According to the assistant military professor Juha Kukkola, the Russian attack in the region has slowed down because Ukraine has strengthened its forces in the region.
In recent weeks, Russia has been pushing towards the strategically important Pokrovsk junction in eastern Ukraine.
However, the attack in the area has slowed down, says the assistant military professor at the National Defense University (MPKK) Juha Kukkola At A-studio on Monday. Russia has been aggressively attacking the region for several weeks.
– Russia’s forces are starting to run out, and it needs to rest its troops at some point, says Kukkola.
Kukkola cites the fact that Ukraine has strengthened its forces in the region as one of the reasons for the slow down of the attack. According to him, it is clear that due to the Kursk operation started by Ukraine in August, Russia has had to move its troops from the Donbas front to the direction of Kursk.
– It may be that the Kursk operation will achieve pressure relief from the direction of Donetsk after all.
Losing Pokrovsky would be a setback for Ukraine. The city is an important logistical hub for the Ukrainian forces.
If Russia reaches Pokrovsky, it could split the Ukrainian forces defending the Donetsk region in two with its attack, says Kukkola.
– In practice, the situation would mean that Ukraine would have to withdraw from the south and north of the region, Kukkola estimates.
Watch all of Monday’s A-studio on Areena.