Ukrainian forces are holding defensive positions in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, where intense urban combat is ongoing and Russian drone operators are being systematically targeted, according to Ukraine's Eastern military command. Ukrainian troops repelled dozens of Russian assault attempts and inflicted heavy losses as fighting escalated in Donetsk Oblast’s most active sector.
During its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Russia has concentrated efforts on capturing the remaining parts of Donetsk Oblast, making Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad key targets. After months of intense fighting, Ukrainian forces continue to hold northern Pokrovsk and a larger part of Myrnohrad.
Ukraine repels Russian assaults in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad
Ukrainian troops operating under the Operational Command East have maintained control over the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad urban agglomeration, where 57 Russian assaults were repelled over 12 January. Russian forces suffered significant losses, including 365 personnel in total, with 66 killed, according to spokesperson Hryhorii Shapoval, who spoke to RBC-Ukraine on the evening of 13 January.
On the Pokrovsk axis alone, 26 Russian assault attempts were reportedly stopped in and around Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Zapovidne, Rodynske, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Filiia, and Kucheriv Yar.
Urban fighting is especially fierce in Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces continue search-and-destroy operations within the city. The northern part of Pokrovsk remains under Ukrainian control. In Myrnohrad, the fighting is already ongoing the city’s outskirts.
To strengthen the defense, Ukrainian units received additional manpower and equipment. Shapoval noted that the logistics situation remains complicated, but efforts are underway to expand supply corridors leading into Myrnohrad.
Ukrainian forces target Russian drone crews
The spokesman said Ukrainian troops are placing particular focus on eliminating Russian drone operators. Over the past day, 39 Russian drone teams were neutralized in the area of responsibility of the Eastern Military Command. In total, 45 Russian drones were destroyed alongside 12 motor vehicles and 10 units of special equipment, according to the spokesman's data.
“We are destroying the Russian invaders. Combat operations continue,” Shapoval stated.
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