British intelligence reveals operational goal of Russian advance in Donbas

Russian army offensive in Donbas targets Pokrovsk (Getty Images)

Although Russia has opened a new front in the Kharkiv region, the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine continues. The operational goal is Pokrovsk, reports the UK Ministry of Defense.

Russian troops continued to focus their operations northwest of Avdiivka, striking on a wide front on both sides of the E50 highway.

"Russian forces have likely made a series of small tactical gains over the past 72 hours, though probably at heavy cost," the report said.

According to British intelligence, the E50 highway is the main line of communication between Russia-held Donetsk and the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, which is about 30 km from the current front line but is likely a Russian operational target. Russian attacks in this area are likely aimed at creating a visible split of Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region.

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North of Bakhmut, near the town of Siversk, Ukrainian forces reported heavy clashes with Russian troops on May 18 and 19, during which Ukrainian positions in Bilohorivka, Verkhniokamianske, and Rozdolivka were shelled.

"Russian gains in this area remain highly limited," the British Ministry of Defense said.

As Ukrainian General Staff reported, the situation was most intense in the Pokrovsk sector on May 21. The Russian army continues to advance in the directions of Yevhenivka, Sokil, Novoselivka Persha, Pivnichne, and Netailove.

On May 10, the Russian army launched an offensive in the north of the Kharkiv region and is preparing a similar one in the Sumy region. It is possible that these actions were taken to draw Ukrainian forces away from the hottest areas of the front.