Defenders of Pokrovsk forced Russians to change their plans for the war in Ukraine - ISW.

Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attempts by Russian troops to capture Pokrovsk in Donetsk, blocking them in the attack. According to a report by the American Institute for the Study of War, the Kremlin has decided to change its tactics in Donbas.

Russian forces have been unable to control Pokrovsk for eight months of assault but have succeeded in the western parts of the Donetsk region.

According to expert from the Institute for the Study of War, Angelika Evans, limited reserves and Ukraine's defense are forcing the Kremlin to revise its plans regarding Pokrovsk.

It is also noted that Russian forces attacked Pokrovsk at a Time when Ukraine was experiencing serious economic difficulties due to the halt of American assistance in the fall of 2023.

The report highlights the success of combining ground forces' actions with drones in defending the city.

«The Russian military command is now trying to bypass Pokrovsk and level the front west of Kurakhove and north of Vuhledar», analysts note.

According to reports, Russian troops captured Selidove and are using control over Vuhledar to advance to Kurakhove. However, this leads to significant losses for the Russian army.

«Ukrainian drones are crucial in countering Russian maneuvers and creating obstacles to the use of limited resources», the report states.

According to expert Angelika Evans, the success of holding Pokrovsk indicates Ukraine's ability to continue the fight despite difficulties.

Ukraine's defense forces halted the main attacks by Russia during the summer-autumn campaign of 2024, forcing the Russian military command to expend significant resources and time to achieve its operational goal.

The Russian goal includes achieving the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions by capturing Pokrovsk.

It is worth noting that while the situation at the front is difficult for Ukraine, it is also not as advantageous for Russia as Russian propaganda tries to depict.

Evacuations from Pokrovsk continue, and hospitals have already left the city, reported Oleksandr Humaniuk, head of the volunteer organization «Rose on the Hand».