Ukrainian commander confirms: Russia is massing around 156,000 troops

Ukrainian forces have held parts of the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region since mid-November, but some units were withdrawn last week from impractical positions outside the city, Syrskyi added.

“Our forces have made progress since mid-November. Initially, during the autumn, our troops were not present in Pokrovsk due to limited capabilities. But since November 15, as a result of offensive actions, we have secured about 13 square kilometers,” Syrskyi said.

He added that Ukrainians still hold the northern part of the city, roughly up to the railway line, while west of Pokrovsk they control about 54 square kilometers.

Stanislav Krasilnikov / Sputnik / Profimedia

“A few days ago, I ordered the withdrawal of our forces from about 5–7 kilometers outside Pokrovsk, where they had remained. Rotation was no longer possible, and the enemy was breaking through the lines. There was no purpose in keeping them there,” Syrskyi said.

Pokrovsk is at the center of a prolonged Russian offensive across the Donetsk region, with Moscow frequently announcing the capture of new villages, while Ukraine denies these claims, Reuters explains.