Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a furious public backlash after Russian troops breached Ukrainian defences in the east to move within striking distance of Pokrovsk.
Pokrovsk is a vital transport hub – one of two key rail and road junctions in the Donetsk region – and now stands at the mercy of Vladimir Putin’s troops, who have advanced to within five miles of the city.
If the Ukrainian city were to fall, it would be a major blow to Zelensky’s army, which has been under intense pressure from Putin’s forces in the east for several months.
Pokrovsk’s capture would threaten the entire region’s logistics for Kyiv’s military, according to Frontelligence Insight – a Ukrainian analytical group.
A military analyst working for the Kyiv-based Information Resistance group called the situation surrounding Pokrovsk “a complete defensive failure”.
Oleksandr Kovalenko wrote on his Telegram channel: “It’s not the fault of ordinary soldiers holding positions.
“The problem lies with those who make decisions for these soldiers,” he added in a pointed criticism of Ukraine‘s leadership.
Ukraine deployed thousands of some of its most experienced troops to take part in the Kursk incursion earlier in August.
Many analysts warned at the time that this could seriously compromise Ukraine‘s defence of its eastern front, where troops have been outgunned and outnumbered by their enemy.
Any hope the Kursk attack would divert Russians forces from the eastern front seems to have evaporated, as Putin’s army doubles down on its Donetsk campaign.
Analysts at Deep State, a Ukrainian group that monitors frontline movements, warned Russian forces have advanced more quickly since August 6 compared with previous months.
Deep State’s Roman Pohorilyi told the Financial Times that “there is complete chaos” in the east.
Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, attributed the Russian gains to a shortage of experienced Ukrainian infantry and the diversion of resources to the Kursk offensive.
He said: “Ukraine committed reserves to Kursk, leaving fewer options to plug gaps elsewhere.
“Some of the more experienced brigades have been replaced by newer, less experienced units.”
During a press conference on Tuesday, President Zelensky admitted the situation near Pokrovsk was “extremely difficult”, but claimed the Kursk incursion had slowed down the Russian advance.