Россия стремится принудить ВСУ покинуть Покровск и Мирноград, сообщает ISW.

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

Occupiers may force the Armed Forces of Ukraine to retreat from Pokrovsk and Myrnograd

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 impact Ukraine's ability to redeploy troops and provide logistical support for defense.

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

The command of the Russian forces likely aims to avoid large-scale urban fighting in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd. Disrupting key supply routes creates conditions for the retreat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, allowing Russia to minimize losses in challenging combat situations.

It is worth noting that coal production at one of the major mines near Pokrovsk has been halted.

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