Small Russian units are trying to advance on settlements near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, but the town itself is not under direct threat for now, a Ukrainian military spokesperson reported on January 6.
Pokrovsk is a key logistics hub and has become a major target for Russian forces. Their troops are now within a few kilometers south of the town, forcing many civilians to flee.
"The Pokrovsk sector has been one of the most intense parts of the front for the past month, or possibly longer," said Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia operational group, during a national broadcast, as cited by the Kyiv Independent. "But Russian forces have not been able to create a serious threat to Pokrovsk itself so far."
Trehubov explained that instead of attacking Pokrovsk head-on, Russian troops are trying to surround the town by moving into nearby villages.
"They are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk by finding ways through surrounding areas, taking over individual houses and settlements," he said.
The DeepState monitoring group shows Russian forces less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) south of Pokrovsk. They are also advancing from other directions, including the southwest through Pishchane and the southeast from Mykolaivka. The group reports that Russia controls several nearby settlements, such as Svehchenko and Dachenske.
Russian fire has destroyed several Ukrainian positions in nearby villages. Kyiv’s forces are working to stop the situation from worsening, according to a Telegram update from the Khortytsia group on January 7.
Independent sources have not yet verified these claims.
Russia has made rapid advances in Donetsk Oblast in late 2024. After capturing Vuhledar in October, Moscow announced on January 6 that its troops had taken Kurakhove.
Heavy fighting continues in other towns, including Chasiv Yar and Toretsk.
