"They have one strategic task": Chernyk explains what the occupiers are betting on in the war

Although the enemy is stuck in the Pokrovske direction, the tension on the eastern front does not subside, the occupiers are putting pressure on all its sections. And no matter what location we are talking about, and no matter what the tactical situation is, the enemy has one strategic goal – to capture the entire Donetsk region.

This opinion was expressed by military expert, retired colonel Petro Chernyk in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA. He commented on the situation at the Kurakhove and Pokrovske directions.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the situation in the Kurakhove sector remains quite difficult, with the occupiers constantly attacking there.

According to the expert, nothing will change on the enemy's side in this area until the rainy season.

"Nothing will change on the enemy's side until this phase of hostilities is over. They have an order to enter the administrative borders of Donetsk region, and they will push. We need to hold out until the rainy season. Then the enemy will not be able to use heavy equipment, and we will return to the fire equilibrium we have already been in twice," explained Chernyk.

The expert also assessed the enemy's ability to reach the Oskil River near Kupyansk and force it. According to him, it is important for the invaders not to reach Oskil, but to cross the river

"If the enemy reaches Oskil, it will not be any operational loss for us. But if he manages to force Oskil and move at least 10 kilometers further, it will be a serious challenge," Chernyk said.

At the same time, he noted that there is currently no major operational threat to Oskil. The expert explained that it is actually very difficult to force the river, and the enemy is unlikely to be able to cross this wide river with a fast current.

"Oskil is a fairly wide and fast-flowing river. If we wait for precipitation, it will rise even higher. The enemy has trouble forcing small rivers. Remember Bakhmut – it's not even a river, it's a canal, but how long they stormed it. The same applies to Chasovyi Yar. The water there is practically standing still," explained Chernyk.

"How can they force a large river with the forces and means they have? I do not believe there is any major operational threat in this area," added the colonel.

The expert also commented on the situation in the Pokrovsk sector. He noted that the enemy has seriously stalled there and this is due to the operation of Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.

"The Kursk operation yielded results because they had to withdraw their forces and means from this particular area," explained Chernyk.

The expert emphasized that despite all the efforts of the invaders, they will not be able to occupy the entire Donetsk region.

"Let's finally place the emphasis on Donetsk region. It does not matter what location we are discussing and what the tactical situation is there. The Russians have one strategic goal: the entire Donetsk region. Will they be able to fulfill it? I think not," believes Chernyk.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, according to the General Staff, the enemy is not slowing down the pace of attacks near Pokrovsk and in the Kurakhove direction. However, Ukrainian defenders are disrupting the occupiers' offensive plans.

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