'Banzai attacks' with no results: how Pokrovsk became trap for Russian forces

Over the past day, over 40 combat clashes were recorded here — this is the highest level of combat intensity along the entire length of the Russian-Ukrainian front.

In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped assault actions by Russian forces in the areas of the settlements of Shakhove, Fedorivka, Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne and toward Filiia and Novopavlivka.

According to information from the 7th Corps of the Airborne Assault Forces, Russian forces are attempting to break through into the northern part of Pokrovsk. This refers to the area above the railroad. Recently, the 25th Separate Airborne Sicheslav Brigade of the 7th Airborne Assault Corps repelled an attack by more than 20 Russians and destroyed the assault group.

Russian forces are also attempting to conduct active operations in the area of the industrial zone on the northwestern outskirts of the city. The goal of Russian forces is to accumulate forces for further advancement toward Hryshyne. However, the Defense Forces are acting proactively, using strike UAVs and artillery, preventing Russian forces from concentrating forces and means or deploying offensive actions.

In the zone of responsibility of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade, Russian forces made an attempt at a massive assault using armored vehicles. Russian forces threw tanks and armored vehicles together with manpower. Thanks to the coordinated work of our engineers, artillerymen, and unmanned systems units, the enemy assault was repelled. Russian forces suffered serious losses during the attempted assault. Destroyed were: 2 tanks; 2 armored vehicles; 59 Russian troops were eliminated.

"It is worth noting that the battle for Pokrovsk is increasingly turning into a struggle for logistics and resources, which is exhausting Russian forces."

It is already effectively half of January 2026, and the boastful statements by Russian forces about taking full control of Myrnohrad, about taking control of Rodynske, not to mention Pokrovsk, do not correspond to reality. This is evidence that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are not only managing to hold back further advancement by Russian forces, but are also successfully counterattacking in certain areas.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a series of successful counterattacks in the Rodynske area and did not allow Russian forces to take control of either the city itself or Ukrainian logistics routes.

Thus, recently in the city of Rodynske, Ukrainian forces eliminated another strongpoint of Russian troops. The operation was carried out by fighters of the special unit Omega-West with the support of National Guard units.

As we can see, despite the most difficult climatic conditions, despite the impossibility of fully using the "wall of drones" tactic, the Defense Forces of Ukraine are keeping the situation under control.

I draw attention to the fact that just in the last week in the Dobropillia direction, Russian forces made three attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses using armored vehicles.

These were essentially frontal attacks — without regard for losses among personnel and armored vehicles. Moreover, Russian forces themselves acknowledge that these attacks were essentially suicidal in nature.

"It is worth noting that in almost two years of combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction, the Russian army has lost about 1,000 units of armored vehicles and more than 500 tanks."

In this section of the front, the Russian army is also suffering catastrophic personnel losses. Personnel losses in the Pokrovsk direction are among the most serious for the Russian occupying army. They are comparable to the personnel strength of the entire Leningrad Military District.

"According to Western intelligence services, in October alone, losses of Russian troops in this direction amounted to about 25,000 people. These are confirmed losses, including those acknowledged by the Russian side."

I draw attention to documented cases when Russian assault groups are forced to surrender as prisoners to Ukrainian forces, and FPV drone operators of the Russian Armed Forces strike their own servicemen.

There are recorded episodes when Russian FPV drone operators work against their own soldiers who are trying to surrender to the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Essentially, the destruction of personnel by their own forces is taking place.

At the same time, I state that despite statements by Russian propaganda about full control by Russian troops over the city, the Defense Forces of Ukraine maintain control over part of Pokrovsk.

Despite all the fakes from the Russian side, according to data announced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, the Defense Forces of Ukraine have stable control over about 16 square kilometers of Pokrovsk with a total city area of approximately 29 square kilometers.

Currently, the main battles are concentrated around attempts by Russian forces to break through to key logistical routes of Ukrainian forces. For this purpose, Russia has transferred units of the 76th Airborne Division from the Zaporizhzhia direction to the Pokrovsk direction.

They are forced to use even the most combat-capable units in the format of so-called banzai attacks, essentially as "assault meat." This once again confirms that all statements about taking Pokrovsk do not correspond to reality.

I will also add that Russian military bloggers are already refuting previous reports about alleged control over Myrnohrad.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces are present in Myrnohrad, control the central part of the city and key locations necessary for personnel rotation. All statements by Russia about full control or tactical successes are exclusively an information campaign.

The main goal of such statements is to create an illusion of successes for an external audience.

This informational component is calculated essentially for one person — the President of the United States. The task is to show imaginary successes and strengthen the negotiating positions of the occupying country to advance the Russian scenario for ending the war.

Especially for Espreso

About the author. Dmytro Sniehyriov, military expert, co-chair of the NGO Right Cause.

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