Russian first winter assault goes terribly wrong, with armor piled up wrecked in the snow

The Pokrovsk direction remains one of Russia’s most pressing operational dilemmas, as repeated frontal failures force Moscow to search for alternative ways to break Ukrainian defenses. With northern approaches firmly held, Russian commanders are increasingly drawn to risky flanking maneuvers that promise operational gains without the cost of urban fighting. However, this sector is shaped by Ukrainian preparation rather than Russian initiative, as layered defenses, pre-built fortifications, and dense drone coverage dominate the battlespace. Ukrainian forces have deliberately structured the area to deny surprise, turning open terrain and road networks into lethal corridors rather than avenues of advance. Despite Russia’s numerical advantages, its freedom of maneuver is sharply constrained by constant Ukrainian surveillance and rapid strike capability. As a result, any Russian attempt to alter the situation around Pokrovsk now hinges on overcoming Ukraine’s drone-driven defensive system, not on mass or speed alone.

‍