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Ukrainian defense forces continue to eliminate Russian troops in Pokrovsk and Vovchansk and are conducting clearing operations in several districts despite ongoing pressure from Russian units.
According to the General Staff’s update on Telegram, Ukrainian forces are holding defensive positions in the most challenging sectors of the front — including Pokrovsk, Vovchansk and Kupyansk — and Russian statements about having “captured” these towns do not reflect the real situation. The General Staff said Moscow is once again attempting to use footage of a flag-raising for propaganda purposes aimed at influencing international negotiations.
Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad
In Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukrainian defenders retain control of the northern part of the city along the railway line. Search-and-assault operations continue to eliminate remaining Russian groups, with the enemy sustaining heavy losses.
Over the past day, Ukrainian units neutralized 104 Russian soldiers in the Pokrovsk sector. The General Staff added that a Russian group that raised a tricolor flag under the cover of fog has already been cleared out. Defense forces are also establishing additional logistics routes around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad to ensure uninterrupted supplies to frontline units.
Fighting in Vovchansk
The situation in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, also remains tense. Russian forces continue attempts to advance using small infantry groups, strike drones and artillery, but Ukrainian troops are holding their positions. The General Staff noted that Russian “flag missions” in the town only end one way — with the groups being destroyed by Ukrainian defenders.
Earlier reports said dense fog has complicated defensive operations around Pokrovsk, allowing Russian groups to infiltrate. Ukrainian paratroopers said Russian troops are mainly concentrated in the southern part of the city, with small groups scattered across the wider area. The enemy continues round-the-clock assaults but suffers significant casualties.
Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi also reported that Ukrainian forces have been actively destroying Russian troops in Pokrovsk over the past week, clearing more than a third of the city of enemy presence.
