Aleksandr Syrsky Claims Ukrainian Forces Retain Control in Pokrovsk
Aleksandr Syrsky maintains Ukraine still holds northern Pokrovsk and is blocking Russian advances near Mirnograd, despite claims the city has already been lost.
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Syrsky continues to insist that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have not lost Pokrovsk. He maintains that ongoing fighting in the city and in nearby Mirnograd is preventing further advances by Russian forces.
Syrsky said the battle was continuing and claimed that Ukrainian units were still holding the northern part of Pokrovsk. He stated that active operations in the Pokrovsk and Mirnograd area were aimed at blocking Russian attempts to assemble assault infantry groups or maneuver around these towns.
He added that the command understood the importance of preserving soldiers’ lives. According to Syrsky, this prompted discussions with local commanders about rotating personnel and improving supplies for the troops defending the area.
Earlier, a statement in the Verkhovna Rada asserted that Ukrainian forces had already lost control of Pokrovsk. Mirnograd, meanwhile, is reported to be fully encircled by Russian troops.