Ukrainian forces have moved decisively to reclaim the village of Uspenivka, launching precision strikes that destroyed key Russian firepower and left enemy troops exposed. With Russian artillery support wiped out, the last remaining defenders were forced to retreat in disarray towards Pokrovsk, paving the way for a swift Ukrainian advance.
According to Euromaidan Press, Ukraine’s military aims to build momentum and push further east from Uspenivka, setting the stage to trap Russian forces in a six kilometre wide cauldron between the Ukrainian-controlled villages of Uspenivka and Pischane. Since Russian troops heavily rely on artillery support, Ukraine strategically targeted their firepower and armoured vehicles to weaken their positions and prepare for further advances southwest of Pokrovsk.
One of Ukraine’s key advantages in this operation is the narrow river branch between Uspenivka and Novovasylivka. As temperatures rise and ice melts, only a single bridge remains as a viable crossing point for Russian forces. Ukrainian troops have concentrated firepower and surveillance on this chokepoint, tracking enemy reinforcements and exposing their strongholds within Uspenivka. Due to intense Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian supply lines, Moscow’s forces were left with no choice but to deploy infantry in small squads, usually two soldiers at a time. These troops gathered in Novovasylivka before being sent to Uspenivka under cover of night.
With Russian armoured support heavily restricted, the Kremlin has relied on increased artillery shelling to compensate for losses. However, the high rate of Russian fire only made their positions easier to detect. Ukrainian drone operators swiftly identified artillery sites and relayed their coordinates to counter-battery units and kamikaze drone operators, leading to devastating strikes on Russian positions.
Ukrainian forces have continued to neutralise Russian artillery units, even when they were concealed inside damaged buildings. One of the most significant strikes destroyed a rare and powerful 240 millimetre Tulip self-propelled mortar, one of only forty in active Russian service. This weapon is specifically designed to eliminate heavily fortified positions, indicating that Russian troops struggled to dislodge entrenched Ukrainian defenders. The destruction of such a specialised system further weakened Russian firepower in the area.
With Ukraine’s precision strikes diminishing Russia’s ability to provide artillery support, Ukrainian troops are now well positioned to launch further counterattacks. The tactical situation has improved significantly, raising the possibility of a pincer movement that could cut off Russian forces on the western flank of Pokrovsk. If successful, this manoeuvre would further tighten Ukraine’s grip on the battlefield and deal another severe blow to Russia’s occupation efforts.
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