Russians deploy artillery and command posts in Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast – photo

The Russians have established near-total control over the city of Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, where it has deployed artillery positions, command posts and a military commandant's office. Ukraine's defence forces are holding positions in the northern part of the city and are trying to prevent Russian troops from advancing further.

Source: a marine officer operating on the Myrnohrad front, speaking to Ukrainska Pravda

Details: Fighting is currently taking place in the northern part of Myrnohrad, near the railway depot, and in the north of the neighbouring village of Svitle.

Quote from the marine officer: "In the other parts of the town, [the centre and the south], they already have their artillery, equipment, drone operators, everything you can imagine. The build-up is serious. We expect mechanised assaults by the enemy in the near future.

As for headquarters, they are moving their command posts from Novohrodivka to Myrnohrad. There is also already a commandant's office in Myrnohrad. We have seen civilians being escorted out with their belongings under convoy.

We are pulling back and repositioning, while the infantry are trying to hold the exits from Myrnohrad. Our task now is to stop them from leaving the town."

Details: Defending the northern part of Myrnohrad is made extremely difficult by Russian control of the airspace, both through aircraft and drones. All access routes and the city itself have long been considered a "grey zone". No order to withdraw from the town has been issued.

Background: The 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces reported on 27 January that Russian forces were increasing pressure on the northern part of Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, with small-arms fighting continuing in the city centre.

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