1. The Pokrovsk Front: Fighting at a Strategic Choke Point
The focus of the ground war is now centered on the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk province. This is not just a conventional battle but a confrontation of high symbolic and strategic value.
- Strategic Importance: Pokrovsk is considered a key "fortress" and the most important logistics hub for Ukraine in Donetsk.
- Vital Transportation Node: The city is a junction for major road and rail lines, serving as the main supply gateway for most of Ukraine's eastern front.
- Staging Ground for Offensives: If Russia captures Pokrovsk, it would not only sever Ukraine's supply lines but also open a corridor for a deeper advance westward, threatening Kyiv's remaining defensive clusters in the Donbas.
Combat Developments: According to sources from both sides, Russian units, after months of intense assaults, have breached the city's outskirts.
Fierce street-to-street fighting is now underway. The Russian side is leveraging its superiority in artillery and air power (especially glide bombs) to apply constant pressure.
The Ukrainian military, despite facing shortages of personnel and ammunition, is mounting a determined defense to halt the enemy's advance. The fate of Pokrovsk is seen as a decisive factor in Ukraine's ability to defend the entire Donetsk province.
2. The Air War and International Aid
- In parallel with the ground front, the air war is no less intense, with notable actions from both sides.
- Ukraine's Retaliatory Strikes: Ukrainian forces claim to have successfully conducted a series of precision strikes on high-value Russian military targets.
- Targets: The attacks focused on S-300 and S-400 air defense systems and critical radar stations, particularly in the Belgorod region of Russia and in Crimea.
- Objective: By weakening Russia's air defense "shield," Ukraine aims to create more favorable conditions for its own air force and drone (UAV) operations, while simultaneously reducing Russia's capability to launch attacks on Ukrainian territory.
- Support from the West: To counter Russian airstrikes, Ukraine is set to receive significant reinforcements.
- Patriot Systems: The United States and Germany have pledged to soon send additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. This is one of the world's most advanced missile defense systems, capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles.
- Significance: The addition of these systems will help Ukraine strengthen its ability to protect major cities and critical infrastructure from Russian missile attacks.
3. The Diplomatic Front: Stagnation Ahead of Negotiations
Amid the escalating conflict, a third round of direct peace talks between the two delegations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Turkey, tomorrow, July 23. However, the prospects for a breakthrough are exceptionally dim.
The Kremlin's Stance: Russia has shown little optimism. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the two sides' positions remain "diametrically opposed" and that "extensive and profound diplomatic work" is needed before any progress can be made.
Core Points of Disagreement:
- Territory: Ukraine demands a complete withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of its 1991 borders. Meanwhile, Russia demands that Ukraine recognize the "new territorial realities," meaning the acceptance of Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories.
- Security: Kyiv wants firm security guarantees from the West, while Moscow demands that Ukraine maintain a neutral status and not join NATO.
Currently, both sides appear to be using military actions to create leverage at the negotiating table—a strategy that makes diplomatic efforts even more difficult and continues to inflict a heavy toll.
