Rodynske in eastern Ukraine not captured by Russian forces, fighting continues — Ukraine
Ukrainian Armed Forces deny Russian claims of full control over Rodynske (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Heavy fighting is ongoing in Rodynske in the Donetsk region. However, information about Russian forces' complete control of the city does not correspond to reality, according to a report by Operational Command East.
According to the military, the enemy attempted to gain a foothold along the railway north of Rodynske and in the western districts of the city, but was unsuccessful. Ukrainian units continue to hold their positions and contain the enemy advance.
Overall, within the Operational Group East's area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Forces of Ukraine repelled 86 Russian assault actions. The most intense fighting continues in the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad agglomeration, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction, where 52 enemy attacks were repelled.
Ukrainian forces control the northern part of Pokrovsk and are blocking enemy advances in the central districts. In Myrnohrad, defensive lines are being held, additional troops and assets have been deployed to strengthen the city's defense, while logistics remain complicated.
Over the past day in this direction, 146 enemy personnel were neutralized, including 100 killed. Enemy equipment, UAV control points, personnel shelters, and 14 enemy drones were also destroyed or damaged.
Situation on the front
On December 12, Russian forces found themselves encircled in Kupiansk — a city that Vladimir Putin had previously hastily declared "liberated" twice. The command of the 2nd Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine Khartia reported a successful counterattack by the Defense Forces in the Kupiansk direction.
According to available information, at least 200 Russian servicemen were blocked inside the city. Ukrainian defenders cleared the Yuvileinyi residential district of Russian forces. During the counteroffensive actions, enemy losses exceeded 1,000 killed. Currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine control more than 90% of Kupiansk, and final clearing operations are ongoing.
In the Huliaipole direction, the situation remains one of the most difficult on the front. Russian forces are attempting to penetrate the city by sending small assault groups into urban areas to gain a foothold and push back the Defense Forces. Russian troops are using infiltration tactics, so-called flag planting, and sabotage actions. At the same time, there is no question of any Russian control over the city — the situation has not even come close to that.
Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, Andrii Kovalenko, emphasized that the Russian authorities are forced to invent new "victories" on the front due to the lack of real success in the war against Ukraine. It is in this context, he said, that statements by Russian leader Vladimir Putin should be viewed.
