No progress for Russia: Attempts to flank Pokrovsk result in hundreds of losses
Illustrative photo: Russian forces are trying to bypass Pokrovsk but are losing hundreds of fighters (Getty Images)
Escalation of hostilities continues in the Pokrovsk agglomeration, where the number of small-arms engagements is increasing, as are enemy losses from direct fire, according to the 7th Air Assault Corps.
As of 11:00 AM Kyiv time on November 18, Ukrainian defenders have eliminated 314 Russian troops, and another 71 soldiers have been wounded since the beginning of the month.
According to the military, Russian infantry has been spotted north of Pokrovsk. A small group of invaders attempted to infiltrate and establish positions at an agricultural infrastructure site, but was swiftly destroyed.
"The enemy aims, in the short term, to reach the settlement of Hryshyne, located northwest of Pokrovsk. Unable to break through Pokrovsk’s defenses and use the city as a springboard for this plan, the Russians are attempting to bypass it," the military reports.
At the same time, the Russian army continues its unsuccessful attempts to pin down the defenses of Myrnohrad. Recently, Ukrainian forces destroyed a GRU group (Chief Intelligence Office of the Russian Federation) there — these units operate in the second echelon after sabotage and reconnaissance groups and oversee the execution of first-line tasks.
There has also been an increase in enemy attempts to infiltrate Myrnohrad from the Krasnyi Lyman direction. Ukrainian forces are destroying Russian units on the city’s approaches, preventing any advancement.
Fighting for Pokrovsk
The Pokrovsk direction has long remained one of the hottest spots on the front — Russian forces continue trying to break through defenses and capture the city of Pokrovsk itself.
Taking advantage of unfavorable weather and dense fog, the enemy has managed to infiltrate the city. According to available data, there are currently over 300 Russian troops in Pokrovsk.
Recently, the Russian army launched a massive assault along the Selidove–Pokrovsk route, using light equipment. The attack had partial success, but Ukrainian units continue to hold back the enemy.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that the defense of Pokrovsk is ongoing and emphasized that there is no question of Russia establishing control over the city or encircling it operationally.
According to him, the Russian troops are attempting to advance toward multi-story buildings in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Ukrainian military command has already prepared measures to counter these enemy plans.
