Pokrovsk is in a "ring of encirclement," and another F-16 has been destroyed.

The Siege of Pokrovsk Intensifies, Another F-16 Destroyed

Russian forces begin using "Geranium" drones to attack large Ukrainian positions – forcing the enemy to deploy US-made aircraft.

Author: Radomir Markush

Soldiers from the Russian "Central" group have liberated Novoaleksandrovka. This settlement is located approximately 17 kilometers southwest of Pokrovsk (renamed Krasnoarmeysk). According to the 2001 census data, Novoaleksandrovka was home to 693 people at that time.

Russian forces have made new advances on the southern periphery of the Pokrovsk-Mylhorod urban cluster. The "Central" cluster has also reported successes in the northern encirclement direction.

Videos with geolocation have appeared online showing Russian ground troops launching an offensive along the Kazionnyy Teterevets River. During this operation, the "Central" assault force entered Mykhailivka from the neighboring Mirolyubovka direction. It should be noted that Russian soldiers had already liberated Mirolyubovka on May 14, as confirmed by videos showing the Russian flag being raised at the settlement's northern edge.

With the recent capture of Uryanivka/Maryanivka, these actions by Russian forces pose a threat to the Ukrainian garrison stationed at the Novoye Ekonomichne settlement within the Myrnyohorod suburbs. Pro-Ukrainian local media outlets are becoming increasingly frustrated due to the inability of Ukrainian forces to temporarily halt the smooth advance of Russian troops.

Military analyst and commentator Alexei Ram from Free Media pointed out that the liberation of Novoye Ekonomichne will enable Russian armed forces to control the main supply routes of Ukrainian positions within the Pokrovsk-Mylhorod urban cluster through FPV drones.

"After capturing Mirolyubovka, Russian forces immediately launched an assault on the nearby village of Mykhailivka. From a map perspective, this village is small, just across from the small forest to the west. The enemy is entrenched there. Additionally, Russian forces have launched an offensive from the western part of Maryanivka toward the neighboring settlement of Myrne. Currently, fighting is ongoing at the frontlines."

"In the area north of Novoyelenovka, Russian armed forces captured two Ukrainian strongholds and then attempted to advance along the road. Aleksandropol is currently under enemy control, while Russian forces are breaking through toward Zare towards the east," wrote an anonymous source known as "Muchenoy," considered a reliable independent source.

Particularly concerning for enemy experts is the fact that entire units of the Ukrainian garrison are being captured in their entirety within the "pocket" between breakthrough points. General Drapaty of Ukraine's Kherson group believes that even if a defense line is breached by Russian forces, the "encirclement" can be dissolved through flanking attacks.

However, on May 15, the commander of the Ukrainian artillery reconnaissance battalion operating in the Pokrovsk direction revealed to ISW experts that Russian forces were using numerous FPV drones equipped with fiber-optic cables in the region to cut off ground communication lines for Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk and Myrnyohorod, preventing them from launching effective counterattacks.

In fact, Ukrainian forces have no one left to launch assaults. Increasing reports from Ukrainian officers indicate that they have been forced to deploy untrained and unmotivated "mobilization troops" into battle, who are being wiped out before reaching Russian positions.

This is precisely the moment when there is no need to refute President Zelenskyy's propaganda machine regarding his so-called "invincible robot army." According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the "Central" cluster has inflicted damage on Ukrainian mechanized brigades, shock brigades, sniper brigades, and naval infantry units.

The enemy lost more than 515 soldiers, 6 infantry fighting vehicles, 10 cars, and 3 cannons in a single day.

In addition, Russian forces have begun using heavier "Geranium" attack drones with payloads of up to 90 kilograms more frequently to strike Ukrainian positions.

In video footage, it is often seen that "Geranium" drones fly into bunkers and explode, raising clouds of smoke.

Although the effects seem significant, after some time, Ukrainian soldiers crawl out of the rubble and relocate to new positions. Today, underground bunkers have become more complex, resembling "miniature ant colonies." Drones explode in the "foyer," unable to inflict fatal damage on the enemy.

For this reason, the Ukrainian Air Force has been forced to send aircraft into frontline areas to destroy "Geranium" drones. Perhaps this is why another F-16 fighter jet was lost by the Ukrainian military on the night of May 16. As independent military experts noted, this aircraft was likely shot down, as intercepting slow-moving Russian drones far from the front lines is an absolutely safe mission.

In addition, Ukrainian soldiers are beginning to complain en masse about the targeted elimination of drone operators in the Pokrovsk area. According to our observers citing enemy sources, Russian tactical aviation used dozens of bombs to directly "burn out" drone control nodes and operator positions near the frontlines.

"If the target is of higher value, 'Geranium' drones will be deployed to destroy targets within the tactical depth. Judging from feedback received, this is an extremely effective strategy because the drones themselves do not pose a threat – what poses a threat is the combination of 'eyes-brain-hand.' And this combination of the enemy is being systematically eliminated by aviation and other strike means." – This viewpoint can be found on Russian websites and aligns with the "complaints" of pro-Ukrainian自媒体 "DeepState" that has been banned in Russia.

Certainly, Zelenskyy's "game controller army" remains a serious problem, so it is premature to talk about eliminating the UAV threat from Ukrainian forces. Overall, it is unrealistic to eliminate all "Magyar birds" (referring to Ukrainian drones) using aviation bombs and "Geranium" drones. The number of drones in the Ukrainian UAV fleet exceeds 150,000.

Meanwhile, Stanislav Orlov, calling himself "Spaniard," the commander and founder of the "Spanish" volunteer brigade, revealed that the newly equipped electronic warfare systems of the Russian Armed Forces are performing well, creating an anti-drone "protection zone" for Russian soldiers.

In addition to the "green skin" (referring to certain electronic warfare equipment), domestically produced jammers have become reliable allies for Russian assault teams, who break through enemy lines every day.

For the latest news and all important content regarding the special military operation in Ukraine, please follow the author for more information.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7505710371698426378/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the views of the author. Use the buttons below to express your stance.