[Discussion] Ukraine Holds Northern Pokrovsk as Fighting Hits Myrnohrad and POW Killings Probe

Ukrainian Control in Northern Pokrovsk

Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps reported on Dec. 29 that Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold the northern part of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces have attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses and have intensified operations west of the city, but these efforts have been repelled. Pokrovsk remains a key defensive stronghold on the eastern front, with Ukrainian troops resisting sustained pressure over the past year.

Situation Around Myrnohrad

The situation in nearby Myrnohrad, a satellite town located less than 3 kilometers from Pokrovsk, was described by Ukrainian commanders as “difficult.” According to the 7th Rapid Response Corps, Russian forces are applying pressure from the northeast and south. In response, Ukraine has deployed units from its Air Assault Forces and Marine Corps to reinforce existing positions and stabilize the front.

Information Operations and Conflicting Claims

Ukrainian officials stated that Russian troops conducted what they described as “demonstrative propaganda actions” on the southern outskirts of Myrnohrad. These actions were assessed as having limited tactical value and were primarily aimed at a domestic Russian audience. On Dec. 28, both Ukrainian and Russian sources released conflicting claims and videos regarding control of parts of the town. Ukraine’s Armed Forces said they continue to hold key positions, supported by video footage from ongoing combat operations, while Russian state-controlled media circulated videos showing Russian soldiers raising flags in heavily damaged neighborhoods.

Pokrovsk’s Strategic Role

Pokrovsk has been one of the most fiercely contested areas in Donetsk Oblast due to its role as a logistical and defensive hub. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly emphasized the city’s importance in preventing further Russian advances in the region. Fighting in surrounding towns such as Myrnohrad reflects ongoing efforts by Russian forces to weaken Ukrainian defensive lines around the city.

Alleged Execution of Ukrainian Prisoners of War

Separately, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office reported on Dec. 29 that Russian forces allegedly executed two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war on Dec. 27 in the village of Shakhove, near Pokrovsk. Investigators stated that the soldiers were shot after being captured, marking at least the third reported incident this month involving the killing of Ukrainian POWs.

War Crimes Investigation Launched

According to prosecutors, one of the prisoners was forced to partially undress at gunpoint before both were executed. A pretrial investigation has been opened under Article 438.2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which addresses war crimes resulting in death. The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the investigation as part of broader efforts to document alleged violations of international humanitarian law.

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