Ukrainian army chief reacts to Russia's claims of 'blocking' Pokrovsk and Kupiansk
Photo: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi (t.me osirskiy)
Fierce fighting continues on the Pokrovsk front. Russian infantry is attempting to hold positions within urban areas while avoiding direct clashes. Ukrainian forces carry out strike-and-search operations and strengthen defensive positions, citing a statement from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
"The enemy is increasing activity in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration area. That’s why I visited this important direction again," Syrskyi said.
He met with commanders of army corps, military units, and formations holding back a numerically superior enemy assault.
No blockade of the Ukrainian Defense Forces
Syrskyi stated that today he reviewed reports on the current situation, assessed needs, and considered proposals. The situation, he said, is difficult, but Russian propaganda claims of a supposed "blockade" of Ukrainian Defense Forces in Pokrovsk, as well as in Kupiansk, are not true.
"At the same time, in Pokrovsk, enemy infantry, avoiding combat, is accumulating in urban areas and relocating frequently, so the primary task is to identify and destroy them," he added.
The Commander-in-Chief emphasized the critical role of high-quality reconnaissance and strike drones under these conditions.
"In addition to UAVs, strike-and-search operations are being conducted in the city, with tasks performed to eliminate the enemy by units of the Marine Corps, assault regiments, Special Operations Forces, the Military Police, SBU, National Guard, National Police of Ukraine, and others," he added.
He also noted that the military is working to strengthen the resilience of defenses on the Pokrovsk front.
Syrskyi addresses commanders
"Key elements here are: effective coordination between units, ensuring they have everything needed, including additional requirements; clear and coordinated execution of assigned tasks. Every commander, at any level, must organize high-quality task execution. I have strictly warned commanders against irresponsibility. For this, I will take strict measures, up to removal from office," Syrskyi stressed.
He issued necessary orders and, in the context of improving logistics, specifically assigned tasks to strengthen the protection of supply and evacuation routes.
"Several other decisions have also been made. All decisions are made promptly, based on a reasonable balance between objectives and capabilities. But the priority is the preservation of our soldiers’ lives," the Commander-in-Chief emphasized.
Dobropillia operation
Syrskyi highlighted that the Dobropillia operation continues. As of today, according to his data, assault units in certain directions have advanced between 200 and 550 meters.
Overall, during this operation, 186.8 km² of Ukrainian territory has been liberated, and 246.8 km² cleared of enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups.
"Thanks to all soldiers, sergeants, and officers who are fighting the enemy and professionally fulfilling their tasks. We are holding the enemy back by all available means. We continue to work for our shared goal," he summarized.
Enemy losses
Ukrainian troops are inflicting significant losses on the occupying forces, both personnel and equipment, actively undermining the enemy’s offensive potential in the rear.
Russian losses over the past day alone amounted to nearly a thousand personnel. Despite these enormous losses, the Russians are still trying to portray victory in Ukraine.
For example, on October 29, the Russians attempted to raise a flag in Pokrovsk, trying to present it as a symbolic "victory," but Ukrainian forces quickly stopped them.
