Ukrainian forces withdrew from part of a salient south of Pokrovsk to prevent Russian encirclement, according to the 7th Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces. Ukrainian Pravda sources added that this withdrawal included positions in the area of Lysiivka and Sukhyi Yar villages, which had become unreachable due to Russian FPV drones and infiltration.
Most of Pokrovsk is under Russian control as of 8 December. Russian troops have also infiltrated parts of Myrnohrad. The corridor leading to the city remains partially under the surveillance of Russian drones, making access increasingly dangerous.
Ukrainian troops reposition from salient south of Pokrovsk to prevent entrapment
On 8 December, the 7th Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces reported that, by decision of the command, units of the Defense Forces conducted an organized maneuver in the Pokrovsk sector. The personnel were redeployed to more advantageous positions. The corps said the move was intended to preserve the lives of servicemen, improve logistics, and straighten the frontline. It also noted that information about the operation had been withheld for some time for security reasons to avoid jeopardizing the execution.
While the 7th Corps did not specify the exact locations, Ukrainian Pravda reported—citing two sources serving in the Air Assault Forces and in an infantry brigade on the Pokrovsk axis—that troops had withdrawn from positions in the area of Lysiivka and Sukhyi Yar. One of the sources explained the goal was to prevent potential encirclement and to align the frontline more effectively.
Ukrainian Pravda added that the 25th Air Assault Brigade and the 68th Jaeger Brigade had been defending that stretch of the front. These were among the strongest brigades deployed to the Pokrovsk area over a year ago. In addition to holding their own lines, they had been covering gaps between other units. A commander told the outlet the retreat was difficult because most of Pokrovsk was already under Russian control at the time, and troops had to pass through the city in some cases under fire.
The decision to pull back was, in part, left to infantry commanders on the ground, Ukrainian Pravda said. They did not want their personnel to end up surrounded by advancing Russian forces.
Russia intensifies assault on Myrnohrad as Ukrainian lines shift
According to the 7th Corps, the situation around Myrnohrad remains difficult. Russian forces are attempting to break through and entrench themselves on the southeastern outskirts of the city. Ukrainian forces continue to destroy Russian assault groups using all available means.
The 7th Corps reported that Russian aircraft dropped 21 glide bombs on Myrnohrad over the past week. On 8 December, Ukrainian troops in the area reportedly eliminated 17 Russian soldiers and captured one more. According to the report, the captive did not resist and was detained while trying to find food.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that 53 Russian assault attempts were repelled in the Pokrovsk sector on 7 December. That represented roughly one-third of all 164 combat engagements along the frontline that day.
