Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed the heaviest fighting is now on the Pokrovsk axis. But he denied that Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad are cut off, stressing that joint Defense Forces teams - including the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) - are operating there.
“In the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad urban area, our troops are holding back pressure from an enemy grouping numbering in the thousands, which continues attempts to infiltrate residential neighborhoods and sever our supply routes. However, there is no encirclement or blockade of the cities; we are doing everything to maintain logistics,” the Syrskyi said .
He said he heard commanders’ briefings on the Pokrovsk sector, “where it’s currently the toughest.” A complex operation is underway to destroy and push Russian forces out of the city of Pokrovsk. Syrskyi emphasized that “the main burden” is on the units of the Armed Forces, particularly drone operators and assault troops.
“Also, on my orders, combined teams from the Special Operations Forces, the Military Law and Order Service (VSP), the SBU, and other elements of Ukraine’s Defense Forces - including the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate — are operating in the city,” he noted.
Syrskyi did not directly mention an airborne landing reported by media. However, a photo in the post appears to show GUR chief Kyrylo Budanov.
“The enemy in Pokrovsk is paying the highest price for attempts to fulfill the Kremlin dictator’s task of occupying Ukraine’s Donbas. We continue to liberate and clear territory on the Dobropillya salient. Pokrovsk - we hold. Myrnohrad - we hold,” the general said.
He underscored that in such difficult conditions, effective coordination among units at the front and synchronized execution of tasks are crucial. Syrskyi said the defense of the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad urban area has been reinforced with additional units, weapons and equipment. He thanked the soldiers, sergeants and officers for their work.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it thwarted a GUR landing in Pokrovsk and eliminated a group of 11 people. Media sources disputed the claim, calling it false.
