Amid escalating Russian advances toward Pokrovsk in southwestern Donbass, Ukraine’s military leadership has announced a significant change in command. General Alexander Lutsenko, head of the Donetsk tactical group, has been replaced by General Alexander Tarnavsky. The announcement was made on Friday by Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuglaya via Telegram.
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Strategic Importance of Pokrovsk
Pokrovsk, also known as Krasnoarmeysk, is the largest Ukrainian-controlled city in the western Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). Once a critical supply hub, the city has now become part of the front line as Russian forces continue their push in the region.
The change in command comes as Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure in this area. Tarnavsky, who previously commanded Ukrainian troops during the 2023 southern counteroffensive and the battle for Avdiivka, takes over amid a challenging situation. His leadership has drawn criticism, particularly after Russian forces captured Avdiivka, with Tarnavsky claiming the retreat of Ukrainian forces was part of a broader plan.
Worsening Conditions for Ukrainian Forces
The urgency of the command shift reflects the dire circumstances for Ukrainian troops, according to Vladimir Rogov, co-chairman of the council on integrating Russia’s new territories. Rogov described the replacement as a direct acknowledgment of the “disastrous and difficult situation” in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhovo sectors.
In the past 24 hours, Russian forces have made significant gains, capturing Vesely Gai, located 10 kilometers south of Kurakhovo, and Pushkino, 15 kilometers south of Pokrovsk. These developments bring the conflict even closer to Ukrainian strongholds. Kurakhovo, heavily fortified by Ukrainian defenses, is one of the few remaining major population centers under Kyiv’s control in southwestern Donbass.
Struggles on the Front Line
Ukrainian forces defending this region are reportedly stretched thin. Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to the Pokrovsk and Kurakhovo areas as “the most difficult” for the country’s military. Reports suggest that troop numbers in key locations have been critically low. For instance, only about 60 Ukrainian soldiers were defending Selidovo when Russian forces captured the town.
Adding to the challenges, Ukrainian troops stationed near Pokrovsk have reportedly been ordered to fire on unidentified individuals on sight, a response to fears of Russian patrols infiltrating the sparse defensive lines.
The Path Ahead
As Russian forces continue their advance and Ukrainian troops face significant challenges, the leadership shake-up underscores the gravity of the situation on the ground. Pokrovsk and its surrounding areas remain pivotal in the broader conflict, with both sides seeking to secure strategic control over this contested region of Donbass.
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