Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the strategic city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk province, have reported encounters with infiltrating Russian infantry groups over the past week, according to Ukrainska Pravda on 22/7.

A video posted by a Ukrainian soldier on the same day shows a Ukrainian defense force vehicle driving into a Russian ambush at the intersection of Shevchenko and Zakhystnykiv Ukrayiny streets in central Pokrovsk. At least one Ukrainian soldier was reportedly hit.

"This is a worrying sign, showing a renewed effort to take Pokrovsk," said a Ukrainian officer with the call sign Alex.

Pro-Russian military analysts suggest the ambush indicates a weakening of Ukrainian defenses around Pokrovsk, adding that Russian forces have penetrated the southern districts of the city.

DeepState, an intelligence analysis group linked to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, acknowledged that Ukrainian defenders in Pokrovsk have not yet been able to fully repel the Russian special forces groups.

"A few days ago, the enemy exploited the chaotic battlefield situation and a depleted brigade to infiltrate the city from the direction of Zvirove village. The brave soldiers of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade and the 68th Special Forces Brigade had to immediately address the crisis to prevent a potential disaster," DeepState reported.

The Ukrainian analysis group believes that the Russian units plan to establish defensive positions while awaiting reinforcements and to gain control of Zakhystnykiv Ukrayiny street.

"Sadly, we have suffered losses, and incidents of friendly fire are increasing. Everyone knows that enemy reconnaissance and special forces groups have appeared, but few know their movements and locations. Such situations require a cool head," DeepState added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that he had been briefed on the situation in Pokrovsk. "Russian tactics remain unchanged. They continue to deploy small units to try and seize new positions. Ukrainian forces are taking all necessary measures to detect and neutralize enemy activity," Zelensky stated.

In its 22/7 battlefield situation report, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed its forces had defeated several Ukrainian units in various areas of the Donetsk front, including Pokrovsk.

Russian-controlled area (red) around Pokrovsk. Graphic: DeepState

Pokrovsk is a vital logistics hub and one of Ukraine's main strongholds in the eastern province of Donetsk. Control of Pokrovsk would weaken Ukraine's defensive lines and supply capabilities in Donetsk, bringing Russia closer to its goal of controlling the entire province.

Ukrainian media reports that since May, Russian forces on the Pokrovsk front have intensified attacks on the northwest and southwest of the city, seemingly aiming to cut off supply lines to the defensive positions established by Ukrainian soldiers around the city.

As of mid-this month, Russian troops were only 17-25 km from the main logistical routes supplying the defenders in Pokrovsk.

Pham Giang (Via Ukrainska Pravda, Kyiv Post)