The situation is critical, a Ukrainian military officer in the east told the BBC near the front line south of Pokrovsk.
Russia’s military strategy now appears to be surrounding the city, which is a key transportation hub in the region.
The officer, who preferred to stay anonymous, said his military leadership want to hold their positions at all costs, often leading to the loss of troops and resources.
That approach, he says, was resulting in a number of “cauldrons”, large territories surrounded by the Russian forces.
“We are not planning to advance towards the city of Donetsk any time soon, so why are we holding positions near Nevelske when we’re losing Hirnyk?” said the officer.
Far better to retreat to Hirnyk, he believes, with a minimum loss of resources and hold those positions.
“When your enemy has more people and resources than you do, this strategy is reckless,” the Ukrainian officer added.
One of them is south of Pokrovsk - between Nevelske, Hirnyk and Krasnohorivka.
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