Russia masses reserves near Pokrovsk, searches for weak spots — Ukraine's commander
Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi (facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine)
The operational situation in the Pokrovsk sector remains tense. In the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad urban area, a grinding battle continues, with around fifty combat engagements taking place every day, according to Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
According to him, the enemy is increasing pressure, moving reserves toward Pokrovsk, and attempting to identify weak points in Ukraine’s defenses.
Russian forces are using both sporadic large-scale assaults and covert advances by small infantry groups.
Under such conditions, Syrskyi said, organizing an effective defense requires full situational awareness, flexible decision-making, and precise calculations.
Russia masses reserves near Pokrovsk (map: DeepState)
Priority: preserving soldiers’ lives and defense resilience
Special attention was paid to protecting personnel and maintaining units' combat capabilities. Based on commanders’ reports, priority tasks were defined for those holding the line in this sector.
The main focus is on:
-
strengthening defensive resilience;
-
ensuring uninterrupted logistics;
-
improving the effectiveness of firepower;
-
maintaining coordinated interaction across all command levels.
Orders were also issued to strengthen support for Ukrainian troops, including through expanded use of drones.
Despite the difficult situation, Ukrainian servicemen continue to hold their positions. Their professionalism, endurance, dedication, and combat experience prevent Russian occupiers from carrying out plans to break through toward the western borders of the Donetsk region, Syrskyi said.
Situation on the front
Earlier, Viktor Trehubov, head of communications for the Joint Forces grouping, said Ukraine is aware of Russia’s plans for January. According to him, Russian forces are trying to bypass Vovchansk and advance toward Lyman.
He also noted increased enemy pressure in the Kupiansk area, though all attempts by Russian units to break directly into the city have failed. Ukrainian Defense Forces retain control of the situation and effectively disrupt enemy infiltration efforts.
At the same time, Ukrainian troops control the northern part of Pokrovsk and are holding back Russian offensive actions on the approaches to Myrnohrad.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, Ukrainian units have achieved tactical successes in the Kupiansk and Pokrovsk sectors.
