Tough situation: Syrskyi reveals key details of Ukraine’s defense near Pokrovsk
Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi (facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine)
Defense forces hold the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration despite increased pressure from Russian troops, according to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Syrskyi said he conducted a working visit to military command centers overseeing operations in this direction and received briefings from unit commanders.
"The situation remains difficult. The enemy is attempting to increase pressure on our defensive positions and is moving additional reserves into the area," the commander-in-chief emphasized.
Following the briefings, tasks were clarified for the commanders of army corps and units holding the front lines in the Pokrovsk direction. Specific measures were outlined to strengthen defenses and improve the effectiveness of Ukrainian troops’ actions.
"Concrete steps have been identified to reinforce defense, including maintaining stable operation of critical logistics routes, enhancing fire effectiveness, and improving coordination between units," Syrskyi stated.
He stressed that the Defense Forces remain committed to active defense tactics.
"This involves improving the operational situation, conducting local operations to push the enemy out of certain areas, and creating conditions for subsequent maneuvers by our forces," the commander-in-chief added.
Syrskyi also awarded Ukrainian servicemen with state and departmental honors, highlighting their responsibility and professionalism.
"Ukrainian soldiers, commanders, and unit leaders are fully aware of their responsibilities and carry out the tasks assigned to them with distinction," he added, thanking the defenders for their resilience and effectiveness in destroying Russian occupiers.
Fighting in Pokrovsk
On Monday, December 8, the 7th Air Assault Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported a planned maneuver by Ukrainian units in the Lisivka and Sukhy Yar areas, south of Myrnohrad. Troops withdrew to more advantageous defensive positions to preserve personnel.
Syrskyi explained that Ukrainian forces left positions 5–7 kilometers from Pokrovsk in Donetsk region due to the impossibility of rotation and constant enemy attempts to bypass fortifications. According to him, holding these positions had lost its military feasibility.
Earlier, on November 27, Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian forces had liberated about 11.5 square kilometers in Pokrovsk — over a third of the city — within a week. Despite this, the Russian side claimed control over most of the settlement and later announced its alleged full occupation.
Syrskyi also previously noted that during the fall there was a period when no Ukrainian units temporarily remained in Pokrovsk.
