Russian troops have taken control of most of Myrnohrad in Donetsk region, setting up a commandant’s office, artillery positions and field headquarters in the city, according to a Ukrainian marine officer speaking from the area to Ukrainska Pravda.
Ukraine’s Defense Forces are trying to prevent Russian units from moving out of the city, holding positions in its northern sector, the officer said.
“In another part of the city, they already have artillery, vehicles, pilots — whatever you can think of,” the officer added.
The Russian headquarters being established in Myrnohrad are being moved from Novogrodovka, Ukrainian troops said. They also reported signs of a Russian commandant’s office at work in the city, including civilians seen being escorted under guard from their homes with belongings.
Clashes between Ukraine’s Defense Forces and Russian troops continue around the rail depot in the northern part of Myrnohrad and near the settlement of Svitle, just north of the city.
Holding the line in the north and blocking Russian movements out of Myrnohrad remains difficult, the officer said, noting Russian control of the skies and the active use of aircraft and drones.
“We are pulling back, maneuvering; infantry is trying to hold the exits from Myrnohrad. Now our task is to keep them from getting out of the city,” the officer told the outlet.
On January 23, military observer Bohdan Miroshnykov reported that Russian forces had entered 75–80% of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, adding that mostly Ukrainian assault groups remained in the cities to carry out specific tasks. He said Ukraine’s Defense Forces had created a “kill zone” right inside the city.
