Ukrainian forces retake about 16 sq km in Pokrovsk, army chief says
Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (t.me/s/ministry_of_defense_ua)
Ukrainian forces have retaken about 16 square kilometers in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, over the past few weeks, reports Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He said that on some days, the number of battles along the front line reaches 300, the highest level since the start of the war. At the same time, the size of the Russian army has remained at around 710,000 troops for an extended period, as Ukrainian operations have prevented Russia from reinforcing its forces and offsetting its losses.
"Yes, at the cost of enormous losses, the enemy managed to seize control of some of our territory in November. However, claims by Russian propaganda about the pace of the Russian advance do not reflect reality," Syrskyi said.
He added that in several key directions, Ukrainian forces are conducting active operations and clearing populated areas of enemy troops, including in Pokrovsk.
"Our active operations continue in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration. In Pokrovsk itself, over the past few weeks, we have managed to regain control of about 16 square kilometers in the northern part of the city. Logistics to Myrnohrad are difficult, but they continue," he said.
Syrskyi also reported that no territorial losses have occurred in the Kupiansk, Kostiantynivka, and Prydniprovskyi operational directions.
"I express deep gratitude to Ukrainian soldiers, sergeants, and officers who are holding the line with dignity. They are the strongest guarantee of our independence and the most powerful argument at negotiations to achieve a just peace. We continue to destroy the enemy and to degrade its army and economy," he added.
Fighting for Pokrovsk
Today, on December 13, Syrskyi said the Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding defensive positions in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration despite increased pressure from Russian forces.
He explained that, following briefings with army corps and unit commanders, specific measures were identified to strengthen defenses and improve operational effectiveness.
Notably, yesterday, on December 12, Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov arrived in central Pokrovsk and claimed that Russian forces had fully occupied the city. However, the 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces later rejected this, stating that the enemy had not breached defenses in the north. Ukrainian troops also used a drone to knock down a Russian flag without encountering any resistance.
