As Russian forces intensify their efforts in eastern Ukraine, a concerning new tactic has emerged in the battle for Pokrovsk: the infiltration of soldiers disguised as civilians. This strategy, revealed by Ukrainian military commander Dmitry Filatov, comes as Russia refocuses its offensive, redeploying a paratrooper division to the Donetsk region and seeking a potential symbolic victory in the area. The presence of disguised combatants is complicating urban warfare and requiring Ukrainian forces to adjust their reconnaissance and engagement protocols.
Russian forces are increasingly disguising themselves as civilians as they attempt to gain a foothold in the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, according to a Ukrainian military commander. The tactic is being employed as Russia refocuses a paratrooper division on the Pokrovsk sector in the Donetsk region.
Despite the renewed push, Ukrainian forces anticipate stabilizing the situation in Pokrovsk in the near future. The fighting around Pokrovsk has become a key focus of the conflict, with Russia potentially seeking a symbolic victory in the area.
Dmitry “Perun” Filatov, commander of the First Separate Assault Battalion named after Dmytro Kotsiubailo, told Hromadske Radio that some Russian units have already penetrated urban areas within Pokrovsk. Those forces are attempting to advance toward the northern part of the city, aiming to cut off supply routes.
“But I want to say that at the moment, despite the enemy additionally redeploying a paratrooper division in this direction, a large-scale operation has already begun in the direction of Pokrovsk and Myrnograd – not a counter-sabotage operation, but a full-scale military operation. It is strengthening the flanks on both sides of the urban areas, and units are carrying out comprehensive measures to clear the area. The situation will stabilize soon in terms of the enemy’s deep penetration,” Filatov said.
He added that the exact location of a potential blocking line remains uncertain, dependent on a number of evolving factors. However, he stated that command has taken steps to ensure stabilization based on the units currently involved in the operations, though he declined to provide further details.
Russian Forces Disguise Themselves as Civilians
Filatov explained that Russian soldiers who have infiltrated urban areas are frequently donning civilian clothing. With civilians still present in Pokrovsk, the invading forces are attempting to blend in and conceal their weapons.
This tactic allows the enemy to advance deeper into the city, but it also complicates operations for Ukrainian troops.
“If reconnaissance detects movement of a person, the drone units report it, but do not take any action. Because there is a very high probability that these are civilians.”
“Perun” noted that Russian soldiers engaged in direct clashes have been neutralized during counter-sabotage operations. However, those who have disguised themselves as locals continue to operate within the city.
War in Ukraine – Situation on the Front Lines
According to Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, the situation in Pokrovsk has become extremely tense. The city has become a focal point of Russian propaganda, and its capture would represent a significant symbolic win for Moscow.
Russian forces are also continuing efforts to break through in Novopavlivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, employing what have been described as “banzai attacks” – all-out assaults aimed at achieving deep penetration.
