On March 8, Ukrainian military officials reported a significant escalation in hostilities, with 120 combat engagements recorded between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine provided this update in their evening briefing.
According to military sources, Russian forces conducted 50 airstrikes, deploying 178 guided bombs. Additionally, they utilized approximately 5,900 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,660 artillery strikes targeting both Ukrainian military positions and civilian areas.
In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, Russian troops executed one airstrike, dropped two bombs, and launched 110 artillery attacks, including six from multiple rocket launch systems. In the Southern Slobozhansky area, a single attack was reported on Ukrainian positions near the settlement of Zybyn.
In the Sloviansk direction, Russian forces attempted to advance seven times in the regions of Zakіtnе, Riznykivka, and Platonivka, with four clashes ongoing as of the evening report.
The situation in the Kostiantynivka area saw 18 assaults in the regions of Pleshchiyivka, Ivanopillya, Shcherbynivka, Rusynyi Yar, and Sofiyivka, as well as towards Kostiantynivka, Illinivka, and Novopavlivka.
Furthermore, in the Pokrovsk direction, Russian forces launched 18 attacks in the areas of Shakhove, Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Hryshyne, Kotlyne, Udačne, and Molodetske, with ongoing fighting reported near Shevchenkove and Serhiyivka.
Vladimir Polovyi, head of communications for the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Air Assault Forces, indicated on March 5 that Ukrainian troops remain stationed in northern Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk. He described these cities as some of the hottest spots along the front lines.
Earlier, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted a lack of evidence of Ukrainian military activity in Pokrovsk since late January, suggesting that Russian forces may have captured the entire city. However, the Ukrainian General Staff has not confirmed any claims regarding the capture of Pokrovsk or the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the area.
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has intensified, with numerous clashes and airstrikes reported. Despite claims of Russian advances in Pokrovsk, Ukrainian officials maintain their presence in the area.