

This is mentioned in the report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Occupiers may force the Armed Forces of Ukraine to withdraw from Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War explain that the main highways T-0405 and T-0406, which connect the east and west, are crucial for maintaining the positions of Ukrainian forces.

The advance of Russian troops aimed at blocking these routes could affect Ukraine's ability to reposition troops and logistically support their defense.

Additionally, Moscow may be hoping for an offensive deeper into the region to create conditions for the withdrawal of Ukrainian units to the north. This could facilitate further Russian advances towards the administrative border between the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

The command of the Russian forces is likely aiming to avoid large-scale urban battles in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Cutting off key supply routes creates the prerequisites for a retreat of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, allowing Russia to minimize losses in difficult combat conditions.

It is worth noting that coal production has stopped near Pokrovsk at one of the most important mines.

The Financial Times has reported that Russia has altered its strategy near Pokrovsk and has new plans.