Russian forces are pressing on two axes from occupied Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. The 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of Ukraine's Airborne Assault Forces reported on 16 April that Ukraine's defense forces are holding the northern outskirts of Pokrovsk and striking Russian troop concentrations before assault groups can form. Infantry fighting continues in the village of Hryshyne to the northwest.
Russian infantry hits Hryshyne's center in daily waves
The situation in Hryshyne remains tense, the 7th Corps noted. Russian forces are pushing to advance further inside the settlement. Rifle fighting continues.
Small enemy infantry groups are operating in multiple waves per day. They are trying to infiltrate the central part of the settlement and consolidate. The 7th Corps also noted attempts to push further into the built-up areas toward the settlement's northern part.
Ukraine holds Pokrovsk's north — Russia masses in the south
Ukraine's defense forces continue to hold the enemy at the northern outskirts of Pokrovsk, the 7th Corps noted. In the city's southern part, Russian forces are trying to accumulate equipment and personnel. Their aim is to create conditions for a northward push.
The 7th Corps is detecting and destroying targets throughout Pokrovsk and areas south of the city. The corps is preventing Russia from forming strike groups, it reported.
Myrnohrad, front-wide surge, and April deadline
- Analytical project DeepState reported that Russian forces are also massing infantry and equipment at Donetsk Oblast's Myrnohrad, while also advancing on Hryshyne from the Pokrovsk direction.
- Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi noted a Russian offensive surge along almost the entire 1,200 km contact line, driven by favorable weather. The Oleksandrivske, Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Lyman directions are the hottest, Syrskyi noted.
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned earlier that Russia was targeting Druzhkivka, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk for capture by April's end. Russia did not have the strength to do so, Zelenskyy said.
