Ukraine repels Russian offensive near Pokrovsk, killing 200 Russian soldiers, Zelensky says
The 14th Chervona Kalyna Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard has repelled a Russian offensive near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast on April 17, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian forces killed around 200 Russian soldiers and injured 30 others, as well as destroyed 115 units of Russian military equipment.
There has been a notable slowdown in Russia’s offensive operations after months of steady territorial gains across eastern Ukraine. In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have liberated approximately 16 square kilometers of territory near Pokrovsk, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on April 17.
The massive attack near Pokrovsk involved Russian armored combat vehicles and motorcycles, as well as about two companies, National Guard Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko said earlier in the day, sharing footage showing the assault.
“This battle is yet another proof of the coordinated and professional actions of our defenders who are holding the front line,” the commander said.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.
Ukrainian troops fended off 48 attacks in the Pokrovsk sector over the past day alone, Ukraine’s General Staff said in its latest update on April 17.
Zelensky warned that Russia would likely make several attempts to launch offensives in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
“And possibly in the east, because they have not attacked there for a long time,” he said.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova