The possible next target for the Russian occupiers after capturing Kurakhove may be Pokrovsk.
The Russian occupation forces are continuing their offensive on Kurakhove in the Donetsk region, and according to military expert and former SBU employee Ivan Stupak, there is a likelihood that the city could fall under enemy control. The expert predicts that Ukrainian forces may need to retreat to avoid encirclement.
Stupak noted that after Kurakhove, the Russians might focus their efforts on capturing Pokrovsk.
"The occupiers will attempt to cut off the Pokrovsk–Pavlohrad road in the western Dnipropetrovsk region, which could force the Armed Forces of Ukraine to leave this area quickly. Pokrovsk could become the next target in the near future, depending on the resources the Russians have accumulated for this operation," the expert shared.
The expert also pointed out that the enemy will likely try to advance from the south towards Konstantinovka to sever the connection with Kurakhove.
"In that case, a significant territory would be at risk of encirclement. According to Stupak, if this happens, Ukrainian troops will have to retreat within a few days or even hours," the expert explained.
Furthermore, Stupak added that Russian forces in the south are actively conducting rotations and moving equipment, which may indicate preparations for an offensive. The occupiers will likely aim to advance towards the administrative border of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.