Russia’s military has failed to achieve its goals in the spring phase of its ongoing offensive in Ukraine and is now preparing for a more aggressive summer campaign, with a renewed focus on the Pokrovsk direction in the Donetsk region. This update was shared by Sergey Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, during a broadcast on the Freedom TV channel.
According to Bratchuk, despite intense fighting near Pokrovsk, Russian forces have made no strategic progress, not even at a tactical level. Yet, the area remains a top priority for Russian forces. Their use of mobile infantry units, including buggies and motorcycles, signals an attempt to move quickly and seize key areas along the front line.
Bratchuk noted that Russia is seriously considering a broader summer offensive, with additional pressure expected in other directions such as Konstantinivka, Kramatorsk, Lyman, and the areas around Chasiv Yar and Toretsk. These locations are seen as crucial for Russia’s goal of occupying the entire Donetsk region and possibly reaching its southern administrative borders, rather than advancing into the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The use of reserves in these regions will likely increase. While Russia faces problems with equipment and lacks full unit staffing, it still has a large number of troops ready to be used as what Bratchuk described as “cannon fodder”.
He stressed that while Russia is experiencing logistical strain, its readiness to deploy large numbers of soldiers remains undiminished. The enemy’s aim is to capture major cities in the Donetsk region by overwhelming Ukrainian positions with massed attacks, regardless of losses.
