Russia steps up assaults on Pokrovsk, Toretsk in eastern Ukraine

• 6 January, 05:16

Russia has been launching relentless attacks on Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, with most fierce battles taking place in Pokrovsk, Toretsk regions, the press secretary for Ukraine’s National Guard, Ruslan Muzychuk, said on Sunday.

“We see that the enemy currently continues conducting quite intensive assault operations, especially in Donetsk region, where our brigades are performing their tasks. These are, in particular, the Pokrovsk and Toretsk directions, where the intensity is perhaps the greatest,” Muzychuk said.

With a population of 10,000 people and being one of the strongholds of Ukraine’s eastern front, Pokrovsk has been the scene of fierce battles after Ukrainian troops’ withdrawal from embattled town of Avdiivka in February 2024.

The military official also reminded the situation in Lyman and Kupiansk directions where Russian army has been active in recent months. “In October and November, the enemy used to run quite massive assaults in the Lyman and Kupiansk directions, including with major armored support,” the spokesman said.

Answering the question about the National Guard training centers for recruits, the spokesman said the level of training is currently being significantly improved. Currently, 60% of recruits get into the army ranks through mobilization, and 40% through the recruiting system.

Muzychuk revealed that more than 10 countries help the National Guard train units to train snipers, sappers, and even staff officers, who then return to Ukraine and either undergo additional training. He recalled that since October 2024, the number of training hours has also increased.