Syrskyi Confirms Ukraine’s Special Forces and HUR Airborne Units Lead Battle to Reclaim Pokrovsk

Ukrainian Armed Forces have launched a coordinated operation to expel Russian forces from Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, with participation from multiple branches of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, including the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR).

According to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, HUR airborne units have been deployed in Pokrovsk, where “a complex operation is underway to eliminate and push out Russian forces from the city.”

Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian troops continue to hold their positions in Pokrovsk and neighboring Myrnohrad despite “the pressure of a multi-thousand-strong enemy grouping attempting to infiltrate residential areas and cut supply routes.”

He emphasized that “there is no encirclement or blockade of the cities,” adding that logistics remain functional.

The Commander-in-Chief said the main burden of combat lies on assault units, drone operators, and infantry, supported by composite groups from the Special Operations Forces, Military Police, Security Service of Ukraine, and other branches of the Defense Forces, including HUR.

“We continue the liberation and clearance of territory on the Dobropillia salient. Pokrovsk — we hold. Myrnohrad — we hold,” Syrskyi reported.

He noted that defense efforts would be reinforced with additional personnel, weapons, and unmanned systems. “The defense of the agglomeration will be supported by additional units, equipment, and drones,” Syrskyi added.

Reports earlier in the day indicated that HUR special forces, supported by helicopters, had begun an airborne assault in Pokrovsk, with the operation overseen on site by HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov. The Economist correspondent Oliver Carroll also reported that Ukrainian troops launched a counterattack in the city to restore key logistics routes.

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