US media reported that Russian forces have gathered over 100,000 troops.
On August 11th, the Russian Defense Ministry released a video showing Russian forces using rocket artillery to strike Ukrainian strongholds in the direction of the Red Army City. On August 13th, the Russian Defense Ministry again released a video showing Russian forces using a “Tulip” 240mm heavy mortar to strike Ukrainian drone control points in the “Central” cluster部队in the direction of the Red Army City.
Videos released by Ukraine showed Ukrainian forces using drones to attack Russian soldiers. On the 13th, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces had blocked 47 Russian attacks in multiple areas in the direction of Pokrovsk.
The US “Warzone” website claimed that Russian forces have gathered over 100,000 troops near the Red Army City. However, due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks, Russian forces have not launched large-scale armored assaults, but instead divided infantry into many small units and used motorcycles for assaults.
US media pointed out that with insufficient troops and reserves, Ukrainian forces have been relying on drones to defend the front line, but this is not enough to stabilize the front line. Russian forces, on the other hand, can deploy more heavy firepower to assist in attacking cities. In addition to heavy artillery and rocket artillery, Russian Su-34 combat bombers also carry glide-guided bombs, continuously bombing the buildings occupied by Ukrainian forces.
Why doesn’t the Russian army use armored vehicles but motorcycles to attack Ukraine? Military expert Du Wenlong believes that there are two reasons for the Russian army’s “small instead of big” approach:
First, to reduce losses and casualties. Vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles and tanks require multiple operators and can cause group casualties if hit by weapons.
Second, to increase movement speed. Vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles and tanks require extensive cover and support, while motorcycles have small targets and fast speeds, greatly reducing the enemy’s shooting time.
Therefore, replacing tanks with motorcycles is not only suitable for terrain conditions but also meets combat needs.
Why hasn’t the Russian army taken it down yet? The population of the Red Army City (known as Pokrovsk by Ukraine) was around 61,000 before the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, and it is a coal industrial hub as well as a logistics hub for Ukrainian forces. Multiple railways and roads pass through here, providing support and guarantee for resupply and troop mobilization in other directions.
Military commentator Wei Dongxu said that the Red Army City is a heavily fortified position for Ukrainian forces, where Ukrainian defense forces have operated for a long time. Many buildings and streets have been transformed into military fortifications. There are strong fortifications in related areas, as well as underground shelters.
In addition, the city is located a considerable distance from Russian support points on the front line, making it challenging for Russian forces to transport troops without facing UAV reconnaissance and suicide drone attacks from Ukraine. Currently, both sides have suffered significant losses in their front-line combat units. As of now, Ukraine does not intend to easily relinquish the city. However, Russian forces have made progress in their operations around the Red Army City by leveraging their superior numbers and firepower to capture smaller supporting points. More intense battles for control of this strategic location may commence soon.