Ukraine Holds Pokrovsk Against Russian Assaults

Ukraine’s forces maintain the line near Chasiv Yar while repelling attacks in the Pokrovsk sector, despite Moscow’s claims of progress.

Ukraine Holds Pokrovsk as Russian Assaults Falter

Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region say they are holding Chasiv Yar and have repelled 56 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk sector over the past 24 hours. The Azov Corps reports 151 Russian troops killed in the last two days, while Moscow’s claim to have captured Chasiv Yar remains disputed by Kyiv.

Senior Sergeant Yuriy Syrotyuk of the 5th Assault Brigade says Russian units operate in small groups and stage moments like raising a flag to boost propaganda. He adds that the front line has not been broken and that Russian gains have been limited. Ukrainian officials say additional forces and resources have been deployed to strengthen defenses in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk sectors. Civilians in Pokrovsk face evacuation challenges, with access roads targeted by drones and many residents staying put despite the danger. In a broader humanitarian note, 84 Ukrainians were freed in a prisoner exchange, including Mariupol defenders and civilians held since 2014.

The fighting in Pokrovsk shows how war is fought as much with information as with artillery. Repeated claims of capture illustrate how propaganda can shape perceptions at home and abroad, even when front-line control remains contested. Kyiv emphasizes resilience and steady defense, while Moscow aims to use tactical wins to influence diplomacy and public opinion.

Looking ahead, the clash near Dobropillia and Pokrovsk tests civilian resilience and the ability to sustain safe corridors. The mix of battlefield updates, drone activity, and high-level remarks from leaders underscores how fragile transparency can be in active conflict. The ongoing prisoner swap and reinforcement deployments signal a war that remains dynamic, with humanitarian and political dimensions closely tied to tactical movements on the ground.

Highlights

War reports often carry more impressions than facts; the truth travels slower than the headlines.