Russian troops attempt to “overwhelm with mass” in Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and use flags and shows of presence to put psychological pressure on Ukrainian defenders and influence peace negotiations initiated by the US. Meanwhile, Ukrainian units are counterattacking and are preparing their positions ahead of the winter period.
The 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade: 20 Russian soldiers' bodies in a 10-square-meter area
According to Artem Prybylnov, head of communications for the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna Kyivska, the frontline in the city runs along the railway line, ArmyTV reports.
The Russians are trying to concentrate forces on the southern outskirts, but Ukrainian drones actively disrupt these efforts.
The occupiers do not limit themselves to physical pressure. He believes that Russia sees capturing Pokrovsk as a leverage point for US-initiated talks, rather than for the strategic value of the city itself.
“The enemy tries to raise flags to exert psychological pressure on us, but such ‘flag‑bearers’ quickly become targets for our units,” Prybylnov says.
Russian losses are significant. In some areas, up to 20 bodies can lie within a 10-square-meter area.
Ukrainian Air Assault Forces: search‑and‑strike teams take down Russian sabotage groups in urban areas
Serhiy Okishev, communications officer of the 7th Corps of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, reported that Russian troops had an order to seize Pokrovsk last month, according to Suspilne. However, they again failed to capture it, and they still have had no success.
The occupiers try to infiltrate the city from the south to the north in small groups, but Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance and search‑and‑strike teams quickly detect and eliminate these attempts.
“Urban fighting is extremely difficult due to destruction and dense buildings, but our units effectively detect and destroy the enemy,” Okishev says.
The large number of Russian drones and artillery adds difficulty, but Ukrainian forces act confidently, maintaining control over key areas of the city.
In addition, Russia's most secret and advanced formation is operating in Pokrovsk. Earlier, Ukrainian soldiers said the defense of the city was “like a holiday” for them before this elite drone center entered this sector of the front.
“Currently, a Russian unit called ‘Rubikon’ is operating in our sector. Their tactic is to cut off the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ logistical routes,” noted Okishev.
General Staff: defense continues, and unit supply is strengthened
Major Andrii Kovaliov, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has confirmed that the occupiers suffer heavy losses while attempting to create a propaganda image of “control” over the city, as per Novini Donbasu.
“Despite adverse weather conditions, our units continue aerial reconnaissance and fire correction to strike the enemy,” Kovaliov says.
In Myrnohrad, the Ukrainian Defense Forces hold defensive lines and eliminate Russian forces approaching the city. Additional logistics routes to Myrnohrad, the twin city of Pokrovsk, are organized to ensure a stable supply to Ukrainian units, he adds.
