Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Defense in Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk Faces Critical Challenges
12/3/2025, 6:24:34 PM
Escalating Military Situation in Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk
The defense of the Ukrainian cities of Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk is deteriorating, with Myrnohrad effectively surrounded by advancing Russian forces. Ukrainian military analyst Kostyantyn Mashovets reports that Russian troops have captured significant portions of Myrnohrad, including the southeastern area up to Stritenska Street, and are infiltrating northern districts from Novoekonomichne. This encirclement has rendered retreat for Ukrainian units possible only through combat against enemy positions south of Krasnyi Lyman.
In Pokrovsk, Russian forces are applying pressure across central, southern, and northern districts, with ongoing fighting in the industrial zone and attempts to advance toward Hryshyne. Despite Ukrainian forces maintaining control over Rivne, Svitlyi, and a section of Svoboda Street in the northwest, the situation is increasingly precarious as Russian groups advance from multiple directions, particularly south of Rodynske.
NATO's Assessment of the Situation
A senior NATO official has confirmed that Ukrainian defense forces in Myrnohrad are "virtually encircled" and reliant on drones for resupply, with Russian troops controlling over 95% of Pokrovsk. The official noted that while Ukrainian forces continue to repel attacks, their supply routes have been nearly severed, making resupply increasingly challenging. Despite these difficulties, NATO emphasizes that Ukrainian troops have not surrendered and are still conducting defensive operations within Myrnohrad.
Implications of the Current Military Dynamics
Mashovets warns that the ongoing Russian offensive, characterized by simultaneous advances and the establishment of a bridgehead west of the Kazennyi Torets River, complicates the defense of both cities. The numerical advantage of Russian assault infantry, coupled with their ability to maintain pressure on multiple fronts, suggests that without a strategic alternative from the Ukrainian command, both Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk may need to be abandoned.
Official Statements & Responses
NATO has indicated that Ukrainian forces are preparing further defensive lines in anticipation of potential losses in Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk. Gert Kaju, Head of Defence Readiness Department of the Estonian Ministry of Defence, stated that the fall of Pokrovsk is expected in December but emphasized that this would not significantly alter the overall trajectory of the war.
Criticism & Opposition
There are concerns among military analysts regarding the effectiveness of current Ukrainian strategies in countering the Russian advances. Critics argue that the reliance on drone resupply may not be sustainable in the long term, and the lack of a robust ground supply chain could lead to further territorial losses.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Mashovets and NATO officials agree on the encirclement of Myrnohrad, there are discrepancies regarding the extent of control in Pokrovsk. Some reports suggest that Ukrainian forces still hold certain areas, while NATO asserts that control has been almost entirely lost.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Myrnohrad is now virtually fully encircled,” — Senior NATO Official
- “Ukrainian forces are still conducting defensive actions inside the city, but as supply routes have been almost completely cut, Ukrainian troops are dependent on resupply by drones, which is becoming increasingly difficult,” — Senior NATO Official
- “According to the expert, both cities will most likely have to be abandoned if the Ukrainian command does not implement a pre-prepared alternative solution.” — Kostyantyn Mashovets
