There are about three hundred Russian troops in Pokrovsk today, attempting to reach the city’s northern limits to encircle the agglomeration, the 7th Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces said.
“In recent days, Russian forces have stepped up attempts to push into Pokrovsk with light vehicles through the southern outskirts. They have used adverse weather, especially thick fog, which limits our aerial reconnaissance and engagement in open terrain. There are now more than 300 Russians in the city. Their goal remains unchanged: to reach the northern boundaries of Pokrovsk and then try to encircle the agglomeration,” the paratroopers said.
The 7th Corps added that Ukrainian defenders continue to find and destroy Russian groups in urban areas, with clearing operations underway even in low visibility. Since the start of the month, the Defense Forces have destroyed 162 occupiers and wounded 39 more.
“Various elements of the Defense Forces continue to be engaged in clearing the city - assault and air assault units, the SSO, the SBU, the National Guard, the National Police and others,” the statement reads.
Russian troops continue assaulting Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk region with small infantry groups, aiming to gain a foothold for further advances while the weather favors them. A Ukrainian soldier with the call sign “Oman” said losses - largely from UAVs - are significant for every unit fighting there. Meanwhile, analysts say the agglomeration will be held as long as possible, and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said the Defense Forces have plans “for all possible scenarios.”
A day earlier, Syrskyi said Russia had redeployed 150,000 troops toward the city to break through defenses, encircle it and cut supply routes. Just days before, he had put the Russian grouping there at 50,000. It is unclear how the number grew so quickly.
