Russia tries to advance toward Myrnohrad, Donetsk region – official

He shared this during a broadcast on Espreso TV.

"Artillery shelling happens every day. Fortunately, not all shells hit buildings, most fall on the outskirts," Tretyak said.

According to him, Ukrainian forces continue to hold back Russian troops attempting to push toward the city. For months, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have maintained their positions to the southeast, stopping Russian forces a kilometer from Myrnohrad. Meanwhile, Russian troops are increasing efforts to bypass the defenses from another direction.

Tretyak also mentioned that around 5,000 residents remain in Myrnohrad. An exact count is difficult since many are hiding in basements of apartment buildings or in the private sector, where tracking is harder. Most of those who stayed are elderly or people still working outside the city.

"There are a few small shops in the city selling food, but they are in riskier areas. Unfortunately, those who remain refuse to evacuate for various reasons. The city has been without electricity, gas, and water since September," Tretyak emphasized.

• In the last 24 hours, on January 7, 176 combat clashes were reported along the Russian-Ukrainian front. The most intense fighting is in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions.
• As of Tuesday, January 7, Russian forces control almost the entire territory of Kurakhove in the Donetsk region.