Ukrainian forces continued to hold defensive positions and repel Russian assaults near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast on 24 December, as Russian troops sustained losses in both personnel and equipment, according to Ukraine's Operation Task Force "East". Ukrainian units also carried out local advances in the area, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War.
Ukrainian troops hold ground in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad
The Operation Task Force "East" reported late on 24 December that Ukrainian units blocked Russian advances in central Pokrovsk city and retained control over its northern part. Ukrainian defense forces continued to take active measures across the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration, where Russian forces faced significant resistance.
On 24 December, Russian troops attempted to advance near several settlements in the Pokrovsk direction — including Ivanivka, Rodynske, Krasnyi Lyman, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Dachne, and Filiya — with 11 attacks reported during the day. Three clashes were still ongoing as of the evening, the report says.
In nearby Myrnohrad, Ukrainian units were holding defensive lines and eliminating Russian personnel on the city’s approaches, the military said. As Russia failed to establish full control in Pokrovsk, it increased pressure on Myrnohrad, concentrating about ten units in the area, according to the military. Ukrainian military leadership reinforced the city’s defense with additional forces and resources.
Ukrainian marines and paratroopers defending Myrnohrad reported that they eliminated or disabled 207 Russian troops since the beginning of December. They also destroyed or damaged a tank, three armored combat vehicles, a cannon, a Grad multiple rocket launcher, six other vehicles, and 34 drones of various types.
Logistical challenges continue in the Myrnohrad direction, with Ukraine working to expand supply corridors to support its forces in the area.
ISW confirms Ukrainian advances and Russian movements
The Institute for the Study of War reported that geolocated footage published on 24 December showed Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northwestern Pokrovsk. The same footage confirmed Ukrainian presence in western, central, and southern Rodynske — areas previously claimed by Russian sources to be under their control.
ISW noted that Russian troops launched assaults on 23 and 24 December in multiple directions: within Pokrovsk, north near Rodynske, northeast near Krasnyi Lyman, Sukhetske, and Zatyshok, east toward and inside Myrnohrad, and southwest near Kotlyne, Udachne, and Molodetske. Russian milbloggers also claimed that Ukrainian units counterattacked in western Pokrovsk.
In addition, ISW assessed that Russian forces recently advanced in southern Huliaipole. Geolocated videos from 24 December indicated progress in southern and northeastern parts of the town. Further footage from 23 December showed Russian movement toward the T-0401 Pokrovske–Hulyaipole highway near Varvarivka.
