Enemy Fails to Breach Defenses North of Pokrovsk Railway; Resorts to Propaganda Near Myrnohrad – Air Assault Forces

Ukrainian Forces Hold Ground in Pokrovsk as Fighting Intensifies in Myrnohrad

Ukrainian Defense Forces maintain control of the northern part of Pokrovsk while Russian forces continue their offensive in the western section of the city, according to a December 28 report from the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russian attempts to breach Ukrainian defenses north of the railway line have been unsuccessful, forcing enemy units to redirect their efforts westward. Military analysts believe the Russian objective is to advance toward the Hryshyne area, but Ukrainian forces have successfully blocked these attacks thus far.

The situation in Myrnohrad remains particularly challenging, with both Air Assault Forces and Ukrainian marines engaged in defensive operations throughout the city. The fighting represents the latest development in Russia’s months-long campaign to secure additional territory in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, where both Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad serve as vital logistical hubs.

“The Defense Forces are working to strengthen the grouping to counter enemy pressure from the northeast and south,” the 7th Corps stated in their report. “Control over the corridor in the area of Svitlo and Rivne allows this task to be performed.”

Military observers note that maintaining these supply corridors is crucial for Ukrainian forces to reinforce positions and rotate troops in the heavily contested area. The strategic importance of Pokrovsk has grown significantly since Ukrainian forces withdrew from Avdiivka earlier this year, making it one of the key defensive positions in the region.

The Ukrainian military also reported that Russian forces have been conducting what they described as “demonstrative propaganda actions” on the southern outskirts of Myrnohrad. Ukrainian officials dismissed these activities as primarily aimed at domestic Russian audiences, sarcastically noting that these displays target viewers “in a permanent state of pre-New Year’s intoxication.”

These propaganda efforts align with Russia’s ongoing information campaign to present battlefield successes to its civilian population, particularly during holiday periods when patriotic sentiment typically rises. Military experts suggest such demonstrations often exaggerate territorial gains or tactical victories.

The fighting in Donetsk has seen varying intensity over recent days. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the overall number of combat engagements decreased by approximately one-third over the previous 24 hours, though Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad remain among the most active frontline areas.

The continued Russian pressure on these cities comes despite significant personnel losses reported by Ukrainian defense officials. However, Russia has demonstrated a willingness to sustain heavy casualties to achieve territorial objectives, particularly in the Donetsk region, which Moscow claims to have annexed along with three other Ukrainian regions in 2022 – a move widely condemned by the international community.

For Ukrainian defenders, holding the line in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad is essential for preventing further Russian advances toward larger population centers and critical supply routes. The cities’ industrial infrastructure and transportation networks make them valuable strategic assets for both sides.

As winter conditions settle across eastern Ukraine, military analysts anticipate that Russian forces will continue their offensive operations despite the challenges posed by cold weather. The Ukrainian military has prepared defensive positions throughout the region but faces ongoing pressure from Russian artillery and infantry assaults.

International observers continue to monitor the situation closely, as developments in this sector could significantly impact the broader trajectory of the conflict in eastern Ukraine as both sides prepare for what may be another challenging year of hostilities.