Ukraine's commander-in-chief: Russians control roughly half of Pokrovsk
Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that Russian forces control roughly half of the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.
Source: Syrskyi in an interview with Channel 24
Quote: "The enemy has not fully achieved its objective. It controls roughly half of the city. But it cannot simply move freely into Pokrovsk.
All approaches to the city are under our control, including through the use of our drones. We have also concentrated significant forces and assets there, including Unmanned Systems Forces units and drone brigades and regiments that are holding the defence."
Details: Syrskyi said Russia is currently using almost 50% of all its guided aerial bomb strikes on this front. The aim is to destroy buildings, especially high-rise blocks, which can be used to station drone operators, firing positions, long-range weapons and snipers.
Quote: "All these cries of 'everything's kaput', 'we must pull out to save ourselves', 'this makes no sense' raise a simple question: where should we withdraw to? Into open fields, and then keep retreating, looking for the next town that will also be levelled? This kind of urban area is very difficult to destroy completely."
Details: Syrskyi added that Russian forces are unable to advance as quickly or as successfully as they would like.
Quote: "At present, virtually all attempts by the enemy to advance – and they try every day, in Pokrovsk itself, around the city, towards Hryshyne and near Myrnohrad – have failed. There are losses, but no gains."
Background:
- The 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces reported that Ukrainian defence forces are maintaining firm control over the northern part of Pokrovsk.
- On 17 December, Syrskyi said Ukrainian troops had managed to regain control over 16 sq km of land in the northern part of Pokrovsk.
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