On March 21, Ukrainian defense forces reported a significant escalation in hostilities, with 43 combat engagements occurring since the start of the day. This information comes from the operational summary released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, Russian forces conducted 66 shelling attacks on populated areas and Ukrainian military positions, eight of which involved the use of multiple rocket launch systems (MLRS). Six combat engagements were recorded in this region. Meanwhile, in the Southern Slobozhansky direction, Russian troops launched three assaults near the settlements of Starytsia and Synelnykove.
In the Kupiansk direction, Russian forces attempted to enhance their positions four times towards the settlements of Petropavlivka, Kurylivka, and Hlushkivka. The operational report noted that in the Pokrovsk direction, there were eight attempts by the occupiers to displace Ukrainian troops from their positions in the areas of Rodynske, Chervonyi Lyman, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, and Molodetske, with one attack still ongoing.
Additionally, in the Huliaipole direction, Russian forces executed ten attacks on Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Zaliznychne, Varvarivka, Staro Ukrainka, Olenokostyantynivka, Zelenе, Charivne, and Myrne. Airstrikes were reported in the areas of Vozdvizhivka and Zalivne, with two assault actions continuing.
In the Orikhiv direction, although no offensive actions were reported, Russian forces conducted airstrikes in the regions of Veselyanka, Pokrovskyi, and Orikhove.
Earlier this week, in an interview with Radio Svoboda, Ruslan Habinet, commander of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, stated that Ukrainian forces continue to maintain control over certain sections of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk. He emphasized that the presence of Ukrainian troops in parts of Pokrovsk and surrounding areas prevents the Russian army from advancing, particularly towards the road leading to Pavlohrad in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This control also establishes a crucial foothold for future operations by Ukrainian forces.
On March 19, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, announced that Russia plans to recruit an additional 409,000 soldiers by 2026. He noted an increase in enemy activity on the front lines with the improvement of weather conditions.
On March 16, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov claimed successes for Russian forces in the Kostiantynivka and Lyman directions, asserting that they control significant portions of Kostiantynivka and Lyman. However, Ukrainian military officials disputed these claims, stating that there are no Russian troops in the city of Lyman in Donetsk region.
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War commented on Gerasimov’s statements, suggesting that he continues to exaggerate Russia’s battlefield achievements to create a misleading impression that front lines across Ukraine are on the verge of collapse.
Recent reports highlight a surge in combat activity between Ukrainian and Russian forces, particularly in Eastern Ukraine. The ongoing military engagements reflect both the strategic maneuvers of the Russian military and the resilience of Ukrainian defense operations.