KIEV: Ukraine has replaced the commander of its eastern Donetsk forces following significant Russian progress toward the strategic city of Pokrovsk. General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy has assumed leadership of the operational and tactical group, replacing General Oleksandr Lutsenko, according to Ukrainian military officials.
The leadership shakeup comes amid heavy criticism of Lutsenko for failing to halt Russian advances in the contested region. Russian forces are now reported to be just three kilometers (1.9 miles) from Pokrovsk, as confirmed by the Ukrainian mapping service DeepState.
Importance of Pokrovsk
Pokrovsk, located about 11 miles from the junction of the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, remains a vital target for Moscow due to its strategic importance. For months, fierce battles have raged in the area, with Russia ramping up efforts to seize control.
The loss of Pokrovsk would represent a major setback for Ukraine, marking its biggest defeat in months. Such a blow could further exacerbate the challenges Ukraine faces, including heightened pressure from Russian forces along the eastern front lines. Additionally, concerns grow over the incoming presidency of Donald Trump in the United States. His leadership has raised fears about potential reductions in U.S. military aid to Kyiv, which could critically impact Ukraine as the war approaches its fourth year.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a significant deployment of North Korean soldiers by Russian forces in the Kursk region. Zelensky claimed that Moscow has begun using North Korean troops within combined military units, aiming to dislodge Ukrainian forces from Russian territory.
“Preliminary evidence shows that a considerable number of North Korean soldiers are now involved in Russian assaults in Kursk,” Zelensky said on Saturday. He added that Ukrainian intelligence indicates these soldiers are also being positioned along other front lines, with noticeable casualties already reported.
Ukraine launched its offensive into Russia’s Kursk region in August, retaining control of certain settlements despite ongoing clashes. The Kremlin’s reliance on external military support, including North Korean troops, underscores its efforts to maintain pressure on Ukraine amid intensifying warfare.
The shifting dynamics highlight the escalating challenges facing both sides as the conflict grinds on into another grueling winter.
