Russian forces have stepped up airstrikes and other strikes around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Ukraine’s Donetsk region as they prepare a new push using reserve units, according to Ukraine’s military. The report was posted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s “East” Group of Troops on Facebook.
The situation in the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad urban area remains difficult, the “East” grouping said. Ukrainian intelligence has detected signs that Russian forces are preparing to intensify combat operations with reserves, including an uptick in airstrikes and other firepower.
Russian occupation forces have not given up attempts to seize all of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, but Ukraine’s Defense Forces are holding positions in the northern districts of both cities. Moscow’s troops have been trying to capture Pokrovsk for more than a year and six months, the statement said.
The Pokrovsk axis, along with the Hulyaipole axis, remains one of the hottest sectors of the front, even as Russia has recently increased activity elsewhere. On March 6, Russian forces launched 24 attacks on the Pokrovsk sector, all of which were repelled, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. Fighting took place near Shakhove, Krasnyi Lyman, Rodynske, Hryshyne, Kotlyne and toward Novooleksandrivka.
Around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, Ukrainian units are conducting aerial reconnaissance, laying additional mines along likely Russian approach routes, and disrupting the enemy’s logistics. Ukrainian forces are also carrying out systematic search-and-strike missions.
On the Hulyaipole axis on March 6, Russian troops attacked 19 times, with clashes reported near Myrne, Hulyaipole and toward Varvarivka. On the Kostiantynivka axis, Russian forces launched 24 assaults near Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Berestok and Rusyn Yar, the military said.
Earlier reports said Ukrainian forces made new gains near Hulyaipole and straightened the front line.
Ukrainian airborne troops also broke through Russian defensive lines on the Oleksandrivka axis, between Hulyaipole and Pokrovsk.
