Occupants prepare to blockade two cities of Donetsk region - analysts.

The Ukrainian army threatens to lose the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in the Donetsk region

Experts from the Institute for the Study of War assert that Russian troops may cut off Ukrainian connections to Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. This may lead to the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from these cities in the coming months.

Analysts report that the Russians have recently cut two routes - T-0405 Pokrovsk-Kostyantynivka to the east of Pokrovsk and T-0406 Pokrovsk-Mizhova to the southwest of it. This was done with the aim of encircling Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.

These two routes - T-0405 and T-0406 are the main supply routes for Ukrainian troops to Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad regions.

This situation complicates the logistical efforts of the Ukrainian army and the ability to redeploy troops to defend Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.

Experts warn that the Russian command may choose to advance further to the north of both routes, forcing the Armed Forces of Ukraine to retreat north rather than east or west. Thus, Russia will continue to encircle both cities and attempt to move west towards the border of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

In addition, the Russian command is likely to avoid involving infantry in combat operations in the urban areas of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.

Overall, the blockade of these cities increases the chances of a retreat by the Ukrainian army, and Russian forces may easily capture these settlements, avoiding complex urban battles.