Ukrainian Armed Forces have secured all approaches to Pokrovsk – Syrskyi
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has refuted Russian propaganda claims that the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad agglomeration has been fully captured.
In an interview with Channel 24 on 29 December 2025, Syrskyi stated that Russian forces currently control only parts of the city, while all approaches to Pokrovsk are firmly held by Ukrainian drone units. According to him, the enemy is unable to freely enter the city due to the intensive operations of Ukrainian drone brigades and regiments, which have seized the initiative in key sectors of the front.
Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad remain heavily fortified defensive hubs, with their defence ongoing for more than 17 months. Syrskyi dismissed calls for a withdrawal, explaining that retreating into open terrain would only result in further territorial losses and the destruction of additional settlements. The dense urban environment of the agglomeration enables Ukrainian forces to resist more effectively, despite Russia directing up to 50 per cent of all its guided aerial bombs to this sector.
The main targets of Russian strikes are multi-storey residential buildings, which Russian forces attempt to level in order to deprive Ukrainian snipers and drone operators of elevated firing positions.
Despite the extremely difficult situation and intense urban fighting, the Defence Forces are not only holding their positions but are also conducting local counter-offensive actions. According to the latest information, Ukrainian troops have regained control of the northern part of the city and sections along the railway line.
Syrskyi emphasised that Russia is suffering heavy losses in its attempts to force a breakthrough in this direction by the end of the year. However, the aggressor’s strategic objective of a rapid advance to the regional borders remains unattained due to the resilience of Ukrainian defenders and the effective use of modern strike capabilities.
