Ukrainian defense units continue to hold specific areas in the towns of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, as confirmed by Ruslan Habinet, commander of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, in an interview with Radio Svoboda.
Habinet stated that the presence of Ukrainian troops in parts of Pokrovsk and surrounding areas is preventing the Russian military from advancing, particularly towards the route leading to Pavlohrad in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This situation also provides a crucial foothold for further operations by Ukrainian forces.
“The defense units in the Pokrovsk direction still maintain control over certain areas in these towns. While this cannot be described as full control, it does create a platform for further actions and prevents the enemy from executing its plan to advance along the route to Pavlohrad. Thus, the surrounding towns and a small part of Pokrovsk remain under our control,” said Habinet.
The commander also noted ongoing efforts to liberate settlements in the Oleksandrivka direction, indicating that Ukrainian forces possess the potential to continue their counteroffensive operations.
“We have managed to destroy the enemy’s offensive grouping and create conditions for our own advance. This was a measured and correct decision, with forces and resources applied effectively. Therefore, we are progressing and liberating settlements. I believe we have the potential to continue these actions further,” Habinet explained.
Earlier this week, the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces reported that Russian troops, taking advantage of changing weather conditions, resumed mechanized assaults, particularly in the vicinity of Hryshyne, northwest of Pokrovsk.
Simultaneously, Russian forces attempted to break through in the Myrnohrad area using two MT-LB vehicles, as noted by the corps. Another significant assault was repelled by Ukrainian defense forces west of Pokrovsk, with the 32nd Separate Mechanized Brigade reporting that the enemy attacked along the route with 14 motorcycles and two “Niva” vehicles heading towards Kotlyne. This likely pertains to the route towards Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk.
The Eastern Grouping of Forces reported in a morning briefing on March 18 that Russian troops are attempting to fully capture Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. However, they emphasized that Ukrainian defense units are maintaining their positions on the northern outskirts of the towns.
On the DeepState map, these areas are marked as a “gray zone.”
Ukrainian forces are actively maintaining control over parts of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, hindering Russian advances. Despite ongoing assaults, Ukrainian commanders express confidence in their operational capabilities to continue counteroffensive actions in the region.
Source: Radio Svoboda