Ukraine's Forces deny rumors of Russian breakthrough near Pokrovsk and Dobropillia
Illustrative photo: the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied rumors of a Russian breakthrough in the Dobropillia area (Getty Images)
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have denied reports of a Russian breakthrough in the areas of Pokrovsk and Dobropillia in the Donetsk region. The matter concerns the infiltration of small groups, which are being eliminated by the Defense Forces, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Dnipro operational-strategic group of forces.
According to him, Russia is using a tactic of infiltrating small groups past the first line of defense, suffering heavy personnel losses, as happened near Dobropillia.
"A small enemy group bypassed Ukrainian positions and tried to hide in our rear. A similar situation occurred a week ago with the passage of a small sabotage and reconnaissance group in Pokrovsk, which did not end successfully for the enemy," he said.
Trehubov explained that reports on open-source maps about an alleged 12-kilometer advance of Russian forces into Ukrainian territory do not mean these areas are under their control.
In reality, this refers to the infiltration of small enemy groups — roughly 5–10 people — who try to hide in buildings.
"What we’re talking about is that a small group of Russians — about 5–10 people — slipped through. And it’s absolutely not what it looks like on the map. It’s not that they took control of the route they passed through. No, they went along a route and tried to hide somewhere in a basement. And of course, Ukrainian reserve forces then rushed there to drive them out of that basement and eliminate them," the spokesperson said.
Situation in Dobropillia
A report by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups are infiltrating areas near Dobropillia. The Russian forces have also likely recently advanced to the southeast of the settlement.
Today, the Donetsk operational-tactical group reported defensive battles and the elimination of enemy forces attempting to infiltrate in small infantry groups.
Earlier, the Dnipro operational-strategic group noted that the enemy constantly changes its tactics and methods of troop deployment, and, taking advantage of numerical superiority, tries to infiltrate small groups past the first line of Ukrainian positions despite sustaining heavy losses.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine adds that in the Pokrovsk direction, the Russian troops are using their numerical advantage and attempting to operate in small groups, even in the face of significant personnel losses.
