Russia ramps up guided bomb strikes on Pokrovsk, creating new challenges for Ukraine's military
Photo: Russians have increased the number of guided aerial bomb strikes in the Pokrovsk area (Getty Images)
In January, Russian troops increased the number of guided aerial bomb strikes in the Pokrovsk direction by 65%. This became a problem for the defense of Ukrainian troops, according to the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces.
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January 2026 saw an intensification of Russian tactical aviation operations in the direction of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.
"During this period, Russia dropped 1,340 aerial bombs on the agglomeration. This is 65% more than in December. Russia is literally wiping our cities and villages off the face of the earth," the 7th Corps of the Airborne Forces notes.
Russia's tactical aviation is the biggest problem in deterring Russian troops in the Pokrovsk direction.
How often Russia carries out air strikes
Ukrainian Air Force notes that the Russians launch air strikes differently at different times. Sometimes 5 times a day, and sometimes over 20.
This often depends on the weather: when visibility deteriorates, the Russians are unable to use drones on a large scale, so they replace them with air strikes.
Do Russians save on guided aerial bombs
It is not a problem for Russian troops to use a full package of aerial bombs on a single target.
"Recently, we recorded a case when Russia decided to destroy one of our mortars, which was hindering the advance of Russian infantry. And they dropped 6 guided aerial bombs only on one position," the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces say.
Why Armed Forces of Ukraine do not shoot down Russian aircraft
Ukrainian military explains that Russian aircraft drop guided aerial bombs from tens of kilometers away. Therefore, even if tactical or operational air defense is reduced to zero, aircraft often remain out of reach.
Situation in Pokrovsk direction
The Ukrainian military controls the northern part of Pokrovsk and is holding back Russia's offensive on the approaches to Myrnohrad.
According to the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, the Russians carried out a mechanized assault on the village of Hryshyne in the Pokrovsk direction. The Ukrainian military repelled the Russian attack, inflicting losses on Russia in armored vehicles and manpower, but at that moment, the fighting was still ongoing.
In addition, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia was pulling reserves to Pokrovsk and attempting to break through in small groups.
