Ukraine makes local gains on Pokrovsk front despite sustained Russian attacks

Ukraine's 40th Separate Marine Brigade cleared 5 square kilometers in the Pokrovsk direction, captured two Russian soldiers, and stopped Russian infiltration there, the brigade said on 27 September.

Even small gains count on one of the most heavily contested fronts of Russia's war, where Russia has spent years and repeated offensives trying to push farther west. Ukrainian forces continue to carry out local operations there despite sustained Russian attacks.

Operation Audit

The brigade called the operation Audit and said its sniper company, reconnaissance company, and 1st Marine Battalion carried it out. The marines said they eliminated the remaining Russian troops identified in the cleared area. The brigade released video footage that it said documented the operation.

Pokrovsk front under sustained pressure

The Pokrovsk front has been among the most heavily attacked sectors for years. From 22 to 27 September, Ukraine's General Staff reported 20 to 29 Russian attacks there a day, peaking on 24 September, with Kostiantynivka the other main focus.

Russian troops infiltrate this front in small groups, sometimes one soldier at a time. The marines said the ones they found had been sent to hide in shelters and wait for the right moment to advance further. The operation halted that infiltration push in the sector, the brigade said.

Russia's long campaign for Pokrovsk

Russia launched its offensive toward Pokrovsk in February 2024, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Over a grinding campaign, Russian forces seized Pokrovsk and most of Myrnohrad, ISW assessed.

ISW assessed in February 2026 that Russia had failed to capitalize on the seizure of Pokrovsk and had been unable to make significant advances west of the city since December 2025. Russian forces had not even taken Hryshyne, a settlement just 2 kilometers northwest, ISW noted at the time.