Ukrainian Forces Push Back Russian Troops Near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Region

The Ukrainian Defense Forces pushed back Russian troops near Pishchane, close to the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

This was reported on December 16 by Lieutenant Colonel Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Operational Strategic Group Khortytsia, on the national telethon.

“The enemy is, of course, attempting to move closer to the city, trying to advance via the left and right flanks of the Defense Forces to avoid a frontal assault. The enemy also avoids direct attacks, instead attempting to bypass the city,” Voloshyn explained.

“This city is crucial for us due to its railway, which the enemy will likely try to seize. For now, the Defense Forces have managed to push back Russian troops near Pishchane, close to Pokrovsk.”

He also stated that there are no Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in Pokrovsk.

"There are no enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups in Pokrovsk, and no fighting is taking place on the outskirts of the city,” Voloshyn said.

It was reported on December 11 that Russian forces attacked Ukrainian fortifications west of Vidrodzhennia and south of Novotroitske in the Donetsk region. After prolonged fighting, they destroyed two Ukrainian positions and captured another.

The Pokrovsk direction in the Donetsk region has been one of the most active hotspots on the frontline for months, with the highest concentration of Russian forces.

As a key logistics hub for Ukraine's military in the east, Pokrovsk also hosts the country's only domestic supplier of coking coal, essential for the steel industry.