Army chief Syrskyi details Russian push near Pokrovsk, Zaporizhzhia front plans
Russian troops continue to concentrate on the Pokrovsk front, where they previously advanced, largely due to favorable terrain features, and are redeploying units to the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Syrskyi described the overall frontline situation as complex. He noted that Russian forces are currently regrouping and focusing on two primary directions: Pokrovsk, which remains their main priority, and Zaporizhzhia, where Russia plans to launch active offensive operations.
He explained that near Pokrovsk, Russians employ a “thousand cuts” tactic, involving small assault groups attacking across a broad front. This approach succeeded when Russian units advanced 10–12 kilometers toward several settlements, appearing unexpectedly.
“Why did this happen? First, the terrain there is filled with numerous ravines, rivers, and areas whose natural features allow covert movement. In summer, dense vegetation further complicates control over the line of contact,” Syrskyi said.
The lack of a continuous frontline allowed the enemy to exploit gaps and advance. However, Syrskyi emphasized that after Ukrainian forces cleared the settlements, the enemy’s initial “victory” mindset turned to despair.
“Their social media posts initially had a tone of ‘forward, victory,’ but now it’s ‘surrounded, the end.’ It has reached its logical conclusion,” he commented on the infiltration near Dobropillia.
Syrskyi explained that Russian forces are attempting to encircle the Pokrovsk agglomeration from two directions: the north-northeast and the south-southwest, aiming to form a pincer movement.
Their primary goal in the northern direction is to disrupt Ukrainian logistics, though he noted that logistics to Pokrovsk are currently maintained.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have had no success in Sumy Oblast over the past two months, suffering defeats there, while Ukrainian troops continue their offensive.
“The enemy, realizing the futility of their actions in this direction, is now transferring units from there to other fronts, mainly to Zaporizhzhia,” Syrskyi said.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operations remain low-intensity for now, but Russian forces are attempting to deliver a “powerful strike planned a year ago” in that region.
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